This year, the Latin motto of our nation — E Pluribus Unum — has been added to the Great Seal of the State of New York. It means: Out of many, one. The importance of that motto is especially clear and relevant today.
It's only been about a month since New York's first confirmed Coronavirus case, but it feels like a lifetime. This pandemic has stressed New York, and our nation, in an unprecedented way. It is challenging on every level: to the economy, to our social fabric and to every system. This is a painful, disorienting experience. It's important to remember that we will get through this. But we have to do what we have to do between now and then.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. New York State received a donation of 1,000 ventilators from China. This significant donation was made by the Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation and facilitated by the Chinese government and Ambassador Huang, the Chinese Consul General. (Joe Tsai is the owner of the Brooklyn Nets.) The ventilators arrived at JFK Airport today. Additionally, the Joseph and Clara Tsai Foundation and the Jack Ma Foundation have donated one million surgical masks, one million KN95 masks and more than 100,000 pairs of goggles. We thank them.
2. Oregon Governor Kate Brown has offered to provide New York with 140 ventilators from Oregon's stockpile. We are so grateful to Governor Brown and the people of Oregon. New York State will repay the favor when Oregon needs it. This generous offer is an inspiring example of the solidarity that other states are showing to New York.
3. I issued an Executive Order today allowing medical students slated to graduate this spring to begin practicing now. These are extraordinary times, and we need all the help we can get.
4. Long Island's number of Coronavirus cases, as a percentage of the total number of cases in our state, has grown to 22% from 15% on March 22. That's worrisome. I urge Long Island residents, and all New Yorkers, to stay at home and if you must go out, to practice social distancing. We need to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and we all have a role to play.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": The media company CONVICTS has produced a powerful video called "NY Tough," celebrating the resiliency of New Yorkers and memorializing those New Yorkers lost to this vicious virus. Watch the inspiring video here.
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