New York sees lowest number of coronavirus cases since November after a third of the population becomes fully vaccinated

In mid-January, the seven day average of deaths was almost 200, now thit stands at 55

New York state is seeing its lowest number of coronavirus cases since November with a third of the population now fully vaccinated and 45 per cent having received at least one dose.

On Saturday 24 April, 4,163 new cases were reported. The last day with fewer new cases was 16 November when the city had 3,498 new cases, according to figures from CDC.

Cases in the city have decreased by 34 per cent in the last two weeks, hospitalizations are down by 17 per cent and the number of deaths have shrunk by 21 per cent, according toThe New York Times. 

The 4,068 hospitalizations that occurred on 23 April is the smallest number since 26 November, when 4,038 people were admitted.

In mid-January, the seven day average of deaths in the state was almost 200. This figure has now dropped to 55.

More than two million cases and 50,000 deaths have been reported in New York since the start of the pandemic.

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo has relaxed several restrictions on businesses and gatherings. From 26 April, movie theatres may operate at 33 per cent capacity. Businesses and institutions where more social distancing is possible, such as museums, zoos, and aquariums may extend their operations to run at 50 per cent capacity.

On 19 May, large arenas can run at 25 per cent of their full capability. From 1 May, universities can hold limited graduation ceremonies indoors in the state.

While retail stores, malls, hair salons, barbershops, tattoo parlours, massage and nail salons are open, amusement parks remain closed.

Entertainment venues such as bowling alleys, casinos, and other indoor family entertainment centres and large outdoor performing arts venues are also open.

Caseloads are also decreasing on a countrywide basis, dropping 12 per cent in the last 14 days even as hospitalisations increased by five per cent in the same period. Deaths went down by one per cent in the last two weeks.

More than 570,000 people have died in the US since the start of the pandemic. Michigan is the state with the highest daily average of new cases per capita at 54 per 100,000 residents.