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

 

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

19 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.   

"As we continue to battle this pandemic, New Yorkers have been smart, looked out for one another, and taken appropriate steps to protect themselves and their neighbors," Governor Hochul said. "Getting vaccinated and boosted remains our best shot at protecting ourselves and our fellow New Yorkers, and I encourage everyone eligible to get the updated COVID-19 booster. And as the fall approaches, test before gatherings or travel and if you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options." 

Earlier this week, Governor Hochul announced the availability of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for anyone age 12 or older and from Moderna for those 18 or older. 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 announced that masking is optional in multiple settings where they were previously required, including on public transportation, in for-hire vehicles, at airports, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and detention centers. Masks are still required at adult care and health care facilities regulated by the state Department of Health, and in clinical settings regulated by the Office of Mental Health, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.   

Today's data is summarized briefly below:     

• Cases Per 100k – 20.98 
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k – 17.28 
• Test Results Reported – 57,849 
• Total Positive - 4,100 
• Percent Positive – 6.86%**  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.95%**     
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,199 (-26) 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 378 
• Patients in ICU - 229 (-6) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 85 (-3) 
• Total Discharges - 339,213 (341) 
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 19 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 57,771 

** 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 - 73,818 

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,  Sept.5, 2022	Tuesday,   Sept. 6, 2022	Wed., Sept.   7, 2022
Bronx	6.10%	6.19%	6.12%
Kings	2.78%	3.34%	3.35%
New York	4.76%	4.75%	4.89%
Queens	7.10%	7.13%	7.07%
Richmond	6.18%	6.21%	6.01%

Governor Hochul Announces $475 Million in Tax Relief for 1.8 Million Low-Income New Yorkers and Families

 

New Yorkers Who Received Empire State Child Credit and/or the Earned Income Credit to Automatically Receive Checks

New Yorkers Can Check Eligibility Here

Program Builds on Governor's Agenda to Deliver Critical Tax Relief During Nationwide Affordability Crisis

 Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders today announced $475 million in tax relief for eligible low-income New Yorkers and families as part of the state's ongoing effort to combat inflation and improve affordability. The New York Department of Taxation and Finance will soon begin sending direct financial assistance to 1.75 million New Yorkers who received the Empire State Child Credit and/or the Earned Income Credit on their 2021 state tax returns. New Yorkers can expect to receive their checks by the end of October.    

"With this relief package, we're making good on our commitment to helping hardworking New Yorkers through the nationwide affordability crisis," Governor Hochul said. "This program will put money back in the pockets of nearly two million New York families struggling to make ends meet in the face of the pandemic, inflation, and other rising costs. My administration remains laser-focused on improving affordability statewide, and I thank the Legislature for its partnership in ensuring that New York families get this much-needed financial assistance."

Governor Hochul and members of the state legislature approved the Additional NYS Child and Earned Income Tax Payment as part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget. The program will provide an average payment of $270 per eligible recipient. Eligible New Yorkers do not need to take any action to receive their checks; checks will be mailed automatically.   

The program builds on Governor Hochul's commitment to putting more money back in the pockets of everyday New Yorkers. Earlier this year, the Governor accelerated the distribution of $2.2 billion in tax relief to more than 2 million New Yorkers through the new homeowner tax rebate credit. Governor Hochul also announced a statewide gas and diesel tax holiday to provide New Yorkers relief at the pump as fuel prices hit record highs.    

New Yorkers who have recently moved should update their address with the Department of Taxation and Finance to prevent delays in receiving their Additional NYS Child and Earned Income Tax Payment checks. To do so, they can create an account on the Department's website and follow on-screen instructions to complete required fields and save their updated address.   

NYPD -49Pct NCO-A, Build The Block Meeting 9-15-2022

 

• NCO A – 49Pct – Build The Block Meeting 
• Thursday, September 15^th, 2022.  
• Meeting starts at 6:30 P.M. Doors open at 6:00 P.M 
• Alwaha Restaurant, 1907 White Plains Road, Bronx NY 10462
  
  

Sincerely,

P.O. Stephen Brancatelli - Neighborhood Coordination Officer

New York City Police Department

49th Precinct

2121 Eastchester Road Bronx, New York  10461

(917) 826-9562

Stephen.Brancatelli@NYPD.org

CITY OPENS NEW BRONX MONKEYPOX VACCINATION SITE AS 16,000 MORE APPOINTMENTS GO ONLINE

 

City to open a new Tremont monkeypox vaccination clinic in the Bronx for first dose walk-in clients. 

