Coronavirus: New York city declares state of emergency over Covid-19 pandemic

Cases rise to 95 people infected with the novel virus

New York City has declared a state of emergency as the number of coronavirus cases reaches more than 95. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday he would be declaring a state of emergency for the city so it could better manage the growing pandemic. 

When speaking to reporters, Mr de Blasio said the last 24 hours had been "very, very sobering" to watch. Globally, more and more public events and schools are being closed as each nation works to address the virus spreading. 

"Yesterday morning feels like a long time ago. A lot has changed. Last night, the world turned upside down," Mr de Blasio said. "This is painful. It's not something we ever want to do but we have to do."

Of the 95 confirmed cases, 25 are in Manhattan, 24 in Brooklyn, 17 in Queens, 10 in the Bronx and five in Staten Island. This number grew by 45 cases from yesterday.

In New York state, coronavirus cases continue to rise and have influenced Governor Andrew Cuomo to announce 500-person ban for large gatherings. Venues that hold less than 500 people, such as restaurants and bars, have to decrease their occupancy by 50 per cent.

Broadway shows had to shut down because of the ban, and they announced all performances will be cancelled through 12 April. 

While the government is closely monitoring New York public schools, private schools have made their own decisions on whether they want to partially close or not amid the growing outbreak. New York’s Roman Catholic archdiocese announced on Thursday that its elementary school will be closed for at least next week. 

Mr de Blasio previously said the city has no plans to shut down public transport as this virus continues to spread.

"If you do that, you're shutting down the economy and work and livelihood," he said.

The New York City Police Department confirmed that there are no plans to shut down any roadways or subways in a statement on Twitter.

Instead, officials working for the MTA are sanitising buses, trains, and stations regularly to kill any germs. Mr de Blasio gave no indication on Thursday that this would change in the near future.

New York state confirmed the number of coronavirus cases rose to 328 people infected on Thursday. No one has died from the virus in the state.