Apr 5, 2021
- New York took a big step forward today to bring us closer to beating this pandemic. Today, we expanded eligibility to all New Yorkers aged 16 and older. We expect the vaccine supply will continue to increase, and New York's vast distribution network is ready to administer doses as quickly as received. More than 1 million New Yorkers have already been fully vaccinated at State and FEMA mass vaccination sites. And with expanded eligibility, our message today is clear: Let's get everyone vaccinated. The vaccines are safe and effective—but they only work if they're taken. So book your appointment as soon as you can, roll up your sleeve, and let's get vaccinated, New York.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations rose to 4,533. Of the 132,864 tests reported yesterday, 5,748, or 4.33 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 3.57 percent. There were 937 patients in ICU yesterday, up 31 from the previous day. Of them, 591 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 47 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 33.8 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 182,967 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 10,663,122 total doses with 21.2 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. To honor all those who dedicated their lives throughout the COVID crisis, New York will construct an Essential Workers Monument. Today we announced the creation of the Essential Workers Advisory Committee to provide design input and recommendations for a monument in New York City honoring the service and sacrifice of New York's essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These true heroes continue to aid and inspire us and they have our utmost respect. We will create a monument to honor them in perpetuity.
4. Today, we announced the statewide "Vaccinate NY" ad campaign to encourage all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Ads will run across television, radio, online and print statewide. This effort coincides with universal eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine taking effect.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": First 8-year-old Lilly Bumpus beat cancer, then she beat a national record. Lilly, who lives in San Bernardino, California, surpassed the Girl Scouts national record for most boxes of cookies sold in a single season. Bumpus sold 32,484 boxes of cookies, handily beating the previous record of 26,086 boxes. Her record also includes 5,000 donation boxes that will go to several charity organizations.
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