Surviving COVID-19

A Cautious Optimism Over ‘Diminished’ COVID-19 Cases Conveyed by Westchester County Executive George Latimer

July 8, 2020 by Inside Press

A close and unrushed ‘listen’ to George Latimer’s most recent update this week on coronavirus in Westchester offered several reasons to stay at least cautiously optimistic that infection from coronavirus is “diminishing” across the county, including in Chappaqua in the two days preceding the July 6 briefing. Chappaqua experienced a recent spike–27 cases, including 21 in Chappaqua, were tracked to the New Castle hamlet in the last two weeks–but the infection may be leveling off thanks to cautionary measures that have included a mandatory quarantine of persons impacted.

While conveying a message of hope and positivity, Latimer also issued clear warnings for continued vigilance and compliance with recommendations (social distancing/mask wear/hand washing) against the coronavirus to make sure it stays that way.

The continuous decline for two and a half months in active cases has likely been due to the act of compliance with masks in public, stressed Latimer, Westchester’s County Executive who has been providing near daily updates streamed live on Facebook and shared later in a You Tube link. The full press briefing may be viewed here https://youtu.be/ys1l09q1Uks

Coronavirus battling measures included asking business and store owners to wear masks, “influencing society. Now, it has become much more of the norm than it ever was,” he said.

On July 6, Latimer reported 527 active cases of CoronaVirus within the county.

Between March 1 (a period commonly designated as the ‘beginning of the pandemic’) and July 6, 35,084 people tested positive for Covid-19. “However, percentage-wise, there has been a little over 1% of positives as of the night on July 5. In one day, only 41 people were found to have the virus after testing almost 4000 people– indicating the spread is diminishing.”

Compared to March or April, he explained, “arguably the height of the pandemic across America, there was as much as 30% of all people tested coming in positive. But as more testing is being conducted, the percentage of those who have the coronavirus has been substantially lowering”.

More Positive Findings for Westchester

Fewer hospitalizations. In addition: as of July 5 too, 29% of Westchester county residents have been tested for Covid-19, “which again, is a huge number and much higher than in other jurisdictions.” There have been fewer hospitalizations too, he shared, with 61 people having been hospitalized as of Saturday, dropping from the 70 individuals reported a week ago.
Zero fatalities the night of July 5. “To top off the relatively good news, there were no fatalities on the night of July 5 and only three deaths in the recent week, ameliorating from the 30-50 deaths per day a couple of months ago in America.”

Staying cautiously optimistic, Latimer conveyed that “the past week has seen a rise and fall in cases, from the recent Chappaqua outbreak, dating back to over two weeks ago; the rise has increased to 27 positive cases that tie back to the set of activities… that include a graduation drive in ceremony and a ‘field night’ event following the graduation, both in rather large gatherings and minimal masks and social distancing.”

“Of the 27 positive cases, 21 tracked to Chappaqua, three of them tracked to Mount Kisco, two track to Bedford, and one track to Pleasantville. “As of now, there have been no new cases in the last two days that are trackable to the Chappaqua spike. If so, it is thought to be leveling off,” Latimer said. “Keep in mind, if they caught COVID that night, they would have gone through two weeks without having shown symptoms… Of course, it’s possible that if somebody caught it, and then was further infected later, there are still some ways that the Chappaqua spread may linger on longer.”

“I think we’ve had a good response at this particular outbreak,” continued the executive. “Nothing is perfect, but we’ve gotten substantial compliance. 80-85% of the people have responded… We seem to be in a pretty good place for having understood and dealt with it.”

As for the opening of Phase 4 this week (on July 7) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, major changes are set “for allowable activity.

For outdoor and indoor arts entertainment, low-risk areas have been set to a limit of up to 50 people. As Latimer would elaborate, this would include “the traditional summer band concert in Scarsdale at Chase Park or the theatrical and concert performances that go on in the gazebo in Armonk.” Anything along these lines, while fitting the specific guidelines, will do.

As the last revealed phase of reopening, the governor still has not reopened amusement parks, health clubs, and gyms. “These will not be things that are going to be lifted in future phases; instead, there would be executive orders by the governor on that specific action or function that may happen at any point in time.”

Latimer’s briefings will continue once a week every Monday at 2 pm EST, as opposed to the daily updates Monday through Thursday, he said. Despite a recent uptick in numbers, the steady decrease throughout would mean “we would not need to do this on a regular basis,” he stated from the County Executive’s White Plains conference room.

