COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state)#Timeline

Genetic analysis confirmed that most cases of the virus had mutations indicating a European origin, meaning travelers flying to New York City from Europe brought the virus. Americans visiting Italy in late February and returning to New York on March 1 were not asked by customs if they had spent time in Italy, even though the State Department had urged Americans not to travel to Italy on February 29 (the same day Italy reported 1,100 COVID cases).{{Cite news|last=Rabin|first=Roni Caryn|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/health/coronavirus-travel-ban.html|title=They Fled Coronavirus in Europe. Border Agents Asked if They'd Visited China or Iran.|date=2020-03-19|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-04-24|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324224220/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/health/coronavirus-travel-ban.html|archive-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}} According to statistical models, New York City already had 600 COVID-19 cases in mid-February, and as many as 10,000 cases by March 1.{{Cite news|last1=Carey|first1=Benedict|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/us/coronavirus-early-outbreaks-cities.html|title=Hidden Outbreaks Spread Through U.S. Cities Far Earlier Than Americans Knew, Estimates Say|date=2020-04-23|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-04-24|last2=Glanz|first2=James|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424222103/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/us/coronavirus-early-outbreaks-cities.html|archive-date=April 24, 2020|url-status=live}}

{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in New York City|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/United States/New York State medical cases chart}}

March 1, 2020, saw the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in New York State, a 39-year-old female health care worker who lived in Manhattan, who had returned from Iran on February 25 with no symptoms at the time. She went into home isolation with her husband.{{cite news |title=New York's first case of coronavirus is a health care worker, and officials say more cases are 'inevitable' |first1=Holly |last1=Yan |first2=Kristina |last2=Sgueglia |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/02/us/new-york-coronavirus-first-case/index.html |newspaper=CNN |date=March 2, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304002946/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/02/us/new-york-coronavirus-first-case/index.html |archive-date=March 4, 2020 |url-status=live }}

On March 3, a second case was confirmed, a lawyer in his 50s who lived in New Rochelle, Westchester County, immediately north of New York City, and worked in Midtown Manhattan at a law firm within One Grand Central Place.{{cite news |title=At least 28 coronavirus cases in New York are linked to one man — a 50-year-old attorney who works near Grand Central Terminal. Here's what we know. |first=Aria |last=Bendix |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-second-coronavirus-case-attorney-law-firm-grand-central-2020-3?r=US&IR=T |newspaper=Business Insider |date=March 7, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2020}} He had traveled to Miami in February, but had not visited areas known to have widespread transmission of the coronavirus. Two of his four children had recently returned from Israel. After first feeling ill on February 22, he was admitted to a hospital in Westchester on February 27, diagnosed with pneumonia, and released from isolation after testing negative for the flu.{{Cite news|last1=Goldstein|first1=Joseph |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/03/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-state.html|title=Second Case of Coronavirus in N.Y. Sets Off Search for Others Exposed |date=March 4, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 9, 2020|last2=McKinley|first2=Jesse|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308155808/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/03/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-state.html|archive-date=March 8, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/03/bronx-jewish-day-school-closes-for-suspected-coronavirus-case/|title=New York confirms second coronavirus case as Jewish schools close over virus fears|last1=Algar|first1=Selim|last2=Hogan|first2=Bernadette|date=March 3, 2020|website=New York Post|access-date=March 9, 2020|last3=Henry|first3=Jacob|last4=Steinbuch|first4=Yaron|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303214537/https://nypost.com/2020/03/03/bronx-jewish-day-school-closes-for-suspected-coronavirus-case/|archive-date=March 3, 2020|url-status=live}} Instances of panic buying in New York were reported after his case was confirmed.{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/03/nyc-shoppers-panic-with-second-case-coronavirus-confirmed/|title=NYC shoppers panic with second case of coronavirus confirmed |last1=Misdary|first1=Rosemary|last2=Roberts|first2=Georgett|date=March 4, 2020|website=New York Post|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305142942/https://nypost.com/2020/03/03/nyc-shoppers-panic-with-second-case-coronavirus-confirmed/|archive-date=March 5, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 4, the number of cases in New York State increased to 11 as nine people linked to the lawyer tested positive, including his wife, a son, a daughter, a neighbor, and a friend and his family.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/04/five-more-new-york-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-bringing-state-total-to-11/ |title=Five more New York coronavirus cases confirmed, bringing state total to 11|last1=Hogan|first1=Bernadette|last2=Marsh|first2=Julia|date=2020-03-04|website=New York Post|access-date=2020-03-09|last3=Feis|first3=Aaron|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308050724/https://nypost.com/2020/03/04/five-more-new-york-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-bringing-state-total-to-11/|archive-date=March 8, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 5, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said that coronavirus fears should not keep New Yorkers off the subway, riding from Fulton Street to High Street in a public press attempt to demonstrate the subway's safety.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-bill-de-blasio-coronavirus-subway-20200305-vmjdxjudbndlrjekashqs3hfou-story.html|title=Mayor de Blasio says coronavirus fears shouldn't keep New Yorkers off subways|last1=Parnell|first1=Wes|last2=Shahrigian|first2=Shant|date=March 5, 2020|website=Daily News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325000612/https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-bill-de-blasio-coronavirus-subway-20200305-vmjdxjudbndlrjekashqs3hfou-story.html|archive-date=March 25, 2020|access-date=March 24, 2020}}

On March 6, eleven new cases were reported, bringing the state caseload to 33.{{cite web|url=https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/|title=Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) NY Dept of Public Health March 6th update|date=2020-03-06|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306210107/https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ |archive-date=March 6, 2020|access-date=2020-03-06}} All the new cases were tied to the first community transmission case, the lawyer.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/more-cases-of-coronavirus-expected-as-ny-plans-to-expand-testing-ability/2314911/ |title=New York COVID-19 Cases Surge to 45; Dozens Under Mandatory Quarantine Order |first=Jennifer |last=Millman |newspaper=NBC New York |date=March 7, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313012411/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/more-cases-of-coronavirus-expected-as-ny-plans-to-expand-testing-ability/2314911/ |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |url-status=live }} At the end of the day, an additional 11 new cases were reported by the governor, bringing the total caseload to 44, with 8 of the new cases in Westchester County, and 3 in Nassau County on Long Island.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/nygovcuomo/status/1236046668220567553|title=Update: We have learned of 11 new confirmed cases of #Coronavirus in NYS — bringing the total number of cases to 44. -8 of the new new cases are in Westchester County −3 of the new cases are in Nassau County We have expected the number of positive cases to go up as we test.|first=Andrew|last=Cuomo|date=March 6, 2020}} Also on March 6, an article appeared in the New York Post stating that while Mayor de Blasio assigned responsibility for the lack of N95 masks and other personal protective equipment to the federal government, the city never ordered the supplies until that date.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/20/city-hall-didnt-order-covid-19-supplies-for-nyc-until-march-6/|title=City Hall didn't secure 1st order of COVID-19 supplies for NYC until March 6|last=Marsh|first=Julia|date=March 20, 2020|website=New York Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321141728/https://nypost.com/2020/03/20/city-hall-didnt-order-covid-19-supplies-for-nyc-until-march-6/|archive-date=March 21, 2020|access-date=March 24, 2020}}

On March 7, Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in New York after 89 cases had been confirmed in the state, 70 of them in Westchester County, 12 in New York City and 7 elsewhere.{{cite news|title=Coronavirus in N.Y.: Cuomo Declares State of Emergency |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/07/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-queens.html |work=The New York Times |date=March 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309082540/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/07/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-queens.html |archive-date=March 9, 2020 |url-status=live }}

On March 8, the state reported 16 new confirmed cases and a total of 106 cases statewide.{{Cite news|last=Freytas-Tamura|first=Kimiko de|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/08/nyregion/coronavirus-newyork.html|title=Coronavirus in N.Y.: Cuomo Attacks C.D.C. Over Delays in Testing|date=March 8, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 9, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309001908/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/08/nyregion/coronavirus-newyork.html|archive-date=March 9, 2020|url-status=live}} New York City issued new commuter guidelines amid the current outbreak, asking sick individuals to stay off public transit, encouraging citizens to avoid densely packed buses, subways, or trains.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-issues-new-commuter-guidelines-to-combat-coronavirus-spread/2317584/|title=NYC Issues New Commuter Guidelines to Combat Coronavirus Spread|website=NBC New York|date=March 8, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2020}}

File:New Rochelle Containment Area March 2020.svg]]

