Ash Wednesday Gloom and Hope

7 May 2021:
Today India recorded 401,326 new cases and its highest official daily death toll yet of 4194. These grim numbers, though, seem to have little effect on Americans, many of whom continue to show disinterest in getting vaccinated. As a result, the USA is transferring vaccines to neighboring Canada where there is high demand.

In addition, the IHME completed a study (published 6 May 2021) analyzing deaths in the USA and all around the world to ascertain a more realistic mortality figure for the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported that by 3 May 2021 there were 6.93 million COVID-19 deaths worldwide and 905,289 COVID-19 deaths in the USA. The top five countries, despite at times significantly lower figures were the United States, India, Mexico, Brazil, and Russia with 905,289, 654,395,617,127,595,903 and 593,610 deaths, respectively from the pandemic. Even South Africa was reported to have suffered over 160,000 deaths disproving the myth that Africans were somehow less likely to die from the virus.

Also in their report, the IHME reported the COVID-19 death toll in the United States will rival or surpass that of the 1918 influenza pandemic especially since another 44,000 deaths are projected by the end of the summer.

Today the USA recorded 48,952 new cases and 772 new deaths. New York recorded 2701 new cases, a 1.18% positivity rate, and 33 new deaths.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,115,496 (920,981 - NYC; 128,303 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 52,886 (+33) including 32,786 deaths in NYC and 2441 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,228
New York City: 38,092 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,772

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 594,907*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 757,381 as of W/E 1 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 908,618

8 May 2021:
Today the USA recorded 35,755 new cases and 648 new deaths. At the same time, India had another grim day – 409,300 new cases and 4133 officially reported deaths. New York recorded 3226 new cases, a 1.29% positivity rate and 53 new deaths.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,118,722 (922,237 - NYC; 128,412 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 52,939 (+53) including 32,810 deaths in NYC and 2443 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,281
New York City: 38,116 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,796

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 595,653*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 757,381 as of W/E 1 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 909,266

9 May 2021:
On this Mother’s Day, the USA with incomplete data recorded 22,200 new cases and 241 deaths. New York reported 2237 new cases, a 1.32% positivity rate, and 31 new deaths. At the same time, it was learned by the media that NY Governor Cuomo is now under a criminal investigation for possibly basing vaccine distribution to the State’s counties based on support from their County Excecutives – perhaps another reason why it was so difficult for people to get vaccinated in the early weeks.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,120,959 (923,081 - NYC; 128,474 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 52,970 (+31) including 32,836 deaths in NYC and 2443 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,312
New York City: 38,142 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,822

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 595,876*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 757,381 as of W/E 1 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 909,507

10 May 2021:
The USA and New York continued to show improvement with the country recording 30,081 new cases and 369 new deaths. New York recorded 2296 new cases, a 1.43% positivity rate and 43 new deaths.

As the nationwide and statewide situation continues to improve, only 34.8% of Americans are fully vaccinated. Consequently a rift is developing between the vaccinated and unvaccinated with the former believing they should have privileges for doing the right thing and the latter believing they can also put aside precautions such as mask wearing outdoors as the vaccinated. To protect the public, one can only hope New York will not be the only state to provide a vaccine passport that enables protected persons from attending events at entertainment, sports, and culinary venues.

At the same time, New York announced that all students who plan on attending in-person classes at CUNY and SUNY institutions must be vaccinated.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,122,891 (923,749 - NYC; 128,531 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,013 (+43) including 32,864 deaths in NYC and 2443 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,355
New York City: 38,170 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,850

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 596,242*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 759,700 as of W/E 8 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 909,876

11 May 2021:
As the CDC works on refining its guidance for vaccinated persons, the USA recorded 34,904 new cases and 743 new deaths. At the same time New York recorded 1787 new cases, a 1.52% positivity rate and 55 new deaths.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,124,678 (924,306 - NYC; 128,584 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,068 (+55) including 32,887 deaths in NYC and 2443 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,410
New York City: 38,193 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,873

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 597,010*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 760,813 as of W/E 8 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 910,619

12 May 2021:
The USA recorded 35,623 new cases and 841 new deaths. New York recorded 1989 new cases, the first time since 25 October 2020 the state recorded less than 2000 new cases, a 1.10% positivity rate and 54 new deaths.

