Sunday, January 31, 2021

Governor Cuomo Announces New York's COVID-19 Positivity Rate Has Declined for 23 Straight Days - JANUARY 31, 2021

 

7,976 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,534 Patients in the ICU; 1,008 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 4.44%

138 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York's State's 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate has declined for 23 straight days.

"We've dealt with a holiday surge driven by increased social activity, the surge is reducing, and the state's 7-day average positivity rate has declined for 23 straight days, which is a significant trend," Governor Cuomo said. "As we continue to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as supply will allow, with our expansive distribution network ready to vaccinate significantly more people, it's critical that New Yorkers stay safe. All the models show a continued reduction, and so we've been able to loosen restrictions with micro-clusters, the orange zones, and New York City indoor dining. In the here and now, the news is very good, but keep an eye on the U.K. variants and the other variants because all of them suggest more diligence will be needed."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

  • Test Results Reported - 243,066 
  • Total Positive - 10,793
  • Percent Positive - 4.44%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 7,976 (-200)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 877 
  • Hospital Counties - 57
  • Number ICU - 1,534 (-17)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 1,008 (-9)
  • Total Discharges - 127,798 (+956)
  • Deaths - 138
  • Total Deaths - 35,178

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program


As of 11AM today, New York's Health Care Distribution Sites Have Administered 88% of First Doses Received from Federal Government 

New Statewide Demographic Data of Hospital Workers: 63% of Vaccine Recipients Were White (70% of Eligible Population); 10% of Vaccine Recipients Were African American (17% of Eligible Population); 10% of Vaccine Recipients Were Hispanic or Latino (8% of Eligible Population); and 16% of Vaccine Recipients Were Asian (11% of Eligible Population) 

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker  

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. The total week 7 federal allocation of vaccine delivery to providers will be complete today. As of 11:00 AM today, New York's health care distribution sites have received 1,554,450 first doses and already administered 88 percent or 1,361,212 first dose vaccinations and 73 percent of first and second doses. Delivery of the week 8 allocation from the federal government does not begin until the middle of this week. 

In addition, the Governor announced new demographic data of hospital workers in the 1A eligibility group who were offered and accepted the vaccine. The demographic breakdown of the eligible 1A population is 70 percent white; 17 percent African American; 8 percent Hispanic or Latino; and 11 percent Asian hospital workers. Of the total 1A eligible population, 63 percent of vaccine recipients were white, 10 percent of vaccine recipients were African American; 10 percent of vaccine recipients were Hispanic or Latino, and 16 percent of vaccine recipients were Asian. 

"We know the vaccine is the weapon that ends the COVID war, but in order for it to be truly effective, we must ensure it is being distributed fairly and equitably, and that people actually trust it," Governor Cuomo said. "Through one of the nation's most expansive vaccination networks, we have been able to administer 1.9 million dosages while continuing to prioritize social equity, access and public trust in those communities hardest hit. However, the issue we're continuing to see, and is now supported by new demographic data on health care workers, is that there continues to be a hesitancy towards the vaccine in the Black community. No matter the reason, this is a problem that needs to be addressed because after all, the vaccine only works if everyone is on board. As we move forward, New York remains hyper focused on continuing to build trust in the vaccine and will use every tool we have to get that done." 

Approximately 7.1 million New Yorkers are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The federal government has increased the weekly supply by 16 percent over the next three weeks, but New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment. 

Vaccination program numbers are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11:00 AM today is as follows. The allocation totals below include 100 percent of the week 7 allocation which will finish being distributed to New York provider sites on today. 

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

  • First Doses Received - 1,554,450
  • First Doses Administered - 1,361,212; 88%
  • Second Doses Received - 725,050
  • Second Doses Administered - 299,007

New Windsor Tax Preparer Sentenced In White Plains Federal Court To 6 Months In Prison For Filing False Tax Returns

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EVERSLEY BARRETT, a tax preparer and owner of a tax preparation business named Eversley Tax, in New Windsor, New York, was sentenced yesterday in White Plains federal court to six months in prison after previously pleading guilty to 16 counts of an 84-count Indictment.  The Indictment charged him with preparing false and fraudulent individual income tax returns for his clients and himself, and tax evasion.  BARRETT was sentenced by United States District Judge Vincent Briccetti. 

