NYC Coronavirus Cases Spike To Near 18K: Cuomo

NEW YORK CITY — Coronavirus cases continue to spike in New York City with the number of confirmed cases nearing 18,000, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday.

Cuomo estimated the state had three weeks to increase its hospital capacity to 140,000 before the worst COVID-19 surge hit, noting New York City had 17,856 cases.

"I have no doubt that the virus was here much earlier than we even know," said Cuomo.

New York City had seen 199 fatalities with 660 in the ICU and a total of 2,850 people hospitalized, according to the Mayor's office.

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The New York governor estimated the state could come up with 119,164 beds through the order that hospitals to raise capacity by 50 percent, the Javits Center hospital being built in New York City and efforts to convert dormitories.

New York health officials are also experimenting on splicing the state's 14,000 ventilators so that one machine can pump air into the lungs of two patients.

Said Cuomo, "That is our single greater challenge."

Cuomo criticized the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package announced in Washington Wednesday and said the $1.3 billion allocated to New York City was, "a drop in the bucket as to need."

Read more: Congress To Pass $2T Coronavirus Stimulus: How It Affects NY

But Cuomo also noted there was some good news.

Cuomo noted the rate of hospitalizations has leveled off since his social distancing order took effect.

"The arrows are headed in the right direction," Cuomo said. "This is everything."

More than 40,000 volunteer health care workers have signed up to meet the rising demand and more than 6,000 mental health care workers have volunteered to service a new and free mental health hotline.

"How beautiful is that?" Cuomo said.

New Yorkers can call 1 (844) 863-9314 to sign up for an appointment.

Coronavirus In NYC: What's Happened And What You Need To Know