Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 27, 2023

 

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing and Treatment

21 Statewide Deaths Reported on January 26

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19 and outlined basic steps they can take to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections that become more common in the winter season.  

"I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Be sure to stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options." 

Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take common prevention measures — like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene — to protect from the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. The Governor reiterated these basic steps when she updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts last month.  

The New York State Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report for the week ending January 21, shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for a sixteenth consecutive week, with a total of 305,354 positive cases across 61 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 39 percent, while overall hospitalizations were down 44 percent from the previous week, with the week, at 465 hospitalizations across the state. 

Additionally, there were 5 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There were no influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported this week, leaving the total at eight statewide. 

With flu season continuing and infections remaining widespread, Governor Hochul encourages all New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both circulating, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.  

The Health Department is continuing its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get both flu and COVID-19 shots for themselves and children 6 months and older. For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/. 

Governor Hochul also continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Last month, the New York State Department of Health announced new guidance for bivalent COVID-19 booster doses, which are now available for eligible children down to 6 months of age.  

The updated boosters are the first to be targeted to the original virus strain and recently circulating variants and are recommended for young New Yorkers and all those eligible. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or healthcare provider; visit vaccines.gov; text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.  

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

•  Cases Per 100k - 17.42
•  7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 16.58
•  Test Results Reported - 49,702
•  Total Positive - 3,405
•  Percent Positive - 6.32%**
•  7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.45%**
•  Patient Hospitalization - 2,780 (-64)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 407
• Patients in ICU - 304 (-8)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 113 (-2)
• Total Discharges - 394,354 (+428)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 21
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 61,231

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.   

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.   

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 77,788

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.    

• Total vaccine doses administered - 43,663,517
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 7,696
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 51,190
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 85.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 90.6%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older who are up to date - 15.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series - 74.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 76.2% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 who are up to date - 6.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 5-11 with completed vaccine series - 39.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 5-11 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 40.8%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 5-11 who are up to date - 3.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 0-4 with completed vaccine series - 7.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 0-4 who are up to date - 7.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 76.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers who are up to date - 13.4%

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:       

Borough	Tuesday,   January   24, 2023	Wed.  January   25, 2023	Thursday,   January   26, 2023
Bronx	6.81%	6.46%	6.29%
Kings	4.78%	4.45%	5.70%
New York	5.48%	5.17%	5.09%
Queens	6.50%	6.31%	6.11%
Richmond	5.54%	5.21%	5.26%

MAYOR ERIC ADAMS DELIVERS LIVE ADDRESS IN ANTICIPATION OF VIDEO RELEASE EXPECTED TO DEPICT VIOLENT INTERACTION BETWEEN TYRE NICHOLS AND MEMPHIS POLICE

 

Mayor Eric Adams: New Yorkers, there is a lot of pain in America right now. A lot of pain in Memphis. And like so many of you, I am feeling that pain. My heart goes out to Tyre Nichols’ family and friends and the people of Memphis. 

 

As a human being, I am devastated. As a mayor, I am outraged. And as someone who spent decades fighting for police diversity and against police abuse, I feel betrayed by these officers — there is no other way to say it. I have been a police officer and I have been the victim of police abuse. 

 

I know the impact of it. When my brother and I were beaten as young men in the basement of a police station by officers, I was angry. I refused to trust the system. But when I turned to civil rights activist Reverend Herbert Daughtry, he encouraged me to turn my pain into purpose. And that's what I did as a police officer who co-founded the organization 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care. We fought against police abuse from within the system.

 

Any officer who engages in violence and brutality tarnishes all the work we have done to keep communities safe and foster a better relationship between the police and the communities they serve. And they make it harder for their brothers and sisters in uniform to accomplish the incredible work they do day in and day out.

 

In this case, the Memphis mayor, the police chief, and the justice system acted quickly and decisively, resulting in the arrest of the five officers responsible for Tyre’s death. This is not always the case, and I strongly commend them for their actions. Here in New York City, we are working and will continue to work hard to prevent something like this from happening. I know the importance of police to our communities, and I have stated over and over again that we have a sacred covenant: Our officers must follow the law and be held accountable for their actions; otherwise, there is no law.

 

We should be able to express our sorrow and our rage, but we must take all that pain and turn it into purpose like the Reverend Daughtry taught me. I have just been briefed by the White House, along with many other mayors across the country. Immediately before that, I communicated with over 125 elected officials here in the city. We discussed the video that will be released today, a video that by all reports will be graphic and disturbing. It will trigger pain and sadness in many of us. It will make us angry. 

 

My message to New Yorkers is to respect the wishes of Mr. Nichols’ mother: If you need to express your anger and outrage, do so peacefully. My message to the NYPD has been, and will continue to be, to exercise restraint. We, as a city and nation, must have an open dialogue about what happened to Mr. Nichols, and it means taking actions as Americans united against violence and abuse of power. I have dedicated over 40 years of my life to the pursuit of both safety and justice. And as your mayor, let me promise you this: I will continue to work with leaders across the nation to make that vision a reality. Thank you.

