New York (March 29, 2021): New Yorkers 30 years and older will be eligible to schedule appointments and get vaccinated for Covid-19 starting Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday.
A week later, on April 6, the state will allow all New Yorkers over the age of 16 to schedule appointments and get the vaccine.
Vaccines are available by appointment only. More information from the state and from New York City can be found here.
The announcement opens eligibility to millions more people at a critical time for reopening the state's economy. About 30% of New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose so far.
New York recently starting reopening more areas of the economy — including expanding restaurant capacity to 75%, allowing weddings and events of over 100 people and reopening arenas, stadiums and small theaters.
New York state has introduced a passport app to help New Yorkers share that they've gotten a Covid-19 vaccination or negative Covid-19 test result. The app — called Excelsior Pass — can be used to gain entry to major stadiums and arenas, wedding receptions, or other catered events above the social gathering limit. Starting this week, Madison Square Garden will have guests use the app.
But the pandemic is not over.
The percent positive rate in New York City on a seven-day average was 4.26% as of Sunday.
Cases across the country rose 10% this week. The head of the CDC on Monday warned of “impending doom” as cases, hospitalizations and deaths rise across the country. She asked Americans to continue to wear masks and stick with Covid-19 safety measures.
“As we continue to expand eligibility, New York will double down on making the vaccine accessible for every community to ensure equity, particularly for communities of color who are too often left behind,” Cuomo said in a statement. “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but until we get there it is more important than ever for each and every New Yorker to wear a mask, socially distance and follow all safety guidelines.”
