New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said recent data on coronavirus hospitalizations may show that the state is on the declining slope of the apex, but cautioned against an immediate reopening of the economy.
There were 16,213 hospitalizations across the state as of Sunday, compared to over 18,000 a week ago, according to the new data.
“If the data holds, we are past the high point,” Cuomo said. “Right now we are on a descent.”
The state had 507 new deaths recorded on Saturday, compared to the 778 deaths recorded on April 13, according to the governor.
The state currently has 242,786 confirmed cases and 13,869 related deaths, according to the state’s Health Department.
Cuomo warned New Yorkers that despite the downward trend of hospitalization they are still not out of the water. He said it will take more time and more social distancing before he can reopen the economy.
“It’s no time to get cocky, it’s no time to get arrogant. There is still a lot to do,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the rallies outside state capitols that call on the reopening of the government, but reiterated that the COVID-19 numbers could easily go back up if social distancing is reversed too early.
“The beast can rise up again,” he said.
Cuomo urged President Donald Trump and the federal government to expedite its latest aid package to the states. He said without extra funding, he’d have to cut educational dollars to New York municipalities in half.
“The governors of the states need to have resources,” he said.