File:New York National Guard (49659328902).jpg

On March 9, Mayor de Blasio announced that there were 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York City.{{cite web|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2020/03/09/new-york-city-coronavirus-case-numbers-health-update|title=Mayor: 16 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed in City|website=ny1.com|access-date=March 9, 2020}} On March 10, Governor Cuomo announced a containment zone in the city of New Rochelle from March 12 to 25.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html|title=N.Y. Creates 'Containment Zone' in New Rochelle|work=The New York Times |date=March 10, 2020 |access-date=2020-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310184322/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html|archive-date=March 10, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 11, Cuomo announced that the City University of New York and State University of New York schools would be closed for the following week, from March 12 to 19. These college systems would move most classes to an online-based system starting March 19, and continuing through the rest of the spring semester. Dormitories remained open for students "who cannot return home for hardship reasons".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html|title=CUNY and SUNY Classes Will Be Held Online Because of Coronavirus|work=The New York Times |date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311133040/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html|archive-date=March 11, 2020}} Also on March 11, a man in Monroe County tested positive, making it the first county in Western New York to have a COVID-19 case.{{cite web|url=https://www.rochesterfirst.com/coronavirus/1st-confirmed-case-of-covid-19-coronavirus-in-monroe-county/|title=1st confirmed case of coronavirus in Monroe County, St. Patrick's Day Parade suspended|date=March 12, 2020|website=RochesterFirst|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317202854/https://www.rochesterfirst.com/coronavirus/1st-confirmed-case-of-covid-19-coronavirus-in-monroe-county/|archive-date=March 17, 2020|url-status=live}} Officials said he flew into JFK from Italy, traveled on a Greyhound bus from Manhattan to Rochester, and arrived locally the morning of March 10. The bus continued on to Buffalo and Toronto.{{cite web|url=https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/rochester-coronavirus-rode-greyhound-here-from-nyc/Content?oid=11541837|title=Rochester coronavirus rode Greyhound here from NYC|last=Dahlberg|first=Brett|website=City Newspaper|access-date=2020-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314150440/https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/rochester-coronavirus-rode-greyhound-here-from-nyc/Content?oid=11541837|archive-date=March 14, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 12, the first two cases were confirmed in Albany County, leading Albany mayor Kathy Sheehan to suspend the annual St. Patrick's Day parade.{{cite web|title=Albany County says there are 2 confirmed cases of coronavirus|url=https://cbs6albany.com/news/coronavirus/albany-county-says-there-are-2-cases-of-coronavirus|publisher=WRGB|date=March 12, 2020|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319183739/https://cbs6albany.com/news/coronavirus/albany-county-says-there-are-2-cases-of-coronavirus|archive-date=March 19, 2020|url-status=live}} The same day, a staff member at Union College tested positive for coronavirus in Schenectady County, marking the county's first case.{{cite news|title=Union College staff member tests positive for coronavirus|url=https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/union-college-staff-member-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/|publisher=WTEN|date=March 12, 2020|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319183741/https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/union-college-staff-member-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/|archive-date=March 19, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 13, Herkimer County saw its first confirmed case but declined to disclose the patient's location. The patient later was revealed to have been from the Mohawk/Ilion area, just south of Herkimer, the county seat.{{cite web|title=Individual test positive for coronavirus in Herkimer County|url=https://www.timestelegram.com/news/20200312/individual-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-in-herkimer-county|date=March 12, 2020|work=Times Telegram|access-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313210434/https://www.timestelegram.com/news/20200312/individual-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-in-herkimer-county|archive-date=March 13, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 14, the first two fatalities in the state occurred. An 82-year-old woman in Brooklyn with pre-existing emphysema died in the hospital.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/14/us/nyc-coronavirus-related-death/index.html|title=First coronavirus-related death reported in New York|last=Croft|first=Jay|website=CNN|access-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316001127/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/14/us/nyc-coronavirus-related-death/index.html|archive-date=March 16, 2020|url-status=live}} A 65-year-old person with other significant health problems who had not previously been tested for COVID-19 died at their home in Suffern, Rockland County.{{cite news |title=New York Reports 2nd COVID-19 Death as Tri-State Cases Surpass 600; New U.S. Travel Limits in Place |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/tri-state-braces-for-further-covid-19-spread-after-house-house-emergency-bill/2326406/ |newspaper=NBC New York |date=March 14, 2020 |access-date=March 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316100652/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/tri-state-braces-for-further-covid-19-spread-after-house-house-emergency-bill/2326406/ |archive-date=March 16, 2020 |url-status=live }} It was also announced that three people in Erie County tested positive for COVID-19.{{cite web|url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/3-erie-county-residents-test-positive-for-coronavirus-cuomo-says/71-059af4e0-657f-4de6-9c4c-692b105ee327|title=3 Erie County residents test positive for coronavirus, Cuomo says|website=WGRZ| date=March 14, 2020 |access-date=2020-03-15}} Orange County, Dutchess County and Ulster County closed down all their schools.{{cite news|last=McKenna|first=Chris|title=Schools closed in Orange, Ulster counties for 2 weeks due to coronavirus|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200313/schools-closed-in-orange-ulster-counties-for-2-weeks-due-to-coronavirus |newspaper=Times-Herald Record|location=Middletown, New York|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200313211703/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200313/schools-closed-in-orange-ulster-counties-for-2-weeks-due-to-coronavirus |archive-date=March 13, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 15, the third fatality in the state was announced. A 79-year-old woman with underlying health issues died, who had been admitted to a New York City hospital.{{cite web|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/03/15/coronavirus-update-death-nyc/|title=Coronavirus Update: 3rd Death Linked To COVID-19, 79-Year-Old In New York City|work=CBS New York|date=2020-03-15|access-date=2020-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315200756/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/03/15/coronavirus-update-death-nyc/|archive-date=March 15, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 16, Clinton County reported its first case, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. No further information has been revealed about the patient.{{cite web |last=Izzo |first=Elizabeth |url=https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2020/03/first-covid-19-case-confirmed-at-plattsburgh-hospital/ |title=North Country's first COVID-19 case confirmed at Plattsburgh hospital |work=Adirondack Daily Enterprise |date=March 16, 2020 |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318014422/https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2020/03/first-covid-19-case-confirmed-at-plattsburgh-hospital/ |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |url-status=live }} Confirmed cases increased by 4,000 between March 22 and 23, which brought the total number of confirmed cases statewide to nearly 21,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc.html|title=Virus Cases Approaching 21,000 in N.Y.C.|date=March 24, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324144623/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc.html|archive-date=March 24, 2020}} 12,305 of these were in New York City.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/23/cuomo-previews-the-javits-centers-overhaul-into-a-coronavirus-hospital-complex/|title=Cuomo previews the Javits Center's overhaul into a coronavirus hospital complex|date=March 23, 2020|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324144627/https://nypost.com/2020/03/23/cuomo-previews-the-javits-centers-overhaul-into-a-coronavirus-hospital-complex/|archive-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 24, Cuomo said, "The apex is higher than we thought and the apex is sooner than we thought." He warned there was not enough assistance from the federal government and that the state had 25,000 cases and at least 210 deaths.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52012048|title=NY governor says infection rate worse than feared|date=2020-03-24|work=BBC News|access-date=2020-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324182725/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52012048|archive-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}} 211 NYPD officers and civilian employees have tested positive for COVID-19. In total, 2,774 NYPD employees, 7.6 percent of the workforce, were sick.[https://www.foxnews.com/us/211-nypd-members-positive-coronavirus 211 NYPD officers, civilian members test positive for coronavirus; 7.6 percent of workforce out sick] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325032552/https://www.foxnews.com/us/211-nypd-members-positive-coronavirus |date=March 25, 2020 }} By Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 24 Mar 2020 There were approximately 4,000 positive cases in Westchester County by March 24,{{Cite web|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/03/24/coronavirus-westchester-county-george-latimer-new-rochelle/|title=Coronavirus Update: Westchester County Cases Nearing 4,000, Due In Part To Aggressive Testing|last=says|first=Paul Ghiron|date=2020-03-24|access-date=2020-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325142906/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/03/24/coronavirus-westchester-county-george-latimer-new-rochelle/|archive-date=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}} and more than 15,000 confirmed cases by April 9.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/04/09/hospital-cleaner-new-york|title=Hospital Cleaner Looks At Coronavirus Pandemic As A Chance To Give Back To Her Community|website=www.wbur.org|date=April 10, 2020 |access-date=2020-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504155545/https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/04/09/hospital-cleaner-new-york|archive-date=May 4, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 26, 2020, Cuomo announced that the state would allow two patients to share one ventilator using a technique he called "splitting," where a second set of tubes would be added to the ventilator. COVID-19 patients need ventilators for between 11 and 21 days, while under normal circumstances patients usually only require them for three to four days. He also said the state was considering converting anesthesia machines to use as ventilators.{{cite news |first=Dakin |last=Andone |title=New York will allow two patients to share a single ventilator |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/26/health/splitting-ventilators-coronavirus/index.html |work=CNN |date=March 26, 2020 |access-date=March 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326214742/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/26/health/splitting-ventilators-coronavirus/index.html |archive-date=March 26, 2020 |url-status=live }} Between March 25 and March 26, there were 100 deaths statewide, with the number of hospitalized patients increasing by 40 percent in New York City.{{cite news |title=100 Deaths From Coronavirus in N.Y. in One Day: Live Updates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html |work=The New York Times |date=March 26, 2020 |access-date=March 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328045217/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |url-status=live }}

Researchers at Cornell University created an interactive map to visualize the spread of COVID-19 in New York State.{{cite web|url=https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2020/04/website-charts-covid-19-spread-across-ny-state|title=Website charts COVID-19 spread across NY state|publisher=Cornell Chronicle|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=2020-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426171600/https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2020/04/website-charts-covid-19-spread-across-ny-state|archive-date=April 26, 2020|url-status=live}}

On January 4, 2021, a confirmed case of a new, more contagious SARS-CoV-2 variant from the United Kingdom was reported in New York. The patient was a man in his sixties from Saratoga County in upstate New York, who had no travel history to the United Kingdom.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/cuomo-confirms-case-of-new-more-contagious-u-k-strain-of-virus-in-new-york/2811244/|title=Cuomo Confirms 1st Case of New, More Contagious U.K. Strain of Virus in New York|publisher=WNBC-TV|last=Price|first=Brian|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 4, 2021}} As of March 2, 2021, 286 sequences in the B.1.1.7 lineage have been detected in New York.[https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?pango=B.1.1. B.1.1.7 Lineage Report]. Alaa Abdel Latif, Karthik Gangavarapu, Emily Haag, Nate Matteson, Julia L. Mullen, Ginger Tsueng, Mark Zeller, Chunlei Wu, Andrew I. Su, Laura D. Hughes, Kristian G. Andersen, and the Center for Viral Systems Biology. outbreak.info. Accessed March 2, 2021.

