Vaccine rates expand locally, statewide

Vaccine rates expand locally, statewide

NEW YORK STATE--Despite the pause with the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to a safety review by the federal government, COVID-19 vaccination rates are rapidly expanding locally and across the state. Nearly 42 percent of people in New York have had at least one vaccine dose with 28 percent having a completed series. In Yates County, that number is 38 percent with one dose and 30 percent fully vaccinated.
For the week of April 16 Yates County Public Health will be using the Moderna vaccine at both of their clinics; one on Wednesday and the other on Saturday. To register visit https://www.yatescounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=195.
As the statewide positivity rate for COVID continues to decline, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday movie theater capacity will increase to 33 percent starting April 26. Low-risk, indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment - including museums, aquariums, zoos and botanical gardens - will increase to 50 percent capacity also beginning April 26.
Beginning May 19, spectator capacity will increase to 25 percent at large-scale arenas, and event venues, including professional and collegiate sports, and major performances. Social distancing, masks, health screenings and all other health and safety protocols remain in effect.
"New Yorkers should be encouraged by the incredible progress they have made in reducing the infection rate and getting vaccinated," Cuomo said. "While we are not yet out of the woods, thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, we have been able to safely re-open more facets of our economy. The light at the end of the tunnel has never been brighter and we must all remain vigilant and continue to practice the behaviors we know work to stop COVID in its tracks - wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance."
The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard is available at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov to show updated vaccine rates by county and state.