As the number of COVID-19 cases balloons throughout New York—which has emerged as the epicenter of the new coronavirus pandemic—Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered all non-essential retailers and businesses to close, and for residents across the state to stay home as much as possible in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“We need everyone to be safe, or no one can be safe,” Cuomo said during a press conference announcing the new regulations. “This is not life as usual. Accept it, realize it, and deal with it.”
Here’s what you need to know about how the novel coronavirus is affecting New York City, from closures and mass transit disruptions, to its effect on housing and homeless individuals.