Governor Hochul gives COVID briefing days after signing order to extend pandemic powers

New York City, New York — According to Gov. Hochul, her administration is preparing for the fall and winter and watching the numbers, and actively working to create a back-to-school plan.

3 million tests are expected to be shipped to schools across the state as part of her “return to school strategy”.

She also stated that there are 20 million at-homes tests stockpiled, ready for distribution. The tests are being sent to allow for testing before the school year starts.

Despite the majority of low-medium COVID levels, Gov. Hochul’s pandemic powers were extended.

According to Hochul,s there is no current plan, based on the numbers to require masks in schools, but reserves the right the change that.

22 New Yorkers have died in the last 24 hours.

As hospitalizations have ticked up, Gov. Hochul says that the Surge Operations Center is ready to alleviate stress on hospitals.

She is also pushing for vaccinations, claiming that 99% of New Yorkers live within a “drivable distance” of a vaccine provider.

The Governor also announced a “Pandemic After Action Review” intended to analyze the state’s pandemic response, but not intended to interfere with any other investigations.

Through an executive order which extends the state disaster emergency through August 22nd, 2022, Hochul renewed her “pandemic powers” on July 14th.

Hochul can use the powers to bypass the legislature on many pandemics-related issues.