Independent pharmacists to conduct diagnostic coronavirus tests: Cuomo

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order Saturday allowing independent pharmacists to conduct diagnostic coronavirus tests./REUTERS.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday during his daily briefing that the number of newcoronavirus cases went down on Friday, with around 1,100 new cases. "Only in this crazy reality would 1,100 be relatively good news, right?" Cuomo said.

He also announced that 437 people died on Friday, a slight uptick from Thursday's death toll.

"Just when you think you're going to have a good day, this reality slaps you in the face," Cuomo said.

He said he signed an executive order Saturday allowing independent pharmacists to conduct diagnostic coronavirus tests. Around 20,000 tests are being conducted in the state per day, but Cuomo said the goal is to increase the number of tests to 40,000 daily.

Additionally he is expanding the criteria for a person to obtain a diagnostic test.

Cuomo said the state was conducting antibody testing for health care workers in four New York City hospitals. Next week, transit workers and state and city police will also receive antibody testing.

Cuomo announced on Friday that 422 people died from the virus on Thursday, the lowest single-day death toll in the state since April 1.

SOURCE: CBS News