New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Saturday said the number of positive coronavirus cases in his state now tops 10,300 and that the numbers will necessarily go up as more people are tested.
“Our goal is to find the positive cases,” Mr. Cuomo said as he provided an update on the COVID-19 outbreak in his state. “We’re actually looking for positives.”
He said New York has now performed more than 45,000 tests and that they’re taking more tests per capita than China or South Korea.
Mr. Cuomo also said they are “literally scouring the globe” looking for medical supplies, and that there are apparel companies in his state pivoting to ramp up production of protective masks.
He said approximately 6,000 additional ventilators the state has ordered will be coming in over the next few weeks and that the state is sending 1 million protective masks to New York City.
“Every piston is firing,” he said.
Mr. Cuomo also warned against young people thinking they’re at less of a risk, saying more than half of cases in the state are in people ages 18-49.
“We are all first responders. Your actions can either save or endanger a life,” he said.
He also said he’s asking psychiatrists and psychologists to contact the state and potentially volunteer their time so that people struggling mentally can have access to assistance.
Mr. Cuomo said he hasn’t personally been tested, saying he hasn’t been exposed to anyone who has tested positive, hasn’t shown any symptoms, and doesn’t want to waste a test.
