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COVID-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November COVID-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November
Covid-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November The Northeast seems to be trending in the right direction when it comes to COVID cases to start out November. New data from the CDC shows the states with the highest COVID cases reported in the last 7 days. The 12 states with the highest number of new cases in the last week (per 100,000) are  New Hampshire: 622 North Dakota: 611 Montana: 866 Wyoming: 414 Alaska: 667 Minnesota: 2941 Maine: 1348 Idaho: 1244 Utah: 2152 Colorado: 2747 New Mexico: 1161 West Virginia 849 Hey Utah, once again we’re trending in the wrong direction. Utah now among top 10 states in nation with new COVID cases (…

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by Cecilia Levine
Schools
COVID-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning COVID-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning
Covid-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning The FBI has issued a warning about individuals selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and advertising them online. The agency said individuals should not purchase or make fake vaccine cards, and not fill in blank cards with false information, as it could put people's health at risk. "By misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated when entering schools, mass transit, workplaces, gyms, or places of worship, you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19," the FBI said. The FBI added that using an official government agency seal, like The Department of Health and Huma…

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by Nicole Valinote
Schools
COVID-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing COVID-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing
Covid-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing With schools ready to begin reopening, the New York State Department of Health has just laid out its guidance for mask-wearing and social distancing for students and staff. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and a determination was issued requiring all teachers, administrators, and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination. The emergency regulation authorizes the state Health Commissioner to require weekly testing or proof of vaccine…

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated COVID-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated
Covid-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and most states loosening up mask-wearing restrictions, many retailers are following suit and are enacting new policies for customers and employees. The CDC said last week that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or stay 6 feet apart from others in most cases, whether indoors or outdoors. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single dose of Johnson & Johnson. The following mandates are in place at thes…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: NY's Easing Of Restrictions Starts; Here's What It Means COVID-19: NY's Easing Of Restrictions Starts; Here's What It Means
Covid-19: NY's Easing Of Restrictions Starts; Here's What It Means Time to get back in the New York Groove. The Empire State took its largest step forward so far in reopening the economy as New York ramps up its COVID-19 vaccination program and looks toward a return to normalcy as more businesses open up. As of Wednesday, May 19, capacity restrictions and curfews have largely been lifted in New York, and anyone fully vaccinated will no longer be required to continue wearing facial coverings. The mandatory midnight closing time for bars and restaurants ended for outdoor dining areas beginning on Monday, May 17, and for indoor dining areas on Monday, May …

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: Lift On Restrictions For NY Restaurants, Businesses Starts COVID-19: Lift On Restrictions For NY Restaurants, Businesses Starts
Covid-19: Lift On Restrictions For NY Restaurants, Businesses Starts Several state-imposed curfews and restrictions placed on businesses in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic are set to be lifted this week as the state continues reopening the economy.  The mandatory midnight closing time for bars and restaurants will end for outdoor dining areas beginning on Monday, May 17, and for indoor dining areas on Monday, May 31. As of Wednesday, May 19, New York will also be lifting many of its mask mandates for fully vaccinated people.  Related story - COVID-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY Addition…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY COVID-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY
Covid-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY New York will be loosening its mask and social distance guidance as it follows the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During a COVID-19 briefing at Radio City Music Hall on Monday, May 17, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that as of Wednesday, May 19, the state will be adopting new guidelines for those who are vaccinated. The new guidance from the federal government calls for continued mask-wearing in more crowded indoor spaces such as on mass transportation, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters, but eases restrictions on workplaces, school…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Mask On? Mask Off? Cuomo Said State Is 'Reviewing' New CDC Guidance COVID-19: Mask On? Mask Off? Cuomo Said State Is 'Reviewing' New CDC Guidance
Covid-19: Mask On? Mask Off? Cuomo Said State Is 'Reviewing' New CDC Guidance Mask and facial covering restrictions may soon be eased up for fully vaccinated New Yorkers as the state and country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state is independently reviewing new CDC guidance on mask-wearing for vaccinated individuals indoors. The new guidance from the federal government calls for continued mask-wearing in more crowded indoor spaces such as on mass transportation, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters, but eases restrictions on workplaces, schools, and similar locations. Earlier story - COVID-19: CDC Issues Brand-New Guida…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
COVID-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall COVID-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall
Covid-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall The head of the second-largest teachers union in the United States is calling on a full return to five-day-a-week in-person learning at all schools in the fall, declaring that her organization was “all-in.” In an address posted on social media, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers said that with more and more Americans becoming eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, it is imperative that schools fully reopen for students and staff during the next academic year. “Conditions have changed,” she said. "We can and we must reopen schools in the fall for in-person te…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: New Guidance Issued For NY Pools, Beaches COVID-19: New Guidance Issued For NY Pools, Beaches
Covid-19: New Guidance Issued For NY Pools, Beaches Summer is coming. In advance of what he says he hopes to be a “normal” summer, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued new guidance for the state’s beaches and pools. For Memorial Day on the weekend of Friday, May 28, beaches and pools in New York will be open with six-foot of social distance in place between those in attendance, with restrictions to be eased if the state continues seeing improved COVID-19 numbers. Cuomo said on Wednesday, May 12 that they are planning on moving forward with the goal of opening up to 100 percent capacity by the Fourth of July. “This past year has been Hell an…

