Since mid-March, New York has been the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, with nearly 300,000 confirmed cases and more than 22,000 probable deaths, as of April 27th. Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, has emerged as a reliable source of COVID-19 information, with daily press briefings and email updates on the evolving pandemic in New York State.
Governor Cuomo ends each NYS Coronavirus Update with a “Deep Breath Moment”, as a reminder that, despite the sickness and heartbreak, good things are happening everywhere, in our state and beyond.
Governor Cuomo provides daily updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in New York State. 
Below are some of Cuomo’s “Deep Breath Moments” to make you smile, make you sing, and help you breathe a little easier.
Governor Cuomo’s “Deep Breath Moments”
- ILoveNY.com has released new coloring pages featuring iconic landmarks in New York State. Kids (and adults!) stuck at home can color some of their favorite local attractions—until it’s safe to visit them again in person.
- Animal shelters across the United States are having an easier time finding foster and forever homes. More people than ever are adopting and fostering animals to help them through self-isolation and as they find themselves with more time—and more love—to give.
- For NYCers struggling to afford pet food and veterinary care, the ASPCA and Food Bank for NYC are working together to distribute hundreds of thousands of pet food meals throughout the five boroughs and information on how to access affordable ASPCA veterinary services.
- On April 4th, kids (and adults!) participated in a social distance art project to “Draw the World Together” with sidewalk chalk. Check out the cheery and colorful chalk drawings of #Chalk4Joy on Twitter and Instagram.
- In Levittown, NY, the Levittown Public Library is using its 3D printer to make much-needed face shields for hospital workers at the Nassau University Medical Center. Meanwhile, SUNY and CUNY campuses across New York State are using an army of 3D printers to produce more than 2,400 face shields a day for frontline health workers.
- In a beautifully produced performance, the phenomenal Andrea Bocelli gave a live Easter concert on April 12th from the Duomo di Milano. Although the pews were empty, millions around the world celebrated with him, in a solo performance that brings “a message of love, healing, and hope to Italy and the world.”
- The New York Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Show may not be open for visitors, but anthophiles everywhere can enjoy an in-depth virtual tour of this year’s exhibit, Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope.
- The American Medical Center, a non-profit animal hospital in Manhattan, hosted a “Kitten Cam” starring two adorable fuzzy foster kittens named Jessy and Jaime. The Kitten Cam is still available on Facebook, if you think you can handle the cuteness.
- If baby cats aren’t your thing, what about baby birds? The official Twitter feed of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) shared this video of a bald eagle feeding its baby in Cobleskill, NY. Awwwww.
- On April 25th, the MET Opera presented a virtual At-Home Gala featuring more than 40 artists performing live in their homes. Although the At-Home Gala is no longer available, the MET Opera continues to offer nightly streams of encore presentations from their Live in HD series.
- San Diego’s 2020 Comic-Con may have been canceled, but cosplayers can still have fun dressing up while taking out the trash. Bin Isolation Outing, a public Facebook group, is literally “dressing up” the otherwise-mundane task of taking out the trash. Just because you’re self-isolating doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun.
- On April 26th, Broadway stars gathered (virtually, in their own homes) for a live concert tribute to Stephen Sondheim in celebration of his 90th birthday. Although Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration suffered a delayed start and technical difficulties, the celebration can be enjoyed belatedly (and minus the technical issues) on Youtube now—and hopefully forever. Donate to ASTEP in honor of Stephen Sondheim to connect performing and visual artists with youth in underserved communities.
- More than a month ago, the nightly ritual of clapping for essential workers began in New York City, much as it has in cities all over the world. Even on my quiet residential Brooklyn street, I can hear cheers (and sometimes cowbells) ring out every night at 7pm, and I open my window and cheer along.