NY becomes epicenter of the pandemic, with half of the US coronavirus cases

The state of New York , on the east coast of the United States , has become the epicenter of the epidemic of the new coronavirus in the country. With more than 20,875 people with Covid-19 , a disease caused by the virus, and at least 157 dead, the region is responsible for half of the American cases and almost 6% of the world.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that he would require a mandatory 50% increase in the capacity of state hospitals to withstand the flow of patients infected with the coronavirus. "I don't think it's irrational to ask for a 100% increase, but at least a 50% increase will be necessary," he added.

About 13% of patients in New York were hospitalized, most of them over the age of 70, according to the American newspaper The New York Times . However, according to the governor, the majority of those infected are between 18 and 49 years old.

The multiplication of cases was caused by the intense ability to spread the virus, according to health authorities. But also the significant increase in the number of tests performed. The state has tested more than 78,000 people, which means a quarter of national examinations, according to Cuomo. The governor asked federal authorities to nationalize the manufacture of medical supplies and demanded that New York City repress public meetings. In addition, he suggested closing streets to traffic, to give more space to pedestrians.

Since Sunday 22, all non-essential businesses have been closed by state decree. Supermarkets, pharmacies, laundries, auto mechanics and parks still remain open. Restaurants and cafes can only operate by offering delivery service.

New Yorkers were instructed to stay indoors, except for needs such as food, medicine and short exercise. Public transport services, such as the subway and buses, continue to operate on a reduced basis.