Albany, N.Y. - Governor Hochul giving a update today said the data shows unvaccinated people are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 11 times more likely to die from COVID. Hochul said she she's not sure who wants to "play with that Russian Roulette".
She announced that due to the fact young children have not been approved for vaccinations yet, she is issuing a mask mandate at child care/daycare centers as well as state-regulated residential and congregate day programs, like inpatient/outpatient substance abuse and mental health facilities.
She also said she is directing the Department of Health to allow EMTs to administer the COVID vaccine after they are fully trained. This will allow 2,000 vaccinators back in program and 50,000 basic EMT's now eligible for training.
She said Covid hospitalizations hit 2,424 yesterday; she says hospital capacity statewide is in good shape and there were 31 deaths yesterday.
She said in an effort to encourage younger adults to get vaccinated they will be giving away 125 tickets to the "Governor's Ball".