Archive: NYS COVID-19 Resources & Information
12/2/20

In the rapidly changing dynamics of combating the Coronavirus, information is updated constantly. This archive is being provided as an additional resource for those seeking to learn more about how New York State is addressing COVID-19.

LATEST NEWS & INFORMATION - 12/2/20     

From Governor Cuomo’s briefing from the Red Room of the New York State Capitol: 

OVERVIEW

  • 4.63% statewide rate.
  • 193,551 tests conducted.
  • 69 deaths.
  • 3,924 hospitalizations.
  • 742 ICU patients.
  • 373 intubations.
  • Cuomo warned of a COVID spike through the holiday season.

VACCINE

  • 5 point plan:
    - Manage hospital load.
    - Increase and balance testing.
    - Keep schools (K-8) open when safe.
    - Small gatherings are the #1 cause for spread.
    - Prepare for vaccine distribution.
    The goal is to flatten the curve post-New Year.
    - Evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine program.
    - 75-85% of population must be vaccinated for the economy to return to normal (experts estimate this will be reached around June-September).
    - NY panel will review federal approval process for the vaccine.

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION

  • CDC issued prioritization recommendations, conforming to NY guidelines:
    - Frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable/elderly citizens.
    - Pfizer will be enough doses for 170,000 New Yorkers.
    - Vaccines will be prioritized for residential health care facilities.
    - Doses are expected to arrive on December 15, 2020.
    Nationwide, the federal government estimates that we will have enough doses to vaccinate 20 million people.
    - NYS expects additional allocations of Moderna and Pfizer's vaccine this month.

FROM THE Q&A

  • On vaccine batches, what are the Governor's expectations?
    - The state's plan is to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff.
    - We may get a Moderna batch at some point.
    - We expect an additional Pfizer vaccine in 21 days.
    - Cuomo stated that the goal is to have the fastest vaccination program in the country.
  • Will the state develop a list of priorities?

    - Health care workers and residential care facilities will be prioritized.
    - We need 210,000 vaccines to cover all residents and staff.
    - Between the first Pfizer batch and the Moderna batch, we will cover all residents and staff.
    - There will be residents or staff that refuse to take the vaccine.
    - There will likely be rolling shipments of vaccines every 7 days.