Editor’s Note: Brian Zhang, a rising junior at Byram Hills High School, assisted in preparing this update, as a first assignment as a summer intern for the Inside Press.

County Executive Addresses New Covid Cases and Announces Playland Amusement Park’s First-Time Closure

July 1, 2020 by Grace Bennett

Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Inside Press photo.

George Latimer cites 19 active cases in New Castle, one in Bronxville, and reaffirms county’s commitment to open responsibly.

Town of New Castle and New Castle Police Department issue stern warnings for further violations.

Press briefing on recreational impact focuses on Playland Amusement Park: Latimer describes a tough decision not to reopen a beloved and historic facility for the first time in its 92-year history.

White Plains, NY— Westchester County Executive George Latimer yesterday reported 19 active cases of COVID-19 in New Castle, up one case since the day before and from the five cases initially reported on a Sunday following a June 20th Horace Greeley High School graduation. The cases in New Castle have been traced back to two students’ travel to Florida, where it is believed they became infected, and to a break with social distancing and mask wearing protocol at both a subsequent graduation drive in ceremony and ‘field nights’ events following graduation. In a prior briefing, Latimer called the resulting cluster “a cautionary tale.” He also noted that the outlook for containment is different today than it was earlier in this pandemic “with the widespread availability of Covid testing” and resident cooperation with a mandated quarantine and cooperation with contact tracers. One active case was also recently reported in Bronxville.

The Governor has since ordered everyone who attended the New Castle events to self-quarantine until July 5, and a group of Westchester based contact tracers are calling households to track more possible infection and guide residents further. Kids from other communities also attended field night events which apparently spread infection further. “Greeley covers the Pleasantville post office and has numbers from other communities who might have gone out… Students from neighboring high schools came as well.”

Meanwhile, in an e-newsletter to the community last night entitled “Our Actions Today Will Save Lives,” the Town of New Castle sternly addressed those who flouted the rules or would consider doing so again; the letter included ample warning of potential civil and even criminal consequences. “We have reached out to and spoken with the Governor’s Office and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for guidance on how to best enforce social distancing orders whether through civil sanctions and fines or criminal prosecutions,” the letter stated. Chappaqua’s Police Department Chief James Carroll outlined a series of potential fines and even potential jail time for flouting rules and violating the order.

At the afternoon briefing, which streamed live, Latimer noted 408 active cases across the county; he noted the significant progress in those numbers, too. “We once had 12,000 cases, so being down to under 500 is a very good sign.”

“We want to open up our society, responsibly, to avoid people losing their life over this,” Latimer said.

In Westchester, 266,962 people have been tested for COVID, which is about 27% of the population. 34,338 tested positive since the beginning of March. Last night, while only one Westchester resident died due to COVID (compared to ’45-50 some nights’), Latimer reminded, “That’s somebody’s loved one.”

Latimer also shared news of park closures around the county, most prominently, the closing of Rye’s Playland Amusement Park for the first time in the park’s 92-year history (Playland Amusement Park opened in 1928). He described the closure as ‘emotional’ for him. “There was a lot of drive and determination to make Playland come alive, so it’s the last thing I wanted to do…” The decision comes in tandem with an executive order “to shutter all amusement parks in New York.” The north part of Playland, including its beach area, will remain open. (Note, the Inside Press has inquired for an official list of closures and openings and will update to here as received.)

The closures around the county, Latimer said, come with an approximate price tag of about $130 million in lost revenue.

“Sales tax is a big loser, hotel tax revenue is lost, summer parks revenue is down dramatically…although six golf courses will remain open (due to ‘natural social distancing’ associated with this activity)…we have had more revenue from our golf courses in the past.”

As for the total impact of the budget: “We won’t be spending as much, so it may not be as dramatic as we think.”

North Salem Town Supervisor Warren Lucas representing the Town of North Salem was invited to this briefing; he spoke proudly of a historic and bucolic northern Westchester town and its 1200 acres of open land and trails. There have been complaints., he said, of visitors flouting social distancing rules, too. “At the beginning of this, my biggest question was “when can the horse shows start up again…I’m glad for the opportunity to talk about this town.” He mentioned the town’s work with Feeding Westchester and members of the local Lion’s Club and high school volunteers who are reaching out to those in town, who financially speaking, “have run out of funds.” Today, Latimer plans a briefing focused on the economic impact of COVID and “how to deal with the work force impacted… and the fiscal impact on small businesses, large businesses and not for profits.”

