A military-aided 1-mile containment area will be developed to stop a growing cluster of coronavirus cases in a New York City suburb, CNN reports.
New Rochelle, N.Y., has reported 108 cases of COVID-19, likely the largest cluster in the U.S. and the majority of the state's 173 cases.
"The numbers are going up unabated, and we do need a special public health strategy for New Rochelle," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, according to CNN.
Due to the geographic spread pattern of contagious viruses, the containment area will be a circle with a mile radius, according to Howard Zucker, MD, state health commissioner. The circle will encompass a synagogue believed to be the epicenter of the outbreak.
Large facilities and schools in the area will shut down for two weeks starting March 12, though smaller stores will be allowed to remain open, Mr. Cuomo said, adding that it was a matter of life and death.
The National Guard will deliver food and help clean public spaces. A satellite testing facility will also be set up.
Of the 173 cases, 14 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Nationally, 804 COVID-19 cases and 28 related deaths have been reported as of 2 p.m., March 10.