There are now 102,862 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the state and nearly 3,000 people have died.
Governor Cuomo speaking at a press briefing Friday stressed the shortage of critical supplies and urged companies to start making materials necessary for life saving equipment. He announced an executive order allowing the state to redeploy equipment from Upstate hospitals to facilities downstate where there is a greater need. The hospitals will either receive the supplies back or be reimbursed. The National Guard will be transporting the equipment.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released a statement saying, "I am very concerned about Governor Cuomo’s announcement today regarding his plan to sign an executive order to shift ventilators from Upstate to Downstate New York,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The North Country comprises the largest number of seniors of any Congressional District in New York State, the most vulnerable age group to COVID-19. Our critical needs and vulnerabilities must be considered. North Country hospitals reached out to my office with this specific concern earlier this week – our rural hospitals are already very limited in resources and we must ensure Upstate New York’s needs for testing supplies and ventilators are fully met. I am committed to working through these concerns with both Republican and Democrat Upstate officials, our hospitals, and county public health offices."
Meanwhile, New York State's health commissioner says there's no evidence showing wearing a homemade face covering or mask will help in terms of slowing the spread of coronavirus. He was asked about it today after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday urged New Yorkers to use face coverings.
Health Commissioner Howard Zucker says the masks certainly won't hurt. Governor Cuomo also reminds residents wearing face coverings to not get a false sense of security and still follow social distancing rules.
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