He also said he plans an update about a county task force formed to address police reform since the death of George Floyd, and to continue the work toward racial justice.

Potential Coronavirus Exposure is Being Investigated Following Greeley’s Drive-In Graduation Ceremony

June 27, 2020 by Inside Press

State, County, Town and School Officials Issue Official Responses and Guidelines as Town Residents and Merchants Grapple with Concerns Over Revelations and a New Quarantine Order Directed at Graduation Attendees.

Despite Horace Greeley High School’s plan for a socially distanced approach to graduation, some people broke protocol, and today Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the State Department of Health to investigate possible coronavirus exposures at the graduation ceremony and at related events which followed. According to a release from the Governor’s office, potential COVID-19 exposure may have occurred “after an individual who had recently traveled to Florida and attended the ceremony subsequently began showing symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, four more individuals who attended the ceremony and had contact with the first positive case have also tested positive.” Please read to the end for public statements issued by both The Chappaqua Central School District and the Town of New Castle in response to the news and to Governor Cuomo’s order.

POIGNANT REMARKS AT A DRIVE-IN CEREMONY

Editor’s Note: What follows is a story that was being prepared to run as basic coverage of the graduation ceremony prior to the above breaking news. It is a look back at an event that included heartfelt addresses to and from members of the Class of 2020…

Inside Press Photo: Horace Greeley High School Class of 2020 Drive in Ceremony

On Saturday, June 20, seniors and their families gathered together in the Chappaqua Train Station parking lot to celebrate drive-in movie style. There were two screens and a stage set up as cars rolled in filled with seniors in decorated caps and gowns.

The graduation began at 8 p.m.when Horace Greeley Assistant Principal Lauralyn Stewart welcomed families and acknowledged the different setting of this year’s graduation.

President of the Chappaqua Board of Education and parent of a Horace Greeley senior, Jane Shepardson, said that if graduation was taking place at the high school under the tent, she would be handing each of the students their diploma and greeting them with a hug as she has known many of them since they were in preschool since her daughter is their age.

“The graduation speech I wrote in June was certainly not the one I would have written several months ago. I had no idea I would be giving a speech in a train station parking lot during a global pandemic and would end up on a Jumbotron,” said Shepardson.“I obviously wanted to talk about something universal to all the seniors, but felt like I couldn’t avoid acknowledging that I had a daughter graduating with the Class of 2020, so my goal was to briefly mention it in a humorous way and then move on to what was relevant to all of them.”

Horace Greeley High School Principal Andrew Corsilia spoke about the silver lining of the time spent at home this spring- quality time with family.

Corsilia said this kind or amount of time together is rare and that some families may have even had college aged children back home eating at their dinner tables.

“As I looked out at the sea of cars, I found myself feeling proud of this class, what they have endured, and what they have accomplished,” said Corsilia. “After months of isolation from the school, I was relieved and pleased that we could provide them the celebration and recognition they deserved. It was an unforgettable finale to an unforgettable year.”

The valedictorians gave a speech together. Each allotted 45 seconds, the 13 valedictorians felt it would be symbolic for each of them to discuss a grade, kindergarten through twelfth. The students shared a lesson they took from that age or a moment that stood out to them.

Following the speeches, each student’s name was read as a photo of them appeared on the screens. Families honked and cheered for every senior and the environment was lively.

Once all the students’ names were read, Stewart announced she had two special surprises.

The first one was that former First Lady and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President of the United States Bill Clinton recorded a congratulatory message for the Horace Greeley High School class of 2020.

Hillary Clinton said that they understood that the graduating class’ senior year may have looked a little different but those changes do not diminish the accomplishments of the senior class in any way.

“All your hard work, and the work of your families that got you, the things you accomplished, the friendships and memories you’ve made at Horace Greeley, you’ll treasure that for the rest of your lives,” said Hillary Clinton.

Then came the second surprise, a fireworks display. Families poked their heads out of their cars to enjoy the colorful, bright display that celebrated the seniors.

