Latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that New York on Monday hit the 70% COVID-19 vaccination threshold set by Gov. Andrew Cuomo at which most coronavirus restrictions will be lifted.
Once the original epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, Cuomo had said earlier Monday that the state was just one tenth of a percentage point away from a return to mostly normal.
"Sixty-nine-point-nine percent of New Yorkers have gotten a vaccine," Cuomo said, but reminded New Yorkers that while hitting the 70% vaccination mark may be a cause for celebration, it's not the finish line. "It doesn't mean when we hit 70% it's over. It means it's working, it means we're doing well, but it also means keep going."
Cuomo said in order to get to the 70% benchmark, the state will continue to target ZIP codes with the lowest vaccination rates. He said he is asking local governments to help.
"Get in there, go door to door, go to churches, go to social events, go to community events. These are the places where we have to target to get that vaccination rate up," Cuomo said.
The state also stepping up efforts to get more 12- to 17-year-olds vaccinated.
Cuomo also announced the reopening of the state fair at 100% capacity.
He also said the state will spend $40 million to boost tourism.