Archive: NYS COVID-19 Resources & Information
1/15/21

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 - 1/15/21     

From Governor Cuomo's latest Zoom debriefing:

OVERVIEW 

  • Day 321
  • 6.14% overall statewide positivity rate
  • 324,671 tests conducted
  • 183 fatalities
  • 8,808 hospitalizations
  • 1,570 ICU patients
  • 962 intubations
  • The pilot testing program for the Bills playoff game seemed to work well. 

REGIONAL HOSPITALIZATIONS 

- Finger Lakes: 793 (0.07%)
- Western NY: 527 (00.4%)
- Southern Tier: 250 (0.04%)
- Mid Hudson: 997 (0.04%)
- Central NY: 319 (0.04%)
- Mohawk Valley: 292 (0.06%)
- NYC: 3,341 (0.04%)
- Long Island: 1,647 (0.06%)
- Capital Region: 525 (0.05%)
- North Country: 117 (0.03%) 

POSITIVITY RATE 

- Finger Lakes: 7.63%
- Western NY: 6.93%
- Southern Tier: 4.01%
- Mid Hudson: 7.67%
- Central NY: 6.21%
- Mohawk Valley: 8.66%
- NYC: 5.70%
- Long Island: 8.27%
- Capital Region: 7.94%
- North Country: 7.44%
- Manhattan: 3.80%
- Staten Island: 6.55%
- Brooklyn: 6.24%
- Queens: 6.90%
- Bronx: 7.68% 

VACCINE 

  • The state has followed federal guidance; more than half the population is now eligible for the vaccine.
  • Cuomo addressed backlogs, stating appointments are being booked 14 weeks in advance.
  • The federal government incorrectly stated it would be increasing supply to states, as stockpiled doses have already been distributed.
  • The state's distribution network is prepared to begin administering.
  • Pharmacies and doctor networks will be prioritizing the general public over 65 years of age.
  • County Departments of Health will be prioritizing essential workers.
  • 74% of first vaccine allocation has been utilized statewide so far.
  • The vaccinations numbers are reported by providers to the state and are done so under penalty of perjury.
  • Facilities are being required to schedule the second dose after administering the first.
  • Nursing home program will be completed by Sunday.
  • The state is awaiting federal guidance for those with pre-existing conditions.
  • Mass vaccination sites opened across the state this week.
  • The state is developing "pop-up" testing sites. 

HOSPITAL CAPACITY 

  • This metric is what dictates restrictions and shutdowns.
  • Staff shortages remain a primary concern.
  • New case of UK variant now found in Nassau. 

FROM THE Q&A 

On unpublished scheduling link for vaccine appointments being leaked:

  • Secretary DeRosa said they became aware yesterday, these links were set to go online today.
  • This has been referred to Inspector General's Office, but the belief is the links were hacked or leaked.
  • DeRosa added those appointments were reset so residents had equal access to scheduling appointments this morning. 

On whether the state can secure their own supply directly from vaccine manufacturers:

  • The federal government controls all purchasing and distribution, but said he did try to do so. 

On difficulties with the state's site to schedule vaccinations:

  • The state website only connects residents with vaccine distributors, but providers are fully booked currently.
  • DeRosa added the website was to help residents easily locate providers—opening up eligibility caused the server to be overwhelmed and go down.
  • DeRosa recommended residents go directly to providers' websites when possible to avoid burdens on the state site.
  • State vaccination sites will still be scheduling through state site, there will be 20 state sites total eventually.  

On discrepancies in CDC and state numbers on unused vaccine allocations:

  • The state numbers do not include the federally-run programs for long-term care facilities.
  • 730,000 first doses administered so far.
  • For second doses, 170,000 doses have been delivered.
  • 844,000 doses delivered to date, 74% has been utilized.

The Governor’s Office also released the following Executive Orders: 

Executive Order 202.89

Highlights

  • Extends a host of pervious E.O.s until February 6, 2021. 

Executive Order 202.90 

Highlights

  • Pertains to COVID-19 vaccine administration.