Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced there are now over 2,000 cases of coronavirus in New York – the most in the country.

A total of 549 people are currently hospitalized – approximately 23 percent of the total number of cases. However, 108 confirmed coronavirus cases have been discharged from hospitals since the start of the pandemic.

Gov. Cuomo stressed that the rate of the curve of the virus suggests that in 45 days the state could need up to 110,000 beds. Currently, there is a capacity of 53,000 beds in the state.

Gov. Cuomo announced he spoke with President Donald Trump, who is fully engaged in trying to help New York and is sending a hospital ship named the USNS Comfort to the state. The ship is a floating hospital that will add approximately 1,000 hospital beds.

 

In addition, Gov. Cuomo said he will place a mandatory statewide requirement for businesses not to have more than 50 percent of their workforce report to work outside their home. Exempt is essential services, including food delivery, pharmacies, health care, shipping and supplies.

Earlier in the week, Gov. Cuomo ordered restaurants and bars to be open for takeout and delivery only.