Breaking News: Governor Extends Coronavirus Restrictions Until May 15

John Jordan • April 16, 2020

ALBANY—While President Donald Trump is pondering whether to restarting some segments of the economy in some areas by May 1, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that he will extend the state’s “On Pause” restrictions until May 15.

The governor said the extension of the restrictions that include the closure of non-essential businesses, schools, etc. was done in consultation with other regional states.

“Unpausing New York and reopening our economy is going to be an ongoing process over the coming weeks that we’re working through with other states, but we have to do it in a way that doesn’t drive up the infection rate and create a second wave of the virus,” Gov. Cuomo said. “We have shown that we can control the spread of the virus, but we can’t now undo all the progress we’ve made.”

Referring to the recent formation of a coalition of seven Northeastern states to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Cuomo adds, “As we continue to work on a regional plan to get people back to work and get businesses back up and running in a safe and responsible way, we are extending all New York State on Pause functions until May 15th in coordination with other states in our multi-state council because although we can control the beast, we need to get that infection rate down even more and we are not there yet.”

Gov. Cuomo also directed all New Yorkers to wear masks or face coverings on public transportation systems and while taking private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles. Additionally, all operators of public systems, private carriers and for-hire vehicles must wear a mask or face covering at all times while working.

These directives expand on the Executive Order announced by the governor on Wednesday requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. The Executive Order will go into effect on Friday, April 17th, at 8 p.m.

On Wednesday, April 15, there were 8,505 additional cases of Novel Coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 222,284 confirmed cases in New York State and a total of 606 COVID-19 deaths, down from 752 the day before and 758 on Monday.

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