NEW YORK — Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned Thursday that the virus could resume its deadly march through the state if unable to continue inoculating New Yorkers because of supply issues.
“The foot race continues between our ability to quickly distribute the vaccine — hampered only by supply —and the virus’ new strains and new cases,” Cuomo said in a statement.
Hoping to boost the inventory of much-needed COVID-19 prevention supplies, President Joe Biden is scheduled to sign several executive orders related to the pandemic including the use of the National Defense Production Act to expedite the making of masks, test kits, and of course, the vaccine.
Numbers reported on Thursday confirm 13,886 new COVID-19 cases in New York and an overall positivity rate of 6.19%. There was a slight drop in the number of New Yorkers hospitalized with the virus: 9,055 and fewer patients in intensive care: 1,560. 174 New Yorkers died, bringing the total to 33,594.175 deaths
Cuomo pleaded with younger New Yorkers who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated to continue to take precautions like wearing masks and social distancing.
“We need to get through to the light at the end of the tunnel,” Cuomo said.
