WXXI AM News

Coronavirus

We've compiled all the latest stories about the coronavirus pandemic here so you can find them easily.We've also compiled a list of informational resources that can guide you to more coronavirus information.

SUNY, CUNY to require COVID-19 vaccinations

By • 2 hours ago
Governor Cuomo's office

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that all State and City University of New York students will have to get a COVID-19 vaccination if they want to enroll in the fall semester.

The governor also announced other incentives to get more New Yorkers vaccinated as the rate of those getting their shots continues to decline.

Cuomo said the SUNY and CUNY boards will vote to enact the requirement at their next meetings.

Connections: How NYS' new capacity guidelines are affecting local venues

By & & Emmarae Stein • 2 hours ago

New York State announced new capacity guidelines for event venues last week. According to the state, "Congregate commercial and social events...such as those that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated." The new policy begins May 19. 

What does this mean for local businesses? Our guests explain: 

Connections: How can Rochester achieve an inclusive recovery following the pandemic?

By & & Emmarae Stein • 2 hours ago

How can Rochester achieve an inclusive recovery following the pandemic? ACT Rochester will explore that question at an upcoming event.

We preview that program and talk with national representatives from the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institute about their recommendations for Rochester. Our guests:

  • Ann Johnson, executive director of ACT Rochester
  • Simeon Banister, vice president of community programs at the Rochester Community Foundation
  • Tina Stacy, principal research associate for the Urban Institute

Monroe County reports 158 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths

By • May 9, 2021
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Monroe County reported 158 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. There were no new deaths.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases is 198 new cases per day.

There are 215 individuals hospitalized in the Finger Lakes region, 48 are in ICU.

The seven-day rolling average positivity rate for Monroe County stands at 3%.

The COVID-19 7-day average positivity rate for the Finger Lakes region is at 2.83%, the highest of any region in the state.

Monroe County reports 218 new COVID-19 cases and 14 new deaths

By • May 8, 2021
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Monroe County on Saturday reported 218 new cases of COVID-19. There were 14 new deaths. Those deaths occurred between Jan. 15 and March 30.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases is 205 new cases per day.

The seven-day rolling average positivity rate for Monroe County is 2.8%.

For the Finger Lakes region overall, the seven-day average of positive test results is 2.67%, the highest in the state. Western New York (the Buffalo area) was second-highest at 2.54%.

There are 221 individuals hospitalized in the Finger Lakes region with 49 in ICU.

Rochester Regional reports 27 positive COVID-19 cases at two nursing homes

By • May 7, 2021

Two nursing homes operated by Rochester Regional Health are reporting 27 residents testing positive for COVID-19.

Rochester Regional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Mayo revealed the information on Friday, explaining that 24 of those residents had previously been vaccinated against the coronavirus; none of them showed symptoms of COVID-19.

Mayo said that of the three residents who were unvaccinated, one of them has been hospitalized, the other two do have coronavirus symptoms.

Supporters herald signing of HERO Act and its worker protections

By • May 6, 2021
Governor Cuomo's office

Gov. Andrew Cuomo late Wednesday signed the New York Health and Essential Rights, or HERO Act, calling it “a historic step forward for working people.”

The law sets enforceable health and safety standards to protect workers from COVID-19 and future airborne infectious diseases in the workplace. Supporters held a celebratory news conference on Zoom on Thursday.

Cuomo: Broadway to reopen Sept. 14; new rules for baseball games

By • May 5, 2021

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that Broadway shows will reopen on Sept. 14, and that there will be new rules for attending baseball games, including incentives for the unvaccinated.

Cuomo said tickets will go on sale May 6 for Broadway shows.

The governor also announced new rules for Yankees and Mets baseball games.

Vaccinated ticket holders can sit in adjacent seats with a group of fully vaccinated family and friends.

New York lawmakers mandate minimum staffing for nursing homes, hospitals

By • May 4, 2021
Governor Cuomo's office

The New York State Legislature approved measures that will require hospitals and nursing homes to meet minimum staffing levels of nurses and other health care staff.

Measures mandating minimum staffing at health care facilities have been around for several years, but the spotlight on stressed and understaffed hospitals and nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic finally prompted the bill’s passage.

Senate sponsor and Health Committee chair Gustavo Rivera spoke before the vote.

Cuomo signs eviction moratorium extension 

By • May 4, 2021

Saying the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic aren’t over, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday signed a measure passed by the New York State Legislature that extends a moratorium on evictions through Aug. 31. 

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