New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday urged businesses to allow people to work from home to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
"For a business that can allow more employees to telecommute, we want you to do that," de Blasio told a press briefing, according to CNBC. "We simply want to reduce the number of people on mass transit just to open up some more space.
"The challenge is people just packed like sardines," the mayor said.
Dr. Oxiris Barbot told New Yorkers to go to the the city's health website, NYC Well.
"What we want people to understand is that: A, there are resources, NYC Well; and B, the best way for all of us to respond to this is by having accurate information," she said.
De Blasio said small businesses with up to 100 employees might be eligible for zero-interest loans to cover their losses related to the virus.
De Blasio joined Gov. Andrew Cuomo in criticizing those who are raising the price of hand sanitizer during the outbreak. The mayor said businesses found in violation of price-gouging will be fined up to $500.