New York mayor Bill de Blasio says he may issue a 'shelter in place' order in the next 48 hours

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New York mayor Bill de Blasio says he may issue a 'shelter in place' order in the next 48 hours
Bill De Blasio

Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx via AP

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  • New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday that he may issue a "shelter in place order" for the city within the next 48 hours.
  • "All New Yorkers, even though a decision has not been made by the city or the state, I think that all New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order," de Blasio said.
  • There are now 814 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in New York City: 248 in Queens, 277 in Manhattan, 157 in Brooklyn, 96 in the Bronx, and 36 in Staten Island.
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New York mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday that he may issue a "shelter in place order" for the city within the next few days.

"We are all deeply concerned ... this is quite clear this is a fast growing crisis," he said at a news conference. "All New Yorkers, even though a decision has not been made by the city or the state, I think that all New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order."

De Blasio said there are now 814 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in New York City: 248 in Queens, 277 in Manhattan, 157 in Brooklyn, 96 in the Bronx, and 36 in Staten Island.

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Seven people in the city have died so far, he added.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 4,400 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the US and at least 86 have died.

Federal and state officials have significantly tightened restrictions on social movement in recent days as the coronavirus continues sweeping across the US.

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the government recommends Americans avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

The White House also recommends that Americans immediately begin homeschooling their children, avoiding nonessential travel, and avoiding bars and restaurants.

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The guidelines aren't mandatory, but they come as many cities and states, including New York, close nonessential businesses such as theaters, bars, and gyms, require restaurants to provide only delivery and takeout, and prohibit large gatherings. Various states have also closed public schools.

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