Nicole Epstein, with Gotham Public Relations, sends in a quick recap of Governor Cuomo's COVID-19 briefings. Here are her notes from Governor Cuomo’s press briefing:

COVID:

  • 3.11 overall statewide positivity rate
  • 74 fatalities
  • 4,634 hospitalizations, down 101
  • 935 ICU patients
  • 639 intubations, down 26

Positivity Rate by Region:

  • Bronx: 4.1%
  • Brooklyn: 4.3%
  • Capital Region: 1.8%
  • Central NY: 0.8%
  • Finger Lakes: 1.6%
  • Long Island: 4.2%
  • Manhattan: 2.82%
  • Mid Hudson: 4.4%
  • Mohawk Valley: 1.4%
  • North Country: 1.9%
  • NYC: 3.9%
  • Queens: 4.6%
  • Southern Tier: 0.6%
  • Staten Island: 4.8%
  • Western NY: 1.7%

Vaccinations:

  • 6 million administered to date
  • 21% of residents received first dose
  • 10% fully vaccinated
  • 1 million administered in last seven days
  • President Biden has dramatically increased supply, state is preparing to meet capacity
  • Governor said federal relief bill is $2.5 billion short of what state asked for, but will provide relief

Bills Being Signed:

  • Governor said he is continuing to work with the legislature on a recreational marijuana bill
  • He will sign death benefits bill today, will be extended through 2022
  • He is signing bill allowing private and public employees paid time off of up to four hours to get vaccinated
  • Also signing unemployment benefit bill which will not require repayment for those experiencing hardship due to COVID-19

Sexual Harassment Allegations:

  • Governor said he supports women's right to come forward, but insists he did not engage in the behavior being alleged
  • Governor stated there "are many motives" for making such allegations, and the claimed the facts are still not known
  • Governor again urged opinions not be formed until the two investigations are completed
  • Governor said any politicians expressing opinions before the results are "playing politics"
  • Governor said budget and vaccinations continue to be his focus

Q&A:

On calls for Governor's resignation by members of Congress:
  • Governor said elected officials can express their opinions, but he believes it's "irresponsible" to take a position without facts

On repeated claims Governor did not touch anyone inappropriately:
  • Governor said he "never harassed abused or assaulted anyone"
  • Governor said if someone was uncomfortable with a picture taken with him, he/she never indicated that before or during the time the picture was taken

On whether there is a point at which the Governor will consider resigning:
  • Governor said New Yorkers can make a decision once the investigations are completed

On Governor's opinion on impeachment investigation by the Assembly Judiciary Committee:
  • Governor said it is "commonplace" for an agency to work with a Chamber

On why his administration altered a DOH report on nursing home fatalities:
  • Garvey said this was done in collaboration with DOH
  • Garvey further pointed to comments from prior briefings, did not comment further

On whether there was any consensual relationship with any of the women alleging harassment:
  • Governor repeated he never harassed, assaulted or abused anyone
  • Governor said it was never clear to him that anyone was uncomfortable around him, but he apologizes to anyone who was
  • Governor said he will not continue to address this in the press

On how the Governor expects to lead effectively amid these scandals:
  • Governor reiterated he is focusing on the budget and vaccinations
  • Said he will cooperate with the investigations
  • Governor said he has dealt with multiple issues before, including investigations by federal prosecutors and still managed the state
  • Governor added he thinks no one is better positioned than himself to run the state and complete the budget at this time