CHENANGO COUNTY – On Monday New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an update to the state's strategy to limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Among several other actions, Cuomo called on the federal government to spend billions helping New York State prepare and test for cases.

“Build more hospital capacity now,” he told the federal government.

Cuomo said the state needed thousands of more hospital beds or it would be overwhelmed and only the resources of the federal government could act quickly enough. The governor warned the state was following the same trends of infection as seen in Italy and China and the worse was ahead.

Referring to the potential influx of patients on the state's medical system in the coming months he said, “We are looking at a war no one has seen before.” He went on to warn. “Plan forward, plan forward.”

Of the 729 cases in New York so far about one in five people contracting the virus require hospitalization. He compared the possible health crisis as a wave about to hit the healthcare system.

“We know what is going to happen, because we have the data and the projection. Look at China, look at South Korea, look at Italy and just plot the numbers. You know the curve, you know how effective you are at flattening the curve. We are now looking at a wave.”

The state recommends avoiding social and recreational gatherings of more than 50 people.

President Donald Trump and the CDC went a step further Monday afternoon and recommended citizens should avoid groups of 10 or more.

NY ordered all movie theaters, gyms, and casinos temporarily closed, effective Monday night at 8 p.m., until further notice.

Cuomo also announced that restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. These establishments will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol.

"Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn't crash our healthcare system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that," said Cuomo. "This is not a war that can be won alone, which is why New York is partnering with our neighboring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents 'state shopping' where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa. I have called on the federal government to implement nationwide protocols but in their absence we are taking this on ourselves."

The new protocols have impacted local business owners and their employees, leaving many locals without work.

Elizabeth Ulfik, co-owner of Norwich gym Evolve Fitness, said "It's a really tough situation. We were hoping it would not come to this but at the end of the day if this is what we can do to help flatten the curve and improve the situation, we'll do what we have to and make the best of it. We want our members to keep it positive and remember this too shall pass. We're not just a gym, we're a family and we'll get through this. This is going to be hard on our staff and on our business but if we work together as a community and remain calm and reasonable we'll preserve."

Some restaurants are implementing a delivery service to allow them to stay in business. Rebecca Walling, General Manager of The Stadium in Oxford stated that the restaurant will still be providing food to school kids who can't access school lunches, no questions asked. However, the limitations on the restaurant will have a effect on the business.

"It's definitely going to be crippling for businesses and workers, servers and bartenders work for tips and with no dining services that is going to limit their income. We didn't offer delivery before this, so now we are going to try to build our delivery service," said Walling.

Schools in Chenango County have been closed to students until April 14. Many schools spent yesterday preparing take home packets and lesson plans to keep students on track with their studies.

Lucy Geguzis, a local nurse and mother of four, says that the schools have been working hard to make the transition as smooth as possible for parents.

"I'm hoping it wont have that bad of an impact on my family, but only time will tell. I know trying to keep up with four kids school work is going to be a challenge for us since my significant other runs his own business and I'm an essential worker being a nurse. I will probably be working more than just my normal shifts. Luckily I have my mom to fall back on for my child care most days. I know some people aren't that lucky. Unadilla Valley has sent the children books and iPads and they're constantly emailing and calling parents making sure we have wifi and devices to access the internet so they can send lessons and other things for the children so they don't fall behind," said Geguzis.

For those that don't have child care, 'The Place' in Norwich is still accepting enrollments for their KIDS school year program. The program currently has 52 students registered, but the program allows for up to 75 school aged children. Executive Director Sharon Vesely said they have financial assistance available for the program.

"Child care in the community is something that we've always done and families still need to work. We're just trying to meet the needs of families and ensure the well being of our staff, the children, and their families," said Vesely.

To learn more about the KIDS school year program visit theplacenorwich.com/kids-program.

The Norwich Family YMCA will also provide emergency school age care at its YMCA facility.

Y representatives said they are diligently working with state and local officials, including the Chenango County Department of Public Health, the New York State Office of Child and Family Services, as well as medical agencies to create a safe, effective plan to serve as many kids in the community as possible.

The "Emergency Childcare" for working parents and medical and emergency families will begin Tuesday morning at 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Financial assistance is available for participants.