“The surprising thing to me was how personal it felt, even though everyone was in their cars. I think we were all so happy to be in the same place together after being apart for so long, that it actually seemed even more personal than a typical graduation at Greeley. From what I have heard from the seniors and their families, everyone felt the same – that it was poignant and extra-special,” said Shepardson.

THE AFTER EFFECTS

According to the New Castle Police Department, an individual recently traveled to Florida before attending the ceremony at the train station. She showed symptoms after June 20 and tested positive. Since then, four more people who came in contact with the individual who traveled to Florida also tested positive. The student also attended a field night, a large gathering on multiple fields, on June 20 that some seniors and juniors also attended.

According to Gov. Cuomo, anyone who attended the graduation, field night or other graduation events must quarantine until July 5.

“We need to stay vigilant. We’re prepared to do the aggressive testing and contact tracing required to slow and ultimately control any potential clusters of new cases like the one in Westchester County,” said Gov. Cuomo.

The Governor also issued a new executive order that makes New York employees who voluntarily travel to high-risk states after June 25 ineligible for COVID-19 paid sick leave.

“New Yorkers have controlled the spread of this unprecedented virus by being smart and disciplined, and our progress to date is illustrated by the current low numbers of new cases and hospitalizations,” Governor Cuomo said. “But as we are seeing in other states who reopened quickly, the pandemic is far from over and we need stay vigilant. We’re prepared to do the aggressive testing and contact tracing required to slow and ultimately control any potential clusters of new cases like the one in Westchester County. If we are going to maintain the progress we’ve seen, we need everyone to take personal responsibility – that’s why I’m issuing an executive order that says any New York employee who voluntarily travels to a high-risk state will not be eligible for the COVID protections we created under paid sick leave.”

A letter to the community this afternoon from School Superintendent Christine Ackerman confirmed that the school has been notified by the New York State Department of Health and Governor Cuomo’s office that at least five individuals who attended our Greeley graduation ceremony have tested positive for COVID-19. “I would like to assure the entire community that we are working closely with local and state officials to support their efforts to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in our area. The safety of our students and our entire school community continues to be our most important priority. The Greeley graduation was a carefully planned event that strictly followed Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders and all NYS Department of Health Guidelines. The District repeatedly provided clear guidance and protocols for families that complied with all applicable health and safety orders and guidelines. Unfortunately, at the event, and despite police presence, numerous individuals failed to follow our protocols. In addition, we later learned that one attendee, who had recently traveled to Florida, later tested positive for COVID-19.”

Ackerman concluded that she strongly encourages members of the Chappaqua school community “to remain vigilant. Continue wearing a mask when you are in public, wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing. The CCSD Administration will continue to follow all medical and public health guidance for our school community, and we ask that all residents do the same.”

In a Nixel alert from the New Castle Police Department, there was a reminder about testing: “As part of our public health outreach, the State and County DOH encourage testing for anybody who attended the graduation ceremony or the Field Night event and may have come in contact with an infected individual. For information about testing, please contact your local healthcare provider, or visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.

The same evening, the Town of New Castle released to the community the following series of answers to questions received relating to the new cases and the Governor’s order:

Q: The NYS Department of Health (“NYSDOH”) issued an Order mandating self-quarantine through July 5th. To whom does this apply?

A: The State advised that “Individuals who attended the graduation ceremony, Field Night event, or events associated with graduation, which continued into June 21, should extend their quarantine period until July 5th.” Although not mandated by NYSDOH, if after June 21st, you were at parties or other events without social distancing or wearing a mask, you should consider self-quarantining as well.

Q: If I social distanced or wore a mask at the above events, must I still self-quarantine?

A: Yes, NYSDOH is requiring anyone in attendance to self-quarantine irrespective of whether or not you followed proper protocols.

Q: Why is the NYSDOH mandating self-quarantine for those who followed the rules? Doesn’t it seem excessive?

A: To best ensure the spread of COVID-19 is minimized, a blanket self-quarantine provides a more efficient way to identify those who may have been exposed and manage the potential spread. If you remain at home and limit those you interact with, it shrinks the “contact tree” that contract tracers must pursue.

Q: How long will the self-quarantine last?

A: You must self-quarantine until July 5th.

Q: If my test for COVID-19 is negative, do I still have to self-quarantine until July 5th?

A: Yes, even if you test negative for COVID-19 you must remain in quarantine. Not only can you later test positive, but according to the Westchester County Department of Health, you should test no sooner than five days of exposure or upon presenting symptoms.