On a more personal note, my son received his second Moderna shot today. :)

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,126,667 (924,993 - NYC; 128,624 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,122 (+54) including 32,934 deaths in NYC and 2444 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,464
New York City: 38,240 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,920

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 597,949*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 762,137 as of W/E 8 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 911,460

13 May 2021:
Today the USA recorded 39,503 new cases and 758 new deaths. At the same time, the CDC issued new guidance stating people who have been fully vaccinated (2 weeks after the last shot) no longer need to wear a mask indoors and outdoors.

New York recorded 2515 new cases, a 1.08% positivity rate and 42 new deaths.

As for my son, he only experienced mild side effects from his second COVID-19 vaccination – lethargy and a mild headache. The side effects only lasted a couple of hours. :)

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,129,182 (925,848 - NYC; 128,703 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,164 (+42) including 32,966 deaths in NYC and 2445 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,506
New York City: 38,272 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,952

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 598,600*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 763,915 as of W/E 8 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 912,218

14 May 2021:
Today the USA recorded 38,272 new cases and 727 new deaths. New York recorded 2360 new cases, a 1.01% positivity rate, and 32 new deaths.

It’s already starting here in the USA where unvaccinated people feel they can ditch their masks based on the new CDC guidance that says only vaccinated individuals who received their last shot two weeks ago, can ditch their masks outdoors and indoors except when traveling such as on airplanes, trains and buses. The divisions are likely to intensify even though everyone who wants such privileges simply have to get vaccinated.

On a more personal note, my sister in law received her second Moderna® shot today.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,131,542 (926,650 - NYC; 128,763 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,196 (+32) including 32,991 deaths in NYC and 2446 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,538
New York City: 38,297 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,977

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 599,372*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 765,165 as of W/E 8 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 912,945

15 May 2021:

Today I learned that my stepmother had contracted COVID-19 from the family Thanksgiving gathering, which I didn’t attend since to me travel and gatherings were simply unwise and dangerous (see 26 November 2021) entry. I also learned she hasn’t fully recovered and remains “lethargic” and “tired.” :(

Today the USA with limited reporting recorded 25,642 new cases and 499 new deaths. New York with incomplete reporting recorded 1694 new cases, a 1.06% positivity rate and 4 deaths.

In response to some companies that will eliminate mask mandates, a dangerous and unwise move, others such as Target® and Starbucks® plan to keep them. To me, considering the rush by the unvaccinated to dispose of their masks when such an action is only meant for the vaccinated, it is important mask mandates remain. New York State also plans for the time being to maintain its mask mandate. Last, my local community, Larchmont, was reported to have the highest percentage of vaccinated people in the country per capita! :) My youngest daughter received her second Moderna® shot today and now everyone in my family has been fully vaccinated. :)

Presently my sister in law, who received her final shot yesterday is experiencing mild side effects – a slight headache and some arm soreness.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,133,236 (927,321 - NYC; 128,835 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,200 (+4) including 32,991 deaths in NYC and 2446 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,542
New York City: 38,297 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +11,977

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 599,922*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 765,165 as of W/E 8 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 913,444

16 May 2021:
Today the USA with limited reporting recorded 17,522 new cases and 287 new deaths. New York recorded 1991 new cases, a 0.998% positivity rate, and 35 new deaths.

