Sep 4, 2020
This weekend, we celebrate the dedicated men and women throughout the state and across the country who comprise our incredible workforce. It was in New York that Labor Day was first celebrated, and we continue to fight for the respect, pride and dignity of all our workers. Over the long weekend, I encourage New Yorkers to be smart and be safe. Remember — COVID won't take a holiday and it continues to spread across the country. Wear a mask; be smart; plan well. Let's look out for one another.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Coronavirus newsletter will not publish on Labor Day. It will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. For the fourth straight week, New York's positive infection rate is below 1 percent. All of the State's COVID reporting data, including the number of tests conducted and the positive infection rate broken down by region, is available here.
2. The total number of hospitalizations remains low. Yesterday, there were 428 total hospitalizations. Of the 93,395 tests reported yesterday, 864, or 0.92 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost 5 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. Planning a trip? Stay local. New York State is full of local getaways perfect for single day or weekend trips. Read more about the many staycation options in the state, ranging from half-day trips to overnights and more.
4. A new online graphic novel collection shares personal stories of the COVID pandemic. The COVID Chronicles is a collection of personal stories made in partnership with Upshot Studios, depicting how many cope with the pandemic. From frontline workers to individuals who fought off the virus, these visual stories portray the unique ways the virus has affected us all.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": After recovering from COVID, New York City photographer AJ Stetson began taking photographic portraits of his housemates and New Yorkers in public spaces. In his collection of over 500 photos, Stetson beautifully captures the diversity and strength of New Yorkers during this challenging year.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State's Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,