Oct 20, 2020
- One of the lessons we learned in New York is that we need to look ahead to stay ahead of this virus. To tackle additional COVID-19 hot spots that we expect to come with the fall and winter weather, New York will employ our micro-cluster strategy to take fast and targeted action. The micro-cluster is predicated on three principles: Refined detection, specific and calibrated mitigation, and focused enforcement.
Rather than looking at COVID-19 data on the state level, regional level, county level, or even by ZIP code, we now analyze the data on the block-by-block level. This level of detail allows us to more intelligently react with targeted measures. It also has the advantage of causing less disruption (for example, restrictions could focus on the area of concern rather than an entire town or city). We will continue to take all steps necessary to protect the progress New Yorkers have made.
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Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Two states were added to New York's COVID-19 travel advisory. Individuals traveling to New York from Arizona and Maryland must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania meet the criteria for the travel advisory but due to the region's interconnectedness, quarantine is not practically viable. As such, we highly discourage non-essential travel between these states and New York to the extent practical. See more info here.
2. The moratorium on commercial evictions is extended until January 1st. This measure extends protections already in place for commercial tenants and mortgagors in recognition of the financial toll the pandemic has taken on business owners, including retail establishments and restaurants. This date aligns with the moratorium on residential evictions.
3. The positivity rate in the "Red Zone" focus areas fell to 2.91 percent. The statewide positivity rate excluding these areas is 1.25 percent. There were 942 total hospitalizations. Of the 90,540 tests reported yesterday, 1,201, or 1.3 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost 12 New Yorkers to the virus yesterday.
4. Today, the MTA launched a new digital map of the New York City subway. This map features live data streams to show the current status of all subway lines through the NYC Transit System. You can even see trains pull in and out of stations in real time. Remember that mask wearing is mandatory on public transit. If you do not have a mask with you, visit any station manager where you can request a free mask.
5. New York has one of the lowest test positivity rates in the nation. Among all 50 states, New York's test positivity rate on a 7-day rolling average — 1.17 percent — is the third lowest of any state. See all 50 states' positivity rates on a 7-day rolling average.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Canadian couple Lindsay Clowes and Alex Leckie decided to exchange their vows on the U.S.-Canada border to allow both their Canadian and American families and friends to attend their wedding. The couple, both 29, held their wedding on a pier along the St. Croix River in New Brunswick. American guests watched the ceremony from Calais, Maine, just across the river. Despite the travel restrictions between the two countries, the couple were able to find a way to share their special day with their loved ones in a safe and creative way.
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