CLQ12172021 - Page 6

�� Caribbean Life, D 6 ecember 17-23, 2021 New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during a news conference amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., Dec. 14, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri Gov. Hochul offers free concert tickets for first 50 persons getting booster shot By Tangerine Clarke Calling on New Yorkers to celebrate getting boosted with the Rockettes, Governor Kathy Hochul, said, “What better way to celebrate the holidays in New York than with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular?” The first 50 persons who get their booster at one of five New York vaccine locations will get two free tickets to see the Rockettes at Radio City, states a release from the Gov. Hochul’s office. “We are opening nine new vaccination sites to bring the vaccine closer to New Yorkers across the state. In coordination with local public health departments, sites are opening in Allegany, Broome, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Fulton, Suffolk, and Yates Counties. Make your appointment today,” said the release. She said, “If you’ve been tracking the COVID-19 numbers, we are confronting a winter surge.” “Hospitalizations and positivity rates are on the rise, we’re seeing reduced hospital bed capacity, and vaccinations are lower than we’d like to see in certain areas of the state,” said Gov. Hochul. “That’s why on Friday, I announced a temporary requirement for businesses to require either proof of vaccination or mask-wearing indoors. The requirement starts Monday and lasts through Jan. 15, when we will reevaluate based on current conditions,” she noted. “As governor, my two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy. These temporary measures will help accomplish this through the holiday season,” according to the release. “We shouldn’t have reached this point, especially with the vaccine at our disposal, and I share many New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic yet.” She continued: “I want to thank the more than 80 percent of adult New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated. If others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary.” “We must take action, I’m confident we can do this.” Noting an update, the politician said while there have been new cases of the omicron variant found in New York State, the dominant strain we’re seeing is still the delta variant. “We have the tools that work against COVID and its variant.” “We have the tools that work against COVID and its variants. Protect yourself and get vaccinated, get boosted, and wear a mask.” Radio City Rockettes dancers rehearse in New York on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. Associated Press/Ted Shaff rey ��