“New York State on PAUSE” NOT Extended to June 6

Following inconsistent messages circulating in the press, the Governor’s Office announced that “New York State on PAUSE” business restrictions and social protocols have NOT been extended to June 6.  The following release was issued a short time ago:

For Immediate Release: 5/9/2020GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR MELISSA DEROSA ON NY ON PAUSE EXECUTIVE ORDER

“NY ON PAUSE was not extended to June 6.

“Yesterday’s Executive Order extended the underlying legal authority for the Emergency Order, but did not change the text of any of the directives in NY ON PAUSE and so the expiration date of May 15 still stands until further notice. At that time, new guidance will be issued for regions based on the metrics outlined by Governor Cuomo earlier this week.“

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COVID-Related Illness in Children

Hospitals have reported 73 cases of what may be a COVID-related illness in children.  Three children have died of this illness, which has symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock-like syndrome.  In response, Governor Cuomo today announced the NYS Department of Health is partnering with the NY Genome Center and the Rockefeller University to conduct a genome and RNA sequencing study to better understand this illness and its potential genetic basis.  Additionally, New York State is helping the CDC develop national criteria for identifying and responding to this syndrome.

Expanded Testing in Low-Income Communities and Communities of Color

Acknowledging that COVID-19 disproportionately has affected low-income and minority communities, the Governor today launched a new initiative to expand access to testing in those communities. The State will partner with Northwell Health to establish an initial 24 temporary testing sites at churches in predominately minority communities in downstate New York.

COVID-19 Numbers                                                     

Thankfully, we remain on the far side of the COVID-19 plateau. That said, the number of deaths in the State has increased by 226 since yesterday.