Governor Andrew M. Cuomo while announcing that the New York COVID-19 State of Emergency has ended, effective June 24, 2021, noted that the state will provide $25 million in child care scholarships for essential workers.
As of June 23, 2021, these scholarships are the first in a series of new investments to support working families and the childcare industry, through the federal CARES Act. https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/contracts/funding/COVID-relief/essential-workers.php.
“I signed the Safe Staffing Bill to improve the care given at our healthcare facilities. This law will give nurses and other healthcare facility staff stronger voices at their hospitals and ensure that these facilities collaboratively plan for the future,” said Cuomo.
Additionally, free childcare is available to parents and caregivers getting vaccinated or recovering from the vaccine. From now until July 4, parents and caregivers can sign up (https://www.vaccines.gov/incentives.html) for free childcare if they need additional support while getting or recovering from the COVID-19 vaccine.
Cuomo also announced that there was only one drawing left in the State’s Vaccine Scholarship Incentive. “Today, we announced the fourth group of winners of the State’s Vaccine Scholarship incentive. These 10 vaccinated New Yorkers will attend a SUNY or CUNY school with their tuition and room and board covered.
He said there is only one drawing (and 10 scholarships) left, sharing that persons can spread the word, and participate while “you still can.” Parents can learn more by visiting: ny.gov/vaccinescholarship.
However, the lawmaker remains cautious that CDC guidelines will remain in place, meaning if persons are unvaccinated, they should still wear a mask in public indoors.
Masks will also still be required on public transit and certain other settings including healthcare facilities.
The governor said fighting COVID and vaccinating New Yorkers were still the state’s top priorities but the emergency was over due to the hard work of New Yorkers and especially all our essential workers. “We will continue to focus on COVID recovery and reimagining and rebuilding New York,” said Governor Cuomo.
Statistics show that COVID-19 hospitalizations are at 442.
Of the 113,108 tests reported June 23, 343, or 0.30 percent, were positive. The seven-day average percent positivity was 0.35 percent. There were 101 patients in ICU on June 23, down one from the previous day. Of them, 60 are intubated. Sadly, five New Yorkers were lost to the virus.
As of 11 am on June 24, 71.3 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose per the CDC. Earlier, 56,547 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,759,365 total doses with 63.5 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series.
