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.
"[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.
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).
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."
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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.