Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating Covid-19 - FEBRUARY 8, 2023

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

11 Statewide Deaths Reported on February 7 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting 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 in December.

The New York State Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report for the week ending January 28, shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for a seventeenth consecutive week, with a total of 308,279 positive cases across 57 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 34 percent to 2,937 for the week, while overall hospitalizations were down 35 percent from the previous week, at 304 hospitalizations across the state.

Additionally, there were 6 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There was one influenza-associated pediatric death reported bringing the total to nine 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. In December, 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 - 13.82
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 12.59
• Test Results Reported - 47,413
• Total Positive - 2,700
• Percent Positive - 5.35%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.29%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,326 (-58)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 360
• Patients in ICU - 281 (+3)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 102 (+1)
• Total Discharges - 398,256 (+366)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 11
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 61,502

** 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 (no number was listed)

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.

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

Borough	Sunday,   February   5, 2023	Monday,   February   6, 2023	Tuesday,   February   7, 2023
Bronx	5.09%	4.98%	4.91%
Kings	4.06%	3.82%	3.69%
New York	4.26%	4.09%	4.09%
Queens	4.83%	4.69%	4.54%
Richmond	4.85%	4.64%	4.30%

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S 2023 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams tonight released the following statement on President Joseph Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address:

 

“I was honored to be at the State of the Union as a guest of U.S. Representative Espaillat tonight to hear directly from President Biden about the progress we have made as a country and the work we still must do on behalf of New Yorkers and all other Americans.

 

“This president’s focus on working people is exactly what the nation needs, and his focus on helping Americans care for their children, provide for their families, and put money in their wallets will resonate from coast to coast. The agenda he laid out goes hand-in-hand with what we are doing in New York City — this is a blue-collar president, I’m a blue-collar mayor, and we’re both pursuing a blue-collar agenda for working people in New York and across the rest of the nation.

 

“The president is right that we must do something on the gun violence epidemic that affects this entire nation. While shootings in New York City are down, guns are still far too accessible across the country. We all can and should agree that simple bipartisan efforts, like enhanced background checks and red flag laws, must be passed immediately.

 

“The use of opioids, particularly fentanyl, is a public health crisis that requires a federal response, and I’m glad President Biden will launch a major surge to stop the production, sale, and trafficking of fentanyl. This overdose crisis is a national emergency and must be treated as such.

 

“Finally, I agree with the president that we need Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, something that democrats like U.S. Senate Majority Leader Schumer, U.S. House Democratic Leader Jeffries, and the New York City congressional delegation have been trying to do for decades. As I’ve repeatedly said, the asylum seeker crisis is a national problem that needs a national solution, in the short-, medium-, and long-term. New York and other cities across the country are struggling with this crisis. We need help and we need it now.

 

“I look forward to a continued partnership with the Biden-Harris administration to deliver greater public safety for all New Yorkers, continued growth for our economy, and a comprehensive immigration policy for our country.”

Associate Of Sanctioned Oligarch Indicted For Sanctions Evasion And Money Laundering

 

Fugitive Vladimir Voronchenko Aided In Concealing Luxury Real Estate Owned By Viktor Vekselberg

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Andrew C. Adams, the Director of Task Force KleptoCapture, Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Maged Behnam, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging VLADIMIR VORONCHENKO, a/k/a “Vladimir Vorontchenko,” a citizen of the Russian Federation and legal permanent resident of the United States, with participating in a scheme to make over $4 million in U.S. dollar payments to maintain four real properties in the United States that were owned by Viktor Vekselberg, a sanctioned oligarch, as well as to attempt to sell two of those properties.  The Indictment also charged VORONCHENKO with contempt of court in connection with his flight from the United States following receipt of a Grand Jury subpoena requiring his personal appearance and testimony.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The indictment unsealed today signals the United States’ continued commitment to holding individuals who violate sanctions to account.  Vladimir Voronchenko and others illegally funneled millions of dollars into the United States to maintain luxury U.S. residences owned by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg.  With these charges, the United States sends a strong message that it will continue to vigorously enforce economic sanctions, including those imposed in response to Russia’s illegal and unjustified aggression in Ukraine.”

