NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- New Yorkers hoping to get their driver's licenses will be able to take their 5-hour courses virtually, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday, after reporting "more good news" on the COVID-19 front.
Cuomo on Wednesday reported five new COVID-19 deaths and 715 positive tests out of 62,276 performed, for a 1.14 percent positivity rate.
Hospitalizations fell to 619 on Tuesday, the lowest number since March 18, he said. Of the patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 76 were on ventilators, the lowest number since March 15.
"All the news on the numbers and our status is all very good," he said during a teleconference with reporters. "As we said, the whole goal now is to protect our progress."
In addition to providing an update on the state's COVID-19 numbers, Cuomo said student drivers will now be able to take their 5-hour pre-licensing courses remotely, via platforms like Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.
The governor also announced that the annual U.S. Open golf tournament will take place at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck from Sept. 14 to Sept. 20 as scheduled — but will be held without fans.
"That is a great event," he said. "And the championship organizers are working… to ensure health and safety."
Addressing the State Liquor Authority's ongoing crackdown on bars and restaurants that violate COVID-19 executive orders, Cuomo said the agency issued 29 violations on Thursday, including two in the Bronx, seven in Brooklyn, 11 in Manhattan and three in Queens.
"We're enforcing the rules, because without the rules, the infection rate will go up," he said. "Experts said we should expect an increase (after reopening). There has been no increase. Why? Because we have rules on our reopening, and we enforce the rules on our reopening."
