New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced several new measures aimed at mitigating the spread of the novel coronavirus as cases rise in the state and across the US.
Among several changes, announced by the governor on Twitter, include a prohibition on gatherings in private residences that exceed 10 people. The announcement comes just 15 days before Thanksgiving and goes into effect on Friday — less than two weeks from the holiday.
The office of the governor did not return Business Insider's request for comment on Wednesday about how he expected the order to be enforced.
Additionally, Cuomo announced that beginning Friday, any business with a license to sell liquor, including bars and restaurants, must close their doors no later than 10 p.m. Gyms, which reopened to patrons at the end of August after a monthslong closure, will remain open but also must close at 10 p.m, he said.
"COVID is getting worse by the day," Cuomo said in a tweet. "All around the country. The fall surge is here. We are taking action but we need New Yorkers to do their part. Wear a mask. Get tested. Follow all health guidelines. Take this seriously."
Numerous public health experts have warned against large gatherings for the holidays, urging Americans to change or tweak their typical plans to celebrate the holiday safely during the pandemic.
According to data analyzed by the Johns Hopkins University, the state of New York has experienced at least 532,180 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in more than 30,000 deaths. Most cases and deaths in the state occurred in the first months of the pandemic when New York was a global epicenter of the pandemic.
Over the past seven days, more than 2% of all COVID-19 tests administered have returned a positive result, an uptick from the summer months when New York's positivity rate dipped below 1%.
