Jul 16, 2020
Today, we launched a national PSA campaign to urge Americans to wear a mask. As states across the country see a surge in COVID cases, it's more vital than ever that we spread this message. Science has proven again and again: Wearing masks is one of the most important things we can all do to reduce the spread.
The #MaskUpAmerica campaign will consist of 8 ads produced by Jane Rosenthal of Tribeca Enterprises and the Ad Council in partnership with Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, and will be aired on donated media time throughout the country. Watch the first video below.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. New York City restaurants violating social distancing and other health regulations risk losing their liquor license. As part of the "Three Strikes and You're Closed" initiative, any establishment that receives three violations will be shut down. Outdoor dining is for just that: outdoor dining. We do not approve outdoor bars where you set up tables for people to place drinks and then have a block party of 100 people mingling outside. Citizens can report violations to the State Liquor Authority at http://www.sla.ny.gov.
2. All restaurants and bars statewide can only serve alcohol to seated patrons. Service must be provided at the table, not at the bar, to patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers. Patrons must also order food if they are ordering alcohol. These new rules will help ensure that our infection rate stays low.
3. The number of total hospitalizations continues to remain low. Yesterday, there were 813 total hospitalizations. The State conducted 72,685 tests, of which 769, or 1.06%, were positive. Sadly, we lost 14 New Yorkers to the virus.
4. Houston has a problem; New York is here to help. New York State established two testing sites in Houston, Texas, a current hotspot. The sites are up and running with the capacity to conduct up to 1,000 tests per day. Houston residents can call 1-833-NYS-4TEX (1-833-697-4839) to schedule an appointment. We are grateful for what people across the nation did for NY, and we are committed to paying that generosity forward.
5. A decision on New York City moving to Phase 4 will be made by tomorrow July, 17. If NYC is approved to move to Phase 4, the state will not immediately allow any indoor activity, such as reopening malls or cultural institutions.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": To show love and appreciation for the healthcare workers on the frontlines during the pandemic, West Coast artist Michael Gittes sent 1,800 paintings to the Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, one for each worker at the hospital. "The fact that someone is really creating works of art which is in itself really spiritual and giving to people he doesn't know to show how appreciative he is of those health care workers' efforts over the last three to four months is just incredible," said hospital president LaRay Brown.
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