Apr 1, 2021
- As the warmer weather and increased economic activity bring more people out of their homes, making sure that every New Yorker gets vaccinated is more important than ever. The fight against COVID is far from over. I urge eligible New Yorkers to make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and urge everyone to continue to take the safety precautions that will help us beat back the infection rate. It's going to take the work of all of us to get back to what we love. It's up to us, New York.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 4,604. Of the 239,652 tests reported yesterday, 8,888, or 3.71 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 3.58 percent. There were 894 patients in ICU yesterday, down five from the previous day. Of them, 545 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 56 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 31.0 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 233,754 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 9,655,705 total doses with 18.5 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. To date, New York has conducted 45 million COVID tests. Testing is a key priority to getting New York back on track. Getting tested for COVID regularly is a great way to ensure your health and the health of those around you. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, get tested. Find a testing site near you. You can also call 1-888-364-3065 to make a free appointment at a New York State-run testing location.
4. Starting today, domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory. While no longer required, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all safety guidelines to stop the spread—wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Potsdam, New York—come for the vaccine, stay for the incredible scenery. The village of Potsdam has a small population of only 16,000 people, but the herculean efforts of the staff at the SUNY Potsdam vaccination site have led to more than 50,000 vaccine doses administered so far, with many people coming from hours away. Nestled right near the Canadian border, those who make the trip to Potsdam are treated to the stunning scenery of the North Country—and with the spring, the snow-tipped mountains will soon transform into lush green forest scapes.
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