509 new cases of COVID-19 were reported Tuesday by the Monroe County Health Department. More than 40,600 people have been infected since the pandemic began, and the death toll for the county is at 685.
Meanwhile, New York has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to those 65 and over, after the state opened access to those 75 and older on Monday. The Trump Administration has reversed its policy of keeping some vaccine in reserve to guarantee the necessary second shot. It’s releasing all the vaccine it has at once.
There has been frustration with the rollout since Monday, with many people unable to get through to book a vaccination appointment either by internet or on the phone.
Governor Cuomo said seven million New Yorkers are now eligible for the vaccine, but he says the federal government continues to supply New York with about 300,000 doses per week. At that rate, he says it will take 23 weeks…until the middle of June…before that entire group can be vaccinated.