U.S. Attorney Strauss said:  “Eversley Barrett abused his position of trust as a tax preparer by filing false tax returns on behalf of his clients and himself.  He caused over half a million dollars in losses to the IRS, all for his own unjust enrichment.  Mr. Barrett’s sentence sends a message that dishonest practices by tax preparers will be justly punished.” 

In imposing sentence, Judge Briccetti observed that a term of imprisonment was important because of the seriousness of BARRETT’s crimes and the need to promote deterrence in tax cases.

BARRETT included, among other things, tens of thousands of dollars of false and fraudulent deductions for business expenses and gifts to charity on tax returns he prepared for himself and his clients.  BARRETT also failed to report on his own personal tax returns over $300,000 in receipts that he received for his tax preparation services from 2012 through 2015.   

As confirmed by IRS audits as well as BARRETT’s admissions at his guilty plea hearing, BARRETT’s crimes resulted in a loss to the IRS of more than $500,000.

In addition to the prison term, BARRETT was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, including an obligation to pay the IRS over $573,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and thanked the IRS for its assistance.

This matter is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Margery Feinzig is in charge of the prosecution.

Attorney General James Takes Dozens of Guns Off the Streets at Brooklyn Gun Buyback in Joint Effort with DA Gonzalez and NYPD

 

AG’s Statewide Gun Buyback Program Has Now Taken More Than 2,750 Unwanted Firearms Out of Homes and Off of Streets

  New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that 48 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event hosted by her office, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and the New York City Police Department. The gun buyback comes as New York City has experienced record high levels of gun violence and the event sought to curb this devastation by accepting working and non-working unloaded firearms — with no questions asked — in exchange for compensation.

The buyback resulted in 48 guns, including several assault rifles, being turned in. Since 2013, the Attorney General’s Office has hosted gun buyback events throughout New York state and has successfully collected more than 2,750 firearms.

Metro by T-Mobile donated 150 Apple iPads for individuals who turned in guns during today’s buyback. This important contribution helped to bring an innovative approach to gun buybacks, whereby individuals are further incentivized to turn in guns in exchange for the popular tablets. The Attorney General thanks Metro by T-Mobile for this important contribution.

“With record levels of gun violence continuing to ravage our communities, providing a way for New Yorkers to turn in dangerous firearms is a critical step in ensuring safe streets,” said Attorney General James. “Our gun buyback program is a key component in our ongoing efforts to keep these weapons from falling into the wrong hands. Our ‘no questions asked’ approach also allows the ability for individuals to turn in guns in their possession without fear of legal retribution. My office remains committed to protecting communities from potential tragedies, and I thank District Attorney Gonzalez, the NYPD, and all our partners in government and law enforcement for their continued work to support this vital program.”

“With today’s gun buyback, we didn’t just reduce the inventory of guns that are out there and can fall into the wrong hands, we also provided the community a chance to get involved and send the message that ending gun violence is up to all of us,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Gonzalez. “This program is one small part of my office’s multi-pronged approach to reducing the shootings and making Brooklyn safer. I would like to thank Attorney General Letitia James, the NYPD, and Bethesda Healing Center for making this buyback event a success.”

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Governor Cuomo Directs State Agencies to Mobilize Emergency Response Resources in Advance of Nor'easter Forecast

 

Snow Will Start Sunday Night Downstate and Continue Through Tuesday Evening Upstate

Up To 18 Inches of Snow Forecast For New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson Regions, Wind Gusts Could Top 60 Mph on Eastern End of Long Island

Other Areas Upstate Could Receive More Than A Foot of Snow By Tuesday

Effective 5 a.m. Monday, Short and Long Tandems Banned on I-87 from NYC Line to Exit 24 in Albany, I-95 and I-287; Empty Trailers Banned on I-87 Between Exit 8 to Exit 21A, Berkshire Spur and Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Effective 5 a.m. Monday, Empty and Tandem Trailers also Banned on I-84 from Pennsylvania State Line to Connecticut State line, Route 17 East of Binghamton to New Jersey State Line and Entire Length of I-684

Potential Impacts Include Dangerous Travel, Power Outages, Multiple Rounds of Flooding in Low-Lying Coastal Areas Through Tuesday Night

 Governor Cuomo today directed state agencies to mobilize emergency response resources as a winter storm moving toward New York is expected to develop into a nor'easter and produce more than a foot of snow in several locations. Starting Sunday night downstate and continuing through Tuesday evening, New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson regions could see snow totals up to 18 inches and wind gusts up to 60 mph, especially on the eastern end of Long Island. Other areas upstate are expected to receive a widespread 8 to 16 inches of snow starting tomorrow morning and lasting through Tuesday night. The storm is expected to create dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages due to the combination of heavy snow and gusty winds, as well as flooding of low-lying areas in coastal locations for several days.

