We have new guidance for New Yorkers:

We're advising New Yorkers to wear a face covering when you go outside and near others. It can be a scarf, a bandana or one you make at home. But PLEASE: save medical masks for our health care workers & first responders who truly need them.

This is a new precaution our health experts recommend based on evidence published in the last 24 hours.

It doesn’t replace social distancing. We want you to keep that 6-foot distance from others we’ve been talking about!

Face coverings are an added precaution to protect others in case you have contracted COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms.

I spoke with the President today about what we will face next week and our urgent need of 2,500 to 3,000 ventilators immediately. He understands the number of beds we're adding. We had a good conversation and I'm thankful for the help we've received, but we need more immediately.

I was clear with the President that we need nothing less than the full mobilization of the military. This is a wartime dynamic and right now too much of what is happening is on a peacetime basis. There's a disconnect we have to fix immediately because this crisis is only growing.

We need a national enlistment of medical personnel. Anyone with medical training that can be spared needs to come to the front. Today the front is NYC, but it will be all 50 states.

If we're going to save lives it means enlisting health professionals in national service.

400 ventilators have come in and we’ll rapidly put them in place, thanks to the resupply just sent by the State and federal government.

We will get through Sunday, but we need 2,500 to 3,000 more next week to save lives. THAT should be a national priority.

If you’re in private practice, if you’re a veterinarian, if you’re a plastic surgeon: we need your ventilator NOW. Go to  http://nyc.gov/helpnow  or call 833-NYC-0040.

Small business update: starting tomorrow the federal Paycheck Protection Program opens up.

It's a $350 billion loan program for businesses and non-profits up to 500 employees. It's first come, first serve. Apply as early as possible Friday morning at  http://SBA.gov .

The worst weeks are ahead but we will NOT give in. That's not who we are. Today I saw resolve, toughness and the incredible spirit of perseverance. I'm very, very proud of you all.

I have no question we will see this through together.