New York City Urges At-Risk Residents to Stay Home to Avoid COVID-19

The Wall Street Journal reports that New York City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi on Tuesday advised older residents and people with underlying health conditions to avoid nonessential activities outside their homes amid a spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations. City health officials recommended that at-risk New Yorkers should restrict their interaction with other people, while those living with or caring for vulnerable residents also should reduce nonessential activities outside the home. According to Chokshi, the latest data estimated that COVID-19 hospitalizations in the city topped 1,100, more than double the numbers less than three weeks ago. "This escalation unfortunately follows a tragically familiar pattern — cases grow, hospitalizations follow, and sadly too many result in critical illness or even death," he explained. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he agreed with New York City's recommendations for vulnerable residents, while Mayor Bill de Blasio warned that tougher restrictions could be imposed this week if cases continue to surge.