ALBANY, N.Y. — New York's COVID-19 numbers continue to look good, but Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to be concerned about two things.
Cuomo gave an update from Albany on Monday and says increased virus rates in other areas of the country and lack of compliance at bars and restaurants among young people here in New York could cause a COVID-19 rebound in the state.
While he says most bars and restaurants have been in compliance with state operating guidelines, especially upstate, he repeated his appeal that local governments continue to be vigilant about enforcement. He added 27 violations were issued Sunday, most of them in the New York City area.
"A situation that we're watching is lack of compliance, particularly among young people, bars and restaurants. That's not unique to New York—it's a national problem—and even the president of the United States said young people shouldn't go into packed bars," Governor Cuomo said. "I've said for weeks that local governments are not doing what they need to do, and they have to step up. The state will be doing everything it can with the most aggressive enforcement mechanisms available. That continued last night."
Hospitalizations in New York stand at 642 people. Of the 57,270 tests performed Sunday, 608 of those came back positive for a percent positive rate of 1.06%. As of Sunday, the percent positive rate in Erie County stood at 1.2 % up from 0.9% on Saturday. One death was also reported.
If New York is hit with a second wave, Cuomo said Empire State Development has already identified 20 companies who stand ready to provide the state with personal protective equipment (PPE).
