Aug 13, 2020
New York continues to make progress in beating this virus. For the fifth consecutive day, New York's infection rate has been below 1% and for the second straight day we tested a record number of New Yorkers, conducting 87,900 tests. These numbers are by no means a coincidence. They're the result of our hard work to stop the spread and crush the curve. Together we are wearing masks in public, socially distancing and getting tested whenever needed. Keep the behavior up so we can keep the numbers down. It's up to us, New York.
Chart of the Day: New York continues to lead the nation in testing while maintaining a low infection rate.
(Source: The COVID Tracking Project)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
2. New York-based startup Codecademy has provided technical training to 1,500 state personnel on the frontlines of the State's pandemic response as part of the COVID-19 Technology SWAT Team. Through this pro-bono partnership, Codecademy is providing six-month training licenses to NYS' Office of Information Technology Services. Leading tech companies from around the country have participated in the Tech SWAT Team Initiative, saving taxpayers over $14 million.
3. The DMV is expanding New Yorkers' ability to complete certain transactions through secure drop boxes. New Yorkers can use drop boxes for services including license plate surrenders, address changes, and license and registration renewals. Customers using drop boxes must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing at all times. Drop boxes are located at all state-run DMV offices and are available during regular office hours Monday-Saturday. Learn more here.
4. During the pandemic, the New York Department of Labor has prevented more than $1 billion in unemployment insurance fraud. The Department of Labor has stopped more than 40,000 fraudulent claims since March. During the last five months, DOL has referred more UI fraud cases to federal prosecutors than in the last ten years combined.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Since 1961, the Saratoga racetrack has painted a canoe to honor the winner of the Travers Stakes, which is then set afloat in the racetrack pond. This year, the honor belongs to Tiz the Law, the New York-bred horse that has so far won the Belmont Stakes, the Florida Derby and the Travers Stakes. Tiz the Law will be competing again at the Kentucky Derby next month.
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