Archive: NYS COVID-19 Resources & Information
11/30/20

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 - 11/30/20     

From Governor Cuomo’s briefing in New York City: 

OVERVIEW

  • 6% rate in micro-clusters.
  • 4% statewide rate without micro-clusters.
  • 4.5% statewide rate with micro-clusters.
  • 148,000 tests conducted.
  • 54 deaths reported over the last 24 hours.
  • 3,500 hospitalizations.

New COVID-19 Phase Now

  • Entering different phase now due to colder weather, increased travel, changes in behavior.
  • There is a potential surge in infection in next month due to the holidays.
  • Governor Cuomo said small, family/social gatherings are now main driver of spread.
  • Hospital capacity, staff, PPE are now main concerns; the state is concerned about overwhelming hospital system.

5 NEW STRATEGIES TO COMBAT COVID-19

1. Shifting focus to number of hospitalizations, hospital capacity: adding hospitalization rate, case rate, available beds, ICU beds, death rate, and patient load management to zone designations.
- Governor Cuomo is meeting with hospital administrators to evaluate their current situation.
- Emergency stop provision if system is overwhelmed: NY on Pause will be implemented if hospitals are overwhelmed.
- Emergency hospital measures being implemented.
- Hospitals must identify retired staff to be utilized. 
- Elective surgeries will stop in Erie County as of this Friday, December 4. 
- Hospital "balancing" being is now mandated.
- The Governor said the state will investigate if patient loads are not balanced, and will be considered malpractice.
- Emergency field hospital plans must be prepared region-wide.
- Hospitals must plan to add 50% capacity if needed, must plan for statewide surge and flex across hospital systems.
- PPE stockpile must be checked and confirmed, and staff must be prepared.
- The state is launching an emergency tracking system for hospitalizations.

2. Testing
- Needs to increase and be balanced, as many populations need to be prioritized. 

3. Keep Schools Open
- Schools are safer than the surrounding community, especially K-8.
- In orange zones: 20% of population being tested over a month. 
- In red zones: 30% being tested over a month, pool testing is allowed.
- Schools can adjust to accommodate equitable distribution.
- Schools can close lower than state mandated threshold, but state recommends K-8 remain open provided it is safe. 

4. Small Gathering Spread 
- Will implement public education campaign on small gatherings.
- Governor cited similar restrictions in other states. 

5. Vaccine Program
- Vaccine delivery could start in next few weeks.
- The Governor said inclusiveness will be prioritized however critical mass will still be months away.

FROM THE Q&A

Will NY Pause will be implemented if increases continue?
- No, additional restrictions will be implemented through zones prior to that measure being taken.
- Restrictions in orange and red zones will impose additional increases on restaurants, gyms as needed.

Hospital balancing/transferring critically-ill patients:
- We experienced this in the spring, hospitals can better adapt to accommodate capacity now. 
- Hospitals are being asked to make balancing plans now to prepare. 
- Dr. Zucker added that other patients besides COVID patients will be moved to balance system as well.

On specific hospital metrics for zone designations:
- Those numbers will be decided this week, awaiting results from the "Thanksgiving wave.” 

On whether more zones are expected after adding hospital metrics:
- Governor said positivity rates will increase, cited state's low threshold of 3%, but priority going forward will be hospital capacity.

On hospital staffing:
- The Governor said he is more concerned about staff shortages than he is about bed capacity, as staff are harder to come by than beds, staff has been overworked.
- Staff will be increased as much as possible, balancing patients will help lessen burden on staff. 

On the Governor’s confidence in data on COVID:
- There is more data in NY than anywhere else in U.S.
- The Governor acknowledged contact tracing is "not great" due to low response rate. 

On whether Governor anticipates more zones being designated within 10 days:
- Governor Cuomo said he believes numbers will continue to increase through January; believes the increase from Thanksgiving will be significant.

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

Executive Order 202.76

  • Pertains to criminal procedure law and the Family Court Act.

Executive Order 202.77

  • Pertains to nursing homes and adult care facilities

Executive Order 202.78

  • Continues Executive Orders 202.66 and 202.71 through December 27.