US COVID-19 Cases Exceed 4,000... New York Nears 1,000

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the United States has surpassed 4,000.

On the 16th, a pedestrian wearing a mask is passing in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Johns Hopkins University in the U.S. reported that as of 2:30 PM local time on the 16th, the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. reached 4,138. CNN cited data from local governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reporting that at least 4,008 people have been confirmed positive. CNN's own tally also reached 3,938, making the surpassing of 4,000 cases a foregone conclusion.

The number of confirmed cases in New York State reached 954, making it likely to enter the 1,000s soon. New York State, with a rapid increase in cases in New York City, surpassed Washington State (769 cases), which initially had the highest number of cases, becoming the state with the most COVID-19 patients in the U.S. Nearby New Jersey also reported 122 confirmed cases.

The death toll in the U.S. rose to 71. Washington State reported 42 deaths, while California and New York each reported 6 deaths.

New York, where cases surged, is truly in an emergency situation. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut jointly decided to suspend operations of restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, casinos, and other businesses in the three states starting from 8 PM on the same day. Only takeout food or drive-thru services are allowed. Gatherings of more than 50 people are also prohibited. Following New York City, New York State also decided to close schools.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recommended a nighttime curfew for the entire state on the same day. He urged residents not to go out from 8 PM to 5 AM the next morning.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo repeatedly criticized the federal government's response to COVID-19, saying, "It's chaos itself. It feels like the country is out of control," and added, "Change can be made when states work together."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.