NY has new record low positivity rate for Covid tests

Posted 22 August 2020 at 2:47 pm

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new record-low Covid-19 test positivity rate of 0.69 percent and the lowest COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU patients since the pandemic began.

On Friday, hospitalizations dropped to 483, a new low since March 16, and the number of patients in ICUs dropped to 116, a new low since March 15. Intubations matched a previous low of 56.

“In New York we didn’t just flatten the curve, we bent it—and the numbers continue to stay low, demonstrating our data-driven phased reopening continues to work,” Governor Cuomo said. “Yesterday we had the lowest test positivity rate, lowest hospitalizations and lowest ICU patients since the middle of March. This shows that protecting public health and reopening our economy aren’t mutually exclusive if done the right way, and record-high testing doesn’t equal more positive tests. New Yorkers have driven this recovery and I urge everyone to stay New York Tough—wear masks, socially distance and stay disciplined. This thing isn’t over yet.”

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,553 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 8 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. The observed violations were in Manhattan, 6; Queens, 1; and Suffolk, 1.

Of the 94,849 test results reported to New York State yesterday, 653, or 0.69 percent, were positive. Those 653 additional cases of novel coronavirus bring the statewide total to 429,165 confirmed cases in New York State.

Today’s data is summarized briefly below:

  • Patient Hospitalization – 483 (-7)
  • Number ICU – 116 (-3)
  • Number ICU with Intubation – 56 (-2)
  • Deaths – 4 (Total Deaths – 25,282)

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