Given the expected impacts the storm will have on New York's transportation system, short and long tandems will be banned on portions of the New York State Thruway effective Monday at 5 a.m. Specifically, this includes I-87 from the New York City Line to Exit 24 in Albany, as well as on all of I-95 and I-287. Additionally, empty trailers will also be banned on I-87 between Exit 8 to Exit 21A, on the Berkshire Spur and on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

Trailer bans are also being implemented on roadways outside of the Thruway system. Beginning 5 a.m. Monday, empty trailers and tandem trailers will be banned on I-84 from Pennsylvania state line to Connecticut state line, on Route 17 East of Binghamton to the New Jersey state line, and on the entire length of I-684.

"New York is directly in the path of a major storm poised to become a nor'easter as it approaches the east coast late Sunday night," Governor Cuomo said."State agencies are already in the process of deploying resources to areas expected to be the hardest hit. While this work continues, we will remain in constant communication with our local partners to provide any support that may be necessary, as well as with utility companies to ensure power outages are immediately addressed. As we know, these storms can be unpredictable, so I strongly urge all New Yorkers to keep a very close eye on the weather over the next few days and take steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe."

Snow is expected to begin Sunday night downstate and continue through Wednesday morning for some locations in the North Country. New York City, Long Island and counties in the lower Mid-Hudson region are forecast to receive the highest snow totals, with up to 18 inches by Tuesday morning and wind gusts up to 60 mph on Long Island.  45 to 50 mph wind gusts are also expected in New York City and the lower Hudson Valley. The Southern Tier, Capital Region, and Mohawk Valley will see a widespread 8 to 16 inches by Tuesday afternoon, and some areas in the North Country will see up to 10 inches by Wednesday.

Coastal areas of Long Island and Queens could experience multiple rounds of flooding, especially during high tides and in vulnerable, low-lying locations. Current forecasts call for two to three feet of inundation above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas, particularly on Monday night, which could result in numerous road closures and cause widespread flooding of low-lying parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront.  

For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

Safety Tips

Winter Safety

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

  • When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
  • Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
  • If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
  • If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location. 
     

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.  Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.

Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted.

Flood Safety

  • Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
  • Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
  • Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
  • Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
  • Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers
  • Plan what to do with your pets.
  • Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
  • Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
  • Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
  • Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing
  • Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
    • Flashlight and extra batteries;
    • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries;
    • First aid kit and manual;
    • Emergency food and water;
    • Non-electric can opener;
    • Essential medicines; and
    • Checkbook, cash, credit cards, and ATM cards.

For more safety tips for all types of weather events, visit the DHSES website at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/index.cfm.

Monday Vaccine Appointment Postponements at Multiple Sites Throughout Downstate New York for Safety Due to Winter Storms

 

Postponements at State-Run Mass Vaccination Sites Include SUNY Stony Brook, Jones Beach, Aqueduct Racetrack, the Javits Center and Westchester County Center

'Pop-Up' Community Vaccination Sites Also Postponed at the Bartow Community Center, Bronx River Addition, Latino Pastoral Action Center and Edenwald Houses in the Bronx, as well as at Cornerstone Baptist Church and God's Battalion of Prayer Church in Brooklyn

 "Due to the expected impacts from the impending Nor'Easter, we are rescheduling vaccine appointments at: SUNY Stony Brook, Jones Beach, Aqueduct Racetrack, the Javits Center, and the Westchester County Center. Every New Yorker with appointments at these sites scheduled for tomorrow will receive an email or text message rescheduling their vaccination for later this week.

"Additionally, the six pop-up vaccination sites planned for tomorrow in the Bronx and Brooklyn are all being rescheduled for Wednesday, February 3. This includes the sites at the Bartow Community Center, the Bronx River Addition, the Latino Pastoral Action Center and the Edenwald Houses in the Bronx, as well as the sites planned for Cornerstone Baptist Church and God's Battalion of Prayer Church in Brooklyn. Our partner, SOMOS Community Care manages scheduling for those sites and will also be directly contacting those New Yorkers with appointments to inform them of the change.

