COVID-19 update: State hospitalizations drop below 1,000: Cuomo

June 25, 2020 Editorial Staff

Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

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On the front lines of the war on COVID-19, there are many civilian heroes going out of their way, as volunteers and contributors. Also, many who are elected to serve are going the extra mile. In this column the Eagle hopes to give our readers an ongoing update on those fighting in the front lines.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced that COVID-19 hospitalizations have dropped below 1,000 for the first time since March 18. On Wednesday, there were 996 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New York State. “Facts are facts, even in this crazy political environment, and what we’re saying in New York is we did the right thing,” Cuomo said. “New Yorkers have been locked up and closed their businesses. We have the virus under control finally. We had to flatten the curve. We don’t want to go back.” More data is available here.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday announced plans to reopen recreational amenities and outdoor courts in City parks. Once the City enters Phase Three of reopening, New Yorkers will be able to enjoy soccer fields and basketball, tennis, volleyball, bocce, and handball courts. The City will also reopen dog runs for public use. “Our city faced one of the greatest challenges in its history, and because of your hard work, we are pushing through. Soon, New Yorkers will be able to enjoy even more outdoor activities,” said de Blasio. The City is on track to begin Phase Three on July 6.

MTA New York City Transit announced on Wednesday that ridership on the subway system surpassed one million for the first time since March, as the agency continues to safely welcome customers back to the system. Subway ridership hit 1,047,493 on Tuesday. “Our riders are noticing how clean our subway cars and stations really are and we are laser focused on continuing the most aggressive cleaning and disinfection program in our history to ensure the safety of everyone in our system,” said Sarah Feinberg, interim president for New York City Transit.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday announced that swimming will be allowed at the city’s eight public beaches starting on July 1. Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Swimming is unsafe and strictly prohibited at all other times. “New Yorkers have worked hard to fight back this virus and to put us back on the path to a safe reopening,” said de Blasio. “This summer is still unlike any in our history, but now, we will all have the opportunity to cool off and swim at our cherished beaches.”

Actor and activist Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Wire, The Deuce) will lead a virtual storytime with Brooklyn Public Library and Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation on Friday at 11a.m. Akinnagbe willread “I, Too, Am America,” by Langston Hughes, and discuss what it means to be an activist and how to fill out the 2020 Census. The daily story time is part of a suite of programs for young children now available online.