New York orders malls closed amid outbreak

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New York state has ordered the indoor portions of malls closed, including Green Acres in Valley Stream, effective tomorrow, March 19 at 8 p.m. in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus infection. The mandate is limited to malls' interior gathering places. Stores with their own exterior entrances may remain open. 

The executive order was made by Gov. Andrew Cuomo at around 2 p.m. today, and also mandates the closure of amusement parks, bowling alleys, museums, zoos, arcades and other family entertainment establishments. 

The move comes after New York closed its restraurants and bars Monday, and banned gatherings of 50 or more people as the number of confirmed coronavirus infections has reached 2,382 statewide — the highest in the country — with 278 confirmed cases in Nassau as of today. Yesterday, the county announced its first two deaths from the disease.