New York state has banned large gatherings of 500 people or more to combat the spread of the coronavirus, governor says.

Governor Andrew Cuomo revealed new measures that will go into effect starting on Friday to help New York state fight the growing number of cases.



These measures include banning events of 500 people or more, which will include Broadway shows. Also, the government is decreasing occupancy at facilities of 500 people or fewer by 50 per cent, Mr Cuomo said.



The ban will take effect for Broadway shows will start Thursday at 5pm and all other venues on Friday at 5pm.



"We have already spoken to the theatres about these new measures and they agreed," the governor wrote.

All Broadway shows will now be suspended through 12 April, according to a statement released by the Broadway League.

Confirmed cases in New York continue to jump as more and more residents are tested, with currently 328 people infected. Of those cases, 148 are in Westchester County and 95 are in New York City.

No one in the state has died from the novel virus.



New York is following in the steps of Washington state, which banned large gatherings of 250 people or more in specific areas.

Washington state has been hit the hardest by the coronavirus, with at least 30 of the 38 deaths. When Governor Jay Inslee made the announcement on Wednesday, he said he believed the ban would be mirrored by other states, and now New York is following with one similar.

The purpose of banning large gatherings is to encourage "social distancing" between people who could be infected with the coronavirus. Banning large gatherings is one measure states can take as a way to limit the spread of the virus.