COVID-19 hospitalizations, intubations drop to new lows; WNY testing sites open

Hospitalizations drop to 458 – new low since March 16; intubations drop to 48 – new low since mid-March

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Saturday announced New York state's COVID-19 hospitalizations and intubations have dropped to new lows. Hospitalizations dropped to 458, the lowest number since March 16, and intubations dropped to 48, the lowest number since mid-March. New York state's infection rate has been less than 1% for 22 straight days – though it’s been as high as 2% this week in Western New York.

The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

"As the state's COVID-19 numbers continue to decline, New Yorkers need to stay vigilant and continue wearing masks, social distancing and washing their hands so we can maintain that progress as we move into the fall," Cuomo said. "Our ability to keep this deadly virus in check will be determined by what each of us does each day and by the capacity of local governments to enforce state guidance. This pandemic is far from over, so as we head into this weekend please continue to be ‘New York Smart’ and ‘New York Tough.’ Together we can slow the spread and save lives."

Cuomo reminded residents in Western New York that rapid testing begins at eight sites there today. Residents can call 1-833-NYSTRNG to make an appointment. On Thursday, the governor deployed a testing “SWAT team” to Western New York to address the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the region. He also announced the eight sites, which can be found here:

Delavan-Grider Community Center

877 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo

True Bethel Baptist Church

907 E. Ferry St., Buffalo

Northwest Buffalo Community Center

155 Lawn Ave., Buffalo

Dunkirk Fire Murphy Training Grounds

665 Brigham Road, Dunkirk

SUNY ECC North

6205 Main St., Williamsville

Union Fire Co.

1845 Union Road, West Seneca

John A. Duke Senior Center

1201 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls

YWCA of the Niagara Frontier

32 Cottage St., Lockport

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient hospitalization – 458 (down 20)
• Patients newly admitted – 73   
• Hospital counties – 30
• Number ICU – 116 (down 6)
• Number ICU with intubation – 48 (down 3)
• Total discharges – 74,990 (up 67)
• Deaths – 7
• Total deaths – 25,319

Of the 93,873 test results reported to New York yesterday, 635 (0.67%) were positive. Each region's percentage of positive test results reported over the past three days is as follows: