Medical Society Urges Governor Cuomo to Stay Strong on Public Health Restrictions to Keep COVID in Check 

For Immediate Release  

 

 Medical Society Urges Governor Cuomo to Stay Strong on Public Health Restrictions to Keep COVID in Check 

March 31, 2021, Westbury, NY— Dr. Bonnie Litvack, President of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), applauded Governor Cuomo for his strong stance on mask requirements.  “COVID is still an active threat in New York and around the country,” said Litvack.  “Unlike other state leaders, Governor Cuomo has remained committed to the mask requirement.  Wearing masks, even after vaccination, is among the most important tools to keep us safe and stop the spread of this pandemic.”

Today, MSSNY continued to urge New Yorkers to maintain important public health measures such as wearing a mask, to keep social distance, washing hands, and most importantly, getting vaccinated.

Medical Society President Litvack also urged Governor Cuomo to maintain other important public health restrictions.  “Social distancing, combined with frequent hand washing, are part of the ongoing measures needed to keep COVID in check,” said Litvack.  “Physicians of New York urge the Governor to follow the science, and not relax social distancing and other public health protections prematurely.”

MSSNY remains concerned that New York is relaxing some of the state’s COVID restrictions just as the CDC reports infections nationally have increased by 10 percent. Due to spring break travel and lifting of some restrictions, many states including New York are seeing increases in cases among young people.

“We are extremely pleased that the vaccine eligibility will soon encompass all adults and teens 16 years and older,” said Litvack.  “We know that the New York State’s vaccine supply is up significantly, thereby allowing that supply to be directed to the community-based physicians to immunize their patients.”

In New York State, 29.9% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine and 17.3% are considered fully vaccinated.  “There are many New Yorkers who are still waiting to be immunized which is why we should not let our guard down,” noted Litvack.  “Many of those are the elderly, members of the black, brown, and Asian communities, and those with co-morbidities.  Community physicians can be an important part of the immunization effort.  We are in a race against COVID.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 


Media Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org