Coronavirus: New York state cases rise by 432, as governor warns pandemic peak will hit in 45 days

Twelve people have died from the virus in the state

New York has reported an additional 432 cases since yesterday, and Governor Andrew Cuomo has warned the peak of the coronavirus pandemic could reach the state in 45 days.

The governor held his daily press conference in Albany to update residents about the spread of Covid-19 across the state. New York now has a total of 1,374 confirmed cases as testing has ramped up in private labs.

To combat the rapid spread of the virus, New York state issued a ban of gathering with 50 people or more. Bars, gyms, restaurants, and other community spaces also closed in the state to encourage people to practice social distancing. Takeout and delivery is currently only available at restaurants.

The governor now says efforts need to be turned towards supporting the healthcare system as Covid-19 cases are only expected to rise, with a peak anticipated in 45 days.

"Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn't crash our healthcare system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that," Mr Cuomo said.

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"This is not a war that can be won alone, which is why New York is partnering with our neighbouring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents 'state shopping' where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa," he added.

Similar rules were mandated in both Connecticut and New Jersey.

Mr Cuomo warned on Monday that there are not enough hospital beds to accommodate the number of people who might get infected.

"When we're going to have a real problem is when cases hit their apex and descend on the healthcare system and we will not have enough hospital beds," he said.

New York state currently has 53,000 hospital beds and 3,000 ICU beds. At the virus' peak, an estimated 55,000 to 110,000 patients could be hospitalised and 18,600 to 37,200 could need an ICU bed in state alone, according to experts. Out of the 1,374 current cases in New York, 264 of the people are hospitalised from the virus. Twelve people have died in the state.

The president said on Tuesday he was working with New York to help increase the number of hospital beds across the state. This comes after the governor urged Mr Trump to employ the Army Corps of Engineers to build field hospitals in the state.

"We think we can have quite a few units up very rapidly," Mr Trump said, stating the Army Corps was just waiting for his go-ahead. A few sites are being considered to build field hospitals, the president added.

Mr Cuomo also said on Tuesday he was not considering a shelter-in-place order for New York state after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio revealed he would consider the option.

"We hear New York City is going to quarantine itself - that is not true," he said. "We have no interest whatsoever - and no plan whatsoever - to quarantine any city."

When Mr de Blasio appeared on CNN Tuesday morning, he said he was "absolutely considering" the order.

"We're absolutely considering that," de Blasio said. "We're going to look at all other options, but it could get to that for sure for the whole country."

San Francisco announced its shelter-in-place order on Monday across the entire Bay Area, which impacted 7 million residents. This order denies residents from leaving their apartments for unnecessary travel unless they're getting food, medicine, or exercise.

For now, New York City and New York state are avoiding making a similar mandate.