COVID-19 Transmission Rates Improving
During today’s COVID-19 briefing, Governor Cuomo announced that New York State’s rate of transmission (Rt) has dropped below 1.0. An Rt of 1.0 or more means COVID-19 will spread quickly.
Due to the declining transmission and infection rates recently, the Governor anticipates some reductions in business restrictions. Such announcements could begin as early as this week.
Elective Surgeries Can Resume in Erie County
The Governor today announced that all elective surgeries can resume in Erie County following sustained declines in Western New York’s positivity rate and hospitalizations. The County’s positivity has steadily declined from 8.6 percent on January 7 to 5.2 percent currently, while hospitalizations have declined from 427 on December 31 to 323 currently. The County’s hospital capacity is at 48 percent.
Hotline for Vaccination Abuse or Fraud
Noting the limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine, the Governor today announced that New York State is launching a new hotline to report vaccination abuse or fraud. New Yorkers who suspect fraud in the vaccine distribution process can now call 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) toll-free or email the NYS Department of Health at STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov. Hotline staff will route complaints to the appropriate investigative agencies.
New York City
Today, Mayor de Blasio announced the first ever NYC Restaurant Week TO GO, which can be found at www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week. From today, January 25th through Sunday, January 31st, you can participate in Restaurant Week TO GO and order Lunch or Dinner for Takeout or Delivery for $20.21!
New York State COVID-19 Numbers
The statewide positivity rate yesterday was 5.47% with 8,730 hospitalizations, an increase of 117 people over the previous day. There were 167 COVID-19 deaths in New York State yesterday.
