COVID Live Updates: NY infection rates remain low as other states struggle

COVID-19 Live Updates, News and Information

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Raw Video: Mayor announces support for minority and women-owned businesses
Mayor de Blasio announces an executive order directing NYC agencies to support minority and women-owned businesses.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There are concerns by officials in New York after a video showed a lack of social distancing at a concert in the Hamptons. "Let's stick to a disciplined approach," Mayor Bill de Blasio said at his daily briefing as the percentage of New York City residents testing positive for COVID-19 crept back up to 2%. The day before, it had been at 1%.

The pandemic reached day 150 according to Governor Andrew Cuomo. He said that the infection rate was 0.93%, which is "very good news." He said, "Congratulations to all New Yorkers who helped produce that result." Nine people died in the state from coronavirus.

Meantime, Florida recorded a new one-day high for deaths in the state of 186 and the number of cases continues to climb.

Here are more of today's headlines:

SURVIVOR STORY

An 80-year-old woman is back home after a terrible fall broke many bones, but may have ended up saving her life.

That tumble back in January broke her hip and femur. But it revealed a string of other life-threatening ailments that would have otherwise gone undetected.

FLU VACCINES SHIPPING FOR NEXT SEASON

One company announced it has already started shipping record numbers of its flu vaccine doses to meet the demand for the upcoming flu season.

The CDC says the vaccine for the upcoming flu season is especially important to help reduce the impact of the flu on the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CAMP COUNSELORS TEST POSITIVE

Five camp counselors have tested positive for coronavirus at a summer camp on Long Island. Park Shore County Day Camp says a staff member notified them on Friday of a positive test.

Contact tracing led to health officials identifying four more cases in staff members who socialize outside of the camp.

COME PLAY BALL IN NEW YORK

New York state could host any Major League Baseball game that MLB wants to play and they could play it in our stadiums, the governor said in a call with reporters. "I offer Major League Baseball, if you are having problems playing in other states, come play here," Cuomo said. He added that the state has one of the lowest infection rates in the nation. Teams must fly in on a private aircraft and then stay at a quarantine hotel. Players would be tested at the quarantine hotel before they are allowed to play. "I understand every team wants to play at home city and state. I get it. But, if that's not practical for any reason, come play here," Cuomo said. "There are no fans anyway, it's just about the coverage, and New York is the media capital. So I offer that for whatever it's worth, because I would love to see a robust baseball season."

MORE STATES ADDED TO TRI-STATE QUARANTINE LIST

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that the state is closely watching the infection rate across the country, which he called "very bad." As a result, Illinois, Kentucky, and Minnesota, along with Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico were added to the quarantine list.

SUMMONSES ISSUED TO MORE BARS IN NYC, LI

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that the state has suspended liquor licenses for 12 New York City bars after finding violations of COVID-19 pandemic-related Executive Orders. Over the weekend, the state's multi-agency task force, led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority, conducted over 1,300 compliance checks, documenting violations at 132 establishments. An additional 644 compliance checks were completed Monday night, with investigators observing 26 violations in New York City.

FLORIDA RECORD DEATHS

The Florida Department of Health said the state has experienced 441,977 total cases of COVID-19 with an increase of 9,230. They report a positivity rate of 11.69%. Florida has had 6,201 total deaths, and a one day increase of 186.

SMALL BUSINESS HELP FOR MINORITIES AND WOMEN IN NYC

Mayor Bill de Blasio issued an executive order that directs New York City agencies to support minority and women owned businesses. The order will help small businesses procure goods and services up to $500,000; Include minority and women owned businesses in emergency contracts; Provide mentors to help grow their business.

OVERCROWDING CONCERNS AT HAMPTONS CONCERT

Governor Andrew Cuomo is lashing out after video showed a lack of social distancing at a Chainsmokers concert in the Hamptons. Now a health department investigation is underway. Video posted on social media shows massive crowds gathered in front of the stage with little space between one another.

7OYS HELPS NURSES FINED

7 On Your Side stepped in to help after dozens of nurses, touted as front-line heroes who risked their lives during the COVID pandemic, were slapped with thousands in parking tickets.

HOW TO TREAT 'MASKNE'

It's a cosmetic casualty of the coronavirus pandemic: acne or irritation on the skin around one's face mask. It's a condition that's being called "maskne." Dermatologists are seeing more people come in who are experiencing the condition.

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE

abc7NY Phase Tracker:

COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates

UPDATES

New York City

New Jersey

Long Island

Westchester and Hudson Valley

Connecticut

7 On Your Side Investigates: Up to 4,000 coronavirus cases prevented by NYC contact tracers

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio along with local health experts have repeatedly called contact tracing a key element in preventing another spike of coronavirus in the city.

REOPENING INFORMATION

What's Open, What's Closed

Reopening New York State

Reopening New Jersey

Reopening Connecticut

Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address