On July 22, 2021, 31 out of 550 campers at sleep-away Camp Pontiac in upstate New York tested positive. All were under the age of 12, making them too young to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States.{{cite news |last=Gold |first=Michael |date=July 22, 2021 |title=31 Children Test Positive for Coronavirus at Summer Camp |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/22/nyregion/covid-outbreak-camp-pontiac-ny.html |url-status=live |work=The New York Times |location= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809200704/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/22/nyregion/covid-outbreak-camp-pontiac-ny.html |archive-date=August 9, 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2021}}

{{See also|Shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

After trying to purchase 200,000 N95 masks on February 7, 2020, the Office of Emergency Management learned that vendors were out of stock. Emergency provisions of masks and hand sanitizers did not arrive until early March. One medical supply vendor with standing city contracts said that the initial requests for protective gear from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) were bogged down by inefficient bureaucratic delays. One vendor said, "We'd send them a list of products we can deliver within 24, 48 hours," but on average it took 72 hours for the agency to place an order. He added "the city just moves so slow" when there was very high demand coming from hospitals and the private sector. According to the contractor, eight out of 10 supply orders could not be filled because DCAS did not pay on time, which a spokeswoman for New York City denied. The office of the comptroller approved 12 contracts with a total value of $150 million before the mayor's office took over the process on March 16. Mayor de Blasio said that the city might run out of supplies by April if the federal government did not send 3 million N95 masks, 50 million surgical masks, 15,000 ventilators, and 45 million surgical gowns, gloves, and face shields.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/20/city-hall-didnt-order-covid-19-supplies-for-nyc-until-march-6/|title=City Hall didn't secure 1st order of COVID-19 supplies for NYC until March 6|date=March 20, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321141728/https://nypost.com/2020/03/20/city-hall-didnt-order-covid-19-supplies-for-nyc-until-march-6/|archive-date=March 21, 2020|url-status=live}}

One EMS worker expressed frustration at being asked to wear the less-effective surgical masks.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/21/nyc-first-responders-resent-lack-of-coronavirus-equipment/|title=NYC first responders resent lack of coronavirus equipment|date=March 21, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322123408/https://nypost.com/2020/03/21/nyc-first-responders-resent-lack-of-coronavirus-equipment/|archive-date=March 22, 2020|url-status=live}} The police union filed a complaint on March 13 due to NYPD officers not being given masks and other protective gear. A spokeswoman called the Police Benevolent Association's complaint "empty rhetoric".{{cite news |title=Police union files complaint with state over alleged NYPD failure to issue personal protective gear to cops during coronavirus outbreak |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-police-union-coronavirus-equipment-20200313-2dlyg6nwuzerpj7wmw4wsu5spy-story.html |date=March 13, 2020 |access-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322123411/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-police-union-coronavirus-equipment-20200313-2dlyg6nwuzerpj7wmw4wsu5spy-story.html |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |url-status=live }}

New York gave a $69 million contract to a Silicon Valley engineer to provide 1,000 ventilators. The ventilators were never delivered. As of May 5, New York was seeking a refund. The engineer's name had been supplied by federal officials, and they had received it from volunteers in the office of Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Donald Trump. According to the New York Times, it appears the engineer had not been vetted by anyone.{{Cite news|last1=Confessore|first1=Nicholas|last2=Jacobs|first2=Andrew|last3=Kantor|first3=Jodi|last4=Kanno-Youngs|first4=Zolan|last5=Ferré-Sadurní|first5=Luis|date=2020-05-05|title=How Kushner's Volunteer Force Led a Fumbling Hunt for Medical Supplies|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/us/jared-kushner-fema-coronavirus.html|access-date=2020-05-06|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506141148/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/us/jared-kushner-fema-coronavirus.html|archive-date=May 6, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 28, 2020, The New York Times reported that the city's 911 emergency response system was "overwhelmed" due to the large number of coronavirus patients needing transport to the hospital. Dispatchers received more than 7,000 calls on March 26, a record since the September 11 attacks. Emergency workers had to decide which cases to prioritize, and some patients were being left at home without medical care. In addition, paramedics lacked sufficient protective gear.{{cite news |last1=Watkins |first1=Ali |title=N.Y.C.'s 911 System Is Overwhelmed. 'I'm Terrified,' a Paramedic Says. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/28/nyregion/nyc-coronavirus-ems.html |access-date=March 29, 2020 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331083319/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/28/nyregion/nyc-coronavirus-ems.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage |archive-date=March 31, 2020 |url-status=live }}

The private corporations responsible for testing had a limited testing capacity, and reached a bottleneck which made it increasingly difficult to conduct more tests per day. Backlogs for test results continued to increase in multiple states such as California, where it can take weeks to receive test results.{{cite web|url = https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/next-covid-19-testing-crisis/609193/|title = Private Labs Are Fueling a New Coronavirus Testing Crisis| website=The Atlantic |date = March 31, 2020|access-date = April 8, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200408030319/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/next-covid-19-testing-crisis/609193/|archive-date = April 8, 2020|url-status = live}}

The FDA approved New York state to authorize the state's 28 public and private labs to begin manual, semi-automated and automated testing for novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The approval allowed the state to dramatically increase testing capacity to thousands of tests per day. The approval also extended to the Roche high-volume platform for testing. New York State's Wadsworth Lab developed a new, less intrusive test for COVID-19. The new test was done through a saliva sample and a self-administered short nasal swab in the presence of a healthcare professional. Additionally, health care professionals could self-administer the test without another health care professional present.{{cite web |url=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing |title=COVID-19 Testing – New York Department of Health |date=2020-04-13 |access-date=April 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414052405/https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|New York state government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|New York COVID-19 nursing home scandal}}

{{Further|U.S. state and local government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 pandemic in New York City#Government response}}

On January 8, 2021, Governor Cuomo published an initial list of New Yorkers eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Groups 1A and 1B included essential workers, seniors aged 75 and above or living in nursing homes, and certain people with disabilities.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-08|title=Governor Cuomo Announces Expanded Vaccination Network To Accelerate Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-expanded-vaccination-network-accelerate-distribution-covid-19-vaccine|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}} On February 14, 2021, the vaccination program was expanded to include other individuals with comorbidities for COVID-19.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-08|title=Governor Cuomo Announces New Yorkers with Comorbidities and Underlying Conditions Can Make Appointments at State-Run Mass Vaccination Sites Beginning February 14|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-new-yorkers-comorbidities-and-underlying-conditions-can-make|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}}

Starting March 10, 2021, people aged 60 and above could get vaccinated in New York State.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-09|title=Governor Cuomo Announces New Yorkers 60 Years of Age and Older and Additional Public Facing Essential Workers Will Be Eligible to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-new-yorkers-60-years-age-and-older-and-additional-public-facing|access-date=2021-03-11|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}}

Starting March 23, 2021, people aged 50 and above could get vaccinated in New York State.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-22|title=Governor Cuomo Announces New Yorkers 50 Years of Age and Older Will Be Eligible to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-new-yorkers-50-years-age-and-older-will-be-eligible-receive-covid-19|access-date=2021-03-25|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}}

Starting March 30, 2021, people aged 30 and above could get vaccinated in New York State.{{Cite web|title=Governor Cuomo Announces New Yorkers 30 Years of Age and Older Will Be Eligible to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-new-yorkers-30-years-age-and-older-will-be-eligible-receive-covid-19|date=2021-03-29}}

Starting April 6, 2021, people aged 16 and above could get vaccinated in New York State.

Starting May 13, 2021, people aged 12 and above could get vaccinated in New York State.{{Cite web|title=Governor Cuomo Accepts NYS Clinical Advisory Task Force Recommendation to Immediately Implement Expanded Use Authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 12 to 15-Year-Olds|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-accepts-nys-clinical-advisory-task-force-recommendation-immediately-implement|access-date=2021-05-27|website=www.governor.ny.gov}}

As of September 27, 2021, healthcare workers in New York State were required to have had at least their first dose of the vaccine.{{Cite news|last=Otterman|first=Sharon|date=2021-08-16|title=All health care workers in New York must get vaccinated, the governor says.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/16/nyregion/new-york-healthcare-workers-vaccine-mandate.html|access-date=2021-08-16|issn=0362-4331}}

Mass vaccination sites were opened in the state in provide faster and more equitable results.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-10|title=Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Cuomo & Biden Administration Announce Mass Vaccination Sites to Open in New York State, Targeted at Increasing Equitable Vaccination Access|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-cuomo-biden-administration-announce-mass|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}}{{Cite web|date=2021-02-10|title=Governor Cuomo & Biden Administration Announce Mass Vaccination Sites to Open in New York State, Targeted at Increasing Equitable Vaccination Access|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-biden-administration-announce-mass-vaccination-sites-open-new-york-state|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}}