Q: How will I know if I have come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person?

A: You will receive a call from a contact tracer. It is imperative that if you see such a call on your caller ID you pick up your phone.

Q: How will I know if the call is from a Contact Tracer?

A: If you get a call from “NYS Contact Tracing” (518-387-9993), PLEASE answer the phone. Answering the phone will keep your loved ones and community safe.

A contact tracer will:

 NEVER ask for your Social Security number
 NEVER ask for any private financial information
 NEVER ask for credit card information
NEVER send you a link without proper authentication procedures

Q: Where can I get more information about contact tracing?

A: Visit the NYSDOH website at NYSDOH Contact Tracing and the WCDOH website at WCDOH Contact Tracing.

Q: As an owner of a small business and an attendee of the HGHS graduation, does my staff also need to quarantine? Similarly, if I was with someone who attended the events, but I was not at the event, must I self-quarantine?

A: The NYSDOH Order only directs those who attended the graduation, Field Night and related graduation events to self-quarantine. It does not extend beyond that until if and when a positive result is received. As such, an individual with a second-degree interaction and who was not at the event need not self-quarantine. However, if the attendee later tests positive, those he or she was in direct contact with would have to self-quarantine. If you have questions or concerns, please call the New York State Department of Health hotline at (888) 364-3065.

Q: Will the Town share the names of those who tested positive for COVID-19?

A: No, WCDOH maintains the list and the names of these individuals is protected by HIPAA and not shared with the public.

Q: For those not under self-quarantine, what should we do to protect ourselves?

The NYSDOH and WCDOH both recommend social distancing no closer than six feet and wearing masks. These best practices have not changed and remain in effect. Further, it is recommended that anybody who attended the graduation ceremony or the Field Night event and may have come in contact with an infected individual get tested. For information about testing, please contact your local healthcare provider, or visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.

Q: Will the New Castle Police Department enforce quarantine?

A: The NCPD does not have a list of those in attendance at these events nor will the NCPD be proactively checking to confirm adherence to the self-quarantine. Simply, you know if you were there and so do your neighbors and friends. Do not be “that person”. To file a report of an individual failing to adhere to the quarantine pursuant to the travel advisory, one should call 1-833-789-0470 or visit https://mylicense.custhelp.com/app/ask . Individuals may also contact their local department of health. The NCPD can only report violations they observe first-hand, but they can be of assistance and respond when needed. If they observe a violation they can also act.

Q: But for social media, would residents and the Town have known about the COVID-19 infections associated with HGHS graduation?

A: Yes, the Town is regularly in touch with the County Department of Health. Contract tracers are deployed once a person tests positive so that those potentially infected are advised and can take the proper steps to address their exposure.

Q: Will there be a “lockdown” or will the County or State implement similar measure as to what occurred in New Rochelle?

A: No, facilities, parks, businesses, and restaurants remain open. There is no containment zone. Fortunately, contact tracing is far more advanced and efficient. Simply, New Castle is not subject to the same restrictions.

Per Town Supervisor Ivy Pool and Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland and the board et al: “Please remain vigilant and adhere to best practices. Again, we will continue communicating with both the County and State to identify and address issues as they arise, questions we may have, and changes in policy should they occur. Your safety is always our priority. We have been in this together for a long time and we will see each other through.”

Hope’s Door Partners with ‘Stop COVID-19’ Special Operations Group D

June 16, 2020 by Inside Press

Effort Helps the Northern Westchester Domestic Violence High Risk Reduction Team

On Friday, May 29, Kevin Hansan, Pound Ridge Supervisor, Nicole Engel, Pound Ridge Director of Operations and Emergency Management, and Pound Ridge Police Chief David Ryan received and opened two pallets containing 500 protective face shields that were donated by Amcor, an international manufacturer of packaging solutions. Amcor, in an effort to support essential workers during a time of crisis, has repurposed one of its manufacturing sites to produce face shields. These shields, donated by the Amcor Flexibles North America Healthcare team, will be now used by police officers and emergency service providers throughout northern Westchester to enhance their protection against COVID-19.

Officer Tom Traudt, Pound Ridge Police Department; Chief David Ryan, Pound Ridge Police Department; Barbara Turk, Director of Development, Hope’s Door; Nicole Engel, Director Operations and Emergency Management, Pound Ridge; Kevin Hansan, Supervisor, Pound Ridge; and Cecily Tyler, Stop COVID 19 Special Operations Group.

