The average seven-day positive COVID-19 infection rate in New York has hit its lowest mark since late November, though Long Island continues to have the state’s highest numbers. On Long Island, the positive infection rate has dropped below 5 percent to 4.58 percent, the lowest its been in weeks, though it is still the highest in New York, ahead of the mid-Hudson Valley (4.47 percent) and New York City (4.39 percent). Statewide, the positivity rate has dipped to 3.71 percent, the lowest since Nov. 28. “The numbers continue to trend in a good direction because New Yorkers are taking this virus seriously and doing the right things to protect themselves and their families. New Yorkers should be commended for that,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
“We are working 24/7 to get vaccines into arms as quickly as possible, and while we have the operational capacity to do more, lack of supply remains the single limiting factor,” he added. “So while we do the work of getting every eligible person the vaccine as quickly as humanly possible, we need to continue to be smart: wear masks, socially distance, avoid gatherings, and stay New York Tough.”The New York State Department of Health was reporting 579 new COVID-19 cases in Nassau, bringing the total to 140,686, while the 526 new infections in Suffolk brought the total to 155,149.
CVS Begins In-Store COVID-19 Vaccinations
CVS has begun offering in-store COVID-19 vaccinations in New York and other states — as the drugstore chain ramps up plans to administer millions of shots a month. New Yorkers age 65 and older can make appointments for the shot at locations in the Long Island town of Center Moriches and the Erie County village of Blasdell. Other stores in Indiana, Connecticut, Ohio and Massachusetts have also already begun giving shots.
“Per an agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services, COVID-19 vaccines will eventually be available at all CVS Pharmacy locations throughout the country subject to product availability and prioritization of populations, which will be determined by states,” the drug chain told The Post. CVS has said it plans to administer 20 million to 25 million shots a month through more of its retail locations once vaccines are more widely available. “Our impact at retail will be significant given our presence in communities across the country and more than 90,000 pharmacists, licensed pharmacy technicians, and nurses who will proudly take part in the vaccination effort,” Karen S. Lynch, who will take over as chief executive next month, said in a statement.