Albany, N.Y. — Gov. Andrew Cuomo told protesters calling for the state’s economy to reopen that he won’t risk the gains New York has made to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

"I get the economic hardship," he said during a press briefing in Albany. "Everybody gets it. Everybody feels it.

"The illness is death. What is worse than death? How can the cure be worse than the illness if the illness is potential death?"

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Economic stress, emotional stress and domestic violence are all serious side effects of the state’s moves to close schools and businesses and keep everyone home. But none of those things is worse than dying, Cuomo said.

New York and several other states have seen protests in recent weeks by those who want to see an economic restart following weeks of coronavirus lockdowns. Many protesters have said they’re facing serious money problems.

Millions across the country have been laid off since the crisis began.

Albany saw protests last week and again today.

Photos from protest in Albany happening right now where dozens are demanding @NYGovCuomo reopen the state @CBS6Albany pic.twitter.com/L9hZWzSaER — Emily DeFeciani (@CBS6_Emily) April 22, 2020

More photos from protest in Albany happening right now where dozens are demanding @NYGovCuomo reopen the state @CBS6Albany pic.twitter.com/rQ4TgvWnl0 — Emily DeFeciani (@CBS6_Emily) April 22, 2020

But Cuomo noted that the actions of individuals affect everyone in the state right now. If the economy reopens, the progress New York has made against the virus will be reversed, he said.

"It's not just about you," he said. "You have a responsibility to me. Get your head around the we concept. It's not all about you. It's about me too."

Those struggling financially could always look for work in an essential field, he added. Many of those industries are hiring, he said.

“You want to go to work? Go take a job as an essential worker,” he said. “Do it tomorrow. You can get a job as an essential worker. Now you can go to work.”

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