ALBANY, N.Y. — As the COVID-19 hospitalization rate continues to decline across New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday that graduations will soon be allowed in New York with some limitations.
Cuomo says starting June 26, outdoor, socially-distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed.
However, the governor added that this proposed date could change due to any outbreaks or significant changes.
The governor says as of Saturday, New York State conducted 60,435 COVID-19 tests and only 781 tests came back positive. That is about a 1 percent positive rate, which is the lowest the rate has ever been. Cuomo said during his daily briefing that this is very good news.
"In terms of reopening, we have been calibrating our strategy based on the data and the facts, and overall the numbers are down, the numbers are good and our plan is working," Governor Cuomo said during his daily news conference on Sunday in Albany.
"Based on today's numbers we can continue to advance our reopening, and we will now allow outdoor graduations of up to 150 beginning June 26. New Yorkers have worked together to bend this curve quickly, and if we continue on this trajectory, remain responsible and follow all social distancing protocols, we can keep accelerating our reopening strategy."