New Yorkers may soon be subject to a "shelter-in-place" order in the coming days as local officials try to contain the fast-moving coronavirus that’s spreading throughout the U.S. Mayor Bill de Blasio said so Tuesday, adding that a decision will be made in the next 48 hours.
"We are all deeply concerned ... this is quite clear this is a fast growing crisis," he said at a press conference. "All New Yorkers, even though a decision has not been made by the city or the state, I think that all New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order."
De Blasio said there are now 814 confirmed cases in New York City, he said, adding that 248 are in Queens, 277 in Manhattan, 157 in Brooklyn, 96 in the Bronx and 36 in Staten Island. He added seven people in the city have died so far and 124 people are in the hospital.
People who venture out are expected to remain six feet(about two metres) apart, wash their hands, cover their coughs or sneezes and abide by a number of other restrictions. Non-essential businesses across the state, including wineries and bars, will be closed. But essential services like grocery stores, banks and pharmacies will remain open.
