Mar 30, 2021
- Today, vaccine eligibility opened up to all New Yorkers age 30 and up, and we are getting shots in arms as fast as our supply allows. We know the key to defeating COVID once and for all is getting every single New Yorker vaccinated. Nearly one out of every three New Yorkers has already received at least one dose of the vaccine. But while this progress is welcome, the virus is still out there and poses a significant threat. We must keep up the practices we know stop the spread: wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands and remain vigilant, New York. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer, but we're still not there yet.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations rose to 4,715. Of the 151,437 tests reported yesterday, 6,488, or 4.23 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 3.43 percent. There were 903 patients in ICU yesterday, up 13 from the previous day. Of them, 523 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 61 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 29.9 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 172,128 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 9,229,098 total doses with 17.3 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. Collegiate sports can bring fans back to the stands under strict state guidelines beginning April 2. Intercollegiate sports at large-scale venues that hold more than 1,500 attendees indoors or 2,500 attendees outdoors can host up to 10 percent indoor or 20 percent outdoor capacity. All attendees must present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or completed COVID-19 immunization prior to entry. Colleges and universities hosting spectators for sporting events at large-scale venues must notify and coordinate with their respective state or local health department, aligning with the state guidance for professional sports competitions with spectators.
4. Become a New York State Citizen Public Health Leader. To continue the fight against COVID and prepare for the next public health emergency, the State launched a free, online Citizen Public Health Training course for New Yorkers, in partnership with Cornell University and supported by the State University of New York. This program will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state. Enroll today.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": New Yorker and actor Kaliswa Brewster became an avid runner in 2017, but the past year posed challenges that prevented Brewster from keeping up with her running. After recovering from skin cancer just before the pandemic started, Kaliswa caught COVID-19 and was sick at home for months. But now she's beaten both cancer and COVID. She's back running again and will participate in this year's Virtual NYC Half Marathon.
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