NYS Coronavirus Update: Mid-Hudson Region Enters Phase 3 -- CARES Funding for Child Care Providers

Today, the Mid-Hudson region entered Phase 3 of reopening, which means nail salons, tattoo and piercing facilities and other personal care services can once again receive customers, and restaurants can resume indoor dining at 50% capacity. Long Island will enter Phase 3 tomorrow. As we continue to reopen businesses and adjust to the "new normal," we need to continue social distancing measures, and wear a mask in public. We are making good progress and we all need to make sure it continues.

Photo of the Day: Rockefeller Center's statue of Atlas wears a mask to coincide with New York City's moving into Phase 2 of reopening.
(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

1. $65 million in federal CARES Act funding is available for child care providers statewide through the New York Forward Child Care Expansion Incentive program. The funding being made available today will help bring closed programs back to operation to serve families returning to the workplace. Details on the grants and how child care programs can apply are available here.

2. Yesterday, the State tested 48,709 people. Only 597, or 1.2%, were positive.

3. The total number of COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 1,104, from 1,122 the previous day. Sadly, 27 people in New York passed away due to COVID-19.

4. A study found that New York State is one of only three states currently on track to contain COVID. The two other states were New Jersey and Massachusetts, according to COVID Act Now. I can't stress enough how important it is that we don't jeopardize this incredible progress.

5. A shout out to New York's grocery workers. For many New Yorkers, work never stopped during this crisis. Watch our video highlighting the compassion and strength of NY's grocery store workers who helped carry us through the worst of this pandemic.

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