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MCC Daily Tribune

Update from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

The following letter, dated May 3, 2020, is shared on behalf of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Dear Fellow New Yorker,

I write to update you on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

New York on PAUSE remains in effect until at least May 15th. Non-essential businesses remain closed. Additionally, schools and college facilities will stay closed for the remainder of the academic year (remote learning will continue).

As the weather gets warmer, it is important that we continue to practice social distancing -- by keeping six feet of distance from others and staying home as much as possible. New Yorkers are required to wear a mask or face covering in public when social distancing can't be maintained. The best way we can thank our frontline heroes -- many of whom literally gave their lives to protect others -- is to act responsibly.

The good news is that we have seen a significant decline in hospitalizations, intubations and fatalities. Yesterday, there were 9,786 total hospitalizations, down from a peak of about 19,000. The heartbreaking news is that we still lost 280 New Yorkers yesterday to COVID-19. It is a hole in our state's heart that we can never fill.

As we continue to work to reduce the spread of the virus, we are also looking ahead. The state will take a data-driven, regional approach to reopening, and we are expanding testing and "contact tracing" in preparation. We have established 12 requirements that must be met before a region can begin to reopen; these requirements include a 14-day decline in the hospitalization rate and having at least 30 percent of hospital and ICU beds available. You can read the entire "New York Forward" plan here.

I know that many New Yorkers are getting frustrated by this situation and want nothing more than to return to normal. I am tired, too. But the progress we have made is fragile, and we must be cautious. The last thing any of us want is to go through this hell all over again if the infection rate spikes.

We can't lose sight of the fact that what we have done -- and what we are doing right now -- is saving lives. That is no exaggeration. New Yorkers have flattened the curve and brought down the infection rate of this virus through our actions. That's an incredible accomplishment and something to be proud of.

I won't promise that we will return to normal at the flip of a switch, because we can't. But I can promise that I will continue to rely on data, science and facts to make the crucial decisions that affect all of our health.

I know that with your cooperation, and the heroism of those on the front lines, we will beat this virus.

Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Rosanna Yule
Government and Community Relations
05/04/2020