Jul 9, 2020
The number of total hospitalizations remains steady. Yesterday, there were 851 total hospitalizations. And we are encouraged and grateful that this week the number of people being intubated dropped below 100 for the first time since the crisis began in full.
We've made incredible progress as a state, but that progress is fragile. I've said before that "a virus anywhere is a virus everywhere," and we are very mindful of that reality as many states are seeing surges in COVID cases. We must continue to stay disciplined, smart and cautious. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Today I advanced new regulations requiring insurers to provide equitable coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. The proposed regulations from the NYS Department of Financial Services and DOH would strengthen insurers' obligation under both state and federal law to provide comparable coverages for benefits to treat mental health and substance use disorders.
2. Governors Island will reopen next Wednesday, July 15th. The island will reopen with reduced capacity and public safety precautions in place on both the island and on the ferry.
3. The State conducted 65,564 tests, of which 584, or 0.89%, were positive. Sadly, we lost 8 New Yorkers to the virus.
4. NASCAR weekend at Watkins Glen has been rescheduled. The event will be held at the Daytona International Speedway from August 14-16.
5. One of the greatest concerns of the pandemic is making sure all New Yorkers have access to food. No New Yorker should go to bed hungry. To find a food pantry that services your county, visit ny.gov/foodbanks.
6. More New Yorkers need to respond to the Census. New York's Census response rate is at 57.5%, which is below the national average. It's important that every New Yorker responds to the Census. It's safe, easy and can be done online from the comfort of your own home. Let's make sure every New Yorker is counted. Complete the Census today at my2020census.gov.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": This week, WWII veteran Ray Salvie celebrated his 95th birthday. To wish Mr. Salvie a happy birthday, the New York State Police held a drive-by birthday parade in front of his home. Mr. Salvie served as an NYS investigator for 25 years. Happy Birthday!
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State's Coronavirus Updates