Gov. Cuomo: Covid-19 has killed twice as many in N.Y. as 9/11

Drop in hospitalization rate may point to a plateau, though

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The number of Covid-19 deaths spiked to its highest overnight number yet from Tuesday into Wednesday, with 779 losing their lives, Governor Cuomo said Wednesday.

That deadly night brought the total number of deaths statewide to 6,268 — more than double the number of people who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Cuomo said.

It was unclear how many from Nassau might have died. County Executive Laura Curran said she was still awaiting word.

She noted, however, that the number of Covid-19 patients discharged from hospitals outpaced the number who were admitted for the third straight day, and the number of patients on ventilators dropped by 24 overnight, bringing the total to 449. That may mean the county is reaching or has reached a plateau of cases, she said.

The governor urged people to continue social distancing to save lives. Social distancing, he said, appears to be working, as the state is seeing a steady decrease in the hospitalization rate.

Cuomo, speaking in some of the strongest terms he has used yet, called Covid-19 a “vicious predator of a virus” that preys on those whose health has already been compromised because of underlying medical conditions.

Social distancing, he said, is about protecting the most vulnerable in society.

The governor ordered all American flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the dead.

By executive order, he also is allowing all New Yorkers to vote by absentee ballot for the June 23 primaries.

And all unemployed New Yorkers will receive an additional $600 payment, and unemployment benefits have been extended from 25 to 39 weeks.