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 ahead" as a statewide lockdown took effect amid worries the city of 8.4 million people is becoming one of the world's biggest hot spots in the spread of the new Coronavirus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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.