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Broadway Closed, Gatherings Limited In New York

File photo: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
Pat Bradley
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WAMC
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

All public gatherings of 500 people or more are banned in New York starting tomorrow, and Broadway shows are effectively shut down as of Thursday evening, under a directive from Governor Andrew Cuomo, who says the aim is to reduce population density to prevent the spread of the corona virus. State health officials report 112 new cases Thursday, to a total of 328.

Cuomo says the predicted spread of COVID-19 is a public health emergency, and so he has to take “dramatic” steps.

“To reduce the number of people in contagious environments,” Cuomo said.

The ban effectively shuts down Broadway shows, and other large performance venues, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, which announced on its website that all performances are cancelled immediately, through March 31.

Venues with fewer than 500 seats must half their capacity, effective Friday.  

The governor says he is also  trying to prepare for a potential increased need for hospital beds, and is asking former health care workers to contact their employers to get reinstated in case they are needed. The governor says he is considering cancelling elective surgeries to free up beds, but hasn’t made that decision yet.

There are also new rules for nursing homes. Staff must wear masks and be checked daily for symptoms. All visitors are barred from entry, unless the patient is extremely ill and  needs to see family. 

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