March 20, 2020

Governor Andrew Cuomo orders full lock down of New York city as virus cases rise

By Newsroom

 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered a state-wide lockdown amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic. He will shut down most of the State, including New York City.

“I want to be able to say to the people of New York — I did everything we could do,” Cuomo said. “And if everything we do saves just one life, I’ll be happy.”

The restrictions will take effect Sunday night at 8 p.m. and will shut down all non-essential businesses across the state, leaving just grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential operations open. There will be no gathering like outdoor basketball games and other team sports.

As a result of the lockdown all non-essential government and private sector employees will be asked to work from home. Laundromats and gas stations will be allowed to remain open, as will liquor stores and restaurants for take-out and delivery service.

The MTA will continue to run the city subways and buses and the MetroNorth and Long Island railroads. Doctors offices and veterinarians can remain open, too.

The new emergency action came as the coronavirus case count ballooned to more than 7,100 cases across the state — more than 4,400 are in New York City. The state’s death toll has jumped to 35, up from 26 on Thursday.

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