STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo said a second epidemic is arising amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: cabin fever.

With social distancing practices and mandates restricting access to virtually everything except grocery stores, pharmacies and parks, Cuomo said many people are emotionally distraught with being cooped up inside.

“Cabin fever is a real situation,” said Cuomo during his Sunday press conference. “It’s a feeling of isolation. It’s accompanied by radical mood swings, and resentment of people around you of varying degrees for no reason whatsoever.”

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He also noted that cabin fever could result in “resenting people in authority," and can come in the form of irrational outbursts.

“Cabin fever in many ways also threatens the essence of our constitution, which is premised on people ensuring domestic tranquility. It’s a real thing. ... It’s only been one month, but it’s been a long one month.”

POSITIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR CABIN FEVER

Cuomo said there are positive ways to combat cabin fever, such as walking or running outdoors.

“I’m going to take up running again,” said Cuomo, noting he will be joined in this endeavor by his daughter and dog. “The dog is also experiencing cabin fever.”

He suggested people find ways to get outside to combat feelings of isolation.

“Keep in mind, this story will be over. ... They will have a vaccine, whether it be 12 or 18 months. There are a number of treatments being expedited and tested right now.”

He said when we have a “rapid testing” system, and people who are negative can go back to work, “that will be the answer."

NUMBER OF PATIENTS DROP

The number of patients newly hospitalized for coronavirus-related issues in New York dropped by about 50 percent from Friday to Saturday.

“It’s an interesting blip maybe in the data, or hopefully the beginning of a shift in the data and the number of cases," Cuomo said.

From Friday to Saturday, the number of new hospitalizations dropped from 1,095 to 574, data shows.

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