Archive: NYS COVID-19 Resources & Information
5/17/21

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 - 5/17/21  

From Governor Cuomo’s latest briefing:

COVID-19 Statistics 

  • 1.26% positivity statewide
  • 1,581 hospitalizations
  • 387 ICU patients
  • 228 intubations
  • 11 deaths, lowest since Oct. 30 

Positivity Rate by Region 

  • North Country: 2.0%
  • Finger Lakes: 2.72%
  • Western NY: 1.86%
  • Southern Tier: 0.59%
  • Mid-Hudson: 0.99%
  • NYC: 0.91%
  • Long Island: 0.98%
  • Central NY: 1.37%
  • Mohawk Valley: 1.15%
  • Capital Region: 1.34%
  • Manhattan: 0.58%
  • Staten Island: 1.22%
  • Brooklyn: 0.99%
  • Queens: 1.03%
  • Bronx: 0.92% 

Vaccinations 

  • 52% fully vaccinated statewide.
  • Governor discussed success of MTA vaccination program, with 5,700 vaccinations completed in 5 days.
  • This program will be extended through Saturday at existing stations, and additional stations are being added. 

Announcements 

  • NY will adopt CDC guidance on masks, social distancing effective this Wednesday for those who are vaccinated.
  • Those not vaccinated and those who are immunosuppressed should continue to wear masks in public.
  • Masks will still be required on public transportation, in schools, healthcare facilities, correctional facilities.
  • Guidance will be available on DOH website.
  • Stadiums will continue to allow vaccinated and unvaccinated at games, but can adjust capacity for vaccinated to allow more fans, if they so choose.
  • NYC Marathon will open at 60% capacity (33,000), which Gov.  said may change before the race runs.
  • County fairs will be allowed to open, DOH will have to review plans if greater than 5,000 attendees.
  • The Tribeca Film Festival will open on June 9th at Pier 76 Park.
  • Radio City Music Hall will also open June 9th at 100% capacity for those who are vaccinated, no masks required.
  • Concerts at Radio City for the summer will be announced soon.
  • James Dolan, CEO, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, announced tickets for Knicks playoffs go on sale Tuesday. 

FROM THE Q&A 

On whether proof of vaccination will be required at venues:

  • Governor explained venues can require proof of vaccination.
  • Excelsior Pass app or vaccination card are sufficient forms of proof.
  • Mujica said app is available on any smart phone, can also be accessed from a computer and printed.
  • Mujica said for large venues, proof will be required, as it is now. 

On whether seating will favor vaccinated individuals at events:

  • Radio City Music Hall will be at 100% capacity for all events in addition to the film festival.
  • Dolan confirmed they will be favoring vaccinated fans in terms of seating, but stated they are still working on seating plans. 

On self-report nature of Excelsior Pass app:

  • Mujica explained Excelsior Pass information is verified against the state's system and confirms the vaccination.
  • Governor repeated that proof of vaccination can be required at any time by private vendors. 

On why new guidance is not effective until Wednesday:

  • Governor said the state is attempting to give vendors and local governments notice today so they have time to adjust to new guidance by Wednesday. 

On proof of vaccination for out of state residents:

  • Mujica said technology for COVID pass is designed for New Yorkers, not out of state residents, but the state is working on the technology for this.