For weeks, the total number of hospitalizations in New York went up. We were climbing a mountain and we weren't sure when we would reach the peak. Now, if the trend holds, we have summited the mountain and are descending to the other side.
We should keep in mind, however, that it is our collective actions that have led to this hard-won progress. There is still a huge risk that we could backslide if we slack off. So, let's stay focused to make sure this descent continues.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. A statewide antibody testing survey will begin tomorrow. This survey will randomly sample 3,000 New Yorkers to estimate the percentage of the population that has already had COVID-19 and may now be immune. This will be the first true snapshot of what we're dealing with.
2. I signed an Executive Order to allow any authorized officiant to perform marriage ceremonies via video conference. This follows my order yesterday that only applied to clerks. This will make it easier for New Yorkers to get married during this pandemic, at a time when many marriage bureaus are closed.
3. We are standing by to assist Massachusetts. Other states had New York's back when we were in our greatest need, and we will do the same. Our neighbors in Massachusetts are facing a worrisome spike in COVID cases. I spoke to Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts — and New York is standing by and ready to transport 400 ventilators to Massachusetts within 24 hours if they are needed.
4. NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE, RI, and MA have nominatedmembers of the multi-state council to restore the economy and get people back to work. Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Tom Wolf, Governor John Carney, Governor Gina Raimondo, Governor Charlie Baker and I each appointed one health expert, one economic development expert and our respective Chiefs of Staff to this council. The group will work on a coordinated regional plan to reopening our states.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Yesterday, Global Citizen and the World Health Organization, in collaboration with Lady Gaga, held a televised virtual concert called "One World: Together at Home" that raised over $127 million for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the Coronavirus pandemic. The concert featured performances by artists including The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo and many more.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
