Fines for breaking social-distancing measures in the state of New York will be raised from $500 to $1,000, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

Cuomo lamented that some are showing a lack of regard for social distancing and stressed the importance of the measures in curbing the spread of the disease.

New York is the hardest-hit state so far in the coronavirus pandemic, but signs show the infection in the state may be plateauing.

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The state of New York raised the maximum fine for breaking social distancing protocols from $500 to $1,000, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced during a press conference Monday.

Cuomo scolded people who are lax at observing the social-distancing measures put in place to slow the rate of infection, and he stressed that it is the responsibility of local governments to enforce such protocols.

"It's my way of saying, this is serious," Cuomo said in reference to the fine increase. "Raising the fine is my way of saying, enforce the law."

Projection models have indicated that the state may be nearing a plateau for infections by the end of April.

But despite warmer weather and the potential "flattening of the curve," Cuomo said social distancing is as critical as ever.

"None of us has the right to be reckless in our own behavior," Cuomo said, noting that while the disease could be mild for some, the risk it puts on others could be life-threatening.

New York is the worst-hit state in the US with more than 130,000 cases and nearing close to 5,000 deaths, according to Bing's COVID-19 tracker. New York leads in cases by more than 100,000. The state with the next most number of cases is New Jersey, with more than 37,000 cases.