NYC Coronavirus Update: Possible Shutdown After Christmas

NYC Coronavirus Update: Possible Shutdown After Christmas

Quick digest and NYC coronavirus update:

• New York City has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases, with a positivity rate of 4.2% last week.
• 3-K, Pre-K, and elementary schools reopened on Monday, December 7th. Schools in orange COVID-19 zones reopened on Wednesday, December 9th.
• A total of 42,900 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have arrived so far. New York City expects a total of 465,000 doses in December.
• Restrictions by Governor Andrew Cuomo include prohibtted indoor dining for restaurants, bars, and cafes, they can, however, host takeout and delivery.
• NYC may be facing a shutdown after Christmas, says Mayor de Blasio.

Latest COVID news in NYC:

New York City is in phase 4 of reopening, which includes zoos, botanical gardens, museums, and gyms. Due to rising hospitalization rates, Governor Andrew Cuomo has suspended indoor dining in NYC starting Monday, December 14th. 

NYC public schools partially reopened on December 7th for 3K-5th grade students, with students with special needs returning on December 10th. Certain parts of Staten Island remain under a zoned shutdown.

Will NYC shut down after Christmas?

As of December 17, 2020, New York City has seen a total of 370,000 coronavirus cases. The positivity rate refers to the percent of people testing positive out of total tests administered. The city is seeing a steady increase in the number of cases and is possibly approaching a second wave. 

On Tuesday, December 15th, Mayor de Blasio said a full shutdown of nonessential city businesses is needed to dull the impact of a second coronavirus wave, but he’d prefer to see it begin after Christmas. However, this is not yet confirmed and Governor Cuomo will ultimately have to make this decision.