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by Zak Failla
Sports
COVID-19: Mets, Yanks To Have Vax-Only Seating In Sections; Date Set For Broadway Reopening COVID-19: Mets, Yanks To Have Vax-Only Seating In Sections; Date Set For Broadway Reopening
Covid-19: Mets, Yanks To Have Vax-Only Seating In Sections; Date Set For Broadway Reopening The New York Mets and Yankees are teaming up to encourage more fans to go out and get the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the state is lifting occupancy limits for vaccinated fans attending games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field when both venues reopen to more people beginning on Wednesday, May 19. For the unvaccinated, sections will be set aside where they will have to maintain six feet of social distance and are expected to fill up to approximately 33 percent capacity. In vaccinated sections, capacity will be 100 percent. Broadway Theater tickets go on sale Thursday, …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: NY Sets Date To End Most Capacity Restrictions, Curfews COVID-19: NY Sets Date To End Most Capacity Restrictions, Curfews
Covid-19: NY Sets Date To End Most Capacity Restrictions, Curfews A host of COVID-19 restrictions in New York are set to be rescinded as part of a massive tri-state effort as the country continues to recover from the pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that beginning on Wednesday, May 19, most pandemic-related capacity restrictions will be lifted in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut after being forced to shut down more than a year ago. As of May 19, capacity restrictions will be lifted in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for: Restaurants; Museums; Theaters; Broadway; Retail; Shops; Gyms and fitness centers; Amusement and family entertainment …

