Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 8, 2022

 

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

29 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

 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 fall and winter seasons.

"As respiratory illnesses continue to spread throughout our state, 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. "Stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel this holiday season. 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 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. Yesterday, the Governor updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts.

This week, the New York State Department of Health issued a new report showing a 76 percent week-over-week jump in lab-confirmed flu cases across New York and week-over-week hospitalizations up 67 percent. Cases of influenza have now been detected in all 62 counties across the state, highlighting the need for New Yorkers to take steps and precautions that will reduce the risk of severe illness for children and adults.

Governor Hochul previously launched a public awareness campaign featuring New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett speaking directly to New Yorkers about the three viruses now circulating in the state with similar symptoms and the potential to cause serious illness. Produced by the New York State Department of Health, the videos include a short clip and a longer version geared toward parents; and a version aimed specifically at health care providers.

Governor Hochul continues to remind New Yorkers that children ages 5 and older may now receive the bivalent booster shots that are recommended to increase protection against COVID-19.

The Governor also asked New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. 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.

In addition, Governor Hochul encourages New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season is widespread across New York State. 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 State Department of Health 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. Advertisements in both English and Spanish language began running last month.

For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 33.64
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 27.01
• Test Results Reported - 81,731
• Total Positive - 6,574
• Percent Positive - 7.46%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.56%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 3,419 (-52)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 569
• Patients in ICU - 303 (+8)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 112 (+8)
• Total Discharges - 370,858 (+567)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 29
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 59,688

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 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 (HHS) 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 - 76,059

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	Monday,   December   5, 2022	Tuesday,   December   6, 2022	Wed.   Dec.  7,2022
Bronx	8.01%	8.04%	7.86%
Kings	5.07%	5.02%	5.02%
New York	6.57%	6.68%	6.59%
Queens	8.85%	8.89%	8.93%
Richmond	6.27%	6.05%	6.36%

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF ‘FAIR CHANCE FOR HOUSING’ LEGISLATION IN CITY COUNCIL

 

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams spoke out today in support of legislation which would prohibit housing discrimination against New Yorkers with arrest or criminal records. During a hearing of the City Council Committee on Civil and Human Rights, he argued in favor of Intro 632, a landmark bill sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers which would ban housing providers from asking about arrest or conviction records or doing a criminal background check on potential tenants. The Public Advocate is a co-prime sponsor of the legislation.

"Formerly incarcerated New Yorkers deserve a fair chance – truthfully, often a first chance – and in too many areas, their past record leads to discrimination and barriers rising to interfere with re-adjusting and increase recidivism. Years ago, we passed a law to give people a Fair Chance – often a first chance – at employment, and it's past time we ensured a Fair Chance at housing,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams of the bill. “This battle is occurring in a city with growing housing and homelessness crises, which are further compounded if you are a returning resident determined to be a productive member of the city. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation with Council Member Powers and urge the City Council to move quickly to pass this vital protection.”

Specifically, Intro 632 would would prohibit housing discrimination in rentals, sales, leases, subleases, or occupancy agreements in New York City, on the basis of arrest record or criminal history. Landlords, owners, agents, employees, and real estate brokers would be prohibited from obtaining criminal record information at any stage in the process. This would not apply where federal, state, or local laws, rules or regulations require exclusion based on criminal history or require a criminal background check for eligibility – it also does not prohibit inquiries into the NY sex offender registry. The bill outlines a fair housing process for applicants to dispute an adverse action based on arrest record or criminal history and does not apply to two-family owner-occupied housing or rooms in owner-occupied housing.

In New York City, nearly 750,000 people have a conviction record — almost 11% of the adult population. The Fair Chance for Housing Act would ensure that past convictions and arrests cannot bar formerly incarcerated New Yorkers from accessing housing. For too long, lack of access to consistent and affordable housing has made it even more difficult for New Yorkers to re-enter and succeed in society after incarceration. The Public Advocate argued, “According to a report done by the Prison Policy Initiative, formerly incarcerated people are nearly 10 times more likely to be homeless compared to the general public. For far too long, there has been no protection for New Yorkers whose housing applications have been denied due to criminal records.” 

In 2015, City Council passed the Fair Chance Act to help New Yorkers leaving incarceration procure stable jobs by “Banning the Box,” barring criminal background checks or questions about past criminal history during the hiring process. The Fair Chance for Housing Act would extend the impact of this historic legislation to housing opportunities, so that New Yorkers who have already served their time are able to find both employment and housing. Like employment, stable, quality housing is essential in limiting recidivism and promoting public safety.

The Public Advocate implored City Council to support the legislation, noting that passage of the Fair Chance for Housing Act would help to address “decades of housing inequalities that Black and Brown New Yorkers have faced.”

Read the full legislation here, and the Public Advocate’s comments below.

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS

TO THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON 

CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS 

DECEMBER 8, 2022

Good Morning. 

My name is Jumaane D. Williams and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. Thank you very much Chair Williams and members of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights for holding this hearing and allowing me the opportunity to provide a statement. 

Housing is a basic human right and should be prioritized as our City continues to face a homelessness, housing, and affordability crisis. For today’s hearing, this legislation aims to address the housing discrimination faced by formerly incarcerated people. I am proud to be a co-sponsor on Int 0632-2022.

The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 making it a critical piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination against renters or homebuyers on the basis of national origin, race, religion, sex, or disability. However, this legislation does not directly prohibit discrimination of potential renters or homebuyers who have criminal records. This discriminatory practice has been taking place in New York City for years and directly impacts Black and Brown New Yorkers who are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. Int 0632-2022, sponsored by Majority Leader Keith Powers, will prohibit housing discrimination in rentals, sales, leases, subleases, or occupancy agreements in New York City, on the basis of arrest record or criminal history. This bill addresses the collateral consequences of criminal records and stops the never-ending cycle of punishment. Formerly incarcerated New Yorkers deserve a fair chance at housing. They have continuous face barriers and discrimination in so many areas of their life which can heavily influence their integration back into society as well as cause an increase in recidivism.

Towards the end of 2020 we passed the, “Fair Chance Act 2.0” which banned employment discrimination on basis of arrest record. We must move forward and incorporate fair chances at housing for them. According to a report done by the Prison Policy Initiative, formerly incarcerated people are nearly 10 times more likely to be homeless compared to the general public. For far too long, there has been no protection for New Yorkers whose housing applications have been denied due to criminal records which shows that “right to housing” for residents have not been upheld by the Administration.



As the City continues to face the growing housing and homelessness challenges, this exacerbates the process for returning residents to fully assimilate and be their best selves. You cannot expect a returning resident to be productive and their best selves and then not allow them a place to live. 

Passing this bill will mean the start to restoring decades of housing inequalities that Black and Brown New Yorkers have faced for generations. I hope we can move forward with passing this bill as we have overwhelming support from over thirty co-sponsors along with Mayor Adams’ support. It is our duty to give them a chance, so we can all be safe. 

Thank you.

Senator Gustavo Rivera on Hochul Administration's Remarks to Not Invest Monies from Opioid Settlement Fund on Opioid Prevention Centers

 

"I am incredibly disappointed that the Executive has rejected the Opioid Settlement Advisory Board's recommendation to fund Overdose Prevention Centers. We wrote and passed the law, establishing the advisory board and their role, to ensure that monies from these settlements will go directly to meaningful substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services for New Yorkers. It is misguided to dismiss a successful and proven approach to address this public health crisis, especially given that our State is renowned for enacting bold solutions and being a progressive leader in our country. We're losing more New Yorkers to overdose deaths every day and it is a simple fact: Overdose Prevention Centers save lives."