May 4, 2021
- New Yorkers have embodied the spirit of New York Tough, and it shows in our numbers more and more every day. As the rate of vaccinations increases and the rate of infection decreases we are able to accelerate the reopening. I urge those who have yet to be vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities and to roll up your sleeve. We are all in this together.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations are at 2,573. Of the 96,747 tests reported yesterday, 2,173, or 2.25 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity rate was 1.76 percent. There were 625 patients in ICU yesterday, up 12 from the previous day. Of them, 381 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 39 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 46.9 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 147,654 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 15,882,018 total doses with 35.7 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. The Citizen Public Health Training Course will open on Wednesday, May 5. Enroll for free and learn about preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies from top experts from Cornell University. After the course, you will be able to take an active role in helping your community rebuild from the effects of COVID-19, and serve as part of an informed network that can be mobilized in the future to help respond to public health emergencies.
4. New York State announced a historic investment in child care. The COVID pandemic only exacerbated the problems and inequities that already existed in our society, and as we continue to rebuild and recover, child care will play a critical role in getting New Yorkers back to work and reopening our economy. The investments included in the year's budget will help support both working families and the child care providers that have been so essential during these unprecedented times. Learn more.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": A Texas woman who served as a school custodian is now a much-loved teacher at the same school. Wanda Smith worked long hours as a bus monitor and then a custodian for the Brenham Elementary School in Texas, but she never lost sight of her dream of eventually becoming a teacher. After nine years, during which she attended night classes, Smith earned a bachelor's degree and became a certified teacher. She returned to Brenham Elementary to teach first grade and has inspired her students and the entire community. "When I stand in front of my classroom, I am living my dream" she told The Today Show.
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