The Peru Gazette

Thanks to the hard and nonstop work of our providers and vaccination center staff, we are nearing 10 million total doses administered since the start of this unprecedented statewide vaccination operation. Yesterday, a record high of 269,527 vaccines were administered in New York State. We must maintain this progress. We are continuing our outreach in socially vulnerable communities to break down any barriers to access. As we receive more supply from the federal government, we are ready to expand this operation for universal eligibility (anyone age 16+) beginning April 6. We’re getting closer and closer to the finish line and to defeating the virus, we just need to keep our vaccination progress moving and we need to take all precautions to stop the spread.

I wish all New Yorkers who celebrate a happy and safe Easter this weekend.

Photo of the Day: Last night, state landmarks were illuminated blue to mark the start of National Child Abuse Prevention Month (Photo by Darren McGee)

1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 4,540. Of the 257,646 tests reported yesterday, 7,787, or 3.02 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 3.59 percent. There were 913 patients in ICU yesterday, down five from the previous day. Of them, 565 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 63 New Yorkers to the virus.

2. As of 11am this morning, 31.8 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 269,527 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 9,925,232 total doses with 19.2 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

3. Performing arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity today. Venues can host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of completed vaccination or recent negative test result prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing, face coverings, health screening and other health protocols will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance—available here.

4. Eighteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites will come online over the next week. These sites at houses of worship, community centers and local businesses are expected to vaccinate more than 8,500 people throughout the week. Since January 15, more than 180 community-based pop-up sites administered have 69,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: When a 9-1-1 call came for a missing toddler, a New York State Trooper rushed to the rescue. Last Saturday evening, Trooper Brian Hotchkiss received a missing child report in South Bristol, NY, and with the sun setting soon, he knew he had to act fast. After two hours of searching Bristol Hills, Hotchkiss was able to find the missing 2-year-old girl who wandered away from her home. Thanks to Hotchkiss and the other Troopers’ quick actions, the young girl was found and returned home safely.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo