May 12, 2021
- The COVID numbers continue to trend in the right direction. For the first time since November 15, COVID hospitalizations have dropped below 2,000. Our statewide positivity rate dropped to 1.10 percent—the lowest since October 17. On top of that, 50 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed their vaccine series. We are hitting critical milestones but we must keep up this progress in our fight against the virus.
Photo of the Day: The Medgar Evers College vaccination site in Brooklyn has now administered over 200,000 doses
(Photo courtesy of FEMA)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 1,928. Of the 165,892 tests reported yesterday, 1,830, or 1.10 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 1.28 percent. There were 463 patients in ICU yesterday, down 28 from the previous day. Of them, 270 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 26 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 60.7 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 116,093 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 17,054,335 total doses with 50.0 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State's Vaccine Tracker.
3. In anticipation of Memorial Day, beaches and pools will operate with six-foot social distancing. That means more capacity for beachgoers and swimmers as we approach the summer. New York State's goal is to reopen them to 100 percent capacity by July 4.
4. Five new pop-up vaccination sites will open soon at public transit stations in the Buffalo and Niagara areas. The sites will welcome walk-ins on a first-come-first-serve basis and administer the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The NFTA will provide a free seven-day transit pass to people who get vaccinated at these sites. More details to come soon.
5. For the first time in 105 years, fans can watch Major League Baseball in Buffalo. On June 1, the Toronto Blue Jays will play opening day at Sahlen Field (their temporary home) with a fully vaccinated fan section. Approximately 50 percent of the stadium's available seating will be used for fully vaccinated fans (who will be seated normally), with the remainder of seats designated for unvaccinated fans (who will be socially distanced). This model will allow 2,000 additional fans to enjoy games in Buffalo. Sahlen Field will also serve as a free vaccination site for anyone going to the game who wants to get the vaccine.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Artist Maya Lin has set up a new art installation in New York City to raise awareness about climate change. This "Ghost Forest" installation in Madison Square Park uses barren Atlantic White Cedar trees from the Pine Barrens to demonstrate how rising sea levels affect our forests. The otherworldly exhibit will be on display until November 14.
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