Jul 17, 2020
On Monday, July 20, New York City will enter Phase 4 of reopening. Phase 4 allows for the reopening of media production, low-risk outdoor entertainment, professional sports competitions (without fans), and more. At this point, additional indoor activity at malls, restaurants or cultural institutions will not be permitted. Read more about Phase 4 here. I'm so proud of what New Yorkers have done. But we must continue to be on alert.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. The number of total hospitalizations continues to drop. Yesterday, there were 765 total hospitalizations, the lowest since March 18. The State conducted 78,239 tests, of which 776, or 0.99%, were positive. Sadly, we lost 10 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. NYS is providing $1.5 million for funding for "Feeding New York State" to support food banks and local farmers statewide. We're taking action to help ensure New Yorkers are not going hungry and have access to fresh, healthy food. This program will build on the success of the "Nourish NY" initiative.
3. Yesterday, Saratoga Race Course held its opening day. However, due to the pandemic, no fans are allowed at horse racing tracks. Instead of flocking to the races, thoroughbred racing fans viewed the races remotely.
4. A heat wave is expected to hit New York this weekend. I urge New Yorkers statewide to take precautions ahead of potentially dangerous heat conditions that are expected to begin early Saturday and last through the weekend. New Yorkers should monitor local weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information.
5. A reminder that State Park beaches and pools also remain open. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, venue capacity is reduced by 50 percent. Prior to making a trip, check https://parks.ny.gov for capacity alerts and closure announcements.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": This week, scientists released the first images taken by Solar Orbiter, a spacecraft that has snapped the closest pictures ever taken of the sun. The stunning photos taken 48 million miles away reveal "campfires" flaring around the sun.
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