"We ask all New Yorkers to monitor the weather and stay off the roads tomorrow so our crews and first responders can safely do their jobs." 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ISSUES LOCAL EMERGENCY TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR WINTER STORM


City issues Winter Weather Emergency Declaration restricting all non-emergency travel after 6:00 A.M. Monday 

Mayor Bill de Blasio tonight issued a state of emergency ahead of the snow storm, including restrictions on non-essential travel beginning 6:00 A.M. on Monday, February 1st. The mayor will issue a local Winter Weather Emergency Declaration restricting travel in all cases except emergencies, and warned New Yorkers to refrain from travel as the storm’s intensity worsens throughout tomorrow. The latest forecasts anticipate approximately 16-22 inches of snow and near-blizzard conditions across New York City.

 

“Make no mistake: this storm will bring heavy snowfall, and it will make travel dangerous in every neighborhood in our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New Yorkers should stay home, keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles, and let our plows work to keep us all safe. This order will be mandatory at 6:00 A.M. tomorrow, and everyone should make necessary preparations this evening.”

 

According to latest estimates from New York City Emergency Management, the city will see blizzard-like conditions periodically, with up to 2-4 inches of snowfall per hour after 10am tomorrow. The city will see sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 40-50 mph.

 

The following categories are exempt from these restrictions:

  • Public transit workers
  • First responders
  • Healthcare and homecare workers
  • Police officers
  • Peace officers
  • Any other workers engaged in vital City services
  • Delivery of food, medical supplies, or fuel
  • News media
  • Hotel workers
  • Homeless shelter and outreach workers
  • Utility workers performing emergency repairs
  • Persons employed by pharmacies, grocery stores (including all food and beverage stores), convenience stores, bodegas, gas stations, laundromats, hotels, restaurants/bars, and hardware stores
  • Individuals seeking medical treatment or medical supplies
  • For-hire vehicles, used to transport persons employed to perform any of these services to and from their places of employment

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program, for the latest information and updates on this storm and emergency events in NYC. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

 

For more severe weather information, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather.

335 Days and Counting

 


335 Days left for Mayor Bill de Blasio.

VACCINE FOR ALL: MAYOR DE BLASIO, TASKFORCE EXPAND EQUITY EFFORT

 

Thirty-three neighborhoods around the city were identified based on equity burdens and the impact of COVID-19 in 2020


 Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity today announced the next phase of its Vaccine for All effort and released demographic information of vaccine recipients. With an expanded list of 33 neighborhoods identified by the Taskforce, the City will use this data to broaden its outreach and education to address vaccine hesitancy, prioritize appointments, add new vaccine sites, and improve the scheduling website to ensure the pace of vaccination is consistent throughout the city.

"We launched our vaccine effort with a clear commitment to provide a vaccine for all New Yorkers," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now we are going even further to ensure the vaccine reaches everyone, equally, with a focus on the neighborhoods we know have borne the brunt of COVID-19.”

“Ensuring equity among our communities is central to our city’s recovery efforts. We want all of our communities to trust the vaccine’s efficacy and have access to it,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “As distribution expands, we will continue gathering more data and processing what we have learned over the past year so that our hardest hit neighborhoods are fully supported and included in the plan.”

 

Equitable distribution of the vaccine has been the driving force of the City’s Vaccine for All effort. The majority of City vaccination sites are already located in the 33 Taskforce neighborhoods, as well as other, soon-to-open hubs, like Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.  The City has also mounted an extensive outreach campaign, holding informational and educational events for residents, providers, partners, and elected officials in Task Force neighborhoods and other areas across the city. With the assistance of trusted community partners, the City has distributed tens of thousands of pieces of literature to spread the word of a safe and effective vaccine to residents in priority neighborhoods and held training events so community partners can support navigation of vaccination services. The City will also continue to hold regular community conversations to address vaccine hesitancy and elevate community feedback on vaccination rollout and access.

 

To deepen this work, City will now prioritize appointments for residents at vaccine sites in the Taskforce neighborhoods, setting aside specific hours and slots. For eligible essential workers in the Taskforce neighborhoods, the City will create 'family plans' - allowing the workers to schedule appointments for eligible family members on-site. To improve accessibility, the City’s appointment scheduling site will now be available in a total of 11 languages, including English, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

Building on the initial list of 27 neighborhoods, the Taskforce has broadened its criteria and expanded to a total of 33 neighborhoods, now including Williamsbridge and Baychester, Midwood, Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst, Kew Gardens and Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and South Ozone, and Queens Village. These neighborhoods were added based on a range of factors including high COVID-19 mortality and case rates, high prevalence of chronic illness, presence of overcrowded housing, the number of individuals experiencing poverty, and other preexisting health disparities.

