According to reports, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, said there are “good signs” in New York’s battle against the coronavirus as the state’s death toll was “effectively flat for two days”.
During his midday press conference, Cuomo said that there were 599 new statewide fatalities due to the coronavirus as of Monday. That number is only slightly higher than the 594 fatalities that were reported on Sunday.
“While none of this is good news, the possible flattening of the curve is better than the increases that we have seen,” Cuomo said.
He said the numbers are “hopeful” that New York is approaching its apex of coronavirus infections.
Cuomo cautioned that the state is still facing a dire emergency and various versions on projecting how the outbreak could play out next in the state were “inconclusive.”
“It can still go either way,” Cuomo told reporters. “If we are plateauing, we are plateauing at a very high level and there’s tremendous stress on the health care system.”
Cuomo announced additional measures to help the state fight against the COVID-19 spread. He is extending the statewide closure of schools and non-essential businesses until 29 April. The previous date was 15 April.
The governor also said he would be doubling fines for those who violate social-distancing mandates.
“It’s not really about the fine, nobody wants the money,” Cuomo said. “We want the compliance. We are serious.”
