NYS Coronavirus Update: A Powerful Letter from Kansas -- Absentee Ballot Applications Will Be Mailed Out -- New Resources for Domestic Violence Victims

Apr 24, 2020

From Governor Cuomo @ 8:17 PM on April 24:

A crisis shows us both the best and worst in people, but more often than not, you see the best. I was moved by a letter sent to me by a retired farmer in northeast Kansas. His wife has health problems and they are both in their seventies. Enclosed with the letter, he sent one of five N95 masks he has from his farming days and asked me to pass on to a doctor or nurse in New York.

This is a true snapshot of humanity and a selfless and generous act. I want to share the letter with you so that you will be as inspired as I was. Read it below:

Letter of the Day: The inspiring letter I received from Dennis and Sharon of Kansas. (Full text of letter here.)

Here's what else you need to know tonight:

1. Registered voters will automatically receive absentee ballot applications for the upcoming June 23 elections. No one should have to choose between their health and their civic duty. To that end, I am issuing an Executive Order mandating that the NYS Board of Elections automatically mail all registered voters postage-paid applications for an absentee ballot. This follows an earlier order allowing all New Yorkers to vote absentee in the June 23rd primary election. (In-person polling will still be an option.)

2. NYS launched a new texting program and confidential service to help New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in domestic violence reports during this pandemic. Abuse victims are often closely watched by their abuser, making these tools needed. We want you to know: You are not alone and you do not have to stay in a dangerous situation. We will help you. Text 844-997-2121 or visit www.opdv.ny.gov to confidentially chat with a professional at any time of day or night.

3. New York State and Hip Hop Public Health have partnered together to remind you to wash your hands for "20 Seconds or More." In collaboration with DJ Doug E. Fresh and a crew of hip hop legends, Hip Hop Public Health has created a fun educational video teaching New Yorkers how to stay safe and stop the spread of Coronavirus. Watch the video here and learn more about the campaign here.

4. New COVID-19 hospitalizations remain mostly flat. Yesterday, there were 1,296 new COVID hospitalizations in the state, down slightly from 1,359 the day before. Unfortunately, these numbers remain stubbornly high and are a good reminder why we must keep taking precautions. Total hospitalizations fell yesterday to 14,258, from 15,021 the day before. Tragically, there were 422 COVID-19 fatalities yesterday, down from 438 the previous day.

5. In Syracuse, dairy organizations have donated nearly 8,000 gallons of milk. The Dairy Farmers of America and American Dairy Association Northeast teamed up to donate milk to schools, senior care homes and others in need.

Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Tomorrow at 1 p.m., the Animal Medical Center, a non-profit animal hospital in Manhattan, will host a "Kitten Cam" on their Facebook page, featuring two newborn kittens, Jesse and Jaime.

If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State's Coronavirus Updates here.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo