Mar 19, 2021
- As more New Yorkers are vaccinated we are beginning to look to the future and get activity and the economy back up and running. It is important to remember that it's only with the dedication and grit of New Yorkers that we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We're not there yet, and as we enter spring we need to keep up the practices that will get us there: wash your hands, wear a mask and practice social distancing. And one more—when it is your turn get vaccinated. Take any one offered—protect yourself and your community.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 4,527. Of the 278,590 tests reported yesterday, 8,262, or 2.97 percent, were positive. There were 924 patients in ICU yesterday, down 10 from the previous day. Of them, 587 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 59 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 24.6 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 183,924 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 7,305,768 total doses with 12.7 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. Effective Monday, Mach 22, the final five remaining yellow zone clusters in New York State will be lifted. Those clusters are in the East Bronx, West Bronx, Manhattan, Newburgh, New Windsor and Kew Gardens/Forest Hills in Queens. Any specific restrictions in those locations will be lifted and aligned with statewide guidance.
4. Indoor dining in New York City expanded to 50 percent capacity beginning today, March 19. Previously, New York City and New Jersey restaurants are operating at 35 percent capacity. This decision is made concurrently with neighboring New Jersey also expanding indoor dining to 50 percent. Restaurants outsides of New York City expanded to 75 percent capacity today. Other health guidelines remain in place.
5. The Department of Tax and Finance will be extending the New York State income tax deadline to May 17. This aligns with the federal decision to do the same and provides New Yorkers still coping with the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic ample time to file.
6. Sixteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites are coming online over the next week. These sites at churches, public housing developments and community centers are expected to vaccinate more than 4,500 people throughout the week. Since January 15, more than 145 community-based pop-up sites have administered more than 55,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. As has been the case with previous pop-up sites, these sites will be re-established in three weeks to administer second doses.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": In the Village of Sleepy Hollow, a Community Wardrobe is providing free clothes to those in need. Established by the Horseman PTA, the Community Wardrobe accepts donated clothes and shoes. Residents of the neighborhood can then "shop" for what they need. During the pandemic, the Community Wardrobe is by appointment only but the PTA hopes that after COVID, they can keep the operation running and won't require appointments.
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