Jul 13, 2020
Everybody wants to reopen schools, but we can only do so if it's safe to reopen. That will be determined solely by the data. Today, we announced a formula for how and when it is safe for schools to reopen in New York State. Schools can reopen if the region is in Phase 4 and if the region's daily infection rate remains at or below 5 percent using a 14-day average. Schools will close if the regional infection rate rises above 9 percent, using a 7-day average, after August 1. Read more about New York State's school reopening guidance here.
Photo of the Day: At my briefing today, I unveiled a historical-styled poster that visualizes our state's struggle with COVID.
(Click here for full-sized poster.)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. A travel enforcement program will commence tomorrow, July 14th, at airports across the state to help ensure travelers are following quarantine protocols. Enforcement teams will be stationed at airports to ensure compliance with the mandatory State Department of Health traveler form, which is being distributed by airlines to passengers flying to New York State. An electronic version of the traveler form is also available. Travelers who fail to provide their contact information will receive a summons with a $2,000 fine.
2. New York State will deploy testing and contact tracing teams to Atlanta as the city continues to experience an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. New York remembers how people across the country came to NY in our time of need and we vowed to pay it forward any way we could.
3. The number of total hospitalizations declined. Yesterday there were 792 total hospitalizations. The state conducted 51,687 tests, of which 557, or 1.08%, were positive. Sadly, we lost 10 New Yorkers to the virus.
4. Take advantage of the beauty of New York's canals and hiking trails this summer. Through Labor Day, the NYS Canal Corporation is promoting six hubs of canals and trail activity and celebrating local canalside businesses across Upstate NY. The program will offer free outdoor excursions by kayak and/or bike in Schenectady, Chittenango, Seneca Falls and Rochester. Learn more.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": To deliver meals to children who don't have access to summer meal sites, Foodlink and the Regional Transit Service have partnered up to distribute food in Rochester neighborhoods through an ice cream truck approach. The buses circulate through neighborhoods of the city on Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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