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by Zak Failla
Schools
COVID-19: SUNY Campuses Unveil Masking Guidelines COVID-19: SUNY Campuses Unveil Masking Guidelines
Covid-19: SUNY Campuses Unveil Masking Guidelines The State University of New York will be relaxing its mask policies to match the new guidance that was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC announced on Tuesday, April 27 that people who are fully vaccinated - one shot of Johnson & Johnson or two doses of Pfizer or Moderna - will no longer have to wear masks while gathering in small groups outside. Earlier story - COVID-19: CDC Announces Major New Guidance On Mask Wearing In response, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras says that moving forward, the same rules will apply to both students and staff on its…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says
Covid-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released the first data on so-called "breakthrough" COVID-19 cases, meaning those who have become infected despite being fully vaccinated. So far, there have been about 5,800 such cases, the CDC told CNN.  At the time that data was collected, 77 million American adults had been fully vaccinated, meaning 99.992 percent had dodged the disease. The efficacy rates of the double-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both around 95 percent. "To date, no unexpected patterns have been identified in case demographics or vaccine ch…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Hudson Valley Positive-Test Rate Remains NY's Highest; Latest County Case Breakdown COVID-19: Hudson Valley Positive-Test Rate Remains NY's Highest; Latest County Case Breakdown
Covid-19: Hudson Valley Positive-Test Rate Remains NY's Highest; Latest County Case Breakdown There was a slight downtick in positive infection rate in the Hudson Valley for the first time in several days, but the region remains the hottest spot in New York for the virus. Hudson Valley counties were reporting a total of more than 1,000 newly confirmed COVID-19 infections on Friday, April 2, as the region continues contending with the latest spike of cases across the country. The average seven-day positive infection rate of those tested in the Hudson Valley dropped for the first time this week, modestly from 4.87 percent to 4.84 percent on Thursday, April 1. Statewide, the positive …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Hudson Valley Sees New Infection-Rate Increase; Latest Rundown Of Cases By County COVID-19: Hudson Valley Sees New Infection-Rate Increase; Latest Rundown Of Cases By County
Covid-19: Hudson Valley Sees New Infection-Rate Increase; Latest Rundown Of Cases By County The positive COVID-19 infection rate in the Hudson Valley is creeping toward 5 percent as the region remains a hotbed for the virus.  Hudson Valley counties were reporting a total of 1,311 newly confirmed COVID-19 infections on Thursday, April 1, as the region continues contending with the latest spike of cases across the country. The average seven-day positive infection rate of those tested in the Hudson Valley rose for the third straight day, from 4.75 percent to 4.87 percent, easily the highest in New York, ahead of Long Island (4.39 percent), and New York City (4.34 percent). …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: CDC Director Warns Of 'Avoidable Rise In Cases,' Says US Is At Fork In Road COVID-19: CDC Director Warns Of 'Avoidable Rise In Cases,' Says US Is At Fork In Road
Covid-19: CDC Director Warns Of 'Avoidable Rise In Cases,' Says US Is At Fork In Road Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky is urging Americans to remain vigilant so the country doesn’t see an “avoidable rise in cases." Walensky warned on Monday, March 22 that another surge similar to what happened in the winter is “avoidable” as the federal government ramps up production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. “I get it. We all want to return to our everyday activities and spend time with our friends, family, and loved ones,” she said. “But we must find the fortitude to hang in there just a bit longer. "We are at a critical point in this …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Restrictions Lifted On Travel Sports, Indoor, Outdoor Performing Arts In NY COVID-19: Restrictions Lifted On Travel Sports, Indoor, Outdoor Performing Arts In NY
Covid-19: Restrictions Lifted On Travel Sports, Indoor, Outdoor Performing Arts In NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo is now encouraging New Yorkers to “get back to life and living,” as he lifts even more COVID-19 restrictions across the state. Citing a dramatic decline in COVID-19 numbers, Cuomo announced that certain restrictions on travel sports and outdoor entertainment spaces, including pro sports teams and performing arts centers. Related story - Play Ball: Mets, Yankee Fans Allowed In Stands For Opening Day Cuomo said that the state will be following the same model that they used to allow fans in the stands for the Buffalo Bills playoff game, including mandatory mask mandates, soc…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Here's Latest Rundown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County, Other Data COVID-19: Here's Latest Rundown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County, Other Data
Covid-19: Here's Latest Rundown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County, Other Data For the first time in nearly a week, the Hudson Valley saw a downtick - however small - in its positive COVID-19 infection rate as the region reported more than 1,000 new cases for the second straight day. According to the state Department of Health, the average seven-day COVID-19 infection rate is down to 4.66 percent on Wednesday, March 17, from 4.67 percent the day before, still the highest rate in the state, ahead of Long Island (4.49 percent), and New York City (4.15 percent).  A total of 1,090 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Hudson Valley out of thousands of tests adminis…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Stay Away On St. Patrick's Day, CDC Says COVID-19: Stay Away On St. Patrick's Day, CDC Says
Covid-19: Stay Away On St. Patrick's Day, CDC Says Irish eyes will still be smiling on St. Patrick’s Day this year, but doing so socially distanced or virtually if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has its way. Though the number of COVID-19 cases is dropping as more vaccines are distributed across the country, the CDC is advising that anyone planning to celebrate the holiday on Wednesday should do so at home to stay safe and protect others. Due to the pandemic, most St. Patrick’s Day parades and other traditional celebrations have been called off as the U.S. inches closer to the COVID-19. To still enjoy a festive St. Patrick’s…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
COVID-19: CDC Revisiting Guidance After Study Reveals New Safe Social DIstance For Students COVID-19: CDC Revisiting Guidance After Study Reveals New Safe Social DIstance For Students
Covid-19: CDC Revisiting Guidance After Study Reveals New Safe Social DIstance For Students With President Joe Biden pushing to have all students back in the classroom within his first 100 days in office, and no later than the fall, the Centers for Disease Control is evaluating its guidance on socially distancing inside schools. Currently, students are advised to stay at least six feet apart while wearing facial coverings, however, a new study found that the number could possibly be dropped to three feet of social distance while still maintaining the safety of students and staff. A study recently published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, looked at 242 school districts…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Hudson Valley Infection Rate On Rise; New Breakdown Of Cases By County COVID-19: Hudson Valley Infection Rate On Rise; New Breakdown Of Cases By County
Covid-19: Hudson Valley Infection Rate On Rise; New Breakdown Of Cases By County The positive COVID-19 infection rate in New York is on the rise, though the Hudson Valley saw less than 1,000 new cases, according to the latest data released by the state Department of Health. According to the state Department of Health, the average seven-day COVID-19 infection rate rose in the Hudson Valley for the third straight day, up from 4.49 percent on Friday, March 12 to 4.62 percent on Sunday, March 14, the highest rate in the nation, ahead of Long Island (4.40 percent), and New York City (4.15 percent).  A total of 833 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Hudson Valley ou…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County
Covid-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County The fewest number of New Yorkers are hospitalized with COVID-19 since early December, but the positive infection rate in the Hudson Valley continues to slowly rise. According to the state Department of Health, the average seven-day COVID-19 infection rate rose in the Hudson Valley for the third straight day, up to 4.34 percent on Wednesday, March 10, the highest rate of New York's 10 regions. A total of 1,016 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Hudson Valley out of thousands of tests administered in the area on Wednesday, officials announced. Statewide, the average seven-day positive i…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Could A Return To Normalcy Be Near, Despite Concerns Over Variants? COVID-19: Could A Return To Normalcy Be Near, Despite Concerns Over Variants?
Covid-19: Could A Return To Normalcy Be Near, Despite Concerns Over Variants? As COVID-19 rates continue to decrease, many people are feeling cautiously optimistic that normal life will soon resume. A survey of 21 experts found that most of them believe the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, according to research by The New York Times. Americans may be able to get back to their pre-pandemic lives this summer. Unless … Researchers cautioned that people should not underestimate COVID-19.  Although signs are pointing to the end of the pandemic, a shift in the virus or how people respond to it could send infection and death rates to rising again. Fa…