At the end of February 2021 the access to vaccination appointment slots remained complicated in NYS.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-15|title=Problems still persist for those seeking appointments on NYS coronavirus vaccine website|url=https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/problems-still-persist-for-those-seeking-appointments-on-nys-coronavirus-vaccine-website/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=News 4 Buffalo}}{{Cite web|date=2021-02-14|title=New York State responds to concerns about making COVID-19 vaccine appointments online|url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/coronavirus/new-york-state-responds-to-concerns-about-making-covid-19-vaccine-appointments-online|access-date=2021-04-08|website=WKBW}} The governor of NYS and the mayor of NYC decided to let separate groups (e.g., Walgreens, medical groups, state or city vaccination campuses) manage their own vaccination schedules. This creates opacity in identifying potential available slots and applying in time to these spots. Phone lines to organize appointments were often not reachable. But Huge Ma,{{cite web |last1=Singh-Kurtz |first1=Sangeeta |title=Catching Up With NYC's "Vaccine Daddy" |url=https://www.thecut.com/2021/04/a-date-with-nycs-vaccine-daddy-huge-ma-turbovax.html |website=The Cut |publisher=New York (magazine) |date=2021-04-02}} a New York software developer, created an application that facilitates taking appointments for vaccines in NYS, turbovax.info,{{Cite web|title=TurboVax|url=https://www.turbovax.info/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.turbovax.info}} which connected to multiple sites offering vaccination appointments.{{Cite web|last=Gartland|first=Michael|title=Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang praises TurboVax creator for helping New Yorkers find vaccine appointments|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/nyc-elections-2021/ny-nyc-mayoral-race-andrew-yang-turbovax-ritchie-torres-20210406-mv7a4ef6drg7tmjha3wm7ct3hm-story.html|access-date=2021-04-08|website=nydailynews.com|date=April 6, 2021 }}

By the end of February 2021 there was a noticeable acceleration in the number of people getting vaccinated. In addition, the new J&J vaccine was approved on February 28, 2021. Its distribution was accompanied by longer overnight opening hours at Yankee Stadium, Javits Center and the NY State Fair Grounds.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-02|title=Governor Cuomo Announces Pilot Program to Begin Administering Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine at State-Run Mass Vaccination Sites|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-pilot-program-begin-administering-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine|access-date=2021-03-04|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}}

On December 20, 2021, Governor Hochul announced New York State would provide $65 million to county governments in part to finance booster efforts.{{cite web|date=20 December 2021|title=Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Announces Comprehensive Winter Surge Plan |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-announces-comprehensive-winter-surge-plan|access-date=23 December 2021|website=www.governor.ny.gov}}

{{main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics}}The New York State Democratic presidential primary—along with special elections in the 27th congressional district; the 50th senate district; and the 12th, 31st, and 136th assembly districts—were originally scheduled for April 28. On March 13, 2020, Senator Skoufis proposed legislation to move these elections to June 23. The intent was to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.{{Cite web|title=Skoufis to Introduce Bill to Move April Presidential Primary to June|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/james-skoufis/skoufis-introduce-bill-move-april-presidential-primary-june|date=2020-03-13|website=NY State Senate|access-date=2020-05-18|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619194815/https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/james-skoufis/skoufis-introduce-bill-move-april-presidential-primary-june|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|last=Vielkind|first=Jimmy|date=2020-03-22|title=Coronavirus May Postpone New York's Presidential Primary|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-may-postpone-new-yorks-presidential-primary-11584918000|access-date=2020-05-18|issn=0099-9660}} On March 28, the New York State Board of Elections and Governor Cuomo postponed the elections to June 23.{{Cite news|last=Saul|first=Stephanie|date=2020-03-28|title=Cuomo Postpones New York's Primary Election to June 23 Because of Coronavirus|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/28/us/politics/ny-primary-voting-coronavirus.html|access-date=2020-05-18|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web|title=NY commissioners: Delay April presidential primary|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/health/coronavirus/new-york-presidential-primary-1.43422375|website=Newsday|date=March 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-18}}{{Cite web|title=New York Nixes Democratic Presidential Primary Due to Virus|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/new-york-nixes-democratic-presidential-primary-due-to-virus/2391288/|website=NBC New York|date=April 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-15}}{{Cite web|title=Voters in New York can vote by absentee ballot for June 23 primaries|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2020/04/24/voters-new-york-can-vote-absentee-ballot-june-23-primaries/3022446001/|last=Spector|first=Joseph|website=Rochester Democrat and Chronicle|access-date=2020-05-14}} Subsequently, the Democratic presidential primary was canceled altogether, and most of the special elections were postponed until the general election in November.

{{Main articles|2020 New York Democratic primary}}

On April 27, 2020, the Board of Elections changed its decision, and cancelled the Democratic presidential primary outright, by removing several candidates who suspended their campaigns from the ballot.{{Cite web|title=New York Nixes Democratic Presidential Primary Due to Virus|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/new-york-nixes-democratic-presidential-primary-due-to-virus/2391288/|website=NBC New York|date=April 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-18}}{{Cite web|title=New York Cancels Presidential Primary Election, Angering Sanders Supporters|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/04/27/846549412/new-york-cancels-primary-election-angering-sanders-supporters|website=NPR.org| date=April 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-18| last1=Sprunt | first1=Barbara }}{{Cite web|title=State Board of Elections Cancels New York Presidential Primary|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2020/04/27/board-of-elections-cancels-democratic-new-york-presidential-primary-|website=www.ny1.com|access-date=2020-05-18}}{{Cite news|last1=Saul|first1=Stephanie|last2=Corasaniti|first2=Nick|date=2020-04-27|title=New York Board of Elections Cancels Democratic Presidential Primary|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/27/us/politics/democratic-primary-canceled-coronavirus.html|access-date=2020-05-15|issn=0362-4331}} The decision was first criticized by supporters of presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders, who hoped to secure additional convention delegates, which would allow greater influence in the Democratic Party's platform. Other critics of the decision cited reduced voter turn out for down-ballot races, which unfairly benefits incumbent candidates. New York State Democratic Party Chair, Jay Jacobs, stated "our motivation right now is to avoid what happened in Wisconsin, where we in this situation are holding a primary that asks poll workers, many of them senior citizens, to risk their health for no particular purpose."{{Cite news|last=Vielkind|first=Jimmy|date=2020-04-27|title=Sanders Camp Argues Against Canceling New York Presidential Primary|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/sanders-supporters-argue-against-canceling-new-york-presidential-primary-11587942000|access-date=2020-05-18|issn=0099-9660}} Despite this move 42 of 62 New York counties, roughly 68% of counties in the New York State, would remain open for voting due to Congressional and State elections. At the time New York was the only state to cancel its presidential primary.{{Cite news|last1=Saul|first1=Stephanie|last2=Corasaniti|first2=Nick|date=2020-04-27|title=New York Board of Elections Cancels Democratic Presidential Primary|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/27/us/politics/democratic-primary-canceled-coronavirus.html|access-date=2020-05-14|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news|agency=The Associated Press|date=2020-05-04|title=Judge Weighs Constitutionality of NY Primary Shutdown|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/05/04/us/ap-us-election-2020-new-york-primary.html|access-date=2020-05-15|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news|title=New York state cancels its primary, angering Sanders camp|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/new-york-state-cancels-its-primary-angering-sanders-camp/2020/04/27/5b86c3b0-88bc-11ea-ac8a-fe9b8088e101_story.html|last=Sullivan|first=Sean|date=April 27, 2020|newspaper=Washington Post}}

The decision was overturned on May 5 by Federal District Court Judge Analisa Torres in New York's Southern District, when presidential candidate Andrew Yang filed suit against the Board of Elections, asserting that the decision violated the 1st and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution. Judge Torres stated "...the Democratic Commissioners' April 27 Resolution removing Yang, Sanders, and eight other Democratic presidential candidates from the ballot deprived them of associational rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution."{{Cite web|title=The New York state presidential primary is back on after a federal court ruling|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/5/6/21249108/new-york-state-presidential-primary-back-on-federal-court-ruling|last=Burns|first=Katelyn|date=2020-05-06|website=Vox|access-date=2020-05-14}}{{Cite news|last1=Stevens|first1=Matt|last2=Corasaniti|first2=Nick|date=2020-05-05|title=New York Must Hold Democratic Presidential Primary, Judge Rules|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/us/politics/ny-presidential-primary.html|access-date=2020-05-15|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news|title=Federal judge orders officials to restore New York primary, drawing cheers from Sanders camp|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-judge-orders-officials-to-restore-new-york-primary-drawing-cheers-from-sanders-camp/2020/05/05/c787a0d2-8f2b-11ea-a0bc-4e9ad4866d21_story.html|last=Sullivan|first=Sean|date=May 5, 2020|newspaper=Washington Post}}

An appeal was filed by the Board of Elections with the US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. On May 19, it was ruled that the presidential primary could proceed as planned. The Board of Elections Co-chair, Douglas Kellner, said the Board would not pursue further appeals.{{Cite web|title=Appeals court rules New York Democratic presidential primary will take place as planned in June|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/19/politics/new-york-democratic-primary/index.html|first=Liz |last=Stark|website=CNN| date=May 19, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-22}}{{Cite news|agency=The Associated Press|date=2020-05-19|title=Appeals Court OKs June 23 NY Democratic Presidential Primary|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/05/19/us/ap-us-election-2020-new-york-primary-1st-ld-writethru.html|access-date=2020-05-22|issn=0362-4331}}

