BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that effective at 8 p.m. Monday evening, crowd capacity at public and private venues will be limited to 50 people.
Cuomo joined the governors of Connecticut, New Jersey and announced they have agreed to close bars, restaurants, movie theaters and casinos starting at 8 p.m. Monday.
The governors said essential businesses like supermarkets and gas stations will be able to stay open after 8 p.m., though all non-essential businesses must close.
Restaurants and bars will only be able to do take out or delivery. These regulations will remain in effect until further notice. Governor Cuomo said things will be reevaluated until more information is available about how far COVID-19 has spread.
NYS parks will be open across the state. NYS has waived all the park fees.
All local governments are asked to reduce to 50% workforce, meaning some employees may work from home if possible.
Cuomo says there are 221 new cases of confirmed coronavirus. As testing ramps up, the numbers will most likely go up. The state had listed Wyoming County as a site that had their first confirmed coronavirus case. However, Wyoming County Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Greg Collins says the positive case was actually a Monroe County resident which had been misidentified as a Wyoming County resident. They do not have any positive cases in Wyoming County at this time. However, health officials say there are four people in quarantine. One is voluntary and precautionary and the other three are mandatory.
The total number of confirmed positive cases in NYS is 950. Of those, 158 have been hospitalized (17%).
Governor Cuomo also announced that as of Wednesday, the remaining schools in the state will close for at least two weeks. Some schools in WNY are closed until April 20 or until further notice.
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Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, hot your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.