ALBANY – Due to “increased attacks and animosity” toward police officers, state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, announced support for the Republican-supported “Protect Those Who Protect Us” package of bills in the state Senate.
“Our police officers are dedicated, hardworking men and women, they take their oath to protect and serve to heart and are vital to keeping our communities safe,” Seward said. “In turn, it is crucial that we stand up for our law enforcement professionals and ensure they are not the targets of violence.”
NEW YORK CITY – Governor Cuomo today announced low-risk youth sports for regions in Phase Three, like Otsego County, can can begin on July 6 with up to two spectators allowed per child.
He also announced the state is extending the special open enrollment period in the State of Health Health Plan Marketplace for an additional 30 days through July 15.
NEW YORK CITY – New York State is at the lowest number of deaths and hospitalizations since the pandemic began, Governor Cuomo reported today in his daily briefing.
The number of total hospitalizations was down yesterday to lowest level since March 20 to 1,734. Thirty-two people in New York passed away due to COVID-19, down from a record-high of 800 just nine weeks ago.
NEW YORK – As New York City entered Phase One of reopening today, Governor Cuomo announced the Big Apple is now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care in its recently embattled hospitals.
He also announced the state is opening 14 new temporary testing sites at churches located in communities particularly impacted by COVID-19, in partnership with Northwell Health and SOMOS Community Care. The state is continuing to focus efforts on reducing the infection rate of COVID-19 in New York City hotspot neighborhoods that have been impacted the most by the virus.
ALBANY – Governor Cuomo today announced outdoor, socially distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed beginning June 26, subject to any outbreaks or significant changes in the metrics.
ALBANY – Governor Cuomo today announced churches and others places of worship may reopen with 25 percent occupancy with all social distancing protocols in place during Phase Two of reopening.
That includes Otsego County’s Mohawk Valley Region and six other of the state’s regions.
In today’s briefing, Governor Cuomo reported the COVID-19 numbers continue to drop, and Western New York prepares to enter Phase 2 of reopening. He also told protesters of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis that he agrees with their dismay, but “enough is enough.”
NEW YORK CITY – Cheered on by actress Rosie Perez and comedian Chris Rock, Governor Cuomo today issued an Executive Order authorizing businesses to deny entry to people who do not wear masks or face-coverings.
The governor made the announcement at noon in New York City, as Otsego County businesses awaited details on how to enter the Phase 2 reopening tomorrow, which permits stores and offices to reopen for the first time since Cuomo’s original March 13 emergency declaration. The latest word is details may be forthcoming at 7 p.m. today.
WASHINGTON – Governor Cuomo earlier today called on the U.S. Senate to pass a coronavirus relief bill that helps all Americans and provides unrestricted fiscal support for states.
The next bill should focus on funding state and local governments, working families, state testing and tracing efforts and a real economic stimulus, with no handouts to corporations that do not protect their workers and only enrich executives or shareholders.
ALBANY – Governor Cuomo Tuesday announced the Mid-Hudson Region has met all seven metrics and could begin Phase One of reopening, joining the Capital Region, Western New York, Central New York, North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley Regions, which includes Otsego County.
Long Island is still on track to reopen today, May 27, when their contact tracing operation comes online and if deaths continue to decline.
ALBANY – Governor Cuomo today launched the $100 million New York Forward Loan Fund to provide flexible and affordable loans to help small businesses, focusing on minority and women-owned small businesses, that did not receive federal COVID-19 assistance.
The state will take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on businesses with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. Businesses interested in receiving a loan should visit esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans.
ALBANY – Governor Cuomo today announced that, beginning Thursday, religious gatherings statewide will be allowed, but limited to 10 people practicing strict social distancing and wearing masks. Additionally, drive-in and parking lot services will also be allowed beginning Thursday.
The Governor also announced the state is convening an Interfaith Advisory Council to discuss proposals to safely bring back religious services. For list of the members of the Interfaith Advisory Council, click here.
ALBANY – All of the state except New York City is moving quickly toward opening.
Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced that the Capital Region has met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state’s regional phased reopening plan starting tomorrow, joining the Western New York, Central New York, North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley Regions.
ALBANY – Governor Cuomo today announced New York State has doubled testing capacity to reach 40,000 diagnostic tests per day, and encouraged eligible New Yorkers to visit a new website to find a nearby testing site.
Today’s announcement comes three weeks after the governor announced an agreement for the state to work with the federal government to grow New York’s daily testing capacity from 20,000 tests a day to 40,000 tests a day.
ALBANY – The two hardest hit counties outside New York City – suburban Westchester and Long Island’s Suffolk – are now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory, Governor Cuomo announced today at his daily briefing.
They join 49 other New York State counties where hospitals can also do so, including Otsego.