New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) called for a city-wide shutdown, including closing bars and restaurants, on Sunday as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread.

“The way to get out of crisis is to act logically and strategically,” Stringer tweeted. “Logic says we need universal testing but that’s sadly not happening. Strategy says we need more aggressive social distancing.”

“That is why today, out of an abundance of caution, I am calling for a city shutdown,” he added.

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Only essential services should remain open. No bars, restaurants, or movie theaters.



And I am again calling for NYC schools to be shut down.



We cannot go on with business as usual. — Scott M. Stringer (@NYCComptroller) March 15, 2020

Stringer said only essential services should remain open, meaning bars, restaurants and movie theaters would close.

He also repeated his call for the city schools to be shut down.

“We cannot go on with business as usual,” he said. “This is about all of us. This is about protecting our most vulnerable. Lives are at stake and there’s no time to waste. We have to flatten the curve.”

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He added that he is aware of the consequences, as comptroller and a public school parent, but said the consequences of not acting “will be even more drastic”

“We need flexible working arrangements for all workers,​ innovative food distribution plans, support for families with older relatives, child care for essential service workers, access to counseling, and resources for households without internet access,” he said. “And we need to act now.”

A spokesperson for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Bill de BlasioThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - White House moves closer to Pelosi on virus relief bill New York again pushes back in-person classes The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump contradicts CDC director on vaccine, masks MORE (D) was not immediately available for comment.

Asked if he is considering putting the city on lockdown or shutting down bars and restaurants, De Blasio said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that “every option is on the table.”

He also said that city officials are continually evaluating whether to close schools, adding that officials are setting up contingency plans if schools need to be shut down but said the contingency scenarios will not be as good as when the city has a functioning school system.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) declared a state of emergency Thursday, banning gatherings of more than 500 people across the state including shutting down Broadway performances in Manhattan.

More than 600 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed across New York state, according to health department data last updated Saturday night. Of the 613 state-wide cases, 269 have been confirmed in New York City.

De Blasio said Sunday on CNN he expects at least 1,000 cases will be confirmed in the city “not too far” into next week.