We all saw pictures from the weekend of people out and about in parks and in public spaces — some were not wearing masks. Let me say this as clearly as possible. If you are out in public, and especially if you are in a crowded area — you must wear a mask (or face covering). It is the smart and responsible thing to do and it is also the law.
Help us get this vital message out. We're asking New Yorkers to explain why wearing a mask in public is important in a video submission contest. The winning video will be used in a TV ad. Videos should be less than 30 seconds long and should show how to wear a mask properly, covering both the mouth and nose. The submission deadline is May 15th. Learn more at WearAMask.ny.gov.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. New York State is collaborating with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a blueprint to reimagine education in the new normal. As New York begins to develop plans to reopen K-12 schools and colleges, the state and the Gates Foundation will consider what education should look like in this new normal. The state will convene a group of leaders to answer key questions in collaboration with the Gates Foundation.
2. The number of new COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Yesterday, the number of new COVID hospitalizations — a key metric — fell to 659, down from 717 the day before. Total hospitalizations fell to 9,600 from 9,647 the day before. Tragically, we lost an additional 230 New Yorkers yesterday to COVID-19.
3. Starting tonight, the New York City subway system will close on a nightly basis from 1am to 5am. This change from 24-hour service will last for the duration of this pandemic, allowing NYC Transit to clean every subway car every single day.
4. Today is Teacher Appreciation Day. To all our teachers and educators — thank you. We know that the remote learning that teachers and students are doing right now presents new challenges — and we applaud you for adapting to them and continuing to educate New Yorkers.
5. In Seneca County, dairy farm Lively Run Dairy has raised $40,000 to buy dairy products from farmers who would otherwise be forced to dump their product. The dairy products are then being used to make cheese to donate to local food banks. Last week, they donated 450 pounds of cheese.
6. I am extending the Executive Order allowing out-of-state health care professionals to practice in New York State. We are forever indebted to the countless doctors, nurses, physician assistants, respiratory therapists and other health care professionals from neighboring states who came to help the family of New York when we needed it most.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": A Queens resident recovered from Coronavirus and celebrated her 107th birthday on Saturday. "Everyone needs to be grateful and count their blessings every day," she told the New York Daily News, adding that she was looking forward to a birthday plate of spaghetti Bolognese.
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