New York Coronavirus cases top 20,000 as new restrictions start

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday warned of a "challenging week ahe" as a statewide lockdown took effect amid worries city of 8.4 million people is becoming one of world's biggest hot spots in spre of new Coronavirus.

More than 12,000 people have tested positive in city and almost 100 have died. 20,000 cases are reported in state.

De Blasio said he h spoken with US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence about city's urgent need for medical supplies to curb spre of virus.

De Blasio told a news conference that 400 ventilators w arriving from federal stockpile will make "a huge difference."

New Yorkers on Monday experienced ir first full day of severe as number of cases in state continued to surge.

All of state's "nessential" businesses were ordered closed by 8 p.m. Sunday under an order that also banned nessential garings of individuals.

New Yorkers may still go outside ir homes to pick up groceries or exercise but must stay 6 feet away from anyone who isn't a member of ir household.

For most people, new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness including pneumonia, but vast majority of people recover from virus.

pandemic has infected more than 374,000 people and killed over 16,000.

More than 100,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.