COVID-19 Update June 8th

Senator David Carlucci

June 8, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

Today marks that 100th day since the first recorded case of COVID-19 in New York. The initial projections were terrifying, yet New Yorkers banded together and took deliberate action to flatten the curve. Now, with more than 58,000 diagnostic tests administered yesterday, only 1.2 percent came back positive. 

Faced with daunting projections and uncertainty, our region rose to meet an unprecedented challenge. Nearly two months ago, the Mid-Hudson Region, which includes Rockland and Westchester, was experiencing some of the worst infection rates in the country, with nearly 50 percent of our tests returning positive. Now, due to our efforts to stop the spread, only 1 percent of all diagnostic tests in the region are returning positive. 

These uplifting numbers are informing our reopening strategy, and I am excited for our region to enter Phase 2, tomorrow.

LATEST UPDATES

COVID-19 Cases and Deaths

So far, there have been 377,799 total positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, including 13,340 in Rockland and 34,000 in Westchester. Sadly, we have already lost 24,299 people statewide, including 465 in Rockland and 1,526 in Westchester.

Houses of Worship to Resume Services

All houses of worship are permitted to resume in-person services in Phase 2 regions. Buildings may only allow 25 percent of total occupancy and must abide by guidelines on social distancing and use of protective equipment. 

Outdoor Graduations are Now Permitted

In late May, I joined my Senate colleagues in writing a letter to Governor Cuomo urging him to allow outdoor graduations. In response, the Governor has announced that beginning on June 26, outdoor graduation ceremonies of up to 150 people will be permitted. The ceremonies and guests must abide by socially distancing rules and guidelines for use of personal protective equipment. Further guidance for school districts, students, and parents will be released in the coming days. 

Grad Mask

Businesses Permitted to Temperature-Check Patrons

Last month, I introduced legislation that would allow private businesses to perform non-invasive temperature checks on employees and customers entering their establishments. On Saturday, Governor Cuomo responded by enacting this idea in an Executive Order. Now, business owners my perform temperature checks and deny entry to individuals who refuse the test or are feverish. You can read the full Executive Order, here.

NYS Seeks to Prosecute PPE Price Gougers

Governor Cuomo signed S.8189, a bill that I am proud to co-sponsor, which bans price gouging of essential medical supplies including personal protective equipment. Price gougers can now face increased fines of up to $25,000 or 3 times their gross receipts from the gouged products, whichever is greater. 

Hospital *

Senator Carlucci Hosts Virtual 5K for Organ Donation

On June 11th, I am partnering with LiveOnNY to host a virtual 5K race, which seeks to spread awareness of organ donation and increase the number of organ donors in our state. To sign up, visit my NYS Senate website, here. You can also sign up to be an organ donor, here. Details on how the race will work and how you will enter your race data will be emailed to you upon your registration. 

My Office is Here to Help

Please remember my staff is working remotely and has closed hundreds of cases since the start of the pandemic. We are here to assist with unemployment claims, health insurance enrollment, local resources and services, and any other challenges you may encounter during the pandemic. If you have any questions or issues, please call my New City office at 845-623-3627.

Get Answers to Commonly Asked Questions on COVID-19, here.

For the latest updates, you can:

 

Sincerely, 

Senator David Carlucci

 
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