Wear mask to respect medical workers killed saving lives: NY governor

NEW YORK - New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday urged New Yorkers to wear masks out of respect for the nurses and doctors who have died saving other people's lives.

During his daily press briefing, Cuomo called the face mask a sign of respect for others, as the state reported 195 new deaths from COVID-19.

He said New Yorkers should wear face masks as a sign of respect for the nurses and doctors who have died to protect people from the pandemic, warning that the state is still not out of danger.

The number of 195 deaths recorded in New York was a jump from 161 the previous day, but was about a quarter of the highest daily tally a month ago. Hospitalization rates also continued to decline, said the governor.

The state requires people to wear face coverings when in close proximity to others in public. Cuomo stressed the "reciprocal responsibility," as some upstate areas prepare to start phased-reopening of economic activities this week.

As of Tuesday evening, there have been more than 343,000 COVID-19 cases, with over 27,000 deaths in New York State.