SUNY, CUNY Students Need Vaccinations To Attend School In Fall

LONG ISLAND, NY — State and city universities in New York will require students to get vaccinations in order to be able to attend classes in the fall, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

With statewide coronavirus positivity down to 1.4 percent and 27 deaths reported, Cuomo said there has been a 58 percent decline in new cases over the last month.

With statewide coronavirus positivity down to 1.4 percent and 27 deaths reported, Cuomo said there has been a 58 percent decline in new cases over the last month.

Private colleges and universities will also be urged to mandate vaccinations, Cuomo said. No schools can mandate the vaccination until federal approval is granted; the vaccinations are currently administered under an emergency use authorization, he said.

With statewide coronavirus positivity down to 1.4 percent and 27 deaths reported, Cuomo said there has been a 58 percent decline in new cases over the last month.

But important to note, Cuomo said, as the vaccination rate goes up, the positivity rate goes down — and an effort must commence to continue vaccinating the public as the vaccination rate declines.

To that end, Cuomo said there are "no excuses." The goal is to eliminate hesitancy and increase access. He has also proposed a law to prevent discrimination against people who are vaccinated.

With a need to "be creative," Cuomo said from Wednesday to Sunday, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North stations, as well as subway stations, will offer J & J vaccinations; those who are vaccinated will receive two one-way trips on the LIRR or Metro-North and a free 7-day Metro card for the subway.

On Long Island, so far, the vaccinations will be offered at the Hempstead LIRR station as well as Penn Station.

With the New York Islanders having "clinched a playoff" spot, tickets will go on sale for expanded capacity at Nassau Coliseum Tuesday, Cuomo said. A total of 50 percent of tickets will be sold to vaccinated people; individuals in those sections must adhere to 3-foot distancing. Also, 50 percent of seats will be sold to unvaccinated people, who must adhere to 6-foot distancing. Everyone must wear a mask, Cuomo said.