NEW YORK — A big milestone in New York's battle against the coronavirus is very close at hand.
Governor Cuomo announced Monday that 68.6% of adults in the state have currently received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The governor said when that number reached 70%, all reopening guidance, both commercial and social, will be lifted in the state. That means no more capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, health screenings and contact tracing will be necessary.
However, the governor said some institutional restrictions will continue, including those for large venues, schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional and healthcare facilities.
At 0.66%, New York currently has one of the lowest COVID-19 positive rate in the country. The WNY region, as well, currently stands at 0.66% positive. All regions are below 1.0% positivity for the first time since August 19 of last year. The WNY region currently stands at 0.66% positive. The region includes Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
On the day New York achieves 70% of adults vaccinated, Cuomo says the Empire State Building, along with other landmarks, including Niagara Falls, will be lit blue and gold to celebrate the achievement.
2 On Your Side spoke with Dr. Nancy Nielsen, senior associate dean for health policy at UB's medical school, about this announcement during our Monday Town Hall.
"I worry about those who are immunocompromised, and I really worry about those who've chosen not to be vaccinated, because that's where the cases are going to occur," she said. "But the good news is overwhelming. There is simply no doubt that we seem to have turned the corner on this pandemic. And it's got to be due to a bunch of things, including the the incredible vaccination rate that we've had throughout the country."