Director of Task Force KleptoCapture Andrew C. Adams said: “Shell companies, strawmen, and professional money launderers did not shield Voronchenko or the illicit transactions charged today from the investigative persistence of HSI, FBI, and the attorneys of the Southern District of New York.  Today’s indictment is yet another reminder of the priority that the Department of Justice places on uncovering the proceeds of kleptocracy and sanctions evasion and on prosecuting those who would take a paycheck in exchange for facilitating money laundering and sanctions evasion.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “Russian illicit finance is a threat to U.S. national and homeland security, one that expands fissures of vulnerability in our financial system.  With the advent of the Ukrainian invasion, such global threats were made increasingly more domestic, as Putin’s enablers were revealed to have sequestered billions in illicit wealth in U.S. based real property and luxury assets.  HSI will not allow the American financial system to unknowingly facilitate dark money transfers, and today we have charged another oligarch facilitator for his alleged actions in support of the corrupt regime.” 

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court today:[1]

VORONCHENKO, who resided at various times in New York, New York, Southampton, New York, Fisher Island, Florida, and Russia, held himself out as a successful businessman, art collector, and art dealer, and as a close friend and business associate of Viktor Vekselberg. 

On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) designated Vekselberg as a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in Ukraine constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  On or about March 11, 2022, OFAC redesignated Vekselberg as an SDN and blocked Vekselberg’s yacht and private airplane.

Prior to his designation by OFAC, between in or about 2008 and in or about 2017, Vekselberg, through a series of shell companies, acquired real properties in the United States, specifically, (i) an apartment on Park Avenue in New York, New York, (ii) an estate in Southampton, New York, (iii) an apartment on Fisher Island, Florida, and (iv) a penthouse apartment also on Fisher Island, Florida (collectively, “the Properties”).  As of the date of this Indictment, the Properties were worth approximately $75 million. 

VORONCHENKO retained an attorney (the “Attorney”), who practiced in New York, New York, in connection with the acquisition of the Properties.  The Attorney also managed the finances of the Properties, including by paying common charges, property taxes, insurance premiums, and other fees associated with the Properties in U.S. dollar transactions from the Attorney’s interest on lawyer’s trust account (“IOLTA account”).

Prior to Vekselberg’s designation as an SDN, between approximately February 2009 and March 2018, shell companies owned by Vekselberg sent approximately 90 wire transfers totaling approximately $18.5 million to the IOLTA account.  At the direction of VORONCHENKO and his family member who lived in Russia, the Attorney used these funds to make various U.S. dollar payments to maintain and service the Properties. 

Immediately after Vekselberg’s designation as an SDN, the source of the funds used to maintain and service the Properties changed.  The IOLTA Account began to receive wires from a bank account in the Bahamas held in the name of a shell company controlled by VOROCHENKO, “Smile Holding Ltd.,” and from a Russian bank account held in the name of a Russian national who was related to VORONCHENKO.  Between approximately June 2018 and March 2022, approximately 25 wire transfers totaling approximately $4 million were sent to the IOLTA account.  Although the source of the payments changed, the management of the payments remained the same as before: VORONCHENKO and his family member directed the Attorney to use these funds to make various U.S. dollar payments to maintain and service the Properties.  Additionally, after Vekselberg was sanctioned in 2018, VORONCHENKO and others tried to sell both the Park Avenue apartment and the Southampton estate.  No licenses from OFAC were applied for or issued for these payments or attempted transfers.  

On or about May 13, 2022, federal agents served VORONCHENKO on Fisher Island with a Grand Jury subpoena, which called for his personal appearance for testimony and his production of documents.  Approximately nine days later, on or about May 22, 2022, VORONCHENKO took a flight from Miami, Florida, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and then went to Moscow, Russia.  VORONCHENKO failed to appear before the Grand Jury and has not returned to the United States.

VORONCHENKO, 70, of Moscow, Russia, New York, New York, Southampton, New York, and Fisher Island, Florida, was charged with conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”); violating the IEEPA; conspiring to commit international money laundering; and international money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  VORONCHENKO was also charged with contempt of court, which carries a maximum sentence within the discretion of the Court.  The Indictment also provides notice of the United States’ intention to forfeit from VORONCHENKO the proceeds of his offenses, including the Properties. 

