National Guard Called To Assist With One-Mile Containment Zone In New York

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread through New York, health officials have designated a one-mile area near the epicenter of the outbreak as a containment zone.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that schools, some businesses, and facilities that "bring large quantities of people together," will have to close for the next two weeks. The order will also impact religious gatherings at churches, synagogues, and temples. He said that people living in the area, which covers most of the city of New Rochelle and part of Eastchester, are free to move about unless they are quarantined by health officials.

"We are not containing people," Cuomo said. "We are containing facilities."

He said the New York National Guard will be called in to assist with cleaning and disinfecting the area, which is located in Westchester County. They will also help deliver food and supplies to people who are stuck in their homes.

There have been 174 confirmed cases of the virus in New York, with most of the cases being reported in Westchester County. As of Tuesday, officials identified ten new cases, bringing the total number in the county to 108.

"New Rochelle at this point is probably the largest cluster in the U.S. of these cases," Cuomo said. "It's a significant issue for us."

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Photo: Getty Images