Mayor Bill De Blasio last night at 9 p.m. declared a state of emergency in New York City.
In a tweet, De Blasio confirmed the coronavirus cases grew from 62 patients to 95 patients in the city, and the numbers are only expected to grow from there.
“Continuing on the conversation with the Governor, again I fully support, and we are in total agreement, his decision related to large gatherings,” said De Blasio. “Unfortunately, I suspect that will be a number of months. So places like Barclays, Madison Square Garden, Radio City obviously will not be operating.”
Here’s what to expect as outlined by the administration:
- The city and state will enforce a rule barring large gatherings of 500 or more people starting at 5 pm on Friday, March 13. Things like parades, rallies, sporting events, conferences and performance venues will be affected. For Broadway theaters and plays that restriction began tonight.
- There will be restrictions on establishments and venues with capacity under 500 persons that require them to cut occupancy in half to increase social distancing. Places like event spaces, restaurants, and bars.
- For now NYC public schools are remaining open, and will cut back nonessential activity in school buildings. Actual school closures will be made on a case by case basis.
- If necessary the city will provide free legal help to anyone facing evictions and short term support. There is also emergency food aid on standby for lower-income New Yorkers.
- For more information go to http://nyc.gov/coronavirus or text ‘COVID’ to 692-692.
De Blasio had expressed several times in previous press conferences that the future was uncertain and that there was no definitive answer as to how to combat the virus’ spread.
“Going to this level is not done lightly, but it is necessary,” said De Blasio.
Rumors had been circulating Thursday morning that an eventual citywide quarantine of roads and transportation was coming for the city. When KCP contacted De Blasio’s office for more information, the possibility of quarantine was flat-out denied.
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office has yet to comment.
