ALBANY, New York, USA (AP) – New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that all non-essential business workers should stay home and that all meetings in the state are prohibited.
“Only essential businesses can have workers commuting from home to work or in offices,” Cuomo said of an executive order.
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The Democratic governor announced the drastic move as confirmed cases in New York rose to 7,000. Cuomo said the total death toll in the state had risen to 35. Johns Hopkins University, which has been keeping a global death count, put the number at 38.
“We are going to close the valve, because the rate of increase in the number of cases predicts a total strain on our hospital system,” Cuomo said at a press conference.
Non-essential congregations of individuals, for whatever reason and of any size, are also suspended, he said. Cuomo further ordered that people must maintain a distance of at least two meters from each other when they are outside.
Only essential companies may have workers in the office or traveling from home.
The rules take effect on Sunday night.
The executive order to be signed on Friday tightens previous work-from-home exemption measures, which exempted businesses that provide certain services, such as media, warehouses, supply stores, pharmacies, health facilities, utility companies and banks. .
Cuomo said that people can go out to exercise alone, to protect their physical and mental health.
“You cannot tell a person to be locked up 24 hours a day in their apartment for the foreseeable future. This could take months, “he said.
The announcement was made after Governor Cuomo and those of the states of New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania ordered hairdressers, nail and beauty salons, and venues to get tattoos and piercings closed on Saturday to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The states order, which also includes hair removal and personal care services, is the latest in a series of restrictions announced by governors to reduce opportunities for the spread of the virus among people.
Businesses should be closed by 8pm on Saturday.
“These temporary closings will not be easy, but they are necessary to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers and all Americans,” Cuomo said in a statement.
The coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 245,000 people and killed more than 10,000 worldwide.
COVID-19 disease causes mild or moderate symptoms for many and the vast majority recover. Some people, especially the elderly or those with previous medical problems, may experience complications such as pneumonia.
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The Associated Press receives support for its health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Department of Scientific Education. The AP is solely responsible for the content.
