New York State COVID-19 Update: Graduations, Traveling & the New Excelsior Pass
Cases
The New York Times is tracking the latest map and case count for the State of New York. On April 13, 5,043 cases were reported, with about 72 deaths, a -30% change in the past 14 days. Hospitalizations have gone down by 8%, and the number of tests administered has decreased by 2%. About 26% of the New York population is fully vaccinated, and over 40% of the population has at least one dose.
On April 13, Dutchess County reported a 20% decrease in COVID-19 cases, with 25% of the county fully vaccinated.
Restrictions
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has removed certain restrictions; Under the new guidance, schools and colleges will be allowed to hold indoor and outdoor graduation ceremonies at limited capacities beginning May 1. "We're once again approaching the end of the academic year, which means we need strict rules in place to ensure commencement ceremonies are done safely in the context of the ongoing pandemic," Cuomo said. He acknowledged the importance of graduation after a long and challenging year for students.
Organizers hosting gatherings over 100 people indoors or 200 people outdoors must notify local health officials and require guests to show proof of a recent negative test or evidence of completed immunization before entering the venue. These restrictions coincide with those for other social and commercial activities. The current list of regulations builds on Cuomo’s measures to re-open the economy safely as the state sees a steady decline of COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates.
Travel Advisory
On April 10, New York state removed many international and domestic travel requirements in their updated COVID-19 Travel Advisory guidelines and clarified existing requirements for all travelers. Effective immediately, international travelers entering New York are no longer required to quarantine or be tested upon arrival; however, the CDC recommends that fully vaccinated travelers get a test between 3-5 days after arriving in New York. Unvaccinated international travelers are advised to delay travel until fully vaccinated; if unvaccinated travelers travel to new york, they should get a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after arrival and self-quarantine 7-10 days.
The Excelsior Pass
On April 1, New York launched the nation’s first Excelsior Pass, where New Yorkers will be able to pull up proof of vaccination through their mobile device, proving they have been vaccinated or have recently tested negative for COVID-19 at large and small scale venues around the state. The system built on IBM’s digital health platform contains a QR pass that venues may scan for access; the blockchain technology prevents IBM and businesses from accessing private health information. The creation of the data technology comes with the Vaccine Passport idea, making it more user-friendly and avoiding paper copies of immunization records. New York State is still working out the application’s details to improve adaptability to different systems holding medical information. Though the application is only available to New York State, many digital experts are coordinating with officials to roll out similar technology in the coming weeks as more individuals get vaccinated.
“New Yorkers have proven they can follow public health guidance to beat back COVID, and the innovative Excelsior Pass is another tool in our new toolbox to fight the virus while allowing more sectors of the economy to reopen safely and keeping personal information secure,” Cuomo said.
New York State COVID-19 cases drop by 30%. Gov. Cuomo updates restrictions for travel and college graduations, and implements the new Excelsior Pass. Photo by Onasill ~ Bill is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0