When does an "uptick" in new coronavirus cases become a “surge” or even a "wave"? New York City and New York State have seen a steady increase of people testing positive since the late summer. This week Mayor de Blasio said, “We have one last chance to stop a second wave”—but only if people get very serious about changing their behavior. If they don't, and the rate of people being hospitalized starts to resemble other parts of the country, the city could be looking at more lockdowns.