New York, Nov 29 (IANS): New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have urged on New Yorkers to shop locally in an effort to support small businesses as the raging Covid-19 pandemic has forced most of them to stay at home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Both officials have repeatedly warned the citizens not to travel during the month-long holiday season from Thanksgiving till New Year, as going out to reunite with families or friends will fuel the spread of the coronavirus which has claimed 265,000 lives and had 90,000 people hospitalized nationwide, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Small businesses drive New York's economy and make our communities and neighbourhoods unique. Support your locally-owned small businesses. Shop local and shop safe, this Saturday and every day," Governor Cuomo tweeted on Saturday.

"This holiday season, be sure to shop local. Our small businesses are the cornerstones of their communities and the key to our recovery," Mayor de Blasio also said in a tweet.

"Today marks the 11th annual Small Business Saturday and this holiday season small businesses need our support more than ever. So whether online, curbside, safely in store, we can all help make an impact by shopping small," said a post on the Facebook page of Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country.

Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.