US: New York authorities announce easing of COVID-19 restrictions May 22 /update 53

Event

On Friday, May 22, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reversed a ban on gatherings in the city that had been in place since Monday, March 23, to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Gatherings of up to ten people will now be permitted for all nonessential reasons, as long as social distancing is maintained. On Thursday, May 21, Cuomo permitted religious ceremonies and Memorial Day celebrations. Authorities also opened New York's beaches on May 22, although a ban on swimming remains in place in New York City. The Mid-Hudson region (Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties) is expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 26, with Long Island following on Wednesday, May 27.

Officials have urged social distancing over the Memorial Day weekend nationwide from Sunday, May 24, to Monday, May 25, as crowds are expected to gather outdoors. The warning comes as all 50 states move towards reopening, with Connecticut becoming the last state to start lifting restrictions on Wednesday, May 20, reopening shops and restaurants.

Multiple demonstrations have been held in states across the US since mid-April to denounce stay-at-home orders and other measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since Sunday, April 19, rallies have been held in the states of Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and Vermont. Attendance at the demonstrations varies, with hundreds of people participating at times. The protests are generally held at the state capitols and usually remain peaceful; however, minor scuffles between demonstrators and police officers have been reported at some rallies. Similar rallies are likely to be held across the US over the near term as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. A heightened police presence and localized disruptions are anticipated around all associated protests. A ban on nonessential travel through the Mexican and Canadian borders remains in place until Monday, June 22. The ban does not apply to air travel.

As of Sunday, May 24, New York state has confirmed 358,154 cases of COVID-19 within its borders and 23,195 associated deaths. Throughout the United States, 1,656,906 cases have been confirmed, with 97,414 associated fatalities.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.