May 13, 2020
From Governor Cuomo @ 7:33 PM on May 13:
In the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic, we have worked to provide up to date, clear information. As we reopen we are doing so with that same goal. In order for all New Yorkers to see for themselves where their region stands, we have designed a user-friendly Regional Dashboard, that is updated daily.
The dashboard will help keep you informed about the whole state and about your region in particular. We have reached this point only because New Yorkers did their part and took the necessary steps. We will need the same active commitment moving forward.
(Photo by LIRR)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. The North Country is ready to begin reopening on Friday, May 15th. Along with the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley, this region has met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state's regional phased reopening plan. Phase one includes reopening construction, manufacturing, retail for curbside and in-store pickup, agriculture, forestry and fishing.
2. Twelve more counties are now eligible to resume elective surgeries. The state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term, and a total of 47 counties can now resume elective surgeries. This also includes Ambulatory Surgical Centers, which will continue to provide select diagnostic and screening procedures. Doctors' visits throughout the state are permitted, as they are classified as essential businesses.
3. New preliminary results were released from our antibody survey of frontline workers. After testing 2,750 members of the New York State Police, results show 3.1 percent of the members have COVID-19 antibodies. Additionally, 5.7 percent of members of the Corrections department were positive for COVID-19 antibodies, out of a sample size of about 3,000. (For comparison, 12.3 percent of the general statewide population is estimated to have the antibodies.)
4. An update on the potentially COVID-related inflammatory syndrome affecting children. The State is now investigating 102 reported cases in New York where children, of a range of ages, are experiencing a serious illness that is possibly due to COVID-19. More details, including the symptoms to watch out for, are here.
5. The number of total COVID hospitalizations are still dropping. Total hospitalizations fell to 6,946, from 7,063 the day before. Tragically, we lost 166 New Yorkers to this virus yesterday. We grieve with their families.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Earlier this week, comedian Tina Fey hosted the "Rise Up New York!" COVID-19 telethon to raise money for the Robin Hood Foundation. The benefit, featuring appearances from iconic New Yorkers like Jennifer Lopez, Spike Lee, Mariah Carey, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many more, raised $115 million to help people affected by Coronavirus. It also included a performance by Billy Joel synced to an Empire State Building light show.
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