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by Kristin Palpini
Schools
COVID-19: Social Distance Rules For Students Far Shorter Than For Adults COVID-19: Social Distance Rules For Students Far Shorter Than For Adults
Covid-19: Social Distance Rules For Students Far Shorter Than For Adults The guidelines for social distancing at public schools recommend far less space between people than the 6 feet standard encouraged throughout much of the pandemic. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Massachusetts announced a plan to return all elementary school students to the classroom by April. When asked about COVID-19 safeguards for the schools, Commission of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley said that 3 feet of distance between students, staff, and faculty is the goal for public schools, though if they are able to distance further - up to 6 feet - all the better. …

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Here's Latest Rundown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County COVID-19: Here's Latest Rundown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County
Covid-19: Here's Latest Rundown Of Hudson Valley Cases By County Following several days of increasing positive COVID-19 infection rates, the Hudson Valley saw a slight downtick as less than 1,000 new cases were reported throughout the region. A total of 875 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Hudson Valley in the past 24. hours, according to the state Department of Health, as the seven-day average infection rate dropped from a small spike in the weekend to 4.18 percent on Tuesday, Feb. 23.  Statewide, the infection rate dipped slightly from 3.53 percent to 3.36 percent over the same stretch. Only New York City (4.35 percent) had a higher infect…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: New York Amusement Parks, Family Centers, Given Green Light To Reopen COVID-19: New York Amusement Parks, Family Centers, Given Green Light To Reopen
Covid-19: New York Amusement Parks, Family Centers, Given Green Light To Reopen With COVID-19 numbers continuing to drop in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has offered new guidance on reopening amusement parks, indoor family entertainment centers, and summer camps. Cuomo announced on Wednesday, Feb. 17 that indoor family entertainment centers can open up to 25 percent capacity on Friday, March 26, with social distancing rules and temperature checks put in place. Any ride or attraction that cannot maintain social distance will remain closed. Amusement parks will be reopening on Friday, April 9 up to 33 percent capacity with tickets sold in advance. No specific guidance…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Alert Issued For Exposure At Area Ski Resort COVID-19: Alert Issued For Exposure At Area Ski Resort
Covid-19: Alert Issued For Exposure At Area Ski Resort A skier at a Hudson Valley resort has tested positive for COVID-19, officials are cautioning. An alert was issued by the Sullivan County Public Health Service warning that some patrons may have been exposed to COVID-19 at the Holiday Mountain Ski Area in Monticello. Health officials said anyone who was at the resort between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17 could have potentially been exposed to the virus and should be aware of any potential symptoms. Sullivan County Public Health Director Nancy McGraw said the person who tested positive became symptomatic on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and is cu…

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by Zak Failla