New York hits ‘pause’ on normal daily life

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced massive new restrictions on daily life in New York at a press conference on Friday. Photo by Darren McGee/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

By Victoria Merlino

New York state will force the vast majority of businesses to shut down and prohibit all social gatherings starting Sunday, in  new, sweeping restrictions that will radically change the lives of millions of New Yorkers amid the COVID-19 crisis, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday.

The restrictions, which Cuomo called a “pause” is the most drastic measure yet implemented to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which causes the illness COVID-19, in New York. Cuomo honed in on activity in New York City, where life and business has continued apace in some sections.

 “There’s some places in New York City where it looks like life as usual,” Cuomo said at a Friday press conference. “No, this is not life as usual.” 

Cuomo signed an executive order mandating that the majority of New York workers stay home and except for employees at certain essential services such as grocery stores, liquor stores, gas stations and pharmacies. 

There will also be severe restrictions on personal movement and socialization. Cuomo ordered New Yorkers most vulnerable to the coronavirus, like older adults, the immunocompromised and individuals with underlying conditions, to remain indoors, except for outdoor, solitary exercise. He urged them to pre-screen people entering their homes by taking their temperature. 

Vulnerable individuals and their company should also wear masks, he said. 

Cuomo barred parties, weddings, celebrations and all other “nonessential” gatherings of any size for any reason. He said all residents must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others when they venture outside.

“These provisions will be enforced. These are not helpful hints,” Cuomo said, adding that violators could receive civil fines and mandated closures of businesses.

There were 7,290 positive cases of COVID-19 in New York state, including 1,042 cases in Queens, according to the latest case data Friday afternoon. These numbers will soon overwhelm the hospital system if drastic measures are not taken,necessitating the increase in daily restrictions, Cuomo said.

“If everything we do saves just one life? I’ll be happy,” Cuomo said. 

Cuomo also mentioned that two Queens schools, Queens College and St. John’s University, were being discussed as potential places to put new hospital beds in the coming days. 

Cuomo is asking anyone with unused medical supplies that could be used in the crisis, such as masks, gloves and ventilators, to call 646-522-8477.