Health & Fitness

New York State Fair Is On For 2021, But With Coronavirus Changes

Also, gyms, stadiums, offices and casinos may expand capacity, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — With New York's coronavirus rate continuing to decline, pandemic restrictions are continuing to ease.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced expanded capacity for certain venues starting next month and promised that the New York State Fair would take place after a year's hiatus, albeit in modified form.

Starting May 15, capacity at offices may increase from 50 percent to 75 percent; casinos may go from 25 percent to 50 percent; and gyms and fitness centers outside New York City may go from 33 percent to 50 percent.

Find out what's happening in Ossining-Croton-On-Hudsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Starting May 19, capacity allowed at outdoor stadiums will increase from 20 percent to 33 percent, to coincide with the previously announced increase in large-scale indoor event venue capacity.

The New York State Fair will take place Aug. 20 through Sept. 6, at 50 percent capacity, with four sections for food and beverages, amusements and rides, concerts, and agricultural exhibits.

Find out what's happening in Ossining-Croton-On-Hudsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The arrows are all pointed in the right direction," Cuomo said during a news conference in Syracuse.

The statewide coronavirus test positivity rate was 2.13 percent Sunday, with the Hudson Valley's positivity rate slightly higher at 2.47 percent, Cuomo said.

Statewide, 3,100 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, the lowest number since Nov. 26, he said; but still, there were 41 new deaths Sunday.

Meanwhile, 44.3 percent of New Yorkers have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, including almost 1 million Hudson Valley residents. Orange and Rockland counties lag behind in vaccinations performed, according to the latest state data:

  • Dutchess: 46.5 percent have received at least 1 dose
  • Orange: 37 percent
  • Putnam: 49.1 percent
  • Rockland: 40.5 percent
  • Ulster: 51.1 percent
  • Westchester: 50.7 percent

"This is all great news, but we are not out of the woods yet," Cuomo said. "Washing hands, wearing masks and staying socially distanced are critical tools each of us can use to slow the spread as we continue our efforts to defeat COVID once and for all."


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