New York State will send the COVID-19 medication Remdesivir to Florida as the state struggles with a resurgence of cases. Florida is waiting for a further supply from the federal government and New York will provide enough Remdesivir to help the state care for 280 COVID-19 patients until the federal shipment arrives.
New York’s shipment of the medication will arrive in Florida Saturday.
Total Covid-19 infections in New York State surpassed the 400,000 mark Friday.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced these figures:
- Patient Hospitalization – 826 (-25)
- Patients Newly Admitted – 87 (+8)
- Hospital Counties – 33
- Number ICU – 178 (+5)
- Number ICU with Intubation – 92 (-6)
- Total Discharges – 71,371 (+92)
- Deaths – 8
- Total Deaths – 24,968
“New York’s COVID-19 numbers are stable and continue to trend in the right direction, but amid an alarming spike in cases throughout the nation and reports of lack of compliance here at home, it’s vitally important that residents continue practicing the behaviors that have successfully bent the curve,” Cuomo said. “We know that wearing a mask, washing your hands and social distancing are effective tools for fighting this virus—and now is the time to redouble those efforts.”
Suffolk and Nassau are reporting a slight uptick in infections, with Suffolk hitting a total of 41,911, 62 of them new, and Nassau at 42,232, with 68 new cases.
Cuomo has also advanced new regulations requiring insurers to provide equitable coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. The proposed regulations from the New York State Department of Financial Services and Department of Health would strengthen insurers’ obligation under both state and federal law to provide comparable coverage for benefits to treat mental health and substance use disorders.
“New Yorkers sacrificed greatly to bend the curve of COVID-19, but with the surge in cases around the country and the mental health challenges many of our fellow New Yorkers face, our work is far from over,” Cuomo said. “These new regulations will help people struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues by requiring insurers to provide the coverage and benefits they need, improving access to critical and potentially life-saving services during these unprecedented times.”
The state will also permit concessions to reopen at state ocean and lakefront beaches starting Sunday, but with some restrictions. This includes concessions at such destinations as Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, and Lake Welch in Harriman State Park. Beachgoers must follow social distancing guidelines and wear face masks.