May 27, 2021
- New Yorkers have worked hard to contain the spread of the virus and their tireless efforts are being proven more and more successful every day. Yesterday, the State recorded the lowest positivity rate since August 27 and our 7-day positivity rate has been declining for 52 straight days. As we head into Memorial Day weekend, I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly and if you haven't already—get vaccinated. On Monday, we will take a moment to remember our fallen servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms and our security. Have a nice and safe weekend.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Schools will reopen for full in-person learning this September. Based on the current COVID trajectory, all New York State schools will reopen for full in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. There is no substitute for in-person learning and as things currently stand, there is no reason why our students should not get back to in-person learning as usual.
2. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 1,223. Of the 162,450 tests reported yesterday, 1,055, or 0.65 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.81 percent. There were 300 patients in ICU yesterday, up three from the previous day. Of them, 177 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 10 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. As of 11am this morning, 64.4 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 87,791 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 18,715,969 total doses with 55.8 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State's Vaccine Tracker.
4. Get a shot to make your future. New Yorkers age 12 to 17 who get vaccinated (or already have gotten vaccinated) can enter for a chance to win a 4-year full-ride scholarship to any public college or university in New York State. Fifty total winners will be chosen at five random drawings. The scholarship includes full tuition, room and board, as well as an allowance for books and supplies. Parents can learn more here: ny.gov/vaccinescholarship.
5. Reminder that New Yorkers are entitled to a paid sick day if they need a day to recover after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The New York State Department of Labor is issuing guidance to all employers that any necessary recovery period from the COVID-19 vaccine is covered by New York's Paid Sick Leave Law. This builds on legislation granting public and private employees time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
6. The pop-up vaccination sites at Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station will be extended for another week. New Yorkers can get a free seven-day MetroCard or a free round-trip Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North ticket after receiving the vaccine at these pop-up sites.
7. The Saratoga Race Course will reopen to fans on July 15. In conjunction with the New York Racing Association, today we announced that Saratoga Race Course will reopen to fans at near full capacity when the 2021 summer meet begins on July 15. In addition, all fans who show proof of vaccination through Excelsior Pass, or alternate forms of proof, will receive free grandstand general admission.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": With the help of her classmates, a New York school athlete diagnosed with cancer returned to the racetrack and crossed the finish line. Shenendehowa High School senior Yeva Klingbeil was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in November 2019 but was able to participate in her team's 4x2 relay race at this week's track meet. After crossing the finish line, her teammates rushed to congratulate Yeva, filling the air with chants and applause. Read more.
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