NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported 726 new COVID-19 cases and 11 new deaths Saturday as he urged New Yorkers to be careful this holiday weekend as the nation sees an explosion of coronavirus infections.
The 726 new cases bring the state’s total number of cases to 396,598.
The number of new cases are a drop from Friday, when the state reported 918 new cases—the first time that number had surpassed 900 since June 12.
However, the number is still much higher than the 391 cases reported on June 29. Cases had been rising since then, with 524 reported on June 30, 625 on July 1 and 875 on July 2 before Friday's jump to 918.
Cuomo said the 11 new deaths reported Saturday bring the state’s death toll to 24,896. Nine deaths were reported Friday.
As of Saturday, there are 844 people hospitalized for COVID-19 statewide, including 190 patients in ICUs and 119 on ventilators.
Of the 62,403 tests conducted in New York state on Friday, 726 were positive. That’s a positivity rate of 1.16 percent.
“New Yorkers bent the curve of this deadly virus by being smart and taking proper precautions throughout this pandemic, and that's reflected in yesterday's low hospitalizations and rate of positive tests,” Cuomo said in a statement.
The governor warned that New Yorkers must still be cautious, especially with thousands celebrating the Fourth of July this weekend at beaches and gatherings, and as the country deals with a major spike in cases. More than 50,000 new cases were reported nationwide Friday.
“Our actions today determine our numbers tomorrow, and as we move through this holiday weekend, I strongly urge everyone to closely follow state guidance on safe practices and local governments to enforce that guidance,” Cuomo said, adding that people should wear masks, wash their hands and practice social distancing.