The state housing the largest city in the United States shut down. And if you think your town isn’t next, think again.
New York City alone has approximately 8.4 million citizens, which is a good chunk of the state’s 19.4M people. And in addition to New York’s massive population, they also have nearly 40% of the confirmed coronavirus cases.
In fact, it’s starting to look like we’re living in an episode of the Walking Dead. Thus, Andrew Cuomo decided it was time to shut it down.
As Breitbart reports:
“When I talk about the most drastic action we can take, this is the most drastic action we can take,” Cuomo told reporters at a press conference in Albany.
“These actions will cause disruption, they will cause businesses to close,” he added. “We’re all in quarantine now. We’re all in various levels of quarantine and it’s hard.”
The move comes as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has repeatedly asked Cuomo to invoke a shelter-in-place order for his city — a request the governor has denied.
“It is not a shelter in place order,” Cuomo clarified of his order. “Shelter in place is used currently for an active shooter or a school shooter.”
As of Thursday, New York City has confirmed 3,954 coronavirus cases and 26 deaths.
“We’re seeing an explosion of cases here in New York City,” De Blasio said at a press conference Thursday. “This number is, nonetheless, very, very painful.”
The losses are adding up.
It’s not unrealistic to think this virus will wipe out the mom and pop sector of America. Many of our favorite boutiques and cafes simply won’t survive the massive fallout. It doesn’t seem like anyone is trying to tally up those losses just yet, but you can bet big operations such as mass transit already feel the devastation.
Breitbart continues:
New York City is expected to receive $1.38 billion in federal funding to help ease the financial strain caused by the virus, but De Blasio has said the aid is not enough. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), citing a massive drop in riders, has is asking for a $4 billion bailout from the federal government.
“It’s hugely important but it’s only the beginning,” said the mayor. “Right now, we have immense expenses that we’re having to address with declining revenue. It’s a very tough time … the city government is trying to do more and more with fewer and fewer resources.”
This would be a good time for some people to stop and thank God we have President Trump to lead us through this crisis. Imagine if Obama were in charge- or worse, Hillary! Some foreign entity would be sitting on top of all our money and resources. And we would be sinking fast. Instead, we can rest assured that our government will craft a recovery plan that actually works. Meanwhile, it will take patience to survive the weeks of quarantine ahead.
Following Suit
Connecticut already adopted New York’s “essential personnel only” plan. Now, we expect New Jersey to follow suit.
According to the New York Times:
Here are the highlights of Mr. Cuomo’s executive order, which takes effect Sunday at 8 p.m.:
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Healthy people under 70 should limit outdoor activity to getting groceries and medicine, but they may exercise, walk outside and participate in other noncontact physical activities if they stay six feet away from others.
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Mass transit will keep running, but people should not use it unless they absolutely must. Roads will remain open.
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Nonessential gatherings of any size for any reason are banned.
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There are stronger restrictions for people who are 70 and older, have compromised immune systems or have underlying illnesses. Those rules include wearing masks when in the company of others and not visiting households with multiple people.
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Businesses considered nonessential must keep all of their workers at home.
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Essential businesses that can stay open include: grocers and restaurants, health care providers, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, banks, hardware stores, laundromats and cleaners, child-care providers, auto repair shops, utility companies, warehouses and distributors, delivery services, plumbers and other skilled contractors, animal-care providers, transportation providers, construction companies and many kinds of manufacturers.
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Businesses that violate the order will be fined and forced to close. The state does not plan to fine people who violate the regulations, Mr. Cuomo said.
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“These provisions will be enforced,” the governor said at a briefing in Albany. “These are not helpful hints.”
Suddenly, the prospect of martial law taking over isn’t quite as far-fetched as it used to be.