On March 22, 2020, Attorney General Leticia James called for automatic absentee voting in the New York Democratic presidential primary.{{Cite web|title=Attorney General James Calls for Automatic Absentee Voting in NY Presidential Primary|url=https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2020/attorney-general-james-calls-automatic-absentee-voting-ny-presidential-primary|website=ag.ny.gov|date=March 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-18}} Cuomo later announced that he would investigate if his recently expanded executive powers would allow him to expand absentee ballot access.{{Cite news|title=NY looks to expand absentee voting amid coronavirus pandemic|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NY-looks-to-expand-absentee-voting-amid-pandemic-15149458.php|date=2020-03-22|website=Times Union|access-date=2020-05-18 |last1=Harris |first1=Cayla }} On April 9, by executive order of the Governor, all New York State residents were granted the right to apply for an absentee ballot using the state's online absentee ballot application in order to facilitate safe voting in the primary elections. As stated in the order, all voters would be required to "check the box for 'Temporary illness or physical disability' with no requirement for in-person signature or appearance to be able to access an absentee ballot."{{Cite web|title=Home Page - New York State Board of Elections|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/|website=www.elections.ny.gov|access-date=2020-05-14}} In an effort to ease barriers to access, Cuomo announced on April 24 that postage paid absentee ballot applications would be mailed to all registered voters in the State. Voters can still apply for a ballot online, or opt to vote in person.{{Cite web|title=What You Need to Know to Vote in New York's June Primary|url=http://thecity.nyc/2020/05/how-can-i-vote-in-new-yorks-june-primary-amid-coronavirus.html|last=Smith|first=Rachel Holliday|date=2020-05-14|website=The City|access-date=2020-05-15}}

{{Main articles|2020 New York's 27th congressional district special election}}

Filings for independent nominations to petitions were postponed beginning March 31, 2020.{{Cite web|title=Home Page - New York State Board of Elections|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingRegister.html|website=www.elections.ny.gov|access-date=2020-05-14}} On April 25 special elections were cancelled for the 50th senate district, and the 12th, 31st and 136th assembly districts, as well as the Queens Borough President and New York City Council District 37. These vacancies were filled in the November General Election. The 27th Congressional district special election was not cancelled.

File:Best Buy Line I (49674924422).jpg was only letting a limited number of people into their Union Square store in New York City, March 18, 2020.]]

Self-quarantines for persons who tested positive or were symptomatic were not enforced due to a lack of resources. Several New York City area nurses expressed concerns that patients were not complying with self-quarantine guidelines, due to financial necessity or fear of losing their jobs. A New York State Nurses Association board member expressed concern that low-income patients who share rooms with other individuals may not be able to effectively self-isolate at their residences.{{cite news|title=NYC nurses fear many coronavirus patients can't afford to self-quarantine|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-nurses-fear-patients-not-self-quarantining-20200324-rd5x2xa3gzc3nhmv3e36u5n3iu-story.html|date=March 24, 2020|work=Daily News|access-date=March 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325093328/https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-nurses-fear-patients-not-self-quarantining-20200324-rd5x2xa3gzc3nhmv3e36u5n3iu-story.html|archive-date=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}}

Implementing social distancing was difficult in some communities dominated by Hasidic Jews. On March 19, 2020, the Orange County village of Kiryas Joel, home to 25,000 Satmar Hasidim, closed all 100 of its synagogues, as well as schools and mikvot, despite the centrality of religious observance in the community. It was estimated that 25–28 percent of its residents had tested positive, including the community's 73-year-old spiritual leader, Grand Rebbe Aaron Teitelbaum.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jewishexponent.com/2020/04/06/jewish-coronavirus-updates-mikvah-reverses-course-and-more/|title=Jewish coronavirus updates: Steep toll for Swedish Jews, a mikvah reverses course and more|date=April 6, 2020|website=Jewish Exponent|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424125818/https://www.jewishexponent.com/2020/04/06/jewish-coronavirus-updates-mikvah-reverses-course-and-more/|archive-date=April 24, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Ziri|first=Danielle|url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-in-america-s-only-orthodox-town-the-coronavirus-brings-unique-problems-1.8710123|title=In America's Only Orthodox Town, Coronavirus Poses Unique Challenge for Insular Jewish Community|date=March 25, 2020|newspaper=Haaretz|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325204345/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-in-america-s-only-orthodox-town-the-coronavirus-brings-unique-problems-1.8710123|archive-date=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}} On March 27, the county reported that Kiryas Joel, within the town of Palm Tree, had 234 confirmed cases, the most of any municipality in the county.{{cite web|title=COVID-19/Coronavirus|url=https://www.orangecountygov.com/1936/Coronavirus|publisher=Orange County Department of Health|date=March 27, 2020|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328060603/https://www.orangecountygov.com/1936/Coronavirus|archive-date=March 28, 2020|url-status=live}}

Some reports suggested that the Hasidic community was generally slow to implement measures designed to slow the spread of the virus. This reportedly led to one antisemitic incident. On March 23, 2020, a car dealership near Kiryas Joel refused to service a resident's car, telling him he had the virus.{{cite news|last=Feldman|first=Ari|url=https://forward.com/news/national/442285/coronavirus-hydroxychloroquine-trump-doctor/|title=This doctor was already treating patients with Trump's 'gift from God' drug – before FDA approval|date=March 24, 2020|newspaper=The Forward|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325213952/https://forward.com/news/national/442285/coronavirus-hydroxychloroquine-trump-doctor/|archive-date=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}}

An Orthodox Jewish physician, Vladimir Zelenko, who saw patients at his offices in both Kiryas Joel and Monsey, another predominantly Hasidic community in nearby Rockland County, claimed that the real infection rate in Kiryas Joel was much higher. This was disputed by local authorities. Zelenko, who had to self-isolate since he was missing a lung, said in daily YouTube videos that his office treated 500 patients (mostly in Kiryas Joel) for COVID-19, using the combination of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and zinc sulfate, which in some trials yielded positive results in reducing symptoms. Zelenko claimed that 90 percent of the Hasidic community would become infected; the county's health commissioner and the village's emergency services department disputed that, pointing out that it was based on nine positive results out of 14 samples.

By April 9, Palm Tree had reported 428 cases, maintaining its lead among Orange County's municipalities, a lead it lost a week later.{{cite web|title=Orange County NY COVID-19 Cases by Town|url=https://ocnygis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/21de1fb5ce0c480f95dc0cf2b8b83b71|publisher=Orange County|date=April 4, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412095350/https://ocnygis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/21de1fb5ce0c480f95dc0cf2b8b83b71|archive-date=April 12, 2020|url-status=live}} Leaders of the surrounding towns and villages repeated an earlier call by county executive Steve Neuhaus for the town to be declared a containment zone as the area of New Rochelle where a cluster had been identified a month earlier had been, a request denied at that time by Cuomo since the stay-at-home order for the entire state was more restrictive. The Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council had responded to such pressure by calling on local leadership to "stop scapegoating Jews of KJ when the problem is clearly widespread, and worse, everywhere in [the] county."{{cite news|last=Ettlinger|first=Rachel|title=Orange County leaders request containment order for Palm Tree|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200405/orange-county-leaders-request-containment-order-for-palm-tree|newspaper=Times Herald-Record|location=Middletown, New York|date=April 5, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406084636/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200405/orange-county-leaders-request-containment-order-for-palm-tree|archive-date=April 6, 2020|url-status=live}}

On October 12, Hasidic activist and City Council candidate Heshy Tischler was arrested for inciting a riot and unlawful imprisonment. Hundreds marched through the neighborhood of Borough Park, burning masks, chanting "Jewish Lives Matter" and attacking passersby.{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/heshy-tischler-charged-inciting-riot-135200302.html|title = 'Heshy' Tischler Charged with Inciting Riot at Lockdown Protests| date=October 12, 2020 }}

At the beginning of March 2020, prior to the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19, and the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in New York City, a 20 percent spike in crime for the first two months of 2020 was reported.{{cite web|last=DeStefano|first=Anthony M.|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/nyc-serious-crime-increase-1.42403709|title=Data: NYC serious crimes spikes in first 2 months of 2020|website=Newsday|date=March 2, 2020|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303190943/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/nyc-serious-crime-increase-1.42403709|archive-date=March 3, 2020|url-status=live}} After movement in the city became restricted, New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea stated that the pandemic had curtailed crime.{{cite web|last=Chapman|first=Ben|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-crime-falls-as-coronavirus-takes-hold-11584998470|title=New York City Crime Falls as Coronavirus Takes Hold|website=The Wall Street Journal|date=March 23, 2020|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326034158/https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-crime-falls-as-coronavirus-takes-hold-11584998470|archive-date=March 26, 2020|url-status=live}} At the end of March, Shea said that crime had decreased sharply during the epidemic (other than car theft, which increased markedly), though there was concern that domestic violence was not being reported.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus Hits Governor Cuomo's Family: Live Updates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html |access-date=31 March 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403122819/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage |archive-date=April 3, 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Craig |url=https://nypost.com/2020/04/02/major-crimes-up-12-percent-in-nyc-despite-covid-19-outbreak/ |title=Major crimes up 12 percent in NYC despite COVID-19 outbreak |publisher=Nypost.com |date=2020-04-02 |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406232017/https://nypost.com/2020/04/02/major-crimes-up-12-percent-in-nyc-despite-covid-19-outbreak/ |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |url-status=live }} As of April 8, 2,103 uniformed members and 373 civilian members had tested positive for the virus while 13 had died.{{cite web|url=https://www.silive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/coronavirus-132-new-nypd-members-test-positive-for-covid-19-13th-death-in-the-department-reported.html|first=Irene|last=Spezzamonte|title=Coronavirus: 132 new NYPD members test positive for COVID-19, 13th death in the department reported|website=Staten Island Advance|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411220931/https://www.silive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/coronavirus-132-new-nypd-members-test-positive-for-covid-19-13th-death-in-the-department-reported.html|archive-date=April 11, 2020|url-status=live}}