Permits Filed For 2798 Webb Avenue In Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 2798 Webb Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx. Located between West 195th Street and West 197th Street, the interior lot is closest to the Kingsbridge Road subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Hersh Klein of Excellent Interior Inc. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 55-foot-tall development will yield 9,323 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 17 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 548 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a penthouse, a 30-foot-long rear yard, and nine open parking spaces.

ADB Associates is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the development calls for an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HALL, OTHER CITY BUILDINGS WILL BE LIT YELLOW TONIGHT IN HONOR OF INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced today that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lit yellow tonight in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

 

“Pure hate led to the death of more than 6 million Jewish people during the Holocaust. We will never forget all those lost, but, on this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we also recommit ourselves to stamping out antisemitism and all forms of hate across our city,” said Mayor Adams. “Whether you are part of the 1.6 million Jewish people who call New York City home, or a member of one of the many other faiths here in our city, hate has no place here, and we will do everything in our power to defeat the pipeline leading to it. As part of this commitment, we are going to organize 1,000 meals and conversations across the city as part of our ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative, bringing everyday New Yorkers from different backgrounds together to listen and learn from each other.”

 

First designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. Mayor Adams acknowledged the solemnity of the day and the importance of Holocaust education.

 

In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings will be lit up yellow starting tonight at sundown:

• Bronx Borough Hall: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
• The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building: 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
• Queens Borough Hall: 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Queens, NY 11424
• Staten Island Borough Hall: 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

“On behalf of the World Jewish Congress, I’d like to thank Mayor Eric Adams, mayor of the City of New York — home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel — for participating in our #WeRemember campaign and lighting up city buildings yellow in connection with International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” said Ronald S. Lauder, president, World Jewish Congress. “The illumination of these city landmarks sends an unmistakable message that by reflecting on this tragic period of history, it is possible to build a stronger future for all. New Yorkers live in the most diverse city in the world, and through proper education, together we can ensure a better future by making sure the past is never forgotten.”

DEC ANNOUNCES FREE LIFEGUARD QUALIFYING PROCEDURES TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that its free lifeguard qualifying procedures begin Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

Individuals 15 and older interested in lifeguarding positions at DEC facilities this summer are eligible to register. Candidates who qualify will be considered for employment. The qualifying procedure consists of two parts: a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills component; and a water skills evaluation. Candidates may attend the qualifying location most convenient to them and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location.

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds throughout the Adirondack and Catskill parks. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations.

At the time of employment, all DEC lifeguards must:

• Be at least 15 years old;
• Possess a valid certification in Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent;
• Have successfully completed the New York State lifeguard qualifying procedure;
• Submitted a current New York State DEC medical form stating the candidate’s physical ability to perform lifeguard duties;
• Meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred;
• Have completed a personal interview with DEC; and
• Have attended a DEC lifeguard orientation.

Below is a list of the 2023 qualifying dates and locations:

Date	Time	Location	Address	City
Saturday, Feb. 4	9 a.m.	Franklin Academy	42 Huskie Lane	Malone
Friday, Feb. 24	4:30 p.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Saturday, Feb. 25	9 a.m.	Queensbury Elementary School	431 Aviation Road	Queensbury
Friday, March 3	4 p.m.	Catskill Recreation Center	651 County Hwy 38	Arkville
Monday, April 10	9 a.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Friday, April 14	4:30 p.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Saturday, April 29	9 a.m.	Moriah Central School	39 Viking Lane	Port Henry
Friday, May 26	4 p.m.	Catskill Recreation Center	651 County Hwy 38	Arkville
Saturday, June 3	9 a.m.	Gloversville Middle School	234 Lincoln Street	Gloversville
Saturday, June 24	9 a.m.	Moriah Central School	39 Viking Lane	Port Henry

Qualifying procedures will begin on time and late arrivals will not be accepted. Candidates must bring photo identification, current certifications (if available), and their own CPR mask and one-way valve. DEC reserves the right to cancel. DEC is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail DEC at Info.Lifeguard@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Employment Opportunities in Summer Recreation webpage on DEC's website.

United States Obtains Temporary Restraining Order Against Firearm Companies Illegally Selling Machine Guns

 

Civil Action is Part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York’s Civil Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence

 On January 19, 2023, the United States filed a civil complaint in federal court in Brooklyn against two firearm companies, and two individuals associated with these companies (collectively, “Defendants”), alleging that Defendants have conspired to defraud the United States and consumers, and have engaged in the ongoing commission of mail fraud and wire fraud, by unlawfully selling machine gun conversion devices.  The devices, called FRT-15s, are specifically designed and intended to be used to convert AR-15 type rifles into machineguns and are therefore themselves “machineguns” under federal law.  With limited exceptions not applicable to Defendants’ conduct, the manufacture, sale and possession of machine guns is illegal under the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act of 1968.  The Government’s complaint seeks injunctive relief under the Anti-Fraud Injunction Act.  The United States also sought a temporary order immediately halting any sales of the FRT-15 or any forced reset trigger until and unless otherwise ordered by the Court.  On January 25, 2023, United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison entered a temporary restraining order against Defendants.

Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General; Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Steven Dettelbach, Director, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, ATF, New York Field Division, announced the filing of the complaint.

