Jun 24, 2021
- Today we close out the emergency chapter in the pandemic—effective today, New York's COVID-19 State of Emergency has ended. Federal CDC guidance will remain in place, meaning if you're unvaccinated, you should still wear a mask in public indoors. Masks will also still be required on public transit and certain other settings, like health care facilities. Fighting COVID and vaccinating New Yorkers are still our top priorities but the emergency is over—and that's thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers and especially all our essential workers. We will continue to focus on COVID recovery and reimagining and rebuilding New York.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations are at 442. Of the 113,108 tests reported yesterday, 343, or 0.30 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.35 percent. There were 101 patients in ICU yesterday, down one from the previous day. Of them, 60 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 5 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 71.3 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 56,547 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,759,365 total doses with 63.5 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State's Vaccine Tracker.
3. The state will provide $25 million in child care scholarships for essential workers. As of June 23, 2021, these scholarships are the first in a series of new investments to support working families and the child care industry through the federal CARES Act. Apply here.
4. I signed the Safe Staffing Bill to improve the care given at our health care facilities. This law will give nurses and other health care facility staff stronger voices at their hospitals and ensure that these facilities collaboratively plan for the future.
5. Free child care is available to parents and caregivers getting vaccinated or recovering from the vaccine. From now until July 4, parents and caregivers can sign up for free child care if they need additional support while getting the COVID-19 vaccine or recovering from the vaccine.
6. There's only one drawing left in the State's Vaccine Scholarship Incentive. Today, we announced the fourth group of winners of the State's Vaccine Scholarship incentive. These ten vaccinated New Yorkers will attend a SUNY or CUNY school with their tuition and room & board covered. There is only one drawing (and ten scholarships) left, so spread the word and participate while you still can. Parents can learn more here: ny.gov/vaccinescholarship.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Ten years ago today, New York made history and became the first big state to pass marriage equality. Over the coming weeks, the earliest married same-sex couples in the state will celebrate their 10-year anniversaries. One such couple is Katrina and Tiffany Olson-Hopkins, who got married on July 24, 2011. The New York City-based couple will celebrate their anniversary with their newborn six-month-old daughter. Congratulations Katrina and Tiffany.
Ever Upward,