Favorable trends in outbreak

Coronavirus numbers in New York continue to trend downward, with more than 99% of the most recent tests coming back negative, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday.

Only 703 of the 73,262 tests conducted Friday indicated coronavirus infection, while patient hospitalizations and the number of patients in intensive care units also declined.

“Today’s numbers show a continued, steady decline in our hospitalization and death rates, and proves that a response based on science, not politics, is the only way to defeat this virus,” the governor said.

“While this is good news, New Yorkers cannot become complacent — we must continue to remain vigilant and smart in the fight against COVID19.”

In New York City, the epicenter of the virus, only 1% of the Friday tests came back positive. New statewide patient hospitalizations stood at 908, down 43 from Thursday’s numbers.