Jun 8, 2020
From Governor Cuomo @ 7:35 PM on June 8:
Today is Day 100 since we had our first confirmed COVID case in New York State. And with New York City entering Phase 1 today, the entire state is in the reopening process. At the outset, no one knew how long it would take us to control the virus. But we did understand that it all depended on our actions. I'm so proud of how New Yorkers responded. Together we bent the curve. When things are tough, New Yorkers are tougher. Now we will move forward by region smartly.
Photo of the Day: On New York's first day of reopening, I rode the 7 Line. If it wasn't safe, I wouldn't ask anyone to go on the subway.
(Photo by Don Pollard)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. NY is launching the "It's Up To Us, New York" campaign to remind New Yorkers to keep doing their part to fight Coronavirus. The campaign will appear across social media, on MTA buses and trains and on billboards across the state. I want to remind New Yorkers that masks are mandatory when riding public transportation systems and to follow all guidelines and protocols when riding, including maintaining social distancing to the extent possible, using hand sanitizer and observing decal guidance.
2. The MTA is taking unprecedented steps to keep riders and workers safe, including cleaning and disinfecting trains and buses daily. Since May 6th, the MTA has cleaned and disinfected 30,000 stations and cleaned and disinfected 500,000 subway cars. The MTA is also piloting the use of proven UV light technology to clean subway cars and crew facilities. The state is deploying over one million masks, and 25,000 gallons and 500,000 2-oz. bottles of sanitizer for the MTA for reopening.
3. New York City is now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care. I previously announced that the state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term.
4. We continue to focus efforts on reducing the infection rate of COVID-19 in New York City hotspot neighborhoods where residents have been most impacted by the virus. In partnership with Northwell Health and SOMOS Community Care, the state is opening 14 new temporary testing sites at churches located in communities that were hit hardest by COVID.
5. I encourage all New Yorkers who have participated in recent protests to get tested for COVID-19. There are now more than 240 testing sites in New York City, and the state is prioritizing 15 testing sites across the city for individuals who have participated in recent protests. More information on where and how to get tested is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov. Getting a test is easy and it's the responsible thing to do.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Last night, landmarks across the state were lit in blue and gold and projected "New York Tough" to honor New Yorkers' extraordinary bravery and discipline throughout this extremely challenging period. You have all personified, for this nation and the world, what it means to be New York Tough. See the full gallery of illuminated landmarks here.
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