4/19 COVID-19 Update

Because of our actions, New York has slowed the rate of COVID-19 infection. We see hospitalizations and intubations are down. We appear to be past the peak of the curve and on the way down.

Sadly though, we are still losing New Yokrers at a horrific rate. 507 people died of COVID-19 yesterday and 13,869 people have died since the outbreak started. These numbers are tragic and highlight the importance of continued social responsibility, and if not for yourself, than for others like our frontline workers.

On Saturday, we still had 1,354 people enter the hospital system after testing positive for COVID-19. Westchester and Rockland remain 8% of the COVID-19 cases in the State. To give perspective, 63% of cases are in NYC, 21% are in Long Island, and 7% are in the rest of the State. Given the population differences, we are not out of the woods. The Governor said he is watching the situation in Rockland and Westchester very closely.

ROCKLAND & WESTCHESTER

In Rockland County, there have been 334 deaths related to COVID-19, according to data from the County. This number ticked up by single digits last week. Yesterday, Rockland had 193 new cases of COVID-19 of the 547 people tested. Since, the outbreak started, 9,364 people have tested positive for COVID-19 of the 21,949 people tested.

In Westchester, there have been 743 deaths since the COVID-19 outbreak started, according to the State Department of Health. Yesterday, Westchester had 624 new cases of COVID-19 of the 2,133 people tested. Since, the outbreak started, 23,803 people have tested positive for COVID-19 of the 71,741 people tested.

WORK TO STOP THE SPREAD 

We can all continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a face covering or mask, avoiding gatherings of any size, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently with soap and water.

Since the outbreak, I’ve called on the State to provide critical PPE not only to our hospitals, but our psychiatric facilities and mental health providers, as well our providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities. I have been in contact with Rockland and Westchester Counties, and Rockland has said they have what they need and expressed urgency in getting the providers mentioned above what they need. In Rockland, myself and Assemblyman Zebrowski took immediate action to have the State temporarily close Rockland Lake State Park, as we received multiple complaints about social distancing not being practiced.

COVID-19 DEVASTATING COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

I am working to increase access to testing in minority communities. New York data on race has shown Black and Hispanic people are dying at higher rates from COVID-19. One step the State took was opening five new testing centers in minority communities, but these centers are in New York City boroughs. We have learned Spring Valley has the most positive COVID-19 cases and has the highest number of deaths in Rockland County. I am requesting an immediate walk-in by appointment testing center at the The Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center so we increase access and allow any residents without vehicles to be able to get a test. 

TESTING, CONTACT TRACING & ISOLATION 

To slow the spread of the virus and save lives, we must increase testing and perform contact tracing so people who were exposed can quarantine. Increasing antibody testing will help us learn how many people have been infected. New York will undertake an aggressive statewide antibody testing survey on Monday to sample 3,000 people for a population of 19.5 million. For context, Germany did a 3,000 person sample for a population of 83 million. This survey will tell us for the first time what percentage of the population has actually had coronavirus.

We also need to increase diagnostic testing, which can tell us if a person is COVID-19 positive or negative. To bring testing to scale, we need the federal government to assist with the supply chain and coordinate with private labs. Right now, these labs cannot secure enough reagents from the manufactures. Some of the reagents are made outside of the U.S. or  the federal government tells these manufactures where to send the products.

Once testing is complete, we need an army of investigators in New York who can perform contact tracing, which involves contacting every individual a positive person came into contact with so they can isolate. While contact tracing typically relies on an infected person’s ability to recall, Apple and Google are developing new technology through your smartphone to alert other devices that were in close contact with you. However, technology like this can only help if we can test more.

FEDERAL FUNDING IS CRITICAL

We need the federal government to help fund the State government to benefit our hospitals, small businesses, and schools. Without "unrestricted" federal aid in the billions, New York will see cuts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• All New Yorkers must now wear a face mask or other face covering in public when you cannot maintain social distancing, are on public transportation, or when taking an Uber or Lyft. You can read the full guidance from the Department of Health here, including information for businesses. 
• Nursing homes and adult care facilities in New York must notify next of kin within 24 hours if a family member tests positive for COVID-19 or dies due to the virus.
• All state golf courses will remain closed. Private golf courses may allow people on their property, but may not have any staff on the premises unless they are engaged in essential activity such as providing security or groundskeeping. You can read the full guidance here. 
• New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut marinas, boatyards, and marine manufacturers may open for personal use as long as they maintain social distancing and follow proper sanitation procedures. Charter boat services and rentals will not be allowed. You can find additional information here. 

Commonly Asked Questions on COVID-19: https://health.westchestergov.com/images/stories/PDF/20200317nyscovid.pdf

For the latest updates, you can:

• NYS Senate website: https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/david-carlucci
• Sign up for text alerts by texting "Carlucci" to 797979
• See the State's DOH page: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
• Rockland County Information: https://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Westchester County Information: https://www.westchestergov.com/home/all-press-releases