Tech:NYC Newsletter
Posts
Tech:NYC Digest: May 5

Tech:NYC Digest: May 5

May 05, 2021 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Wednesday, May 5, 2021As the vaccination rollout progresses and NYC moves forward with reopening plans, this digest focuses on the resources that help you make decisions about your businesses and your lives as New Yorkers.Was this digest forwarded to you? Subscribe here.

The latest: Broadway tickets go on sale tomorrow for fall season, theaters to open at 100 percent capacity; Yankee and Mets stadiums to offer J&J shot to unvaccinated fans; Google CEO Sundar Pichai announces new post-pandemic work policies, now letting staff apply for permanent remote work status; Zoom’s CEO has zoom fatigue too.By the Numbers:

New York State: 2,045,904 (+2,463)
New York City: 919,049 (+1,105)
Statewide Fatalities: 42,161 (+31)
NYC Positivity Rates:
- NYS reports: 1.6 percent (-0.1 percent)
- NYC reports: 2.6 percent (-0.1 percent)
Vaccine Progress:
- NYS first doses administered: 9,421,044 (+64,781)
- NYC first doses administered: 3,685,613 (+24,145)

General Updates:

In line with New York's reopening timelines, the CDC estimates the US could be through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic by July, so long as vaccinations, mask-wearing, and social distancing continue. The projections, while subject to change, also align with President Biden’s goal of a return to “normal” by July 4th. (NBC News)
The Biden administration announced it will support lifting patent protections to help other countries and manufacturers produce vaccines around the globe. There is currently a proposal at the World Trade Organization to suspend intellectual property protections for vaccine production. (New York Times)
Starting this week, unclaimed COVID-19 vaccine doses earmarked for specific states will become available for other states to procure. (Washington Post)
- Each state’s population will still determine their weekly allocations, but now there’s a ‘use it or lose it’ caveat: instead of carrying over unordered doses, these doses will now be rerouted to states seeking additional supply. This move could help immunize underserved communities and ensure doses go where they’re most needed.
Mask use has dropped since the CDC relaxed its guidelines. According to a recent Ipsos poll, 63 percent of vaccinated people wear masks all the time, compared to about 75 percent before the updated guidelines. (Axios)
And happy Cinco de Mayo! The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Across the country, Cinco de Mayo is marked with parades and celebrations of Mexican culture, and yes, plenty of Mexican food and margaritas. Here are some ideas for where to celebrate in the city.

The latest results: Gov. Cuomo surprised many today with his ambitious May 19th timeline to lift all capacity restrictions for most settings, including indoor dining. It’s far ahead of Mayor de Blasio’s July 1st return date, but the governor cited encouraging case positivity and vaccine trends. Already, indoor dining was set to expand to 75 percent capacity on May 7th. Have you patronized a restaurant in the last month?

Today's poll

: Gov. Cuomo announced today new reopening measures for entertainment and sports venues, including that Broadway ticket sales will begin tomorrow for shows in September. Do you plan on reserving tickets?

*|SURVEY: Yes|*
*|SURVEY: No|*
*|SURVEY: Maybe|*

Gov. Cuomo today announced more reopening news and new capacity limits at ballgames: (NBC New York)
- Broadway tickets go on sale starting tomorrow for shows starting Sept. 14th. At that time, theaters will be allowed to open at 100 percent capacity, but masks, health screenings, enhanced air filtration and ventilation, and other protocols will be required;
- Starting May 19th, vaccinated fans, along with their children under 16 years old, will be able to attend Yankees and Met games in sections with 100 percent capacity. Unvaccinated fans attending games will be seated in sections with a 33 percent occupancy limit and a six-foot social distance rule.
And for Yankees and Mets fans who haven’t received their shot, they’ll be able to get one along with a free ticket to another game at the respective stadiums. Both stadiums will administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because it only requires one dose. (Sports Illustrated)
New Yorkers are divided on their feelings with the upcoming full reopening. Some are excited and already making plans, while others feel it’s too soon and question their safety. The reopening isn’t universal, though, particularly when it comes to offices — many large corporations plan to bring back their employees in stages. (New York Times)
Planning is underway to reopen the state Capitol. Public health and safety requirements are currently being reviewed, but there is no reopening data yet. The state closed the building last year to visitors, including lobbyists, school groups, and advocates. (Spectrum News)
And some of NYC’s marquee events are planning their return later this year: the Met Gala will return this September, several months later than its traditional May date, (Vogue), and Frieze New York returns this week with new, in-person components in Hudson Yards. (New York Times) Tickets are already sold out, but for those who didn’t grab one, the virtual Frieze Viewing Room will still show works from 160 galleries across the world.