Cuomo Says Managing Infection Rate Will Be Critical As New York's Coronavirus Numbers Climb
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York State is facing a grim outlook in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state has almost the same number of infections as back in June, and things could get worse before they get better.
"You will see through the fall the numbers going up nationwide," the governor told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday. "Scientists said that was going to happen. It's going to be managing the infection increase, which is going to be the challenge."
On Sunday, Cuomo announced there were 18 fatalities the day before and the statewide positivity rate was 2.3%-- the highest it's been since June.
"Our seven-day rolling average 2.21% -- the highest we've seen in a long time," Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday. "Now we're having some challenges on Staten Island. So we're going to focus a lot of resources there to protect the people of Staten Island and to stop this second wave. We're going to see a 'day of action' tomorrow on Staten Island -- and this day of action means a lot outreach, a lot of mask distribution, a lot of testing."
Many told CBS2's John Dias they fear another lockdown.
"Maybe we'll have to take a minute or two out again and do it," one woman told Dias.
"Too many people keep dying. They can't control what's going on," Cypress Hills resident Tomas Baleao said.
"I think it's gotten so far out of control at this point," another person added.
MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK
- Already Struggling Queens Business Owners Say Summonses, Fines Over COVID Guidelines Are 'Unfair'
- Cheering, Celebrations Erupt In Streets Of New York After Joe Biden Projected To Win Presidency
- 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Massachusetts, Felt In CT, Long Island, USGS Says
While President Donald Trump continues to tout his handling of the pandemic, the governor says President-elect Joe Biden will have a different approach to COVID.
"When you deny a problem the way Trump did, you can never solve it," Cuomo said.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy echoed that statement.
"Beginning with the president there's a complete belief in science, data and facts," he said.
The Garden State's seven-day rolling average is 4.86%, according to John Hopkins. Murphy is expected to make a major announcement Monday about new restrictions on places where people gathering.
"We've seen as restaurants stay open later, seating at bars, interstate indoor sports tournament -- those are areas that we're looking very closely," the governor said.
In Connecticut, the rolling average of cases is 4.74%.
Health officials warn against large gatherings for Thanksgiving and urge everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
- Tri-State Coronavirus Travel Advisory Quarantine List
- Resources, Hotlines, Unemployment & Covering Bills
- Remote Learning Tools For Parents Teaching At Home
- CBS2's Dr. Max Answers Your Health Questions
- What To Do If Someone Isn't Social Distancing Or Wearing A Mask?
- Expert: Parents Be Mindful Of Children's Stress After Months Of Isolation
- Chopper 2 Over Empty NYC Streets, Landmarks
- Complete Coronavirus Coverage
You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here.
