Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio provide daily press briefings on the status of New York State and New York City’s COVID-19 response. The Manatt team provides daily updates of these briefings, and going forward we will provide the highlights of important weekly actions being taken in New York State and New York City.
Please contact Laura Manley at LManley@manatt.com with any questions.
Governor Andrew Cuomo Press Conference Highlights:
Top Line Items From Saturday, May 23 – Friday, May 29, 2020:
Friday, May 29
- The Governor announced that five regions of the State have now entered Phase 2 of reopening, including Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and North Country. He also provided updated guidance, which can be found here, for the industries entering Phase 2.
- The Governor announced that the New York City region will enter Phase 1 of reopening as of June 8.
Thursday, May 28
- The Governor announced he will be signing an Executive Order authorizing businesses to deny entry to those who do not wear masks or face coverings.
- The Governor announced a new partnership with Rosie Perez and Chris Rock for an ad campaign to encourage New Yorkers to get tested, wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
Wednesday, May 27
- The Governor continued his call for federal funding for states and local governments, and especially for infrastructure projects that can supercharge the economy’s reopening, and put responsibility at the feet of the federal government for redistributing wealth from states that pay more to the federal government than they get back.
- The Governor reported on his meeting with the President and noted that while there are political differences between the President and himself, the meeting was not about politics, it was about supercharging the reopening, the needs of New York and starting up infrastructure projects.
Tuesday, May 26
- The Governor announced that the State will focus on the top ten communities with new COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past seven days, to better direct resources to minority communities that are suffering the most.
- Governor Cuomo said that government needs to stimulate the economy through public works infrastructure projects; New York will focus on the new Empire Station at Penn Station and the construction of a new LaGuardia Airport, as a part of this effort.
- The Governor announced the two winners of the #WearAMask ad contest that will air as public service announcements.
Monday, May 25
- The Governor announced that the State and local governments will provide death benefits for public heroes who died from COVID-19 during this emergency.
- The Governor called on the federal government to provide dedicated funding for hazard pay for frontline workers.
Sunday, May 24
- Starting today, New York professional sports leagues will be able to begin training camps in the State.
- Eric Schmidt, former CEO and executive chairman of Google, will chair the 15-member blue-ribbon commission focused on improving telehealth and broadband access, as a part of the NY Build Back Better Initiative.
Saturday, May 23
- New York has dropped under 100 for the number of COVID-related deaths per day.
- Today, Governor Cuomo announced a partnership with Advantage Care Physicians to establish 15 new testing sites. There is now a total of 760+ testing sites in NYC.
Mayor Bill de Blasio Press Conference Highlights:
Top Line Items From Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, May 29, 2020:
Friday, May 29
- The Mayor announced additional testing for nonprofit workers throughout the City.
- Mayor de Blasio announced that the City will coordinate pickup and delivery of 2 million face coverings for businesses and workers.
- The Mayor announced 10,000 internet-enabled tablets shipped to disconnected NYCHA seniors.
Thursday, May 28
- The City is getting closer to Phase 1 of reopening, which includes businesses in construction, manufacturing, wholesale and nonessential retail.
- Mayor de Blasio also introduced safety guidance for all sectors as they plan for reopening, including guidance for social distancing, PPE, hygiene, health screenings and communication.
Wednesday, May 27
- The Mayor announced the creation of Resource Navigators. These individuals will support anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 and must safely quarantine at home by delivering meals and medications and providing mental health support.
- The Mayor announced that the City is now doing 27,000 tests per day.
Tuesday, May 26
- The Mayor announced Annabel Palma as the new chief equity officer for the Test & Trace Corps, and a $10 million media and outreach campaign about the Test & Trace Corps effort.
- Alternate Side Parking has been suspended through June 7.