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. Below, please find highlights of this week’s COVID-19-related updates 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 30 – Friday, June 5, 2020:
Friday, June 5
- The Governor announced that New York had its lowest number of COVID-19-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
Thursday, June 4
- The Governor announced that anyone attending a protest would be eligible for COVID-19 testing, and that those attending protests should assume that they have been exposed to the virus.
- The Governor announced that the State would be allowing drive-thru and drive-by graduation ceremonies.
Wednesday, June 3
- The Governor announced that New York State continues to head in the right direction with respect to the declining number of deaths reported yesterday and continued reductions in new hospitalizations and ICU admissions.
Tuesday, June 2
- The Governor announced that summer day camps will be able to open beginning June 29; however, there is no decision yet on sleep-away camps.
Saturday, May 30
- The Governor signed legislation providing death benefits to the families of frontline workers who died during the pandemic.
- The Governor discussed New York City’s plan to begin Phase 1 on June 8 and the work that must be done between now and then, including the hospital “Surge + Flex” planning, MTA preparation, and a focus on the ten hot spots in predominantly low-income and minority communities.
Mayor de Blasio Press Conference Highlights:
Top Line Items From Sunday, May 31 – Friday, June 5, 2020:
Friday, June 5
- The Mayor announced the launch of mobile COVID-19 PCR testing sites in Soundview and Kew Gardens next week.
- The Mayor announced that the City will launch three new COVID-19 Centers of Excellence.
- The Mayor discussed the restart of construction across the City and the requirements that every site must meet. During the first 30 days, the City will undertake an education campaign for those who are not following social distancing requirements, but after 30 days there will be enforcement, which could mean site closures and fines.
Thursday, June 4
- The Mayor announced that Phase I is still on track to start June 8.
Wednesday, June 3
- The Mayor announced plans for a safer MTA for riders who will utilize public transit when the City enters Phase 1 on Monday, June 8.
- The Mayor announced that all New Yorkers are now able to get a test if they want one and can visit NYC.GOV/CovidTest to find a location.
Tuesday, June 2
- The Mayor reminded New Yorkers that there is still much work to be done to prepare the city for possible Phase 1 reopening on June 8.