February 16, 2021
Governor's Update on the State's Progress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As part of that update, the Governor notified New Yorkers that a Connecticut resident who is a patient in a New York City hospital has tested positive for the South African variant. There is no evidence of any spread in New York State to date.
 
"New Yorkers haven't only gotten past the post-holiday surge—they've continued to drive down hospitalization and infection rates by acting smart and responsibly, and they should be commended for it," Governor Cuomo said. "Thanks to this hard work, we are now in a place where we have been able to begin opening the valve and start getting the economy going again, as long as we do it safely. If we're able to keep the momentum headed in a positive direction by practicing safe behaviors at an individual level, as well as continuing to vaccinate New Yorkers as quickly and fairly as possible, we'll be able to reach the light at the end of the tunnel faster than previously thought and finally get some normalcy back into our lives."

New York State's 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate dropped to 3.71 percent, the lowest since November 28.
 
Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

  • Test Results Reported - 136,392
  • Total Positive - 6,753
  • Percent Positive - 4.95%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.71%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 6,620 (-3)
  • Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -1,255
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 560
  • Hospital Counties - 53
  • Number ICU - 1,271 (+1)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 878 (+3)
  • Total Discharges - 138,975 (+433)
  • Deaths - 107
  • Total Deaths - 37,328
Gov. Cuomo Issues Updated Hours for Restaurants & Bars Beginning on February 14th
Given the continued decline in hospitalization and infection rates throughout New York, closing times for restaurants and bars will be extended from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide beginning Sunday, February 14. 
 
"Our decisions are based on science and data and we adjust as the virus adjusts. The infection rate and hospitalizations have continued to significantly decline," Governor Cuomo said. "Accordingly, we have adjusted with arena and catering hall openings with rigorous testing and limited capacity indoor dining openings in New York City. We will also move the restaurant and bar closing hour from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide on Sunday. We will continue to follow the science and react accordingly. If we keep the infections down and vaccinations up, we will continue to stay ahead in the footrace against this invisible enemy."
Quebec will Step up Vaccination in Montreal Region as Fear of Variants Grows
The Quebec government will speed vaccination efforts in the greater Montreal region, which has emerged as the hotbed of new COVID-19 variants, Health Minister Christian Dubé said Thursday.

Dubé also confirmed that starting next week all positive tests detected in Montreal will be screened for the presence of variants which have now emerged as the principal threat in the region that already had the most cases in Quebec.
Webinar: Ritual ONE and Empire State Development
Thursday, February 18, 2 p.m.

In partnership with Ritual and PayPal, Empire State Development is offering food and beverage retailers commission-free digital ordering for websites, social and in-store experiences for free through April 1. PayPal has also committed $1 million in customer discounts for orders placed through Ritual ONE. To learn more about this program, click here.

The NYSEDC and Empire State Development will be offering a free webinar on Thursday, February 18 from 2-3 pm about this program and what this means for businesses in your area.
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To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, The North Country Chamber of Commerce has created a comprehensive list of resources to navigate state and local requirements. Check out the home page for details. There is also a series of webinars available for businesses to help educate and provide answers to common questions.
Today's Dose is Generously Supported By:
QUICK LINKS:
  • NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
  • NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
  • Looking for Supplies: If your business is looking for hard to find protective products, we have created a list of businesses offering hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, masks and other items.
  • SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000