Archive: NYS COVID-19 Resources & Information
3/22/21

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 - 3/22/21  

From the Governor's latest Zoom Update: 

  • Vaccines eligible to 50+ starting tomorrow morning.
  • Creation of campaign to utilize houses of worship as vaccination sites (Press release already available). 

OVERVIEW

  • 4.1% statewide positivity rate
  • 3.2 positivity rate on seven-day average
  • 46 deaths
  • 4,400 hospitalizations
  • 885 ICU patients
  • 576 intubations 

Positivity Rate by Region 

- Mid Hudson: 4.6%
- Long Island: 4.4%
- NYC: 4.0%
- Western NY: 2.3%
- Capital Region: 1.9%
- Finger Lakes: 1.7%
- Mohawk Valley: 1.7%
- North Country: 1.4%
- Central NY: 0.9%
- Southern Tier: 0.5%
- Queens: 4.5%
- Bronx: 4.3%
- Staten Island: 4.3%
- Brooklyn: 3.9%
- Manhattan: 2.4% 

Additional COVID Variants 

  • Brazilian variant first discovered at Mt. Sinai.
  • Patient is a 90 year old who has not traveled.
  • Zucker added there is evidence of increase in transmissibility, potential for reduced efficacy of vaccine, more severe symptoms.
  • Zucker urged vaccination compliance. 

Vaccinations 

  •  7.7 million total doses administered so far.
  • AstraZeneca vaccine up for approval by FDA.
  • Allocation from federal government currently flat, but will increase in the coming weeks, especially if AstraZeneca is approved.
  • This will shift challenges from resulting from supply to potentially result from distribution.
  • Faith-based organizations are asked to partner with local health providers to act as vaccination sites.
  • Eligibility will expand tomorrow to anyone over 50 years of age.
  • Equity is still a problem for Black and Latino communities. 

Reopening 

  • Fitness centers in NYC will reopen today. 

FROM THE Q&A 

  • Enough allocation is still not available; allocation from federal government should double in the next few weeks. 
  • On whether school districts can change policies without state approval:
    Garvey said state guidance says local districts could allow less than 6 ft. if physical barriers exist between students. They are reviewing to decide whether to align with CDC. 

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

Executive Order 202.98

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Allows fitness centers to fully open.
  • Increases limits on gatherings.