The donation happened rapidly and is a testimony to how collaboration can have a true impact in a time of crisis. In April, Cecily Tyler, a member of Stop COVID-19 Special Operations Group (the “SOG”), reached out to Barbara Turk, Director of Development and Community Relations of Hope’s Door, to see how the SOG might help. Aware of the paucity of personal protective equipment for police officers and emergency service workers responding to domestic violence calls, Turk confirmed the demand for face shields with Janmarie Brown, Director of Community Services at Hope’s Door and a member of the Northern Westchester High Risk Reduction Team. Brown suggested Turk call Robi Schlaff of the Westchester County Office for Women, and Chief David Ryan of the Pound Ridge Police Department, to identify the best way these face shields could help county workers. The SOG reached out to Amcor, which was moved by the mission of the Westchester Domestic Violence High Risk Team, and organized the donation. Working together, they effected the delivery.

According to Chief of Police Dave Ryan, the incidence of violence in the home is on the rise during this pandemic. The situation is dire, with victims and children trapped in their homes 24/7 with their abusers. Chief Ryan recognizes the difficulties that victims face in seeking help while under such tight controls. “What we’re trying to do is work with our partners in government, other service providers, other law enforcement agencies, as well as domestic violence victims and survivors, to find new ways that victims can reach us for help,” he says. “With these face shields, officers and emergency service providers who respond to domestic violence calls can now feel safer entering the premises with these face shields and their fabric masks. We are very grateful for the donation,” he added.

Lionel Charpentier, of Amcor, participating in the activity via Zoom from Chicago, said “You are doing great work, the thing we are doing here is helping you to do it more safely.”

“I am honored to be a part of this collaboration that is crossing state lines and service sectors and demonstrating both the altruistic spirit and determination to help as many communities as possible during this global pandemic,” said Tyler.

Hope’s Door is a domestic violence agency located in Hawthorne, NY, whose mission is to end domestic violence and empower its victims to achieve safety, independence and healing from the trauma of abuse. Hope’s Door has remained fully operational throughout the pandemic and the NYS PAUSE, with counselors and lawyers operating remotely and virtually. The Hope’s Door shelter operates 24/7/365, regardless of the pandemic or other external interruptions. Hope’s Door reopened their offices on Monday, June 8, 2020 after 12 weeks of working remotely.

The shields were made and shipped to Pound Ridge in Westchester County, NY by Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home- and personal-care, and other products.

Stop COVID 19 Special Operations Group (the “SOG”) helped coordinate Amcor’s donation to the Westchester Domestic Violence High Risk Team. The SOG was started by a group of healthcare executives to accelerate the deployment of solutions and technologies against the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. Recent events have highlighted the tens of thousands of unseen front-line workers and volunteers that provide support to marginalized communities. Many of these heroes do not have the basic personal protective equipment. Stop COVID 19 Special Operations Group is focused on helping them complete their mission of improving the lives of others, critical in times like today. Supporters of Stop COVID-19 SOG leading this initiative include Lorraine Marchand, Julia Monfrini Peev, Angela Rossetti, Maria Siambekos, Cecily Tyler and Michael Williams.

This news is courtesy of Hope’s Door. Visit: https://hopesdoorny.org/

Reworking The Workout: How Community Members are Staying Fit During the Coronavirus Pandemic

June 15, 2020 by Lauren Rosh

With Insights into The Future of Exercise!

On an average day in College Park, Maryland I typically walk between 10,000 and 20,000 steps on my college campus. When my university made the switch to virtual classes for the remainder of the semester and I came back to New York, I did not think I was going to miss walking from class to class as much as I did. For me, staying fit while at home has been all about walking with my family, friends (socially distanced, of course) and even by myself. Doing this allows me to recreate the feeling I get when I’m walking on campus and also gives me peace of mind and time to reflect.

Here are some of the ways other Northern Westchester residents have been staying fit… read on too on for insight on why some fitness enthusiasts aim to continue with online options while others say they are ready to go back to the gym.

ZOOM CALLS

Right now, gyms are offering virtual workout sessions through Zoom to keep members connected with the health club and each other.

