NYS Coronavirus Update: 20 Million Doses -- State Fair to Return at 100% Capacity

- We've come a long way in six months. Exactly six months ago, on December 14, 2020, Sandra Lindsay, an ICU nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, became the first person in the nation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, more than 20 million vaccine doses have been administered in New York State alone. As of today, exactly half of all New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and our adult vaccination rate is a hair's breadth away from 70 percent—the goal we set when we will lift most remaining COVID restrictions. After Sandra Lindsay received her first dose, she said, "There is hope." She was right. Now we must continue to get out the word to unvaccinated New Yorkers and work to accelerate the reopening of our state.

Photo of the Day: Six months ago today, Sandra Lindsay received the first COVID-19 vaccine dose in the nation outside of a trial setting
(Photo by Kevin Coughlin)

1. COVID hospitalizations fell to 617. Of the 61,634 tests reported yesterday, 320, or 0.52 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.41 percent, among the lowest in the nation. There were 163 patients in ICU yesterday, down seven from the previous day. Of them, 92 are intubated. Sadly, we lost seven New Yorkers to the virus.

2. As of 11am this morning, 69.9 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. After we reach 70 percent, most remaining COVID restrictions will be lifted. Over the past 24 hours, 37,284 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,099,155 total doses with 61.3 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State's Vaccine Tracker.

3. The Great New York State Fair will reopen at 100 percent capacity. The State Fair is an iconic New York tradition, and I'm so glad the Fair can reopen at full capacity, given the incredible progress we have made in bringing the number of COVID cases down. Most popular buildings at the Fairgrounds will be open, adhering to health guidelines. The State Fair will be an 18-day-long event featuring New York's best food and drink, rides and games, entertainment, and agricultural education. We hope we'll see you in Syracuse at the end of summer!

4. Get a shot, get a free bus pass. New York State is partnering with six public transportation providers in Upstate New York to incentivize more New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Anyone who shows proof of vaccination from June 15 to July 14 at participating transportation redemption centers will receive an unlimited seven-day public transportation pass. Participating providers include the Capital District Transportation Authority, Greater Glens Falls Transit, Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit and Broome County Transit. Learn more.

5. Reminder that applications for the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program are open. Business owners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for grants of up to $50,000.

6. Today we announced grant funding is available for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and artists. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on many artists and performers, but we are committed to reviving the arts and culture—they are part of what makes New York so special. The New York State Council on the Arts will offer four rounds of flexible funding grants, with applications opening on Wednesday, June 16. Learn more.

Ever Upward,