In early April, the state's Division of Criminal Justice Services reported that crime had dropped considerably since late February, both in the city and state compared to the same period the year before. In the city, combined felony and misdemeanor arrests were down 43 percent, with the rest of the state recording a 69 percent drop. Cuomo praised the drop as a result of social distancing, since it helped keep hospitals and first responders free to deal with the pandemic.{{cite news|last=Silvarole|first=Georgie|title=Crime rates in New York plummet as coronavirus keeps everyone home|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200407/crime-rates-in-new-york-plummet-as-coronavirus-keeps-everyone-home|newspaper=Gannett New York|via=Times Herald-Record|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407235843/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200407/crime-rates-in-new-york-plummet-as-coronavirus-keeps-everyone-home|archive-date=April 7, 2020|url-status=live}}

Some residents of New York City and its inner suburbs who own, or can afford to rent, property in rural areas upstate or on eastern Long Island aroused local resentment for doing so during the pandemic. Steve McLaughlin, executive of Rensselaer County, east of Albany, asked Cuomo to issue an order banning all non-essential travel upstate from the city, after city residents booked all available local lodging. Seven of 51 cases the county had as of April 2 were city residents, and the county feared it did not have sufficient healthcare infrastructure to handle a large outbreak; McLaughlin issued an order requiring any recent arrivals from the city to quarantine themselves for 14 days, during which law enforcement would check on them regularly.{{cite news|last=Gabbatt|first=Adam|title=New Yorkers fleeing city face fear and hostility from upstate neighbors|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/02/new-yorkers-fleeing-city-conronavirus-fear-hostility-upstate-neighbors|newspaper=The Guardian|date=April 2, 2020|access-date=April 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402152322/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/02/new-yorkers-fleeing-city-conronavirus-fear-hostility-upstate-neighbors|archive-date=April 2, 2020|url-status=live}}

Similarly, Greene County, in the Catskills just south of Albany, posted on its website a letter asking people to refrain from traveling there, especially from New York City or Westchester. "There is no hospital in Greene County," wrote the chairman of the county legislature. "This limits our ability to serve a large number of people requiring higher levels of care for COVID-19 patients and other illnesses." The legislatures of neighboring Delaware and Sullivan counties made similar requests.{{cite press release|last=Linger|first=Patrick S.|date=March 20, 2020|title=A Message to Our Visitors, Weekenders and Second Homeowners|url=https://www.greenegovernment.com/scoop/greene-county-press-release-covid-19-march-20th-2020|location=Catskill, New York|publisher=Greene County|access-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405204102/https://www.greenegovernment.com/scoop/greene-county-press-release-covid-19-march-20th-2020|archive-date=April 5, 2020|url-status=live}}

In the Hamptons, on the eastern end of Long Island's South Fork, a longtime summer destination for city residents, rental rates quadrupled as the population nearly doubled. While many year-round residents were aware that the towns' economy depended on seasonal residents, they believed their resources were stretched to the limit.

Cuomo initially announced a state moratorium for both residential and commercial evictions on March 20, 2020. This moratorium was an attempt to prevent evictions during the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-28|title=Governor Cuomo Announces Moratorium on COVID-Related Residential Evictions Will Be Extended Until January 1, 2021|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-moratorium-covid-related-residential-evictions-will-be-extended-until|access-date=2021-01-28|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}} He then signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act, which had passed the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly on May 27, into law on June 30.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-30|title="Tenant Safe Harbor Act" Sponsored By Senator Brad Hoylman Signed Into Law|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/brad-hoylman/tenant-safe-harbor-act-sponsored-senator-brad-hoylman-signed|access-date=2021-01-28|website=NY State Senate|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201061541/https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/brad-hoylman/tenant-safe-harbor-act-sponsored-senator-brad-hoylman-signed|url-status=dead}} The Tenant Safe Harbor Act gave an additional layer of protection to tenants experiencing financial hardship during the public health emergency, as it prevented courts from ever evicting on the basis of non-payment that accrued or came due during the COVID-19 period. Previously, a tenant who was unable to pay rent could be evicted on the basis of non-payment as soon as the moratorium ended. On September 28, Cuomo announced the Tenant Safe Harbor Act would be extended and expanded through January 1, 2021.

In addition to the Tenant Safe Harbor Act, Cuomo signed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 into effect on December 28.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-28|title=Governor Cuomo Signs the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-covid-19-emergency-eviction-and-foreclosure-prevention-act-2020|access-date=2021-01-28|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}} This piece of legislation further safeguards New York renters and homeowners and ensures they can remain in their homes.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-04|title=The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2021/covid-19-emergency-eviction-and-foreclosure-prevention-act-2020|access-date=2021-01-28|website=NY State Senate|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127072930/https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2021/covid-19-emergency-eviction-and-foreclosure-prevention-act-2020|url-status=dead}} The Act suspends residential eviction and residential foreclosure proceedings until May 1, 2021, and allows renters and homeowners to submit a declaration of hardship. The Act also prevents credit discrimination, and negative credit reporting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

{{Main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports}}

Most of the state's sports teams were affected. Major League Baseball cancelled the remainder of spring training on March 12, 2020, and on March 16 it announced that the season would be postponed indefinitely, after the recommendation from the CDC to restrict events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks, affecting the New York Yankees and New York Mets.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/opening-of-regular-season-to-be-pushed-back |title=Opening of regular season to be pushed back |first=Mark |last=Feinsand |website=MLB.com |date=March 16, 2020 |access-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317025811/https://www.mlb.com/news/opening-of-regular-season-to-be-pushed-back |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live }} The National Basketball Association suspended the season for 30 days starting March 12, affecting the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28893331/nba-owners-seeking-30-day-reevaluation-suspension-games |title=Silver: NBA hiatus likely to last 'at least' 30 days |date=March 12, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=March 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313004850/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28893331/nba-owners-seeking-30-day-reevaluation-suspension-games |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |url-status=live }} The National Hockey League season was suspended indefinitely on March 12, affecting the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Sabres.[https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530 NHL statement on coronavirus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314025848/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530 |date=March 14, 2020 }} NHL, March 12, 2020 Major League Soccer postponed the season for 30 days starting March 12, affecting the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC.[https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37582289/mls-postponed-30-days-usmnt-uswnt-friendlies-canceled MLS postponed for 30 days; USMNT, USWNT friendlies canceled] ESPN, March 12, 2020 On March 12, the National Lacrosse League postponed the remainder of their season until further notice, affecting the seasons of the Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Knighthawks, and New York Riptide.{{cite web |url=https://www.nll.com/news/nll-statement-on-game-play-march-12-2020/ |title=NLL Statement on Game Play (March 12, 2020) | National Lacrosse League |date=March 12, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322203738/https://www.nll.com/news/nll-statement-on-game-play-march-12-2020/ |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |url-status=live }} The XFL suspended its season on March 12, affecting the inaugural season of the New York Guardians.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/coronavirus-live-updates-nba-suspends-season-after-utah-jazz-player-tests-positive-for-covid-19/live/ |title=Coronavirus live updates: NBA suspends season after Utah Jazz player tests positive for COVID-19 |work=CBS Sports |access-date=March 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312104421/https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/coronavirus-live-updates-nba-suspends-season-after-utah-jazz-player-tests-positive-for-covid-19/live/ |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |url-status=live }}

In college sports, the National Collegiate Athletic Association cancelled all winter and spring tournaments, most notably the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, affecting colleges and universities statewide.[https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-cancels-remaining-winter-and-spring-championships NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312213051/http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-cancels-remaining-winter-and-spring-championships |date=March 12, 2020 }} NCAA, March 12, 2020 On March 16, the National Junior College Athletic Association also canceled the remainder of the winter seasons as well as the spring seasons.[https://www.mlive.com/sports/2020/03/njcaa-cancels-spring-sports-basketball-nationals-amid-coronavirus-outbreak.html NJCAA cancels spring sports, basketball nationals amid coronavirus outbreak] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318182102/https://www.mlive.com/sports/2020/03/njcaa-cancels-spring-sports-basketball-nationals-amid-coronavirus-outbreak.html |date=March 18, 2020 }} MLive.com, March 16, 2020

The state's high school basketball playoffs had begun in early March with no spectators allowed. On March 12, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) suspended remaining winter sports championship contests in all sports that still had not decided them: boys' and girls' basketball, ice hockey, and bowling.{{cite news|last=Weidner|first=Nolan|title=State suspends all high school winter sports playoffs|url=https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2020/03/state-postpones-all-high-school-winter-sports-playoffs.html|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 12, 2020|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329040019/https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2020/03/state-postpones-all-high-school-winter-sports-playoffs.html|archive-date=March 29, 2020|url-status=live}}

On March 17, four members of the Brooklyn Nets, including Kevin Durant, were confirmed positive for COVID-19.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/nets/2020/03/17/brooklyn-nets-test-positive-coronavirus/5072045002/|title=Kevin Durant among four Brooklyn Nets who test positive for COVID-19|last=Medina|first=Jeff Zillgitt and Mark|website=USA Today|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318035339/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/nets/2020/03/17/brooklyn-nets-test-positive-coronavirus/5072045002/|archive-date=March 18, 2020|url-status=live}}

