New York surpasses half a million COVID-19 cases

New York has reported more than half a million COVID-19 cases, becoming the fourth state in the U.S. to pass the bleak milestone after California, Florida and Texas.

Reuters reported that New York has had 80 percent more cases in the last month than the preceding month and recorded over 2,000 in a single day twice recently. However, these numbers are far from the state’s record on April 10 when 12,847 cases were recorded.

New York has reported more deaths – 33,000 – than any other state and has the second highest number of deaths per capita. Neighboring state New Jersey has had the most deaths more capita. Nearby interconnected states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire have seen twice as many cases in the past four weeks than they did in the four weeks before, according to Reuters.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has taken a hardline stance in terms of limiting gathering sizes. He has released new mandates shutting down non-essential businesses in red zones and limiting the size of religious congregations, drawing the ire of business owners and religious leaders alike. 

New Yorkers have begun to prepare for the second wave of coronavirus cases, as The New York Times reports that families have begun stockpiling medical supplies and the parents of over half of New York’s school children are choosing to keep them at home until at least November.

In the article published on Wednesday, several of those interviewed expressed frustration with what they felt was a lackadaisical approach to COVID-19 guidelines among their fellow New Yorkers.

“It’s not over because you’re over it,” said publicist Jennifer Burchette, who decided against returning to her office due to too many people not taking the threat of the coronavirus seriously.