Cuomo: New York can't handle worst-case scenario

Updated: December 14, 2024 - 4:50pm

<p>New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned Thursday that although data suggested the state was "bending the curve," the state cannot handle the “worst-case scenario” if people begin to ease social distancing rules to slow the spread of the outbreak.</p><p>“We can’t handle the worst-case scenarios. We can't even handle moderate-case scenarios,” Cuomo said.</p><p>Worst-case scenario models show the state could need between 110,000 and 136,000 beds at the peak of the outbreak. About 18,000 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 in the state right now, he said.</p><p>Officials are seeing positive signs in New York that indicate the outbreak may be slowing, including falling rates of hospitalizations and intensive care admissions.</p><p>But the governor stressed it would be a mistake to interpret the slowing of the outbreak as a sign that people can go back to their normal lives.</p>