New York authorities ask the White House for $ 7,5 billion in help: the number of coronavirus victims has risen sharply

The total number of deaths from coronavirus in New York has increased by 723 over the past day. The mayor calls for $ 7,5 billion in federal assistance to the city. About what caused such a sharp increase in the number of victims, the newspaper writes. Dailymail.

Sharp increase in the number of victims

As of April 17, New York City had 7563 coronavirus victims, up 723 from the previous day. The total number of confirmed cases of infection in the city increased by 6141 to 117, the city authorities reported.

At the same time, the total number of people who “probably” died due to the virus decreased by 145 compared to the previous day - to 3914. When it comes to probable deaths, then those who died with suspected COVID-19 are meant. but never got tested due to lack of tests.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which publishes statistics, said some "probable" deaths were reclassified as confirmed deaths. This was the reason that the statistics on victims of the virus changed.

In general, the number of daily cases of infection and deaths from the virus in the city has been declining since the peak that occurred around April 7.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press conference on April 16 that the number of new hospitalized patients and the total number of patients in the intensive care unit increased slightly on April 14 - this is the last day for which full data are available.

The number of new hospitalizations is 386 against 370 a day earlier. The total number of ICU patients was 887, compared with 868. “It was a tough day,” de Blasio said.

7,5 billion to save

The mayor also said New York City needs $ 7,5 billion in federal aid. This is exactly how much is needed to cover the financial losses due to the lack of tax revenues, predicted in connection with the current situation. “The federal government can do it,” he said. "No New Yorker is responsible for this terrible crisis."

Bill de Blasio also recalled that New York suffered more from the epidemic than other states. “When you look at the consequences, anyone with a heart will recognize that the federal government should come to our aid,” the mayor said.

The $ 2,3 trillion CARES Act stimulus package contains just $ 1,4 billion in “indirect aid” to New York City, he said. “I remind you that ten years ago the federal government saved the banks very quickly, no questions were asked, the federal government saved the auto industry very quickly. How about saving the country's largest city? How about saving the epicenter of this crisis, where people have suffered? " De Blasio asked.

On the subject: More than 10 thousand coronavirus victims in New York: when will the pandemic end

He added that providing assistance from the federal government is a matter of fairness and morality.

Also at a press conference, Bill de Blasio announced that the city will provide 11 thousand free hotel rooms for isolation and quarantine. These numbers will be provided to health workers who avoid the opportunity to infect their loved ones, or those who live in large families and are afraid to infect households. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an extension of quarantine on April 16. It was expected to end on April 30, but is now extended at least until May 15. This exacerbates the economic crisis, as millions of people still cannot work.