New York COVID-19 Positivity Rate Lowers After Incentives Announced for Vaccinated People
(Photo : Getty Images/Michael M. Santiago)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 11: Gov. Andrew Cuomo cuts a ribbon during a press conference at the Javits Center in Manhattan on May 11, 2021 in New York City. Gov. Cuomo held the press conference to give an update on coronavirus (COVID-19) efforts and to announce the expansion of the Javits Center as well as various projects in what he called the "Reimagine, Rebuild, Renew" campaign to support the reopening and recovery of New York State due to the impact of the pandemic.

New York's seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate has decreased to 0.71%, which is a new record low, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday. The news arrives as New York recorded 55 consecutive days of declining novel coronavirus cases in the state.

According to Cuomo, "New York State is beating back COVID and making progress on the numbers, and the key is providing shots in arms for all New Yorkers. Hospitalizations and the positivity rate are declining, but so is the vaccination rate, and we need to get creative to encourage the remaining New Yorkers to take the shot. We're providing new and innovative incentives-including park passes, transportation tickets, and even a $5 million lottery-to make sure we can successfully vaccinate the population," reported WKBW.

Rebuilding New York

The governor added it is critical for them to reopen the state's economy, rebuild New York, and return New Yorkers back to work. He prompted everyone who has not taken the dose to get inoculated, reported Cuomo's website.

The coronavirus positivity rate for the Finger Lakes Region stands at 1.68%. That rate has been consistently declining. However, it is still higher than other regions in NY. Monroe County on Sunday recorded 85 new COVID-19 cases, reported WXXI News.

Positivity Rate Across New York

The positivity rate across New York is 0.64%. On the vaccine front, 104,851 COVID-19 vaccine shots have been administered throughout the state over the last 24 hours. 65.1% of all New Yorkers from 18 years old and older have received at least one vaccine shot. 56.8% have completed their vaccine series.

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Admissions to hospitals have also diminished to 1,068. There were 18 statewide COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday.

Here is the summary of Sunday's data:

  • Total Positive - 785
  • Test Results Reported - 122,737
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.71%
  • Percent Positive - 0.64%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 1,068 (-75)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 115
  • Patients in ICU - 260 (-7)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 155 (-3)
  • Total Discharges - 182,175 (+161)
  • Deaths - 18
  • Total Deaths - 42,696
  • Total vaccine doses received over past 24 hours - 104,851
  • Total vaccine doses administered - 18,996,617
  • Total vaccine doses received over past seven days - 618,818
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccination - 56.8%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older who received at least one vaccine dose - 65.1%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers who received at least one vaccine dose - 53.5%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccination - 45.6%
On Saturday, 18 New Yorkers passed away due to testing positive for COVID-19. The total now stands at 42,696. Also, on Saturday, 44,057 New Yorkers were administered their first vaccine dose. 65,981 completed their vaccine series.
NY is beating back COVID-19 and making progress on the numbers. The key is providing doses in arms for all New Yorkers, according to Cuomo. For the past few weeks, however, inoculation rates have started slowing in New York, notwithstanding the state expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to children from 12 to 15 years old.