A little over a month later, NYSPSHSAA announced that Sections 8 and 11, which cover all of Long Island's high schools, had voted to cancel all spring high school and middle school sports seasons. "It was not an easy [decision] to make," said Section 11 executive director Tom Combs, "however, in what the world is experiencing at this time, it is the most reasonable and prudent decision to make." The other nine sections of the state, in areas which in some cases were not experiencing the pandemic so severely, had not made decisions yet and were still planning for the possibility of a short spring season at the end of May and in early June. Championships for any spring sports, were they to be held, would likely have to be moved to other locations since they had been scheduled to be played on Long Island;{{cite news|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|title=First 2 sections in New York state cancel high school spring sports seasons|url=https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2020/04/first-section-in-new-york-state-cancels-high-school-spring-sports-season.html|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=April 21, 2020|access-date=April 22, 2020}} on April 27, they were canceled.{{cite news|last=Interdonato|first=Sal|title=Spring sports still on hold, state championships canceled|url=https://www.recordonline.com/varsity/20200427/spring-sports-still-on-hold-state-championships-canceled|newspaper=Times Herald-Record|date=April 27, 2020|access-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428130033/https://www.recordonline.com/varsity/20200427/spring-sports-still-on-hold-state-championships-canceled|archive-date=April 28, 2020|url-status=live}}

At the beginning of May, when Cuomo announced that the remainder of the school year in the state was canceled, all remaining contingency plans for spring high school sports statewide were canceled as well.{{cite news|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|title=High school spring sports in NY are done after Cuomo ends school year|url=https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2020/05/high-school-spring-sports-in-ny-are-done-after-cuomo-ends-school-year.html|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=May 1, 2020|access-date=May 2, 2020}}

In mid-May, Cuomo announced that horse racing statewide and auto races at Watkins Glen International in Schuyler County may resume, with no spectators allowed, at the beginning of June.{{cite news|last=Doubek|first=James|title=New York Will Allow Horse And Auto Racing To Restart Without Fans June 1|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/05/16/857412138/new-york-will-allow-horse-and-auto-racing-to-restart-without-fans-june-1|newspaper=National Public Radio|date=May 16, 2020|access-date=May 20, 2020}} The NASCAR race weekend scheduled for Watkins Glen International in August was cancelled due to New York's 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers coming from states with a high rate of COVID-19 cases; this includes North Carolina and Florida, where many drivers and teams in NASCAR are based. The race weekend at Watkins Glen International was replaced by the road course at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.{{cite news|last=Bove|first=Matt|title=Watkins Glen NASCAR race canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions|publisher=WKBW-TV|location=Buffalo, NY|date=July 8, 2020|url=https://www.wkbw.com/sports/watkins-glen-nascar-race-canceled-due-to-covid-19-travel-restrictions|access-date=July 24, 2020}}

On June 20, Cuomo announced that the Yankees and the Mets baseball teams would move from conducting spring training in Florida to New York. The Yankees would be at Yankee Stadium and the Mets at Citi Field. Cuomo added that, "[...] we've determined it's possible for the Yankees and the Mets to safely conduct spring training in the state this year and are thrilled to begin reopening America's national pastime right here in New York."{{Cite web|date=2020-06-20|title=Governor Cuomo Announces Yankees and Mets Will Hold Spring Training in New York This Year|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-yankees-and-mets-will-hold-spring-training-new-york-year|access-date=2020-06-20|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo}}

On July 24, Governor Cuomo virtually officiated the start of the Mets home opener at Citi Stadium against the Atlanta Braves with no fans in attendance.{{Cite web|last1=Odum|first1=Charles|last2=Blum|first2=Ronald|date=2020-07-24|title=Braves vs. Mets - Game Recap - July 24, 2020 - ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401225682|access-date=2020-08-03|website=ESPN.com|publisher=Associated Press}}

On July 31, the Yankees held their home opener game at Yankee Stadium against the Boston Red Sox with no fans in attendance.{{Cite web|last=Dodd|first=Rustin|date=2020-08-01|title=A home opener at Yankee Stadium without fans? 'That was missing a little bit'|url=https://theathletic.com/1966924/2020/08/01/a-home-opener-at-yankee-stadium-without-fans-that-was-missing-a-little-bit/|access-date=2020-08-03|website=The Athletic}}{{Cite web|last=Seiner|first=Jake|date=2020-07-31|title=Red Sox vs. Yankees - Game Recap - July 31, 2020 - ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401225783|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802091528/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401225783|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 2, 2020|access-date=2020-08-03|website=ESPN.com|publisher=Associated Press}}

On August 31, the 2020 US Open (tennis) kicked off with various safety precautions and void of spectators due to COVID-19, for the first time in the tournament's history.{{Cite news|last=Futterman|first=Matthew|date=2020-08-31|title=The Bizarro 2020 U.S. Open Begins|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/31/sports/tennis/us-open.html|access-date=2020-09-08|issn=0362-4331}}

The ban on large gatherings meant that the annual "First Cast" ceremony at the Junction Pool, a popular fly fishing spot, in the Sullivan County hamlet of Roscoe, marking the April 1 opening of trout season, could not be held. The season still opened and the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encouraged anglers to take to the state's streams as long as they continued to practice social distancing. Many stores in Roscoe that catered to them were nevertheless closed and limited to filling orders online.{{cite news|last=Randall|first=Mike|title=No fanfare for Trout Town's fishing opener|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200331/no-fanfare-for-trout-towns-fishing-opener|newspaper=Times Herald-Record|date=March 31, 2020|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401041024/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200331/no-fanfare-for-trout-towns-fishing-opener|archive-date=April 1, 2020|url-status=live}} Anglers in Central New York reported that day that they were able to easily maintain social distancing while in the waters of Ninemile Creek, a practice necessary to the sport in any event since it prevented them from getting their lines tangled with each other. They appreciated the opportunity to get outside on a day with good weather for fishing and forget the pandemic, and some told the Syracuse Post-Standard they had good catches as well.{{cite news|last=Figura|first=David|title=Coronavirus: Many anglers still getting out for trout fishing season opener|url=https://www.newyorkupstate.com/coronavirus/2020/04/despite-coronavirus-many-anglers-getting-out-for-trout-season-opener.html|newspaper=Syracuse Post-Standard|date=April 1, 2020|access-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406075451/https://www.newyorkupstate.com/coronavirus/2020/04/despite-coronavirus-many-anglers-getting-out-for-trout-season-opener.html|archive-date=April 6, 2020|url-status=live}}

DEC announced on April 7 that the state's spring wild turkey hunting season in May, and the youth turkey weekend at the end of April, were still going on. It advised hunters, in addition to the usual hunting safety practices, to continue social distancing while hunting and take other measures, such as buying supplies online and hunting close to home. Hunters were further advised to share blinds with other hunters only if they lived in the same residence, and to hunt alone where possible.{{cite press release |author=|title=DEC Announces New York is Open for Hunting, Spring Turkey Season Starts May 1|url=https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/120031.html|location=Albany, New York|publisher=New York State Department of Environmental Conservation|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 19, 2020}}

File:Sea Breeze closed by COVID.jpg in Irondequoit and other amusement parks around the state remain closed.{{cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/2020/05/upstate-ny-theme-parks-water-parks-amusement-parks-when-do-they-hope-to-open-this-summer.html |title=Upstate NY theme parks, water parks, amusement parks: When do they hope to open this summer? |website=Syracuse.com |last=Hernandez |first=Sunny |date=2020-05-11 |access-date=2020-06-07}}]]

On April 7, 2020, Rockland and Sullivan counties closed their parks for two weeks. Residents had been making heavy use of them during the lockdown, making it difficult to enforce social distancing.{{cite news|last=Propper|first=David|title=Rockland to close all county parks over coronavirus fears|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200407/rockland-to-close-all-county-parks-over-coronavirus-fears|newspaper=The Journal News|via=Times Herald Record|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 8, 2020}}{{cite news|last=Yakin|first=Heather|title=Sullivan County closes parks over coronavirus fears|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200407/sullivan-county-closes-parks-over-coronavirus-fears|newspaper=Times Herald-Record|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410121800/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200407/sullivan-county-closes-parks-over-coronavirus-fears|archive-date=April 10, 2020|url-status=live}} A week later the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) closed Nyack Beach and Rockland Lake state parks in Rockland County; local and county government officials had urged the move since the parks had grown crowded with visitors on recent warm days after the county and its towns closed their own parks. "While this is a tough call it is the right thing to do short term," said county executive Ed Day, who said the decision would be reviewed in two weeks.{{cite news|last=Liberman|first=Steve|title=State agrees to close Rockland Lake, Nyack Beach parks|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200415/state-agrees-to-close-rockland-lake-nyack-beach-parks|newspaper=The Journal News|via=Times Herald-Record|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419110251/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200415/state-agrees-to-close-rockland-lake-nyack-beach-parks|archive-date=April 19, 2020|url-status=live}}