One of the ways Chappaqua resident Jeff Samberg has been exercising is logging on to Adina Olan-Ellick’s Breathe pilates and yoga classes.

“It’s so convenient. I roll out of bed and within five minutes, I am working out in front of the screen in a class, then five minutes after that I can be on a conference call,” said Samberg.

Marcia Heitlinger and her husband belong to Lifetime Fitness. One of their favorite instructors is holding a zoom class on weekdays and Sundays at 6:30 am. The instructor asks for donations through Venmo which she then passes on to the Westchester food bank.

“These Zoom classes are great because they are early enough where I can get the workout in before I do work for the day,” said Heitlinger.

Kristen Acosta’s main source of exercise during this time has been Zoom classes with her instructor, Lisa Gagliardi.

“There are over 70 people that Zoom in to take her class. She has done amazing things to keep our workout community connected.”

Tamara Leopold and her husband are members of Immortal Fitness in Pleasantville and have also been using Zoom to stay in shape. She said owner Tommy Carter maintains the gym community through three Zoom classes everyday excluding Sundays. Carter and his team pre-record the workouts the night before they release them so members of Immortal Fitness can have the classes on demand.

“If you can’t watch them live, you can still do them on your own,” said Leopold.

APPS

The Peloton app is a way people are staying in shape. The company offered a 90 free trial giving those interested access to all their classes ranging from strength training to yoga to cardio and cycling.

Leopold said that they use a traditional spin bike paired with Peloton app as a way to take classes. She also enjoys their weight and yoga classes.

Heather Hecht also loves the accessibility and range of classes the app offers. She completed the 4-week “crush your core” program and when she finds the time she takes anywhere from a 30 to 45 minute yoga class.

Heitlinger also enjoys the yoga feature on the Peloton app. She even will meet up with a friend to do a social distanced yoga session led by instructors on the app.

USING GYM EQUIPMENT AT HOME

Like the Peloton app, people have also been using a Peloton bike.

Hecht said previous to the stay-at-home orders, she used the Peloton bike in her house mainly on snow days or vacation days when she did not leave the house as much. However, the occasional ride has turned much more frequent as she has found creative ways to make the workout fun.

“With ‘everyone’ riding and the new hashtags, I have joined groups in town. We follow each other, favorite teachers and offer motivation. It keeps it fun,” said Hecht.

Heitlinger and her husband created a gym in one of the rooms in their home. Before gym closures, the room had a spin bike in it. Now, they added a set of weights, rubber mats and a bench.

TIME OUTSIDE

Living in suburbs, there is the advantage of being able to spend active time outside.

In addition to the online classes through Breathe, Samberg has been riding a bike outdoors.

Heitlinger has also been spending time outside and finding ways to safely do so with others. Once a week, she does a socially distanced run with one of her friends.

Hecht has also been taking advantage of the sunshine and returned to the tennis courts outdoors to play singles with her hitting partner.

“It’s definitely great to be back on the courts and they are being super cautious,” said Hecht.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF EXERCISE LOOK LIKE?

The bottom line is that there is mixed reaction to today’s status quo.

Some people don’t necessarily miss the gym; they may enjoy the time and cost savings, and may continue to feel safer staying fit without leaving their homes. Many are satisfied with the options outside the traditional club memberships, so are already starting to opt out, at least temporarily.

Samberg said he recently gave his gym the notice that he would not be returning when they reopen.

“I have been able to get everything I need at home, this has changed my perspective. For smaller studios I plan to go back because I think they can be contained and sanitized and healthy,” said Samberg.

Then there are those who are interested in working out in classes and groups in proximity to live humans, so they are looking forward to getting back to the gyms. They also are bracing themselves for the changes.

“I would like to go to the gym after this, I am a big class person, so I’m a little worried, I do hot yoga and I would love for it to happen again but I do not know if it will,” said Heitlinger.

Yet others are also ready to be adaptable to changes gyms will make when they reopen whether that is smaller classes or stricter guidelines.

“I look forward to going back whatever capacity that is in. We miss being inside the four walls of the gym,” said Leopold.

Also, people are missing the sense of community that is found within a gym. Although health club owners are working hard at maintaining relations with and between members, there is something different about working out with others in person.

“I look forward to the day that I can walk back into my gym and see everyone’s faces. Although I feel connected with everyone from home, there is nothing like that in person, face to face, interaction,” said Acosta.