NYC Urges Over 65s to Stay Home Due to COVID-19 Surge

(NEWSMAX) New York City’s Health Department is advising anyone 65 and older and people with underlying health conditions to stay home amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

“To protect yourself, your household members and your communities against the spread of COVID-19, you are hereby advised to limit activities outside your home, except leaving home to travel to work or school, or for essential purposes including medical care, grocery shopping or pharmacy necessities,” Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi said in a statement.

“I know that some people face a much greater risk for more serious illness from COVID-19,” he added. “This includes people who are older, who have an underlying health condition. That’s why today I’m issuing a Commissioners Notice that warns at-risk New Yorkers about the growth of COVID and urges appropriate precautions.”

Chokshi issued the same notice in March when COVID-19 hit New York hard.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday outlined his winter plan in case of another surge, which included managing hospital capacity, adding beds, and identifying retired staff who can come back to work.

New York reported 6,816 new positive coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the highest since April 25, along with 57 deaths. More than 34,000 people have died in the state due to COVID-19.