On April 9, Cuomo removed golf courses, boat launches and marinas from the list of essential businesses allowed to remain open, forcing all courses in the state of New York to close until at least April 29.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwnytv.com/2020/04/09/new-york-golf-courses-ordered-close/|title=New York golf courses ordered to close|newspaper=WWNY-TV|location=Carthage, New York|date=April 9, 2020|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412132112/https://www.wwnytv.com/2020/04/09/new-york-golf-courses-ordered-close/|archive-date=April 12, 2020|url-status=live}} The move was a result of New Jersey and Pennsylvania having ordered courses to close, resulting in crowding at New York's courses near borders with those states. On April 18, Empire State Development modified that order to allow courses to open as long as no employees such as caddies were on the course, meaning golfers must carry their own bags and cannot use carts;{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Jon|title=Golfers will be allowed to play New York courses after all|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200418/golfers-will-be-allowed-to-play-new-york-courses-after-all|newspaper=Times Herald-Record|date=April 18, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420064327/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200418/golfers-will-be-allowed-to-play-new-york-courses-after-all|archive-date=April 20, 2020|url-status=live}} three weeks later that order was again modified to allow the use of carts as a reasonable accommodation for disabled golfers, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.{{cite news|last=Spector|first=Joseph|title=Golfing in New York: Carts will be allowed by the state under this condition|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200508/golfing-in-new-york-carts-will-be-allowed-by-state-under-this-condition|newspaper=Times-Herald Record|date=May 8, 2020|access-date=May 9, 2020}}

The Rockland County park closures were supplemented April 24 by the PIPC's closure of all roads through Bear Mountain and Harriman state parks, where the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area was serving as a testing site, save Seven Lakes Drive, and exits that led to those roads from Palisades Interstate Parkway, in not only Rockland but neighboring Orange County. Trail shelters were also closed, although backpackers were still allowed to set up camp within {{cvt|300|ft}} of the shelters. Permitholders were still allowed to boat on the parks' lakes; sales of new permits were suspended through May 7.{{cite web|title=Harriman State Park|url=https://parks.ny.gov/parks/145|publisher=New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410095623/https://parks.ny.gov/parks/145|archive-date=April 10, 2020|url-status=live}}

File:COVID-19 signs at Awosting Falls trailhead.jpg trailhead in Minnewaska State Park Preserve]]

In Ulster County, parking lots at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in the Shawangunks were limited to 50 percent of capacity to prevent overcrowding. All recreational activities within the park other than foot travel and motorless bicycling were prohibited, including climbing and bouldering. Restrooms within the park were closed as well.{{cite web|title=Minnewaska State Park Preserve|url=https://parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska/details.aspx|publisher=New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501093309/https://parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska/details.aspx|archive-date=May 1, 2020|url-status=live}}

In Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties, many popular trails and trailheads alongside the Hudson River in Hudson Highlands State Park were closed since hikers arriving by car or Metro-North's Hudson Line trains must walk on the side of narrow roads and thus cannot keep six feet apart. Among them were all trails on Breakneck Ridge and Bull Hill north of Cold Spring.{{cite web|title=Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve|url=https://parks.ny.gov/parks/hudsonhighlands/details.aspx|publisher=New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406093617/https://parks.ny.gov/parks/hudsonhighlands/details.aspx|archive-date=April 6, 2020|url-status=live}}

In the Catskill Mountains, DEC announced April 5 it was closing the trail and viewing platforms at Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County, which also attract many hikers to a small space.{{cite press release|author=|title=DEC Announces Temporary Closure of Kaaterskill Falls|url=https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/120029.html|location=Albany, New York|publisher=New York State Department of Environmental Conservation|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501215015/https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/120029.html|archive-date=May 1, 2020|url-status=live}} All fire towers on state land in the Catskill Park were closed.{{cite web|title=Catskills Visitor Center|url=http://catskillinterpretivecenter.org/trail|publisher=Catskill Interpretive Center|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327195548/http://catskillinterpretivecenter.org/trail|archive-date=March 27, 2020|url-status=live}} DEC also suspended overnight camping at easily accessible and popular locations around the state, and stopped issuing permits for backcountry camping by groups larger than 10, or for more than three days.{{cite web|title=Camping Suspensions on State Lands|url=https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/120286.html|publisher=New York State Department of Environmental Conservation|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425132611/https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/120286.html|archive-date=April 25, 2020|url-status=live}}

New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, which operates the reservoirs of the city's water supply system, announced that recreational boating season on its four Catskill reservoirs, which normally begins May 1, would be postponed to May 23. Fishing from rowboats and the shoreline was still permitted.{{cite press release|author=|title=DEP Postpones Opening of Recreational Boating Season on Four Reservoirs in the Catskills|url=https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dep/news/20-012/dep-postpones-opening-recreational-boating-season-four-reservoirs-the-catskills|location=New York|publisher=New York City Department of Environmental Protection|date=April 17, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427134635/https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dep/news/20-012/dep-postpones-opening-recreational-boating-season-four-reservoirs-the-catskills|archive-date=April 27, 2020|url-status=live}}

Initially, under Governor Cuomo, New York counted only those COVID-19 deaths that occurred in hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities. This excluded people who died at home or in other locations. Following Cuomo's resignation, beginning on August 24, 2021, New York began using the death certificate data provided to the CDC, which includes deaths in any location within the state. This increased New York's death toll by nearly 12,000; the newly totaled number of deaths up to that point was 55,395.{{Cite web|last1=del Valle|first1=Lauren|last2=Cole|first2=Devan|date=25 August 2021|title=New York state adjusts Covid death toll, adding nearly 12,000|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/25/politics/new-york-covid-death-numbers-cdc-kathy-hochul/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-25|website=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825201618/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/25/politics/new-york-covid-death-numbers-cdc-kathy-hochul/index.html |archive-date=August 25, 2021 }}

{{clear}}

Following a USA Today article in early April suggesting the states could release demographic breakdowns of victims, New York published information on the age of those who had died of COVID-19. Nearly two-thirds of the dead were over 60 years old. It also included a breakdown by county, information that in some cases differed with that released by the individual county health departments.{{cite news|last=Spector|first=Joseph|title=Coronavirus: New York releases county and age data on deaths. What it shows|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200406/coronavirus-new-york-releases-county-and-age-data-on-deaths-what-it-shows|newspaper=Gannett New York|via=Times Herald-Record|date=April 6, 2020|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407100529/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200406/coronavirus-new-york-releases-county-and-age-data-on-deaths-what-it-shows|archive-date=April 7, 2020|url-status=live}} Later data showed that 61 percent of the dead were men, that 86 percent had underlying health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that are known to increase the possibility that COVID-19 will be fatal,{{cite news|last=Spector|first=Joseph|title=Coronavirus deaths in New York: 61% were men, and most had these underlying illnesses|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200407/coronavirus-deaths-in-new-york-61-were-men-and-most-had-these-underlying-illnesses|newspaper=The Journal News|via=Times Herald-Record|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408103130/https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200407/coronavirus-deaths-in-new-york-61-were-men-and-most-had-these-underlying-illnesses|archive-date=April 8, 2020|url-status=live}} and that African American and Latino patients in the state outside of New York City accounted for a greater share of the deaths from the disease than their share of the overall population (data from New York City was not available at the time).{{cite news|last=Robinson|first=David|title=Coronavirus in NY: COVID-19 race, ethnicity data show black, Hispanic population at higher risk|url=https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200408/coronavirus-in-ny-covid-19-race-ethnicity-data-show-black-hispanic-population-at-higher-risk|newspaper=Gannett New York|via=Times Herald-Record|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=April 9, 2020}} Demographics of COVID-19 fatalities continue to be updated on the state's [https://covid19tracker.health.ny.gov/views/NYS-COVID19-Tracker/NYSDOHCOVID-19Tracker-Fatalities?%3Aembed=yes&%3Atoolbar=no&%3Atabs=n#/views/NYS%2dCOVID19%2dTracker/NYSDOHCOVID%2d19Tracker%2dFatalities COVID-19 tracker website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510135342/https://covid19tracker.health.ny.gov/views/NYS-COVID19-Tracker/NYSDOHCOVID-19Tracker-Fatalities?%3Aembed=yes&%3Atoolbar=no&%3Atabs=n#/views/NYS%2dCOVID19%2dTracker/NYSDOHCOVID%2d19Tracker%2dFatalities |date=May 10, 2020 }}.

Note: As the New York State Department of Health is not reporting data in compliance with CDC recommendations,{{cite web |title=Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S. |url=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |date=24 April 2020 |access-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302155159/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |url-status=live }} the below charts use only data validated by Johns Hopkins University.{{cite web |url=https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19 |title=CSSEGISandData/COVID-19: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases, provided by JHU CSSE |publisher=GitHub |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319005548/https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19/tree/master/csse_covid_19_data |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |url-status=live }}

Note: Per NYDOH, the spike for June 30 in the above chart is due to a comprehensive accounting of current and retrospective data, provided by nursing homes and adult care facilities. These data capture COVID-19 confirmed and COVID-19 presumed deaths within these facilities. These data do not reflect COVID-19 confirmed or COVID-19 presumed positive deaths that occurred outside of the facility. This number includes retrospective data from reporting that dates back to March 1, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/diseases/covid-19/fatalities_nursing_home_acf.pdf |title=Nursing Home and ACF COVID Related Deaths Statewide |publisher=NYSDOH |access-date=2020-06-30 |archive-date=July 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701051050/https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/diseases/covid-19/fatalities_nursing_home_acf.pdf |url-status=dead }}

• Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
• COVID-19 pandemic in New York City - for impact in New York City
• COVID-19 pandemic in the United States – for impact on the country
• COVID-19 pandemic in North America – for impact on the continent
• COVID-19 pandemic – for impact on other countries
• New York COVID-19 nursing home scandal

{{Commons category|COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state)}}

• [https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home Coronavirus information] from the New York State Department of Health
• [https://itsonit.com COVID-19 County-level Projections]

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{{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}

{{#invoke:Portal bar|main|COVID-19|Medicine|New York (state)|United States|Viruses}}

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Category:Disease outbreaks in New York (state)

Category:Health in New York (state)