Jul 22, 2020
When New York began to reopen, we expected to see the infection rate go up as people moved about. That has not happened. What happened was far better: The infection rate keeps going down. That is a testament to New Yorkers' civic-mindedness.
Still, there are two threats that we face. The first is the risk of COVID entering New York as people from other states travel here. The second threat is the risk that we ourselves become lax and the infection rate goes up. We have instituted a quarantine for travelers from 31 other states to protect New York from the first threat. The second threat can only be managed by New Yorkers acting responsibly together. It's up to us New York.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. The State launched a new diagnostic testing site today in Ramapo, a Rockland County community heavily impacted by COVID-19. The clinic will be operated in partnership with Good Samaritan Hospital at the Town of Ramapo Cultural Arts Center at 64 North Main Street in Spring Valley. The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the NYS Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 to schedule an appointment.
2. The number of total hospitalizations continues to remain low. Yesterday there were 714 total hospitalizations. The State conducted 67,659 tests, of which 709, or 1.04%, were positive. Sadly, we lost another 9 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and I are calling on the federal government to pass the $500 billion state stabilization fund in the next COVID-19 relief package. As states reopen, we cannot risk our economic recovery efforts by slashing state programs that pay our teachers, firefighters, healthcare and frontline workers. We need the U.S. Senate's strong support now, so we can fight the virus together and make an economic recovery a reality.
4. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. New York State offers many opportunities for travelers with accessibility needs. Hundreds of attractions across the state offer accessibility features, with some even providing specialty programming like sensory-friendly museum days and adaptive skiing and snowboarding. A new I Love NY hub has all the details.
5. The myMTA app now features bus ridership information in real time. To help avoid crowding on buses as New York City reopens, the MTA has added a feature to its myMTA app to provide the real-time number of riders on any given bus line.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": An American icon has gone from building bombers to making masks. Rosie the Riveter has joined the battle against COVID-19. Mae Krier, who is one of the original WWII "Rosie the Riveters," has rolled up her sleeves once more during the Coronavirus pandemic. So far she has made hundreds of masks.
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