Jun 17, 2021
- On Tuesday, after 472 days, New York hit a vaccination milestone—70 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. After reaching this goal, we lifted most of the State's remaining COVID restrictions. This means no more restrictions across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms, entertainment, hair salons, barber shops, etc.—as well as no more social gathering limits. Existing COVID health protocols are still in place for some settings such as public transportation, health facilities, and indoor Pre-K-12 schools. But the easing of these restrictions means that we're no longer just surviving—we're thriving. Congratulations New Yorkers, because of you and your actions, we were able to get to this point. This achievement is all thanks to you.
Photo of the Day: On Tuesday, fireworks illuminated the skies aross the state in celebration of Tuesday's vaccination milestone
(Photo by Darren McGee)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 580. Of the 119,272 tests reported yesterday, 418, or 0.35 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.39 percent. There were 149 patients in ICU yesterday, down nine from the previous day. Of them, 86 are intubated. Sadly, we lost five New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 70.4 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 76,160 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,372,195 total doses with 62.3 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State's Vaccine Tracker.
3. Watch our latest "Reimagine, Rebuild, Renew" campaign ads. These new ads raise awareness about the State's rent relief and small business programs to help New Yorkers recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the first ad here and the second ad here.
4. Today we announced the third group of winners of the State's Vaccine Scholarship incentive. These ten vaccinated New Yorkers will attend a SUNY or CUNY school with their tuition and room & board covered. And with two more drawings, there are still opportunities for a chance to win a full-ride scholarship to a state school. Learn more and get a shot to make your future at ny.gov/vaccinescholarship.
5. An estimated $2.2 billion in federal food assistance will go to children in New York who were unable to access free school meals due to the pandemic. Effective this week, food benefits will begin being issued to children enrolled to receive free school meals but had their in-person school attendance reduced due to the pandemic.
6. Open enrollment for the NY State of Health will remain open through the end of the year. The NY State of Health provides seamless access to affordable coverage and I encourage uninsured New Yorkers to enroll today.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": This weekend, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day commemorating the day that enslaved people in Texas finally found out that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation—three years after President Lincoln signed the Proclamation. Many events will be held in New York City and across the state on Saturday showcasing Black authors, artists and more. Last year, New York recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday and today the U.S. officially recognized June 19th as a federal holiday.
Ever Upward,