Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order Wednesday requiring every New Yorker to wear a mask in public, when it’s not possible to practice social distancing. The governor said the virus claimed 752 lives Tuesday, but the rate of hospitalizations may have already peaked.
The governor said the order, which will be effective Friday, requires all New Yorkers, when out in public, wear masks, scarves or bandannas that cover their nose and mouth when it’s not possible to practice social distancing.
"Put the mask on," Cuomo said. "You’re right to go out for a walk in the park, fine. But don’t infect me. You don’t have right to infect me."
He said for now, there will be no civil penalties or fines for not wearing a mask, but will consider doing so if people don’t comply.
Cuomo also delivered some good news about the coronavirus Wednesday, saying that the rate of hospitalizations may be past the apex, and on the decline, with 18,335 in the hospital on Tuesday. But he said the death toll, at 752 on Tuesday, may be even higher, as the state will now be counting probable deaths from COVID-19.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 11,586 people had died, and nearly 214,000 had tested positive for the disease.
New York City began using the new CDC guidelines to include in their count those who may have died from the virus, but did not go to a hospital. That put the city’s death toll from the pandemic at over 10,000 people.
Cuomo said New York state will now be going back and recounting, to include those who likely died from the coronavirus but did not go to a hospital or were unable to get a test.
Cuomo said while he is eager to restart the economy, no one should expect that things will go back to the way they were before the pandemic. He said it will be a gradual reopening with many safety precautions.
The governor said criteria will include how essential the business is, and how high risk is the business for spread of infection. He said companies can make adjustments to make their workplaces safer, when they are allowed to reopen.
"Businesses can start to redesign their work places," said Cuomo.
But Cuomo said a phased reopening won’t be safe without more testing and contact tracing. He said there are lots of testing obstacles, including not enough equipment like swabs, and vials. He said test kits are made by private companies and involve an international supply chain.
The governor said only the federal government can bring testing "to scale," the states cannot do it on their own, and he urged the Trump Administration to act.
In the meantime, New York is seeking FDA approval for a finger prick antibody test, that could test up to 100,000 people a day, that the governor said will be prioritized for health care workers.
Cuomo said nothing will be truly safe until there’s a vaccine, in 12 to 18 months.
