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NEW York Governor Cuomo said New Yorkers should report their bosses if they aren’t given masks or adequate PPE to prevent coronavirus.

Speaking at his daily COVID-19 press briefing on Thursday, Cuomo encouraged people to call a state hotline if their employer isn't safeguarding their health.

 Cuomo told people to alert the state if employers weren't protecting them
Cuomo told people to alert the state if employers weren't protecting themCredit: Rex Features
 The governor said workers should be protected by their bosses
The governor said workers should be protected by their bossesCredit: AFP or licensors
 People shop at an ice cream truck in Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
People shop at an ice cream truck in Domino Park in Williamsburg, BrooklynCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"[People should] report an employer who is not operating with the right precautions," Cuomo declared, alongside a slide with the number to call.

"There’s a message for all of us which is that the PPE actually works," he added, citing the lower infection rates amongst essential workers versus people who stayed home.

"If it reduced the infection rate for them, it will reduce the infection rate for you," the governor told reporters. "We say employers must provide these for employees."

NYC residents tested for antibodies received a positive diagnosis a rate of 19 percent, while 12.3 percent of New York's general population tested positive.

However, NYPD, firefighters, transit workers, medics, corrections officers and state police all tested at a lower rate.

 Cuomo told workers to call 1-888-364-3065
Cuomo told workers to call 1-888-364-3065
 An NYPD School Safety officer passes out protective face masks on the boardwalk in Coney Island, NYC
An NYPD School Safety officer passes out protective face masks on the boardwalk in Coney Island, NYCCredit: Alamy Live News
 Cuomo highlighted that essential workers on the front line were less likely to have the virus due to PPE protection
Cuomo highlighted that essential workers on the front line were less likely to have the virus due to PPE protectionCredit: Reuters

During the conference, Cuomo highlighted that people may get a call from NYS Contact Tracing, saying it's "not a hoax, it's not a scam, it's not a fraud."

He urged New Yorkers to remain cautious and wear a mask as 10 regions enter the state's phased reopening process this week.

"Increased activity only leads to increased cases if precautions aren't taken. Everyone has a role to play," Cuomo said. "If people get arrogant and casual about this pandemic, you will see the infection rate go up."

He raised concerns about the rising cases of a inflammatory disease in children likened to Kawasaki Disease or toxic shock syndrome — as the numbers surged to 157 in-state.

Last Thursday, seven countries and 17 states were investigating Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

 A symptom of Kawasaki Disease is a red swollen tongue
A symptom of Kawasaki Disease is a red swollen tongue
 COVID-19 has been linked to this Kawasaki Disease
COVID-19 has been linked to this Kawasaki Disease
 Cuomo arriving at the press briefing wearing a mask
Cuomo arriving at the press briefing wearing a maskCredit: Splash News

By May 21, "there are 13 countries and 25 states" looking into it, he said.

Cuomo confirmed the state would send guidelines to schools in June and they would return their respective plans by July in "preparation" for a September opening that may not happen.

"Summer school is not going to open statewide for in-class teaching," he said.

"It will be through distance learning. Meal programs and child care services for essential employees will continue."

When pressed by reporters, Cuomo said it was "still too early" to give a definitive answer about when exactly students could return to the classroom, citing the inflammatory syndrome and lack of a vaccine.

"Until we know how widespread this issue is, I wouldn't send my children to day camp," Cuomo said. "And if I wouldn't send my children to day camp, I can't ask someone else to send their children to day camp."

His comments come days after the CDC confirmed a link between coronavirus and the potentially fatal condition, diagnosed in children who have coronavirus or the antibodies.

Cuomo said the numbers were most likely the "tip of the iceberg" as NYC officials and the state launched an awareness campaign to keep parents on high alert for MIS-C symptoms.

These include diarrhea; vomiting; an angry red rash; red, cracked lips or red, bumpy tongue that looks like a strawberry; and swollen hands and feet.

 Visitors take to the boardwalk as it reopened in Long Beach, NY this morning 
Visitors take to the boardwalk as it reopened in Long Beach, NY this morning Credit: Getty Images - Getty
 Frontline workers were less likely to have the virus
Frontline workers were less likely to have the virus
 Cuomo urged parents to be vigilant about MIS-C
Cuomo urged parents to be vigilant about MIS-CCredit: Splash News
Cuomo takes coronavirus test during LIVE press briefing as governor warns not enough New Yorkers are getting tested


 

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