A day after getting her second Moderna® shot, my youngest daughter experienced intermittent chills and fever, but is feeling a lot better tonight. :) My sister in law’s side effects are gone. :)

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,135,227 (927,949 - NYC; 128,864 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,235 (+35) including 33,016 deaths in NYC and 2448 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,577
New York City: 38,322 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,002

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 600,209*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 765,165 as of W/E 8 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 913,731

17 May 2021:
With the new guidance, ethicists and government officials are concerned many Americans will lie about receiving a vaccine(s) to avoid wearing a mask and social distancing as well as to gain entry in venues where they would not be permitted since there are no legal consequences for such immoral behavior. Presently New York remains the only state with a vaccine passport making enforcement and verification next to impossible. :(

Today the USA recorded 25,030 new cases and 369 new deaths. New York recorded 1713 new cases, a 1.26% positivity rate and 35 deaths.

On a more personal note, my youngest daughter no longer has side-effects from her second Moderna® dose.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,136,940 (928,429 - NYC; 128,897 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,270 (+35) including 33,043 deaths in NYC and 2448 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,612
New York City: 38,349 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,029

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 600,597*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 767,546 as of W/E 15 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 914,100

18 May 2021:
Today the USA recorded 26,268 new cases and 711 deaths. New York recorded 1159 new cases, a 1.07% positivity rate and 43 new deaths.

Tomorrow, NY will lift its mask mandate. Sadly when this is done, unethical people who hadn’t been vaccinated and do not have the antibodies for COVID-19 are likely to unmask and go to the same venues meant for vaccinated people and those who have antibodies to protect against the virus. There is no prosecution mechanism for these immoral people who don’t care if they contract the virus and give it to others. :( For this reason, I intend to continue to wear a face mask when in public since few businesses here in NY will check for proof of vaccination.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,138,099 (928,831 - NYC; 128,921 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,313 (+43) including 33,065 deaths in NYC and 2450 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,655
New York City: 38,371 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,051

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 601,372*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 769,539 as of W/E 15 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 914,811

19 May 2021:
The USA recorded 27,611 new cases and 615 new deaths. New York recorded 1624 new cases, a 1.00% positivity rate and 19 new deaths.

Debate continues how establishments will be able to discern who is vaccinated and unvaccinated with lifted restrictions leaving decisions to businesses. Sadly this flawed approach will be ineffective as profit will be considered more important than health and well-being. :(

The EU announced Americans will be able to travel to their countries if they are fully vaccinated. Hopefully exceptions won’t be made for those who do not meet their criteria since it is in the best interest of all airline travelers as well as Americans and Europeans.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,139,723 (929,303 - NYC; 128,967 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,332 (+19) including 33,078 deaths in NYC and 2450 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,674
New York City: 38,384 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,064

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 601,994*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 771,199 as of W/E 15 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 915,426

20 May 2021:
Today the USA recorded 30,214 new cases and 659 deaths. New York recorded 1806 new cases, a 0.85% positivity rate and 9 new deaths.

Also today, a pop-up vaccine clinic was held at my local high school for students eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Enthusiasm was high mirroring levels experienced at other schools. It seems like younger people are more supportive of the COVID-19 vaccines and in this case have more sense than so many adults that refuse to be vaccinated! Many youth cite the desire to get back to normal living.
Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,141,529 (929,873 - NYC; 129,018 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,341 (+9) including 33,090 deaths in NYC and 2450 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,683
New York City: 38,396 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,076

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 602,680*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 772,476 as of W/E 15 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 916,085

21 May 2021:
Today the USA recorded 28,934 new cases and 656 deaths. New York recorded 1463 new cases, a 0.86% positivity rate, the second day in a row it was below 1%, and 35 new deaths.

On a broader front, Malawi destroyed nearly 20,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses, the UK reported the Indian variant is beginning to surge, threatening that country’s summer, and the World Health Organization (WHO) based on excess deaths stated the COVID-19 death toll is at a minimum 10.2 million. :(

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,142,992 (930,446 - NYC; 129,080 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,376 (+35) including 33,107 deaths in NYC and 2450 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,718
New York City: 38,413 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,093

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 603,471*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 773,614 as of W/E 15 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 916,741

