New York's coronavirus death toll rose above 7,000 as a record number of people died in a 24-hour period.

Governor Andrew Cuomo Thursday morning announced that 799 COVID-19 deaths had been recorded over the past day. He said at least 7,067 people now have died due to the coronavirus.

Cuomo said the number of deaths is "shocking and painful." He said health experts had foreseen the rise in deaths as the number of hospitalizations increased in recent days.

The governor said additional funeral directors will be brought in to provide assistance because of the rising death toll.

Cuomo said the global community initially underestimated the power of the virus to kill. He said it's important for New Yorkers to continue social distancing practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

A flag flies at half-staff at Otsiningo Park in the town of Dickinson on April 9, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A flag flies at half-staff at Otsiningo Park in the town of Dickinson on April 9, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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