Sep 9, 2020
New Yorkers have worked hard to comply with reopening guidelines and we have some good news. Starting September 30th, restaurants in New York City can reopen for indoor dining with a limit of 25 percent capacity. All restaurants that choose to reopen must adhere to strict safety protocols, including temperature checks, face coverings when not seated, increased ventilation and air filtration standards, among other safety protocols. Bar service will not be permitted, and restaurants will close at midnight. We will reassess the guidelines on November 1st based on data. Read more about NYC's indoor dining reopening here.
Photo of the Day: Artwork by Mierle Laderman Ukeles was unveiled on the face of the Queens Museum to thank essential workers for their dedicated service to NY
(Photo by Hai Zhang)
1. The total number of COVID hospitalizations continues to remain low. Yesterday, there were 463 total hospitalizations. Of the 63,230 tests reported yesterday, 576, or 0.91 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost three New Yorkers to the virus.
2. The NY Department of Financial Services is extending action requiring New York health insurers to waive costs associated with COVID-19. New York insurers must waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and in-network telehealth visits until November 9th. This extends the action put in place in March, which waived cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and telehealth services.
3. A reminder to New Yorkers to get a flu shot. While we still handle COVID, flu season is fast-approaching. This year it is especially important that New Yorkers get their flu shot. Find a flu vaccination site near you.
4. The Met Cloisters will reopen on September 12. This weekend, the Cloisters, the Met's museum of European medieval art overlooking the Hudson River, joins other cultural institutions that have begun reopening with reduced capacity and timed entry. Read more about the reopenings of New York City's cultural institutions.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Back in April, I received a heartfelt letter from a farmer in Troy, Kansas that included a single N95 mask left from his farming days that he wanted to donate to a healthcare worker. Touched by the act of generosity, the town of Troy, New York sent a care package to Dennis Ruhnke and his wife Sharon to thank them for their kindness in helping New York in the heat of the crisis, from one Troy to another.
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