Rockland/Westchester 3rd In NY For New COVID-19 Hospitalizations

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Hudson Valley is third behind Long Island and New York City for the number of new patients being hospitalized on a daily basis, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday.

Cuomo said the state asked hospitals to survey who was coming in for treatment to better target efforts and determine where new cases were originating from; a total of 1,269 people in 113 hospitals surveyed statewide over three days brought to light new data that indicated that Rockland and Westchester counties accounted for 11 percent of new hospital admissions over a three-day period; New York City accounted for 57 percent.

He noted that 66 percent of cases reported were people who were at home, not working or traveling, predominantly among non-essential employees and among individuals 51 and older. A total of 84 percent were at home and not taking public transportation, he said; 37 percent were retired and 46 percent unemployed, he said.

"Much of what this comes down to is what you are doing to protect yourself," Cuomo said, adding that wearing face coverings, using hand sanitizer, and staying home were critical.

A disproportionate number of cases were reported downstate and in minority communities; in New York City that number was higher in the African American and Latino communities, Cuomo said.

With the total number of deaths statewide over a 24 hour period at 232, Cuomo said decisions on reopening need to be based on information and data.

In New York State overall, numbers are going down, while across the nation, numbers continue to rise.

In order to reopen, regions must have at least a 14 day decline in total hospitalizations and deaths on a three day rolling average; cannot have more than 15 new cases or five new deaths on a three day rolling average; must have fewer than two new COVID-19 patients per 100,000 residents; and must have a hospital capacity of 70 percent hospital and ICU beds.

He said that different regions in the state are in very different situations. "If upstate has to be waiting for downstate to open they will be waiting for a long time," Cuomo said.

Businesses that will be allowed to open first are those that are most essential and pose the lowest risk, with construction, manufacturing, and some retail with curbside pickup in the first phase and arts, entertainment, schools and recreation in the final stage, Cuomo said.

Also, Cuomo said, businesses have to have plans for how to keep employees and customers safe, including how to maintain social distancing and other protocols.