Health & Fitness
Coronavirus Rates Slow In NYC For First Time In Days, Mayor Says
"People showing up in our hospitals who need a ventilator, that situation has improved a bit," de Blasio said. "That's very good news."
NEW YORK CITY — Numbers of the new coronavirus slowed slightly in New York City this week, giving more time to stock hospitals with desperately needed ventilators, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.
"The number of people showing up in our hospitals who need a ventilator, that situation has improved a bit," de Blasio said. "That's very good news, that's crucial news."
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Hospitalizations dipped below 750 per day for the first time since March 23 on April 5, city data show.
"For the first time in many days we did not see a major increase in the number of ventilators needed," de Blasio said of Monday. "For the first time yesterday, they were pretty much breaking even."
City data also show the number of new COVID-19 cases dropped below 2,500 for the first time since March 22.
This news comes one day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported signs that the outbreak may have reached its peak in New York State.
While de Blasio said it was soon to tell whether the lowering numbers would become a trend, the mayor said it gave the city time to restock.
"We bought a few more days," de Blasio said. "We can absolutely save lives because ventilators will be there."
New York City's Health department reported 68,776 COVID-19 cases, 15,333 hospitalizations and 2,738 deaths as of 5 p.m. Monday.
New York State also saw the number of hospitalizations and ICU admissions decrease in recent days which might suggest a plateau, Cuomo said Tuesday.
But both lawmakers noted the numbers were likely the result of strict social distancing regulations that New Yorkers should continue to respect.
"No one should let down their guard," Mayor de Blasio warned. "We'll have to see in the days ahead if its something sustained."
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