'The truth is, this is not a sprint — this is a marathon. And we will get through it.'
UPDATE from Governor Cuomo and NY State Dept of Health:
The outpouring of support over the last week from the people of New York, and from people across the world, has been inspiring. We are grateful to all the companies and individuals who stand with us in this fight.
I know that you are tired of this situation. I am too. But when I feel tired I think of the first responders who are out there every day showing up. I think of the healthcare professionals working 7-day weeks. I think of the grocery store workers who are doing double shifts just to keep food on the shelves, and the pharmacists who have lines going out the door, and so many others. The truth is, this is not a sprint — this is a marathon. And we will get through it.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. We are doing everything possible to slow the spread while adding hospital capacity. The state has identified four new sites for temporary hospitals, which I will tourtomorrow: the CUNY College of Staten Island, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Aqueduct Race Track in Queens and the New York Expo Center in the Bronx. These facilities, together with the temporary hospitals that are being built at the Javits Center and other locations, are aimed at building thousands of new beds to bolster existing hospital capacity. The state is also preparing hotels and college dormitories for emergency beds.
2. As of this morning, we have lost 385 New Yorkers to Coronavirus-related illnesses. We mourn them and my thoughts are with their loved ones. Tragically, we expect the number to rise as many patients have been on ventilators for weeks. NY will keep fighting to save lives. Help us save lives by staying home.
3. More than 52,000 volunteers signed up to work as part of the state’s surge healthcare force. Just in the last day, an additional 12,000 healthcare workers, including retirees and students, have signed up to volunteer to join New York’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 8,600 mental health professionals, from New York and other states, have signed up to provide free online mental health services. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.
4. New York State’s income tax filing deadline is delayed until July 15, 2020. Because New York State requires electronic filing, the date for filing state personal income taxes automatically travels with the federal filing date, which is now July 15. Further guidelines will be released soon.
5. If you filed for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, you do not need to prove you are searching for employment to make a claim. Department of Labor Commissioner Reardon has signed a new order that limits all work search activities for all unemployment claimants. No activities are required during the pandemic to receive unemployment benefits.
Tonight’s "Deep Breath Moment": JetBlue is donating free flights for incoming medical volunteers heading to New York State. I want to thank them for transporting the vital personnel we need. They are just one of dozens of businesses and organizations that have donated supplies and services to the state — for which we are deeply grateful.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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