05 May NY passes 16 million vaccinated

 COVID-19 DATA FROM 5/4:

·       Test Results Reported: 165,597

·       Total Positive: 2,463

·       Statewide Positivity: 1.49% – Lowest since October 28^th

·       Statewide seven-day average positivity: 1.71% – Lowest since November 4^th

·       Patient Hospitalization: 2,458 (-115) – Lowest since November 21^st

·       Number ICU: 610 (-15) – Lowest since November 24^th

·       Number ICU with Intubation: 379 (-2) – Lowest since December 2^nd

·       Deaths: 31

·       Total Deaths: 42,161

·       Regional Seven-Day Average Positivity Rates:

·       Capital Region: 1.49%

·       Central New York: 1.51%

·       Finger Lakes: 2.84%

·       Long Island: 1.67%

·       Mid-Hudson: 1.71%

·       Mohawk Valley: 1.44%

·       New York City: 1.61%

·       North Country: 2.09%

·       Southern Tier: 0.75%

·       Western New York: 3.12%

·       COVID-19 UPDATE: While regional disparities in the positivity rate remain, overall, the statewide positivity is low and trending downward. Additionally, the number of vaccinated New Yorkers continues to rise.

·       VACCINE: New York has administered over 16 million vaccine doses. Over 9 million New Yorkers have received at least one dose and over 7 million New Yorkers are fully vaccinated (45% of the eligible population). Governor Cuomo reiterated his concern that the number of vaccinations being administered is starting to slow. The State is focused on vaccinating young people and convincing hesitant individuals.

·       BROADWAY: The Governor announced that tickets for Broadway shows will go on sale at 100% capacity starting tomorrow, May 6^th. Shows will open on September 14^th.

·       In response to a question from a reporter, Budget Director Robert Mujica stated that dozens of shows are preparing to open in September. Tickets will go on sale for shows on a rolling basis. As September approaches, the State will monitor progress and make a determination on requiring attendees to be vaccinated. Governor Cuomo added that venues have the authority to restrict ticketing to only vaccinated individuals, which will act as an incentive to get vaccinated.

·       PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL: Beginning May 19^th, vaccinated individuals are able to attend professional baseball games statewide (including minor-league games) in sections with 100% capacity provided mask wearing is adhered to. Children under 16 years old are able to accompany vaccinated adults to the games in these sections. Unvaccinated individuals will be seated in sections capped at 33% capacity, and six-foot distancing rules will apply with mask wearing. Governor Cuomo said the testing requirement for attendees will be eliminated.

·       The New York Mets and New York Yankees will partner with the NYS Department of Health to provide vaccinations to attendees and as an incentive, provide them with a free ticket. Individuals who take advantage of the vaccination program will receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, so no follow up appointment will be required.