New York’s $61bn budget deficit hinders COVID-19 battle

As Congress debates financial aid to states, New York, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, is facing a $61bn budget deficit.

And there are warnings that it is hurting essential services trying to save lives during the pandemic.

Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey spoke to emergency medical technicians who warn a lack of funding in their department is already hurting the community it serves.