School and Business Closures
Addressing yesterday’s confusion about the continued closure of New York City schools, Governor Cuomo stated that the status quo is in place. The City’s schools will remain closed pending a coordinated plan that includes schools throughout New York State and, ideally, also includes the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut. The Governor additionally opined that he would like to coordinate the reopening of schools and businesses, if practicable.
New Executive Order
The Governor today announced that he will be signing a new Executive Order that: 1) directs employers to provide essential workers with cost-free cloth or surgical face masks when these employees directly interact with the public; and, 2) expands the pool of individuals authorized to conduct antibody testing, which could allow those who have recovered safely from COVID-19 to return to work while more vulnerable individuals remain isolated. Pursuant to this Executive Order, New York State will provide essential State employees with masks in applicable situations.
Assistance for New Yorkers
The Governor continued to request additional federal assistance for states impacted by COVID-19. He discussed the National Governors Association requesting $500 billion for states in the next federal stimulus bill, and he reiterated his desired repeal of the SALT deduction cap (the cap on the federal tax deduction that homeowners can take for their state and local taxes). The Governor further advocated that a greater share of federal assistance be provided to New York State (the hardest-hit state in this pandemic) in any subsequent stimulus package, emphasizing a Kaiser Health report that Minnesota, Montana and Nebraska are receiving more than $300,000 per reported COVID-19 case while New York is receiving $12,000 per case.
New York State COVID-19 Curve Continues Flattening
State officials continue to see a flattening curve for COVID-19 hospitalizations, but the State must continue the “New York State on PAUSE” business and social protocols to maintain this promising trend. The Governor highlighted that the net change in hospitalizations yesterday was at its lowest level since this information began being tracked one month ago.
COVID-19 Numbers
As of today, 188,694 people have tested positive in New York State. The number of deaths in the State has increased to 9,385 from 8,627.
