NYS Coronavirus Update: Second Phase Results of Antibody Testing Survey -- New Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Centers -- Providing Support to Food Banks

Apr 27, 2020

From Governor Cuomo @ 7:24 PM on April 27:

This has been a hellish experience for our country. New Yorkers have come together to fight this virus. We have flattened the curve and are finally seeing the horrific number of fellow New Yorkers lost each day come down, as well as seeing the daily hospitalization numbers decrease. As we think about our next steps, we are focused on these figures as well as the testing data to guide us forward. We will closely monitor and act in accordance with the clear evidence presented.

Chart of the Day: New COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to decline.

Here's what else you need to know tonight:

1. Phase two of the state's antibody testing survey results are in. The preliminary results, from an expanded sample size of about 7,500, show that 14.9 percent of the population are positive for COVID-19 antibodies. But there are large variations depending on the region within the state.

2. Starting today, the state is expanding its antibody testing survey to further determine the spread of infection among frontline workers and first responders. Today the state tested 1,000 FDNY officers and 1,000 NYPD officers from across all five boroughs of New York City, and this week we will test 3,000 healthcare workers and 1,000 transit workers for antibodies. These New Yorkers are putting themselves on the frontlines and we must ensure we're checking on them.

3. Five new drive-through testing facilities will open in Monroe, Erie, Broome, Niagara and Oneida Counties. On Saturday, the state expanded diagnostic testing criteria to include all first responders, healthcare workers and essential employees even if they don't have symptoms. These individuals will be able to get tested for COVID-19 at these new drive-thru facilities. If you're eligible and would like to be tested, you must make an appointment by calling 888-364-306 or by visiting http://covid19screening.health.ny.gov.

4. At a time when many New Yorkers are hungry, food should not be wasted. Following reports of unsold milk being dumped in upstate New York, the state will work with farmers and companies such as Chobani and Cabot Cheese to distribute their excess products to food banks and those in need. It's part of the "Nourish New York" Initiative to purchase food from New York farms for those in need.

5. New York State will provide financial support to food banks across the state. The state will provide $25 million from the state's special public health emergency fund for food banks and providers most impacted by COVID-19. To find a food bank that supports your region, visit the Department of Health's food bank state map. We are also asking any philanthropies that would like to help the state's food banks to email COVIDPhilanthropies@exec.ny.gov.

6. Two million bottles of "NYS Clean" hand sanitizer have been distributed across all 62 counties to date. The hand sanitizer, which is manufactured by New York State, has been distributed to hospitals, nursing homes, food banks, food handlers, the Red Cross, first responders, schools and college, healthcare workers, homeless organizations, law enforcement, unions, transportation systems and faith-based organizations.

Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Coloring can be a great way to relieve stress and deal with cabin fever, for children or adults. ILoveNY released new coloring pages featuring New York State landmarks. Download and print out the coloring pages here.

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

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo