Coronavirus cases surpass 10,000 statewide, 1,200 in Nassau: governor

Gov. Andrew Cuomo called on New Yorkers Saturday morning to practice greater social responsibility as reported coronavirus cases, he said, climbed to more than 10,000 statewide.

Nassau County had 1,234 cases, 480 of them new, as of Saturday, according to the governor.

New York City had the most, with more than 6,000, and Westchester the second most, with close to 1,400.

Increased testing, the governor said, had led to greater detection — hence, the increase in the number of cases. New York had tested more than 45,000 people, he said — double the number in California or Washington.

"We're actually looking for positives," Cuomo said.

New York City was expected to have a greater number of cases than other parts of the state, he said, because "this virus spreads in density."

At the same time the governor was looking to increase hosptial capacity, he urged people to take personal responsibility for their actions and practice "social distancing."

He had heard and seen reports of people not adhering to state guidelines and mandates against gathering in groups, particularly in New York City parks. He planned to make the trip from Albany to the city later on Saturday, he said, to see for himself.

"You need social distancing everywhere . . .," Cuomo said. "I want people to think about social responsibility when it comes to public health."

"Your actions can save or endanger a life . . .," he told New Yorkers. "My last point is, practice humanity."

The governor said he recognized the significant mental health challenges for people who must stay at home. He called on retired psychologists and therapists to form a voluntary network to assistant with a looming mental health crisis.

Those interested in helping can go to health.ny.gov/assistance.