Oct 13, 2020
- New York's state COVID numbers remain steady overall, but we are continuing to closely monitor and respond to elevated positivity rates in what we are calling "Red Zone" focus areas — which include areas in Brooklyn, Queens, Rockland County and Orange County. The test positivity rate yesterday rate in the "Red Zone" focus areas was 4.13 percent, while the statewide positivity rate excluding the "Red Zones" was 1.2 percent. Additionally, cluster areas have accounted for approximately 70 percent of the increase we have seen in daily hospital admissions between early September and today.
We are taking strong action to respond to these outbreaks and to stop the spread. But it's up to all of us to collectively work together to stop the spread and that's going to take every New Yorker wearing their masks, socially distancing and being New York Tough to maintain our progress.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Ohio, Michigan and Virginia have been added to New York's COVID Travel Advisory. The three states join 35 other states and territories reported yesterday from which travelers arriving to New York must self-quarantine for 14 days. See the full list here.
2. Nearly 100,000 tests were reported yesterday. Yesterday, there were 923 total hospitalizations. Of the 99,070 tests reported yesterday, 1,393, or 1.4 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost 11 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. SUNY just launched a grant program for personal protective equipment inventors. The SUNY Prepare Innovation and Internship Program will provide $10,000 for students and faculty who want to develop innovative alternatives to the PPE our frontline workers need as we continue the fight against COVID-19. Applications are open to students and faculty at all SUNY state operated and Community College campuses, and SUNY is accepting applications through November 15th and the first grant will be awarded December 15th.
4. I signed two bills to help support New York's farms. The pandemic has affected many industries throughout the state, including agriculture, and these two new bills will help farmers — the first by ensuring that farmers do not lose out on their agricultural property tax assessments due to lowered sales and the second by helping to promote the sale of New York-grown products this holiday season. Learn more.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": During the pandemic, restaurant owner Joe Scaravella closed his Staten Island Italian restaurant and wine bar, Enoteca Maria, to safeguard the health of his staff, including his chefs, who as senior citizens are more vulnerable to the virus. His chefs are unique: They're all grandmothers, or "nonnas." Now the chefs, who are not only of Italian heritage but from across the globe, are back in the kitchen part-time making and selling "Nonnas of the World" sauce. The product is sold online and in-person and is helping keep Enoteca Maria afloat while protecting the beloved nonnas from potential virus exposure.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State's Coronavirus Updates here.