“The Justice Department has filed a complaint against two firearm companies and two individuals who we allege are illegally selling machineguns, conspiring to violate federal firearm laws, and committing mail and wire fraud” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today, we obtained a temporary restraining order that immediately stops the defendants from illegally selling their machineguns.  The Justice Department will continue to do everything in its power to protect the American people from gun violence and to hold accountable those that flood our communities with illegal guns.”

“The defendants are illegally selling machine guns, plain and simple, with conversion devices that transform AR-15 type rifles into even more lethal weapons suited for battlefields, not our communities,” said United States Attorney Peace.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of illegal and deadly weapons onto our streets.  The United States will be relentless in employing every means available, including all civil tools, to end violence in New York and across the nation.”

ATF Director Dettelbach stated: “Decades ago, Congress determined that machine guns are illegal, yet, despite repeated warnings, the defendants in this case are alleged to be flouting the law. Machine guns are unlawful because they pose a threat to the public and they are increasingly a risk to law enforcement. Ensuring that individuals and companies comply with the prohibition on selling machine guns is just one of many steps ATF is taking to address violent crime and protect our communities.”

“These machine gun conversion devices—which are machine guns under federal law—can turn any semi-automatic AR-type firearm into a weapon capable of shooting at a rate of fire similar to or exceeding that of an M16 machine gun manufactured for military use.  Since 1934, machineguns have been subject to strict federal controls, and since 1986, machineguns have been subject to an outright prohibition. These defendants are believed to have earned millions at the expense of the public’s safety and are alleged to have conspired to undermine these very federal laws which are intended to keep the public safe.  I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and ATF personnel for their hard work and commitment in securing the temporary restraining order,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge DeVito.

Defendants are Rare Breed Triggers, LLC and Rare Breed Firearms, LLC (collectively, “RBT”) and their owner/operators Lawrence DeMonico, also known as “Larry R. Lee, Jr.” and Kevin Maxwell.  As alleged in the complaint, Defendants have unlawfully sold thousands of FRT-15s to the general public.  In the process, Defendants have sought to obstruct ATF’s mandate to enforce laws prohibiting the sale of machine guns and ensure public safety.  Defendants have also allegedly misled consumers about the legality of FRT-15s.  

As set forth in the January 25, 2023 temporary restraining order (“TRO”), among other things, the Court found that “[t]here is probable cause to believe that Defendants’ fraudulent conduct is ongoing and imminent,”  that “Defendants failed to register FRT-15s for the purpose of concealing from ATF the sale and transfer of these items,” and that the TRO is necessary to prevent “a continuing and substantial injury to the United States, as well as to past and future purchasers of FRT-15s who have been or may be misled into believing that their possession of FRT-15s is lawful when it is not.”

This action is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York’s Civil Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence.  The EDNY’s Civil Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence was created in 2022.  The EDNY’s Civil Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence aims to work with federal, state, and local officials, as well as community stakeholders, to address the root causes of gun-related crime, and supports reform efforts made across the government.  The EDNY’s Civil Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence complements the EDNY Criminal Division’s prosecution of gun-related crimes.  The Office also works collaboratively on the Initiative with the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice.

Team AOC - Dealing with the Clown Car

 

We’re three weeks into the 118th Congress, and committee assignments have still not been finalized.

At Alexandria’s town hall last week, a concerned constituent asked what Alexandria would do to offset the ‘lunacy’ from Republican-led congressional committees.

This was her response:

“Committee assignments are not official yet… but from what we’ve heard through some of our conversations, it seems as though, on the Republican side, they have appointed Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Paul Gosar to the House Oversight Committee … Usually when you are an incumbent on a committee, you have first preference to decide if you stay on that committee. That's usually how that goes. My intention is to stay on the House Oversight Committee and provide full support to Ranking Member Raskin. And we’re also going to have to manage this clown car that’s going on on the other side.”

She continued:

“I will say that in the past, we have been able to secure certain bipartisan hearings. Now depending on the incoming chair — Congressman [James] Comer — we will see what his appetite is to continue doing that… in the past, we have held bipartisan hearings going after defense contractors and abuse of our public funds by defense contractors.

The DOD is one of the only agencies that has not really been able to pass an audit… I vote against the defense budget every year, and one major reason for that is because of this complete lack of accountability. And we know: if you’ve been a teacher in a school, every single penny that you spend must be accounted for. Every single dollar. In healthcare, in all of this… So in the past, that has been a point of bipartisan hearings, and I've been able, through my questioning, to really go after some of these contractors that have actually resulted in getting funds back from them. But it really depends on what they [Republicans] choose.

Our alternative is to start sending letters directly to the Biden administration on some of these issues. We’ve already started doing that with respect to some issues around immigration, defense, et cetera. Because whether it’s a Democrat or a Republican, Oversight is necessary.”

You can watch Alexandria’s full response here:

In solidarity,

Team AOC

Alexandria has been adamant about holding 

government contractors and corporations accountable 

to taxpayers — and she will continue to do so on the 

House Oversight Committee. But with the addition 

of far-right committee members, holding these 

groups accountable may get harder.