Western New York and Capital Region Closer to Phase 1 Reopening 

Western New York and the Capital Region currently have satisfied 6 of 7 metrics to qualify for Phase 1 of New York State’s reopening process.  In both regions, contact tracing capacities must be increased.  Governor Cuomo today said that the State is working with those regions to meet the required benchmark and he is optimistic that reopening can begin in both locations soon.

Facilitating Diagnostic Testing for New Yorkers

The Governor announced that the State is partnering with CVS Pharmacy to bring COVID-19 diagnostic testing to more than 60 CVS pharmacies across the State, with each site capable of conducting approximately 50 tests per day.  Furthermore, the State is expanding the eligibility criteria for diagnostic testing to include any individual who would return to the workplace in Phase 1.  Finally, the State today is launching a new website to help individuals find testing sites near them: coronavirus.health.ny.gov. 

Available Mental Health Services

The Governor today promoted several services to help individuals struggling with their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The New York State Emotional Support Hotline can be reached at: 1-844-863-9314.  The Mental Health Coalition provides support at: howareyoureally.org/.  Additional resources are available at: headspace.com/ny.

New York City

Mayor de Blasio today maintained that he will not open the beaches for Memorial Day.  People will be able to walk on the beach as long as they maintain social distancing, but they will not be able swim or gather/play games on the beach.  Fencing will be brought to city beaches and erected to close off beaches completely if needed.  

The Mayor also announced CityMD Urgent Care will be partnering with New York City to provide coronavirus diagnostic testing at 123 sites across the city, adding up to 6,000 tests per day for a total capacity to perform 20,000 tests per day.

Lastly, 1,000 Contact Tracers are being trained at Johns Hopkins and will start working at the end of the month with 100 deployed on May 24th. 

COVID-19 Numbers                                                     

Thankfully, we continue to remain on the far side of the COVID-19 plateau. That said, the number of deaths in the State has increased by 139 since yesterday.