NYS announces new vaccine incentive

Beginning this week, any New York resident getting a COVID-19 vaccine is eligible to receive a free two-day pass to any New York State Park. 

Any person who gets their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson jab, anywhere in the state until May 31, can get the pass, which is valid through Sept. 30. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the program on Monday at Jones Beach State Park, where the mass vaccination site will offer the incentive for those who receive an eligible vaccination. The program is part of the state’s campaign to push out the vaccine to locals.

“…Bringing the COVID vaccine to our parks will further expand access and make it even easier for New Yorkers to get vaccinated," Cuomo said. "Providing those who get vaccinated with a free park pass is an incredible summer-season incentive, and a great way to get more people outdoors to enjoy all that New York has to offer." 

Fifteen state parks will also host pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites throughout the remainder of May and early June, Cuomo announced, all of which will distribute the J&J vaccine and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

This includes three of Suffolk’s state parks: Heckscher State Park in East Islip on June 5; Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park on May 29 and May 31; and Robert Moses State Park in Babylon from May 29 to 30. 

A visitor can show confirmation of their eligible vaccination at any state park to receive their pass, which can be used for parking, beach and pool privileges throughout eh State’s Parks network. 

Long Island last week reached a milestone in the fight against COVID-19 when the region reached a seven-day average positivity rate of 0.72 percent – the lowest Suffolk and Nassau counties have seen since August 2020. 

"Our fight with COVID is not over," Cuomo said. "The greatest tool we have against COVID is the vaccine. I want to encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated so we can move forward toward a reimagined reopening and build our great state back better than ever."

Over 3.7 million COVID-19 tests have been distributed in Suffolk County, according to data from the Suffolk County Department of Health. Suffolk has seen roughly 192,624 positive COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.