Coronavirus in New York: new cases and the situation in the city

The outbreak of coronavirus made New York almost unrecognizable as crowds disappeared from the streets. It seems that life in the city has stopped. This publication writes CNN.

After 18 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in New York on March 532, the total number of cases rose to 1; 871 people have died in the city (the total number of deaths in the state is 11). This information was confirmed by a source in the office of the mayor of the city, Bill de Blasio.

Health officials and government leaders urged Americans to avoid crowded places and group gatherings to slow the spread of the virus.

However, New York, after San Francisco, may take more drastic measures to stop the pandemic. This week, Bill de Blasio warned New Yorkers that they were ready for a possible order for self-isolation in the coming days. The final decision will be made by State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

On the subject: The decision will be made in the next 48 hours: residents of New York may be prohibited from going out

But while the decision has not been finally made, life in a city that never sleeps has stopped.

Thus, the number of metro passengers on March 17 decreased by 3,7 million compared to the same day last year, when more than 5,5 million people traveled on the subway, MTA New York City Transit reported on Twitter. “We miss you, but for now we will say: thanks for not coming with us. You keep New York safe, ”it said.

The lights in Times Square burned as usual these days. However, the quarter, usually full of automobile and pedestrian traffic, turned out to be almost deserted after bars and restaurants began to cook only takeaway, and theaters and gyms were closed.

Rockefeller Center, like other entertainment venues, also appeared in an unfamiliar light on March 18, when it was closed to visitors.

The number of tourists in New York has also decreased. City hotels were less than 49% full last week, according to data released March 18th. This happened after a ban on doing business was announced at the governor’s office. According to the ban, no more than 50% of staff are allowed to go to work.

The virus is expected to peak in about 45 days, Cuomo said March 18. The question of how the city will look by then and how it will affect its inhabitants remains open.