NEW YORK - Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday unveiled the city's new coronavirus data tracking portal which shows a continued downward trend in hospitalizations, something he says is the result of all New Yorkers being on the same team when it comes to adhering to social distancing measures.
Starting today, three metrics will be posted online to help people track progress.
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Mayor de Blasio says all three indicators have to move down in unison over a prolonged period of time before the city moves on to the next phase and can start on the path to a more normal life.
"This is a very good day. This is day one. Now we got to keep working all together to keep these numbers going in the right direction," De Blasio said.
The first indicator shows hospital admissions for those suspected to have the coronavirus.
As of Saturday, there were 383, which is down from 463 Friday.
The second shows the number of people admitted to intensive care. Currently that's 835 people, down from 857.
The third indicator is the percentage of those who are positive of everyone that tested for COVID-19
That is currently 58.1 percent of people, down from 59.3 percent.
Meanwhile, the mayor is urging the NYC Rent Guidelines Board to enact a rent freeze. He's also calling on the state to allow renters to use security deposits for rent.
Through 311, he is launching a tenant support effort so renters can know their rights and options.
The mayor is also urging the state to allow tenants who have lost their income to defer payments for 12 months and get back on track via a payment plan.
There’s currently a 90 day moratorium on tenant evictions, ordered by Governor Cuomo. De Blasio says it should be extended for 60 days after he crisis is over. If a tenant can document they’ve lost their job, he says rent should be deferred.
The city is also launching a $10 million campaign targeting 88 of the city's zip codes most impacted by the virus.
Mayor de Blasio says TV, radio, and digital ads will be launched in 15 different languages in these communities to get more information out about COVID-19 and clear up misconceptions.
Mayor de Blasio also announced Monday that alternate side parking will be suspended through April 28.
He says he will continue providing updates as that date gets closer.