22 May 2021:
For the first time in a year, the weekly average of new COVID-19 cases in the USA averaged under 30,000. In addition, 38.9% of the population is fully vaccinated but unfortunately those who aren’t vaccinated are also talking about “maskless reunions” during the coming Memorial Day holiday. Today the USA recorded 19,639 new cases and 468 new deaths. New York recorded 1126 new cases, a 0.80% positivity rate (the third day in a row it is below 1.0%) and 11 new deaths.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,144,414 (930,941 - NYC; 129,131 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,387 (+11) including 33,110 deaths in NYC and 2455 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,729
New York City: 38,416 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,096

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 603,940*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 773,614 as of W/E 15 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 917,209

23 May 2021:
CNN reported new evidence that COVID-19 may have escaped from the research center in Wuhan, China. According to declassified documents, three workers of that lab were hospitalized in November 2019 with COVID-like symptoms. Their fate, medical diagnosis, and other details unfortunately are not available.

Today the USA recorded 13,286 new cases and 223 deaths. New York recorded 1302 new cases, a 0.77% positivity rate and 18 deaths.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,145,716 (931,380 - NYC; 129,161 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,405 (+18) including 33,125 deaths in NYC and 2455 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,747
New York City: 38,431 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,111

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 604,146*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 773,614 as of W/E 15 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 917,432

24 May 2021
The USA is two countries – not only because of the deep political divisions but because of COVID-19 where some embrace vaccines and others reject them. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Coronavirus. Accordingly, with the rising numbers of vaccinated, the overwhelming majority of new COVID-19 cases are occurring in the unvaccinated such that the virus continues “to rage among those who haven’t received a shot.” To illustrate this, “Washington’s case rate among unvaccinated people is as high as it was in late January, near the peak of COVID infections.” In addition, for unvaccinated people, the national death rate is the same as March 2021 and “barely inching down” and the adjusted hospitalization rate is the same as February 2021. At the same, because of the rising number of vaccinated people, the USA has experienced a sharp decline in new cases and deaths, reaching the lowest levels in 11 months.
[Washington Post. 21 May 2021. www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2021/covid-rates-unvaccinated-people]

Today the USA recorded 18,481 new cases and 323 new deaths. New York recorded 800 new cases, a 1.09% positivity rate and 49 new deaths.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,146,791 (931,720 - NYC; 129,179 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,454 (+49) including 33,146 deaths in NYC and 2455 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,796
New York City: 38,452 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,132

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 604,470*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 776,106 as of W/E 22 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 917,755

25 May 2021:
Today an important study revealed many people who contracted the COVID-19 virus have likely gained lifetime immunity as their antibodies do not disappear. This is significant news since such people do not need to be vaccinated allowing others who had never contracted the virus to receive the shots instead. After all, people shouldn’t merely be vaccinated for the sake of being vaccinated!

At the same time, Moderna® reported their vaccine is 100% effective in teens, another important step in bringing an end to this pandemic so life can return to normal. They plan to apply for emergency use authorization (EUA) effective sometime in June. Also breakthrough infections in vaccinated persons remain extremely rare. :)

Today the USA recorded 23,066 new cases and 664 deaths while New York recorded 924 new cases, a 1.00% positivity rate and 33 new deaths.

Daily Stats based on Positive COVID-19 tests – New York: 2,148,168 (932,008 - NYC; 129,207 - Westchester). NY Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 deaths: 53,487 (+33) including 33,156 deaths in NYC and 2457 deaths in Westchester County.

Data with CDC Addition of 5306 deaths (reported 11 May 2020):
New York State: 58,829
New York City: 38,462 vs. 26,320 (1918 Influenza Pandemic), +12,142

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll: 605,267*
*Despite deliberate undercounts and/or inability to maintain an accurate count in some states. Also includes 64 purged COVID-19 confirmed positive deceased from Washington State (15 July diary entry).

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on CDC estimate: 777,408 as of W/E 22 May 2021

U.S. Cumulative COVID-19 Death Toll based on IHME 6 May 2021 report with deaths through 3 May 2021 and addition of Worldometers’ deaths from 4 May 2021 to the present date: 918,419