WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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The most recent data provided by the county today indicates the cumulative number of people who have tested positive in White Plains since testing began is 1,793.The county estimates the number of active cases in White Plains to be 51. Hospitalizations continue to drop in the county. As of Saturday they stood at 122, down from 180 a week before and 253 two weeks ago.

The data continue to be positive but it is essential that people remember to wear their masks inside public establishments and when they are likely to be within 6 feet of others when outside. Recent studies have shown that the wearing of masks is effective in reducing the spread of the virus and may prove vital in preventing a second wave of illness. Please continue to wear your masks; it’s a sign of respect for others. Remember: I wear my mask to protect you, and you wear your mask to protect me.

The Westchester County Bee-Line bus system has resumed Full Service as of today.

The Recreation &  Parks Department will be offering a Day Play Program this summer in place of its traditional day camp. This 4-week program will be offered July 20 through August 14 and is geared toward children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade. For more information, go to the City website, cityofwhiteplains.com.

Tickets for the second half of our drive-in movie series will be available starting June 17th. The schedule is: Saturday, June 27th – Toy Story 4 at White Plains High School and Friday, July 3rd – Captain America: The First Avenger at the Waller Ave parking lot in the downtown. For tickets go to: wpbid.com/drivein.

Westchester County government, in conjunction with the Westchester Medical Center is offering COVID-19 antibody testing at the Westchester County Center. If you are interested call 914-326-2060 to schedule an appointment.

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WPCNR MONDAY GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO BRIEFING. From the Governor’s Press Office. June 15, 2020:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed policing reform legislation requiring state and local law enforcement officers to report within six hours when they discharge their weapon (S.2575-B/A.10608); requiring courts to compile and publish racial and other demographic data of all low-level offenses (S.1830-C/A.10609); and requiring police officers to provide medical and mental health attention to individuals in custody (S.6601-A/A.8226).

“Police reform is long overdue in this state and this nation, and New York is once again leading the way and enacting real change to end the systemic discrimination that exists in our criminal justice and policing systems,” Governor Cuomo said. “These critical reforms will help improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve and take us one step closer to righting the many injustices minority communities have faced because of a broken and unfair system.”

Police Statistics and Transparency Act (S.1830-C/A.10609)

The Police Statistics and Transparency Act – or STAT Act – requires courts to compile and publish racial and other demographic data of all low-level offenses, including misdemeanors and violations. The data collected must be made available online and updated monthly. The new law also requires police departments to report any arrest-related death to the Department of Criminal Justice Services and to submit annual reports on arrest-related deaths to the Governor and the Legislature.

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Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in nearly two dozen states that have begun reopening, and 15 states have seen record highs in the past two days. As New York reopens, however, we are continuing to see a decline in the number of daily new COVID cases. One remarkable fact: Our state, which once had the highest number of cases in the nation, now has the nation’s lowest rate of transmission (Rt) — at just 0.77. An Rt of 1 or higher means that COVID-19 is increasing — an Rt of below 1 means it is decreasing. Why is our state one of the rare few where case numbers continue to decline even as the state reopens? I believe it’s because of New Yorkers’ discipline and caution — including the widespread wearing of face masks. We must continue to be disciplined. If we stay the course, we will avoid the “second waves” that other countries are now grappling with. 

Photo of the Day: Joined by legislators and advocates, I signed the “Say Their Name” Agenda Package to help restore trust between police and the communities they serve. (Photo by Kevin Coughlin) 

Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 

1. The news is still good regarding testing. Yesterday, we tested an extraordinary 72,395 New Yorkers for COVID. Of those tested, only 822 people were positive — or 1.1% of the total. This is great news: Even as New York has increased testing over the past few weeks, the number and percentage of positive results has stayed extremely low. 

2. The deadline for the special enrollment period for health insurance is Monday, June 15th. New Yorkers who lost their health insurance this year can apply for a health plan through the NY State of Health Marketplace. 

3. This Sunday, June 14th, is World Blood Donor Day. This is a day to raise awareness of the need for safe blood donations, to thank those who have donated and to encourage others to consider donating. Due to Coronavirus, there is a shortage of blood, and blood donations are urgently needed across New York State. Learn how and where you can donate at http://ny.gov/donateblood.  

4. The number of COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Yesterday total hospitalizations fell to 1,898, from 2,042 the day before. Sadly we lost 42 New Yorkers to the virus. Our thoughts are with their families.  

5. Progress on police reform. Today I signed landmark legislation to improve transparency in police disciplinary records and ban police chokeholds, among other reforms that will help restore trust and improve the relationship between police and the communities they serve. 

6. Remember to respond to the Census. Every New Yorker can now respond to the Census — it is safe, easy and can be done online from the comfort of your own home. See the response rate in your city or town here and if you haven’t already, complete the Census today at my2020census.gov. 

 Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Finley, the 6-year-old Golden Retriever from Canandaigua, NY, who was recognized by Guinness World Records for being able to hold a record six tennis balls in his mouth with no assistance, finally received his certification. He even broke his own record and is able to hold seven tennis balls in his mouth. Congratulations again to this very good boy on his world record. 

If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.

 Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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