Photo: AFP
New York's seven-day average COVID positivity rate has fallen to a new pandemic low — 0.48 percent — which is the lowest in the United States.
The state's single-day rate is also at its lowest since the pandemic shutdowns at 0.37 percent.
Governor Andrew Cuomo added to the good news Wednesday, announcing that the state will likely hit its 70 percent partial adult vaccination benchmark within the next few days.
Once at least 70 percent of New York adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, Cuomo will roll back nearly all remaining pandemic-related restrictions, with a few notable exceptions like mask requirements in schools, nursing homes, correctional facilities and healthcare facilities.
The 70 percent milestone will make several industry-specific pandemic guidelines — including capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening and contact tracing — optional for most public-facing businesses.
In its effort to vaccinate young people, New York City has set up mobile vaccination sites a city libraries through the rest of the month.
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to everyone ages 12 and up.