HAYLEY ZHAO, BYLINE: From Columbia Radio News in New York City, I’m Hayley Zhao.
Mayor de Blasio announced the opening of four new community-based pop-up vaccination sites this morning. One site each in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. All four will run through Sunday. He says the pop-up sites are meant to promote equitable vaccine distribution in the city
BILL DE BLASIO: We’re gonna continue to deepen this grass root effort. We find it is what helps people feel comfortable with vaccination if it’s in their own communities. So you’re going to see a lot more of that.
ZHAO: New York State troopers in Albany are getting the state’s first batch of body-worn cameras today. State law requires officers to start recording immediately after exiting their patrol vehicle. The new cameras will turn on automatically when a vehicle’s emergency alarm is activated or anytime an officer’s gun is removed from its holsters. The roll-out is expected to reach across the state by this fall.
Starting today, domestic travelers coming to New York State are no longer required to quarantine. They will still need to fill out a “traveler health form” with their contact information upon arrival. A mandatory 10-day quarantine is still in place for international travelers.
With Easter Sunday coming up, Health Commissioner Dr. David Chokshi says people still need to be careful even if they’re vaccinated.
DAVID CHOKSHI: Fully vaccinated people can gather with other fully vaccinated people with fewer precautions. But remember most people remain unvaccinated and you’re not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days after your second dose.”
ZHAO: CDC-issued guidelines suggest people attend religious service online and hunt for Easter eggs outside while wearing masks and staying six feet apart.
it’s drizzling in most parts of New York City. The temperature is in the lower 40s, almost 20 degrees colder than yesterday. If you go outside, bundle up and bring your raincoat.
For Columbia Radio News, I’m Hayley Zhao.