Sep 1, 2020
Fall is a special time in New York State. It is fast approaching, and we want to make sure families and communities can safely enjoy all the season has to offer. Today, new guidance was released on seasonal activities, which include corn mazes, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations, hayrides and haunted houses, on how to operate this year.
New Yorkers can also visit New York's wonderful farmers' markets and craft beverage trails, which have remained open under guidance and thereby support agriculture and tourism. With guidance in place these businesses can open to the public safely, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy their favorite fall activities while providing a boost to our farming communities and local economies.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. The total number of hospitalizations remains low. Yesterday, there were 432 total hospitalizations. Of the 76,997 tests reported yesterday, 754, or 0.98 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost 3 New Yorkers to the virus. The positive rate in Western New York was 1.6 percent yesterday, which is elevated compared to the rest of the state. If you live in Buffalo or the Western NY region, take special precautions and I encourage you to get a test.
2. Alaska and Montana have been added to New York's COVID travel advisory. The two states join 31 other states and territories from which travelers arriving to New York must self-quarantine for 14 days. See the full list here.
3. Today is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Due to the pandemic, there is a national shortage of poll workers, and New York State needs your help. Poll workers are essential to ensure that the election runs smoothly throughout New York's early voting period and on November 3rd, Election Day. The positions are PAID. To be eligible as a poll worker, you must be a registered voter in New York State.
4. Tomorrow, three free rapid testing sites will open in Oneonta to address a COVID cluster. The new temporary testing sites at St. James Church, the Oneonta Armory, and the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center will open in the City of Oneonta, Otsego County, tomorrow at 11 a.m. The sites will remain open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Testing is by appointment only — you can schedule yours by calling 1-833-NYSTRNG (1-833-697-8764)
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": One symbol of the fall season is the full orange moon that illuminates the sky, which is known as the "Corn Moon." Native Americans used this celestial phenomenon to indicate when it was time to harvest the corn. You can see the first Corn Moon of the year this evening.
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