Archive: NYS COVID-19 Resources & Information
6/29/20

In the rapidly changing dynamics of combating the Cornonavirus, 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 - 6/29/20

From Governor Cuomo’s press conference in NYC: 

OVERVIEW 

  • The Governor stated that the White House has been in denial about COVID-19.
  • COVID is increasing in 32 states.
  • When the virus spikes, the market goes down.
  • IHME just increased the COVID death toll projecting 10,000 more deaths than two weeks earlier.
  • The federal government established only 41 testing sites. In NY alone there are over 750 testing sites.
  • There are 853 hospitalizations, this is the lowest since COVID started.
  • Lowest 3-day average death total, with 8 deaths reported over the last 24 hours.
  • NYS does more testing than any other state with 46,428 tests conducted yesterday; .8% infection rate.
  • There were 13 positive cases at a Westchester County graduation ceremony.
  • More clusters were identified in Washington and Montgomery Counties. 

REOPENING/NYC 

  • Western NY will move to Phase 4 tomorrow.
  • There are two complications for NYC opening Phase 3 next Monday:
    1. Lack of compliance with social distancing, large congregations and local government enforcement.
    2. Spread from other states. 
  • Indoor dining has proven problematic in other states that have reopened.
  • Outdoor dining has been working well.
  • NYS will review data and consult with stakeholders in NYC about the risk-reward.
  • A final decision will be made on Wednesday regarding indoor dining in NYC.
  • NY will help any state experiencing a spike in COVID. 

INDOOR AIR 

  • The MTV Video Music Awards will happen on August 30 at Barclays Center.
  • Air filters with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Valve (MERV), such as High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, have been shown to reduce the presence of COVID-19 in air filtration systems. 
  • Malls and indoor shopping areas will be required to have MERV air filters.
  • For all businesses and offices, the state recommends installing filters with MERV rating capable of filtering COVID-19. 

The Governor’s Office also issued the following Executive Order: 

Executive Order 202.45 

HIGHLIGHTS 

Valid through July 26, 2020: 

  • Employees who voluntarily travel to states listed in the NYS Travel Advisory will not be eligible for paid sick leave benefits.
  • For regions in Phase 4 of reopening, indoor gatherings of 50 or fewer are permitted so long as the gatherings do not exceed 50% of the occupancy of the indoor area.
  • Reductions and restrictions on the in-person workforce at non-essential businesses or entities shall no longer apply to Phase 4 industries, in eligible regions, including: higher education, film and music production, low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment, and professional sports without fans.
  • Any previous directive that restricted operation of any industry, business or facility that is permitted to open in Phase 1-4 is superseded in so far that it is inconsistent with any Executive Order allowing businesses, industries and facilities to reopen.
  • Allows for general hospitals to perform elective surgeries as long as current DOH criteria are met.
  • States that all schools shall remain closed for in-person instruction except for special education services.