COVID Positivity Rate Drops to 2.99%, First Time Below 3% Since November

    For the first time since Nov. 23, 2020, which was three days before Thanksgiving, New York’s state’s COVID positivity rate dropped before 3%, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.

    "We continue to see a reduction in positivity and hospitalizations throughout the state, which is good news, and this progress is allowing us to reopen the valve on our economy even further," Gov. Cuomo said. "But with the discovery of a case of the South African variant in the state, it's more important than ever for New Yorkers to stay vigilant, wear masks, wash hands and stay socially distanced.

   Last week, a Connecticut resident who had been hospitalized in New York City was found to have the South African variant of COVID-19.  

     “We are in a race right now: between our ability to vaccinate and these variants which are actively trying to proliferate, and we will only win that race if we stay smart and disciplined," Gov. Cuomo said.

 (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)