COVID Live Updates: New low in NY hospitalizations, 16 states break records

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Coronavirus has now killed nearly 147,000 people in the U.S.

Infections are surging across the south with Florida surpassing New York in the number of cases. 16 states have broken records for hospitalizations this week.

Meanwhile, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a drop in hospitalizations Saturday, falling to 637 -- a new low since March 18.

The state reported 3 new deaths, and of the 53,568 tests reported Saturday, 536 were positive.

And in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced 512 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 11 additional deaths.

Here are more of today's headlines:

LONG ISLAND BEACHES CLOSE

Lido Beach West and Jones Beach State Park have reached maximum capacity and are now closed, officials announced Sunday. There may also be closures on nearby parkways. Motorists should travel on alternate roadways when possible.

MORE ESTABLISHMENTS PUNISHED

More than 100 bars and restaurants in the New York City area were flagged for coronavirus social distancing violations this weekend, and some now face the possible suspension of their liquor licenses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday.

FLORIDA SURPASSES NY

Florida has surpassed New York in total statewide COVID-19 cases and is now second behind California.

Top 3 states in total COVID-19 cases:

California: 435,334

Florida: 414,511

New York: 411,200

HEALTH EXPERTS CALL FOR 2ND SHUTDOWN

"Shut it down now, and start over" is the message from health experts across the country as COVID-19 cases surge in more than 40 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the U.S. could see 175,000 confirmed coronavirus-related deaths by August 15.

More than 150 doctors endorsed an open letter to lawmakers, urging them to hit the restart button.

The letter, published on the United States Public Interest Research Group's website and penned by its public health campaigns director Matthew Wellington, blames the push to reopening the economy on the country's worsening health crisis and calls for all nonessential businesses to close.

MAN GOES HOME 122 DAYS LATER

A man who spent months battling COVID-19 and nearly died is back at home on Long Island. Anthony Bosco, a 62-year-old father of three, was released from rehab on Friday after spending 122 days fighting coronavirus.

Bosco, who recently retired as an MTA Safety training expert, suffered a series of complications and setbacks but pulled through.

NFL PLAYER OPTS OUT OF SEASON

Offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to opt out of the upcoming NFL season on Friday, choosing to put his medical degree to use on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic rather than helping the Kansas City Chiefs defend their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

TEXAS BARS DEFY ORDERS

Hundreds of Texas bar owners say they'll defy Gov. Greg Abbott's mandate that ordered them closed after a surge in coronavirus cases.

Fort Worth bar owner Chris Polone has organized what's labeled as "Freedom Fest," in which hundreds of bar owners say they'll open their doors and set 'em up Saturday. About 800 bar owners have promised participation, Polone told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which could place their state liquor licenses in jeopardy.

The Republican governor had allowed bars to reopen with restrictions, only to order them closed again on June 26 after the state experienced a resurgent outbreak in the virus that causes COVID-19.

NO SUMMER STREETS

The Department of Transportation is scrapping Summer Streets, the program where major roads are closed to cars on three Saturdays in August.

It cited the challenges of social distancing and noted that many roads are already closed for the Open Streets program to create more pedestrian space.

The Department of Transportation is scrapping Summer Streets, the program where major roads are closed to cars on three Saturdays in August.

LONGSTANDING RESTAURANT CLOSING

A long-standing restaurant in Lower Manhattan is closing its doors for good due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bennie's Thai Cafe on Fulton Street will serve its last meal Sunday after opening in 1996.

In a message to customers posted on their door, the restaurant's owners wrote proudly of withstanding the 9/11 attacks, the recession and Superstorm Sandy.

NJ REMOTE LEARNING OPTION

Parents in New Jersey will have the option to choose all-remote learning for their children for the upcoming school year. The New Jersey Department of Education released their guidance for parents who choose that option. Governor Phil Murphy said allowing parents the option to choose all-remote learning for their children will help decrease student density within our schools. He said it will also allow classroom spaces to stretch further to ensure proper social distancing for other students and staff. Students will have to abide by the same attendance and length-of-day rules.

NY STATE LIQUOR AUTHORITY ISSUES SUMMONSES

The New York State Police and the State Liquor Authority issued 37 summonses to bars and restaurants throughout the state. Governor Cuomo put out the call to local governments and police departments to do their jobs and help enforce regulations.

BLUE JAYS TO PLAY HOME GAMES IN BUFFALO

The displaced Toronto Blue Jays will play in Buffalo, New York, this year amid the pandemic. The Blue Jays said in a statement Friday that the greater part of their home schedule will be played at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, home of the club's Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons. General manager Ross Atkins had previously said that if team could not find a major league park, Buffalo would be their most likely site for home games.

WATCH THE SERIES: EYEWITNESS TO A PANDEMIC (Episode 6 below)

Suddenly, the brutal death of George Floyd while in the custody of police officers in Minneapolis filled the streets of a nation with rage and sorrow. New York was no different. Protesters put the fear of the virus aside and took to the streets by the thousands. Abandoning the safety and comfort of social distance, to demand social change.

abc7NY Phase Tracker:

COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates

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7 On Your Side Investigates: Up to 4,000 coronavirus cases prevented by NYC contact tracers

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio along with local health experts have repeatedly called contact tracing a key element in preventing another spike of coronavirus in the city.

REOPENING INFORMATION

What's Open, What's Closed

Reopening New York State

Reopening New Jersey

Reopening Connecticut

Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address