Jul 14, 2020
New Yorkers showed incredible regard for one another throughout this pandemic, which resulted in huge progress in the fight against the virus. But now complacency and lack of compliance pose a threat.
Here's a true story about how quickly COVID can spread. There was a Fourth of July party in Suffolk County. At least one person was COVID positive. Since the party, over 20% of the people who attended have tested positive for the virus. It only takes one person at one party to spread COVID. Wear a mask and be smart. It's the only way to continue to keep one another safe.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Four additional states have been added to New York's travel advisory list. The newly-added states are Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin. Delaware has been removed from the State's travel advisory. Individuals traveling to New York from the following states must quarantine for 14 days: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
2. Travelers from hotspot states can be fined for non-compliance of quarantine rules. Please help spread the word to anyone traveling from the designated states that they must complete a Traveler Health Form. If you are a NYS resident returning from any of these hotspots and do not have appropriate accommodations for quarantine, please call your local health department.
3. The number of total hospitalizations remains stable at a low level. Yesterday, there were 820 total hospitalizations. The State conducted 60,045 tests, of which 912, or 1.5% were positive. Sadly, we lost 5 New Yorkers to the virus.
4. Get a copy of the New York Tough poster. Yesterday, I unveiled a historical-styled poster that visualizes our state's struggle with COVID. You can pre-order your poster here.
5. Remember that tomorrow is the deadline to file both your federal and New York State taxes. The federal income tax filing deadline was extended until July 15, 2020. Because New York State requires electronic filing, the data for filing state personal income taxes automatically travels with the federal filing date.
6. Tomorrow, July 15th, is the last day for the special enrollment for health insurance. New Yorkers without health insurance can apply for a health plan through the NY State of Health Health Plan Marketplace.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Their plans for a 25th anniversary concert were put on hold due to the pandemic, but the New York City Community Chorus still found a way to rehearse and perform remotely. The chorus came together for a virtual concert of Carole King and Gerry Goffin's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." Watch the performance here.
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