New York reports lowest coronavirus fatalities in eight weeks, Gov. Cuomo says
Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo shows his masks during a press conference at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on May 26, 2020 at Wall Street in New York City.Johannes Eisele | AFP | Getty ImagesThe number of coronavirus deaths in New York state hit an all-time low Thursday since the beginning of the outbreak, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday.
The number of lives lost from the virus was 42, marking the lowest daily death toll in eight weeks, according to Cuomo. The state also reported lowest number of total hospitalizations to date.
In late May, coronavirus deaths in New York state fell below 100 for the first time since March 24. The number of daily deaths related to Covid-19 have been on a slow, steady decline from the height of the state's outbreak in late March and early April when close to 800 people were dying every day, according to state data.
Source: The State of New YorkThe governor attributed the state's significant progress to New Yorkers who "changed their fundamental behaviors."
"Eight weeks ago we had 800. Eight weeks. 800 people dying to 42 people dying in 8 weeks. Amazing. 'How did you do that?' I did nothing," Cuomo said.
"The people of the state radically changed how they behaved. Look at that progress. Lowest number of hospitalizations to date. In a matter of weeks. So we know we can change and we know we can change dramatically. People are focused. We have a plan and that's when social reform happens. When people are motivated and people are focused."
New York City is preparing to move into its "phase one" reopening next Monday. The city saw its first day without any confirmed deaths from the coronavirus on Wednesday, according to new data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the first time since March 11.
This is a developing story. Please check back later for updates.