Jul 15, 2020
When New York was in need, volunteers from around the country came here to help, and many states sent supplies. We vowed we would pay that generosity forward. At the request of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms, New York is sending 7,500 test kits, 30,000 pieces of PPE and 1,250 gallons of hand sanitizer to Atlanta by Friday. Mayor Bottoms, who along with her family recently tested positive for COVID, has shown great leadership during this ongoing crisis. We are proud to send aid to Atlanta as their city fights a new surge in cases.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Starting tomorrow, renters impacted by the pandemic can apply to a new COVID Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fun, which is part of the CARES Act. New Yorkers can access program applications here on Thursday, July 16.
2. The number of total hospitalizations remains steadily low. Yesterday, there were 831 total COVID-19 hospitalizations. The State conducted 63,598 tests, of which 831, or 1.3%, were positive. Sadly, we lost 9 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. The deadline for health insurance special enrollment has been extended to August 15, 2020. New Yorkers without health insurance can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health Health Plan Marketplace.
4. A study named New York the "most responsible state" in fighting COVID-19. According to a new study by a health care data group, NY ranks first among states thanks to New Yorkers' widespread mask wearing, our robust testing capacity and our health care system, among other factors.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Still need convincing that wearing a mask is important? Watch a New York 5-year-old explain why everyone should wear a mask (and prove that this concept isn't hard to grasp, no matter how old you are).
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