New York: COVID-19 cases top 20K, FDA approves the use of a new experimental drug

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews

New York officials reported another large increase in coronavirus disease 2-19 cases today saying they confirmed 5,707 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 20,875 confirmed cases in the State. 157 deaths have been reported.

New York City accounts for 12,305 cases followed by Westchester County with 2,894 and Nassau County with 2,442 cases.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the FDA has approved the use of a new experimental drug in New York on a compassionate care basis to help treat patients with COVID-19. The trial will use antibody injections to help stimulate and promote individuals’ immune systems against the virus.

Cuomo also signed an executive order requiring all hospitals to increase capacity by a minimum of 50 percent, with a goal of increasing capacity by 100 percent.

Additionally, the Governor announced that the state is opening a drive-thru COVID-19 mobile testing facility in the Bronx. This follows the success of the mobile testing centers in New Rochelle, Rockland County, Staten Island and Long Island in addition to the Bronx. Drive-through mobile testing facilities help keep people who are sick or at risk of having contracted coronavirus out of healthcare facilities where they could infect other people. New York is currently testing more than 16,000 people per day, more than any other state and more than China and South Korea on a per capital basis.



