Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration on Monday launched a task force to examine best practices for pregnant women during this pandemic. 

Melissa DeRosa, the governor’s top aide, and the New York Sate Council on Women and Girls created a COVID-19 maternity task force that will look at authorizing and certifying birthing centers as an alternative to going to a hospital.

"Birth centers can serve as a safe alternative for low-risk pregnancies, relieving the strain on hospitals and providing a supportive environment for mothers during an already stressful time," DeRosa said. 

The task force will work with Regional Perinatal Centers and will make recommendations on the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancies. 

The task force will make its recommendations to the governor by the end of the week, DeRosa said.