To address the key drivers of vaccine hesitancy, the NYC Vaccine for All campaign will build on its previous work and launch a "Vaccine Facts” campaign (or “Vax Facts”) in February to address the key drivers of vaccine hesitancy across broadcast, digital, and print platforms, including local and ethnic media. The City will also partner with local leaders for tailored community engagement and host days of action, deploying census-style outreach campaign to build trust and distribution vaccine FAQs in the 33 neighborhoods.

The full list of 33 Neighborhoods identified by the Taskforce is below.

Task Force Neighborhoods

 

Neighborhoods 

Borough 

ZIP Codes (modZCTAs) 

Lower East Side and Chinatown 

Manhattan 

10002, 10003, 10009, 10013 

Morningside Heights and Hamilton Heights 

Manhattan 

10025, 10027 10031, 10032 

Central Harlem 

Manhattan 

10026, 10027, 10030, 10037 10039 

East Harlem 

Manhattan 

10029, 10035 

Washington Heights and Inwood 

Manhattan 

10032, 10033, 10034, 10040 

Mott Haven and Melrose 

Bronx 

10451, 10454, 10455, 10456 

Hunts Point and Longwood 

Bronx 

10455, 10459, 10474 

Morrisania and Crotona 

Bronx 

10456, 10459, 10460 

Highbridge and Concourse 

Bronx 

10452 

Fordham and University Heights 

Bronx 

10453, 10458 

Belmont and East Tremont 

Bronx 

10457, 10458 

Kingsbridge 

Bronx 

10463, 10468 

Parkchester and Soundview 

Bronx 

10472, 10473 

Williamsbridge and Baychester, Edenwald 

Bronx 

10466, 10467, 10468 

Bedford Stuyvesant 

Brooklyn 

11205, 11206, 11216, 11221, 11233, 11238 

Bushwick 

Brooklyn 

11206, 11207, 11221, 11237 

East New York and Starrett City 

Brooklyn 

11207 11208, 11239 

Sunset Park 

Brooklyn 

11220, 11232 

Coney Island 

Brooklyn 

11224, 11235 

Flatbush and Midwood 

Brooklyn 

11226 

Brownsville 

Brooklyn 

11212, 11233 

East Flatbush 

Brooklyn 

11203, 11226 

Flatlands and Canarsie 

Brooklyn 

11236 

Queensbridge and Astoria 

Queens 

11101 

Jackson Heights 

Queens 

11368, 11369 

Elmhurst and Corona 

Queens 

11368 

Briarwood, Flushing South 

Queens 

11435 

Kew Gardens and Woodhaven 

Queens 

11419, 11421 

Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park 

Queens 

11419, 11420 

Jamaica and Hollis 

Queens 

11412, 11423, 11432, 11433, 11434, 11435, 11436 

Queens Village 

Queens 

11429 

Rockaway and Broad Channel 

Queens 

11691, 11692, 11693, 11694 

St. George, Stapleton, Port Richmond 

Staten Island 

10301, 10303, 10304, 10310 


“Equitable vaccine distribution, especially to neighborhoods most impacted by COVID and long histories of racism, must be front and center if we are to achieve a full and fair recovery for our City, said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and Task Force Co-Chair Melanie Hartzog. “Our Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity is making sure our efforts are focused on reaching these communities most in need, addressing hesitancy, building trust, and expanding access so all New Yorkers feel safe and informed getting their shots — which will make our whole city safer.” 

 “Data is the lifeblood of our response and identifying where vaccine uptake is lower will help us adapt to ensure an equitable distribution,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi. “We need all New Yorkers to know that this vaccine is safe and effective, and we are working hard every day to ensure we have the supply to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as possible.”

 

“Transparency promotes trust and we have a lot of work to do to build confidence with the city’s communities,” said First Deputy Health Commissioner and Chief Equity Officer Dr. Torian Easterling. “This public health emergency has highlighted the systemic racism that’s entrenched in our nation’s policies and practices, and we are determined to make sure that this does not happen in the campaign to vaccinate New Yorkers.”