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COVID-19 Digest: October 16

COVID-19 Digest: October 16

October 16, 2020 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

COVID-19 Digest

Friday, October 16, 2020As NYC’s reopening and recovery efforts continue, the digest will focus on the resources that help you make decisions about your businesses and your lives as New Yorkers.

Download COVID Alert NY, the new exposure notification app built by the New York State Dept. of Health and Tech:NYC, here.

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The Latest in New York

The latest: US surpasses eight million cases; states submit vaccine distribution plans while waiting on White House guidance; NYC officially approves year-round outdoor dining; how to safely host friends and family this winter.Confirmed Cases:

New York State: 481,107 (+1,707)
New York City: 252,934 (+660)
Statewide Fatalities: 25,628 (+10)
Daily NYC Infection Rate: 1.2 percent (+0.2 percent)

General Updates:

The US has surpassed 8 million coronavirus cases. (New York Times) The country topped 65,000 new cases yesterday, the most since July. While growth in new infections slowed in late summer, cases are up again in most states and climbing toward a third peak. (New York Times)
In an effort to avoid citywide lockdowns and further devastate the economy, NYC is taking a very granular approach to closing some areas with higher cases while letting others remain open, an approach no other city or state has tried. (New York Times)
Gov. Cuomo is requesting guidance from the federal government about how a vaccine distribution program would work. (New York Daily News) An approved vaccine isn’t expected until early next year, but the request comes as states are being asked to submit their own plans to the CDC by today on their ability to set up distribution sites and protocols. (CNBC)
If you watched either of last night’s town halls (or even if you didn’t), the New York Times fact-checked them both. (New York Times)
More than 18 million people have already voted, and for the first time in history, more voters could cast ballots before Election Day than on it. (Washington Post) Which reminds us: there are 18 days to go. What’s your voting plan?
At least there’s this good news: hot toddy season comes early this year. (New York Times)

One good read: Glamour Magazine’s 2020 Women of the Year are “the guardians of Elmhurst,” the staff of the hospital in the epicenter of the epicenter of COVID-19. (Glamour)

Survey

The latest results: In place of what was supposed to be the second presidential debate, there will be two competing town hall-style broadcasts at 8pm ET. (CNN) And there’s yet a third option: a reunion performance with the original cast of West Wing in support of When We All Vote. (AP) Which television program are you most excited to watch?

7.2%: The Pres. Trump town hall
25.4%: The VP Biden town hall
10.9%: The West Wing reunion special
56.5%: None of them, but thank you

Today’s poll: CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield says the US is seeing more cases arising from small household get-togethers. (CNN) That could throw a wrench in upcoming holiday plans, and Dr. Fauci has already said Americans may need to cancel Thanksgiving. (Washington Post) What are your plans for celebrating the holiday?

*|SURVEY: I’m planning to travel by plane|*
*|SURVEY: I’m planning to travel regionally|*
*|SURVEY: I’m planning to celebrate the holiday with others, but just those in my pod|*
*|SURVEY: I’m planning to celebrate the holiday just with those in my household|*
*|SURVEY: I’m not planning to celebrate the holiday|*

Find the poll results from all previous editions of this newsletter here.

What You Need to Know

What to Know: Reopening:

A NYC Council law that allows restaurants to host outdoor dining year-round was officially passed yesterday. (Crain’s NY) The law also creates an expedited process for restaurants to obtain outdoor permits and rolls back a ban on the use of propane heaters.
- Propane and gas-fueled heaters will now be permitted, but only on sidewalk and other ground-level seating (ie: terraces, rooftops, balconies, and decks aren’t allowed) and restaurant owners must complete an attestation form and submit it to the FDNY. (Eater NY)
Mandatory testing for staff and students at NYC public schools in the cautionary “yellow zones” has begun, and the state sent 200,000 rapid test kits for those schools to use. (ABC New York)
Here’s what we’ve learned so far about schools reopenings in the US. (Vox) The big takeaways: K-12 schools are doing fine. Colleges and universities, not so much.
If you’re looking for some weekend plans: the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City just reopened, and it’s offering free admission to all guests Oct. 21-25. (Noguchi) Like most other institutions, visits are at limited capacity and must be scheduled in advance.