In New York, a new surge of COVID-19: what the authorities are ready to go to to stop the virus

An outbreak of coronavirus occurred in four boroughs of New York at once. The authorities are ready to make "significant efforts to stop this trend." The reopening of restaurants and the operation of schools are in question. The details are shared by the publication NBC New York.

A significant surge in COVID-19 is affecting several quarters at the same time and may affect others. This was announced on September 23 by the Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio. He noted that the city will take "urgent action" to contain this surge.

Today, an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus is observed in six areas of the metropolis, which have been combined into one group called the Ocean Parkway Cluster.

The “Urgent Action” that the Mayor referred to involves a focus on advocacy and education. De Blasio did not rule out the possibility of canceling the reopening of restaurants and the closure of schools. And when asked how far the authorities are willing to go in containing the outbreak, he replied that the city will make "significant efforts to stop this trend."

According to the mayor, the virus can be contained if public order is closely monitored.

Where did the splash occur COVID-19

The increase in positive cases of COVID-19 fell on Williamsburg (the rate of positive results there was 2%), Kew Gardens (2,24%), Edgemere-Far Rockaway (3,69%), as well as the Brooklyn section, which includes Midwood, Borough Park и Bensonhurst - the area where the positive rate rose to 4,71%, according to the New York City Department of Health.

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The jump occurred between August 1 and September 19, the department said. Ocean Parkway Cluster is a group of four quarters where the number of new coronavirus cases has tripled over this seven-week period. These four districts account for 20% of all new COVID-19 cases in the city.

“Right now, this increase has the potential to translate into more widespread transmission and spread to other areas if not addressed,” the health department said in a statement. "We are monitoring the situation with a view to taking further action in these areas."

Daily Percentage of Positive Tests by New York Region

With the entire state of New York in some form of reopening, a particular focus has been placed on daily monitoring of test results in each region. This will allow potential hotspots to be identified before they appear. For the latest countrywide results, click here.

Meanwhile, the health department reminded New Yorkers of the main ways to protect themselves from the virus: avoid large crowds, wear protective masks, maintain social distance and get tested if you think you have become infected.

Infection rate in New York

Overall, infection rates in New York are low at just 1,1% out of more than 26 tests as of September 22nd.

The highest overall rate of positive test results is observed in Brooklyn (1,6%), where the positive dynamics was 0,2% compared to the previous day.

The city's mayor warned that the planned opening of restaurant halls could be canceled if the infection rate in the city reaches 2%. And if the infection rate reaches 3%, then schools may be closed.

Infection rates remain low across the state as well. It has been at or below 1% for over a month.

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But there are clear signs of concern - this is the spread of the virus across the country. "New cases have increased by more than 15% in the past 10 days, forcing us to remain vigilant here at home," Governor Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday.

Asked if the outbreak in New York could be part of a potential second wave hitting some countries, de Blasio responded calmly. He said that in some countries there are much more liberal restrictions on closed restaurants, bars and nightclubs. But at the same time he admitted that in New York, too, the aforementioned restrictions are not fully observed. “I really think we are in a different situation. But at the same time, we are closely monitoring the situation, ”de Blasio said.

New City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi agreed with the mayor. He added that one of the reasons for the spread of the virus is mass gatherings in closed rooms of people without masks.

Recall that this week, five more states were added to the quarantine list of New York. Recall that it includes states in which there are more than 100 cases of COVID-10 per 19 thousand people, or 10% or more during the last week. In June, New York began requiring a 14-day self-quarantine from travelers arriving from these areas. Since then, he has regularly updated the list. The updated list includes 35 states and territories, you can view it at this link.