#Coronavirus cases plummet in New York after Friday surge

In a big relief for New York, COVID-19 cases dropped by nearly 200, one day after State Department of Health officials reported an alarming 918 new infections.

Eleven people died in the past 24 hours, bringing the statewide toll to 24,896.

New cases had dipped to 391 on June 29, but crept up to 918 on Friday, but fell to 726 on July 4.

Gov. Cuomo reminded New Yorkers on Saturday to continue wearing masks: “I can’t think of a more patriotic thing,” he said.

Across the river, revelers and sun bathers flocked to New Jersey beaches and boardwalks — many mask-free.

Restrictions mounted in states with surging COVID-19 cases. Hard-hit LA closed beaches, but people tanned on sidewalks.

In Texas, a Houston-area judge banned outdoor gatherings of 10 or more people. Fireworks shows for more than 100 people were allowed — but only if they watched in cars.

Around the world, the virus spread in Russia, days after citizens voted to keep President Vladimir Putin in power until 2036. It reported 6,632 new cases in a 24-hour period, with 168 people dying.

In Brazil, second only to the US in COVID-19 cases and deaths, President Jair Bolsonaro vetoed parts of a law that required people to wear masks in shopping malls, stores, religious temples, and other closed places. But cities can still mandate the measures.

In Mexico, new checkpoints were added along its US border this weekend. “Whichever side of the border you live on, this is NOT the time to cross to shop, eat, or visit family on the other side,” US Ambassador Christopher Landau tweeted.

Also, the World Health Organization announced it is ending a trial into whether anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine helps patients hospitalized with COVID-19, the AP reported.