De Blasio Expects Hundreds of New NYC Cases in Coming Weeks

(Bloomberg) -- New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday afternoon that the city has 13 confirmed coronavirus cases, the most recent diagnosed in the Bronx.

“As we continue to see community transmission between people who have no direct connection to travel to one of the affected countries, we are asking New Yorkers to adjust their routines to stem the spread of the virus where they can,“ de Blasio said.

“We could well be at 100 cases or hundreds of cases over the next two or three weeks,” he said. “Updates may be not as fine-tuned in real time,” as the number of cases grows.

He also urged New Yorkers to help minimize the virus’s spread. He suggested avoiding the subway at rush hour by cycling or walking to work, or to stay home and telecommute. International travel has been canceled for city workers and school students.

“We are asking New Yorkers to adjust their routines to stem the spread of the virus where they can,” de Blasio said. “If you feel sick, stay home.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Hailey Waller in New York at hwaller@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Ludden at jludden@bloomberg.net, Ian Fisher, Virginia Van Natta

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