Apr 28, 2021
- The COVID numbers continue to point in the right direction, allowing us to increase economic activity even more. Beginning May 17, the 12am outdoor dining area curfew for bars and restaurants will be lifted. The 12am indoor dining area curfew will be lifted on May 31. We will also lift the 1am curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result beginning May 17 (with the curfew for all catered events set to be lifted May 31). Lifting these restrictions will help businesses and bring us all closer to a new normal. However, we will only able to maintain this progress as more people get the COVID vaccine to protect themselves and our communities. With walk-in appointments available at all NYS mass vaccination sites beginning tomorrow—all you have to do is show up. If you've already gotten the vaccine, help us spread the word!
Image of the Day: Starting tomorrow, all mass vaccination sites will accept walk-in appointments for all eligible New Yorkers. Get vaccinated, NY.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 3,117, the lowest since November 26. Of the 173,527 tests reported yesterday, 3,146, or 1.81 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 2.02 percent. There were 712 patients in ICU yesterday, down 16 from the previous day. Of them, 444 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 32 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 45.1 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 217,141 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 14,920,139 total doses with 32.6 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. Starting May 3, seating will be allowed at bars in New York City. Lifting this restriction will make New York City consistent with the food services guidance currently in effect in the rest of the state.
4. Catered events can resume at private residences beginning May 3. Events can be held above the State's residential gathering of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as long as the events adhere to safety guidelines and they are staffed by a professional, licensed caterer and do not violate any local or municipal laws.
5. Erie County is partnering with local breweries to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccines. As part of the "Shot and Chaser" program, participating breweries will set up pop-up vaccination clinics and adults age 21 and up can stop by for a vaccine and receive a beer on the house. The program also applies for the second shot. So far, Resurgence and Flying Bison brewing companies in South Buffalo have agreed to join the effort.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": A gifted 12-year-old is receiving both a high school and college diploma in the same week. During the pandemic, Mike Wimmer from Salisbury, North Carolina, took extra dual enrollment classes and will receive an associate's degree from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College alongside his high school diploma from Concord Academy High School. Wimmer has a deep love for robotics and technology and said "[his] entrepreneurial goal is to build technology that enables people to live better lives."
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