Mayor: NYC Should Prep For Shelter In Place Order

March 17, 2020 Coronavirus, Government

In New York City — where there are 814 confirmed COVID-19 cases — a shelter-in-place order has not been ruled out as an option. “Even though a decision has not yet been made … New Yorkers should be prepared for a shelter-in-place order,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.

He added that he expects a decision in the next 48 hours. If a shelter-in-place order goes into effect, the New York Police Department does not anticipate police enforcement.

“We would encourage, urge and educate,” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a statement provided to ABC News. “We are confident New Yorkers will do what is necessary to get through this crisis.”

.@NYCMayor Bill de Blasio says New York City will be able to offer #coronavirus tests to 5,000 people per day within the next few days. (Results expected to be available within 1-2 days after the test, he said).

— Caroline Orr (@RVAwonk) March 17, 2020

“Even though a decision has not yet been made…New Yorkers should be prepared for a shelter in place order,” Mayor de Blasio said during a news conference. https://t.co/NJdD2uguT6 pic.twitter.com/H32oCm4GMY

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) March 17, 2020