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of HSI and FBI.  Mr. Williams further thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs and OFAC for their assistance and cooperation in this investigation.

On March 2, 2022, the Attorney General announced the launch of Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions, and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine.  The Task Force will leverage all the Department’s tools and authorities against efforts to evade or undermine the economic actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

The allegations in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips to Save Money on Groceries

 

Part of a Five-Part Consumer Alert Series to Help New Yorkers Save Money

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez: “These tips and a little extra planning before going to the grocery store can go a long way toward helping consumers stretch their grocery dollars further this year.”

For this week’s “Tuesday Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection announced the rollout of a five-part consumer alert series to help New Yorkers save money amidst inflation and rising costs. In the coming weeks, consumers will receive guidance on how to save money on groceries, utilities and energy, transportation, entertainment and general shopping costs. In this first consumer alert, DCP is providing consumers with practical tips on how to reduce spending on groceries. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. 

“Rising costs are affecting New Yorkers all across the State, and New York’s Division of Consumer Protection wants consumers to know that small changes can add up quickly when it comes to saving money,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “These tips and a little extra planning before going to the grocery store can go a long way toward helping consumers stretch their grocery dollars further this year.” 

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “During financially challenging times, it’s important to choose fresh and wholesome food for your family, not only for its nutritional value but also for its economic value as fresh foods that are minimally processed, when properly refrigerated, can last longer, extending your budget so that you can provide more meals for your family throughout the week.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Consumer Price Index shows grocery store food prices increased 12% from November 2021 to November 2022, and prices are predicted to increase another 3 - 4% in 2023. With a large part of personal budgets expended on food, opportunities to save money are more important than ever. 

DCP offers the following tips to help consumers save money on groceries: 

Plan your meals. Planning meals in advance, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, will reduce food waste and cut down on expensive meal delivery or dining-out costs. Make a grocery list to support the plan and reduce impulsive purchases. 

Look for deals. Plan meals around a few bulk ingredients or based on the weekly grocery sales circular to ensure you’re buying items on sale. Take advantage of store savings and enroll in store reward programs. Search for online coupons, use store savings and rewards cards, and watch for manufacturer coupons attached to the items in-store. 

Shop strategically for food. Take inventory of what you have at home before going shopping. Go to the grocery store with a list, having planned out your meals until your next grocery trip. 

Reduce food waste:

• Learn about food product dating. According to the FDA, confusion over date labeling accounts for an estimated 20 percent of consumer food waste. Important tips to know:
  • Except for infant formula, manufacturers are not required by Federal law or regulation to place quality-based date labels on packaged food.
  • Manufacturers apply date labels at their own discretion and for a variety of reasons. The most common is to inform consumers and retailers of the date to which they can expect the food to retain its desired quality and flavor.
  • Best if Used By is the standard phrase to indicate the date until which a product will be at its best flavor and quality, not the date an item will spoil. Consumers should examine foods that are past their Best if Used By date for signs of spoilage before they throw them away.
  • For example, bread past its Best if Used By date may be stale, but if it is not moldy or spoiled, it could be used to make French toast, croutons, breadcrumbs and several other items you may otherwise buy at the store.
  • To learn more tips on how to cut food waste, visit fda.gov.
• Use your freezer. Freezing is a great way to store most foods to keep them from going bad until you are ready to eat them.
• Understand food and beverage storage. It will help you maximize the freshness and quality of items. Visit FoodKeeper for information on how to safely store different foods to maintain freshness and quality.
• Got Leftovers? Make one dinner a week your ‘smorgasbord night’. Reheat those leftovers as is or turn them into an entirely different meal by adding some additional ingredients. 

Consider planting a garden in the Spring. This can help save both time and money. Turn those harvested fresh veggies into lunches and dinners, and then can or freeze your excess harvest to enjoy it all year long.

Wholesale clubs. Purchase in bulk to save money on items you frequently buy. Wholesale shopping also allows you to stock up for fewer shopping trips. Some wholesale clubs allow membership sharing, and that could mean splitting the membership fee with a friend or family member. Remember to cancel memberships you aren’t using.

Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables peak at a certain time of year. Prices normally drop when they’re in season and rise when they’re not. Learn what’s in season with this guide to New York’s produce. 

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection 

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. 

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.