Jul 21, 2020
As infection rates increase in 41 states, our numbers remain low, thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers and our cautious, data-driven reopening process. Yesterday, we suffered 2 COVID-fatalities in New York, our lowest death toll since the pandemic began — with zero fatalities in New York City. While today's numbers are encouraging, we must remain vigilant.
The virus can and will cross state lines and one state can only do so much to protect itself from COVID. It takes community to stop community spread.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Ten additional states have been added to New York's travel advisory list. The newly-added states are Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia and Washington. Minnesota has been removed from the State's travel advisory. Individuals traveling to New York from the following states must quarantine for 14 days: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. More information about the travel advisory can be found here.
2. The State Liquor Authority suspended the liquor license of four bars and restaurants — three in Queens and one in Suffolk County. From the beginning, outdoor dining has not meant outdoor drinking and partying. The state will suspend the liquor licenses for businesses not in compliance. Since the start of COVID, the State Liquor Authority has brought 410 charges against establishments for violating the Executive Orders and suspended 27 licenses for violations.
3. If college sports resume in the fall, no fans will be allowed. Just like with professional sports, college athletics can resume but no fans or spectators will be permitted at stadiums.
4. The number of total hospitalizations continues to remain low. Yesterday, there were 724 total hospitalizations. The State conducted 66,169 tests, of which 855, 1.29% were positive. We lost 2 New Yorkers to the virus — the lowest number of fatalities since the first day of the pandemic.
5. Several outdoor NYC venues are opening this week. The Bronx Zoo, the Central Park Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, the Empire State Building observation deck and outdoor sections of Liberty Island are among the iconic spots opening this week, with capacity limits in place.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": What has been a quarantine hobby for most has turned into a booming New York City business for French actor Richaud Valls. Valls recreated a baguette recipe from his childhood in France and started delivering the fresh bread to his community. The loaves proved so popular, Valls will be opening a cafe in the West Village later this month.
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