Jun 1, 2021
- New Yorkers are continuing to beat back COVID every day and as the numbers keep going down, we are able to get our economy back up and running and move our state into the future. Our 7-day average continues its decline and the positivity rate in every region is below 1.50 percent—the first time that's happened since September 25. Our priority remains getting more people vaccinated. You can help by talking to friends, family and neighbors and pointing them to resources so that they can get all their questions answered.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 1,032. Of the 50,528 tests reported yesterday, 391, or 0.77 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.65 percent. There were 255 patients in ICU yesterday, up three from the previous day. Of them, 138 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 8 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 65.3 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 36,552 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 19,081,184 total doses with 57.1 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State's Vaccine Tracker.
3. The application for rental assistance opened today. The State will provide $3.5 billion in assistance for renters and small businesses experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 1 for eligible New Yorkers who are behind on their rent and have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19. The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide assistance with up to 12 months of past-due rent, three months of prospective rental assistance and 12 months of utility arrears payments to eligible New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
4. New York's 'Vax & Scratch' program has been extended through June 4. Get vaccinated at any of 10 state vaccination sites and receive a free NYS Lottery scratch off ticket with a grand prize of $5 million. Must be 18 or older to participate. Learn more.
5. The midnight curfew on indoor dining is now lifted. During the month of May we took major steps towards reopening our economy and as of May 31, we have lifted the midnight curfew on indoor dining for bars and restaurants across New York.
6. Today the Toronto Blue Jays play their first game at Sahlen Field in Buffalo with a fully vaccinated section. In partnership with New York State and the Buffalo Bisons and Erie County Medical Center, a new vaccination site at the field will provide vouchers for free Bisons tickets and participation in a raffle for other prizes for anyone who gets vaccinated there.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Over Memorial Day weekend, local Boy Scouts honored our fallen soldiers by laying flags on the graves of 120 veterans. Boy Scout Troop 208 of Fairport, NY, visited the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and laid flags to honor soldiers who fought to protect our freedoms. A great demonstration of respect and patriotism from young New Yorkers.
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