This is really sad...but the sad fact is that this virus is going to take lives...a lot of them...and there's no stopping it by the time this is over.
What he is really saying is that he doesn't want to lose lives that can survive with some medical treatment. Overloaded hospitals will cost lives. That's what NYC is facing if their quarantine is lifted.
If you're referring to the video that I just posted (which I assume you are and I was going to tell you about it anyways if you didn't find it yourself) I can't imagine how quarantine can be worse than getting that sick. I look at it like I'm safe at home not stuck at home. Sure I miss going out and hanging out with my friends, but it's just as well that everything's closed because it just isn't worth it in my book.