NY On Cusp Of Ending Most COVID Restrictions

NEW YORK CITY — A fraction of a percentage point — just 0.1 percent — stood between New Yorkers and a wider reopening from the coronavirus crisis on Monday.

The statewide adult vaccination rate stood at 69.9 percent that day, according to the governor's office.

Another few thousand adults getting their first COVID-19 vaccine dose should be enough to push that rate to 70 percent — the mark Gov. Andrew Cuomo set for lifting most capacity, social distancing, cleaning, screening and contact tracing requirements.

Cuomo encouraged New Yorkers to get vaccinated if they haven't already so they can fully enjoy this summer.

"A year ago, it was unfathomable to think we'd be at this point today," he said in a statement. "As we approach our goal of 70 percent of New Yorkers with at least one dose of their vaccine, we also reflect on all we've been through. New York is the greatest state in the nation and New Yorkers have shown that they are a true force to be reckoned with."

Vaccinations in New York City lag slightly below the state level — about 65 percent of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine — but still account for nearly 9 million of the state's total 20 million shots administered, according to data.

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