More than 16,000 new public appointments to open on Friday, September 9, at 4 p.m. at vax4nyc.nyc.gov/monkeypox and by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692)

 New York City is continuing to expand access to monkeypox vaccine by opening a new location, more appointments and expanding second dose appointments. A new Tremont vaccination clinic will open to first dose walk-in clients. The clinic will be able to serve as many as 100 people per day. The Health Department is working with community-based organizations in the Bronx to refer clients to the new site. Additionally, at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 9, more than 16,000 new first and second appointments will go online. Walk-in for first dose vaccination is available at all city-run sites. Second dose appointments are now available to anyone who received their first dose on or before July 23, 2022. 

“As previous supply constraints loosen, vaccination can be even more convenient and accessible,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We look forward to serving more New Yorkers and we want to get the message out that now is the time to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. We have appointments available and are ready to welcome clients.” 

The Tremont clinic will be located at 1826 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457.The days and hours of operation are Monday-Saturday from 11am-7pm. 

More than 88,000 New Yorkers have been vaccinated against monkeypox and cases have started to decline in New York City. Inequities, however, persist, which New York City is working to address with community partners. The Health Department has made direct referrals available to community-based organizations and has attended events for outreach and in-person assistance booking appointments.

It is crucial to seek care as soon as a rash or sore is identified. New Yorkers should call their health care provider immediately. For those who do not have one, they can call 311 to get connected to an NYC Health + Hospitals location or to access H+H Virtual Express Care. New Yorkers can also visit the NYC Health Map to find a nearby provider. Care is available in New York City regardless of immigration status, insurance coverage, or ability to pay.

For more on monkeypox, go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/monkeypox.page

Members Of Bronx Street Gang Charged With Murder, Attempted Murder, Assault, Racketeering, And Firearms Offenses

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Keechant Sewell, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Ricky J. Patel, the Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in New York, today announced charges against ten alleged members of a street gang known as “ABG” in the Bronx, New York.  HENRY JONES, a/k/a “Dew Man,” DAIVON MORGAN, a/k/a “Leeky,”  ROBERTO ESPINOSA, a/k/a “Taco,” AMIER WILSON, a/k/a “Smula,” DAVION TRUSTY, a/k/a “Saint,” ELIJAH PERKINS, a/k/a “Eli,” JAMIE WILKINS,  a/k/a “OJ,” XAVIER ARAU, a/k/a “X,” JUAN REYES, a/k/a “Gunplay,” and CASSIUS MILLER, a/k/a “Cash,” all of whom are members of ABG, were charged in a Superseding Indictment with racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses.  JONES, MORGAN, WILSON, TRUSTY, PERKINS, WILKINS, ARAU, and REYES were also charged with engaging in violent crimes in aid of racketeering.  JONES and MORGAN are additionally charged with aiding and abetting the February 8, 2019, murder of Darren Scruggs in the Bronx.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.

JONES, PERKINS, WILKINS, ARAU, and MILLER were already in custody in connection with charges contained in a previous indictment related to this prosecution.  AMIER WILSON and REYES are in federal custody in connection with charges filed in other prosecutions.  TRUSTY and ESPINOSA are in state custody and will be transferred into federal custody.  MORGAN was arrested this morning in the Bronx.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, ABG was an extremely violent street gang that brutalized the Bronx by shooting and slashing their victims.  Among ABG’s many victims was Darren Scruggs, who we allege was gunned down at the age of 19 by Roberto Espinosa with the assistance of Daivon Morgan and Henry Jones.  With this Superseding Indictment, ABG’s members will face justice for these serious alleged acts of violence.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said:  “Targeting and dismantling gangs and crews, and preventing the violence so often associated with their illegal activities, continues to be among the highest priorities for the NYPD and our law enforcement colleagues.  I thank and commend the NYPD and HSI investigators, along with the prosecutors from the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for their hard work on this important case.  We vow to remain relentless in our efforts to identify and arrest anyone who involves themselves in such behavior.”

Ricky J. Patel, the Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI, said: “Today’s charges are yet another step towards making our city a safer place for everyone.  The individuals charged today are alleged to have committed numerous acts of senseless violence in the name of loyalty to their gang.  This superseding indictment demonstrates HSI’s continued commitment to working together with our partners to dismantle the violent gangs that are terrorizing our communities.” 

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment filed today in federal court:[1]

From at least in or about 2017 to in or about the present, ABG was a criminal enterprise centered in the Bronx, New York.  ABG primarily operated in the vicinity of the Mitchel Houses in the vicinity of 135th and 138th Streets and Lincoln and Willis Avenues.  In addition to their local affiliation, many of ABG’s members also affiliated with the national Crips gang.  In order to make money for the gang, protect the gang’s territory, and promote the gang’s standing, members of ABG engaged in, among other things, narcotics trafficking and violence, including murder.  To that end, ABG members sold crack cocaine and marijuana, promoted their gang affiliation on social media, possessed firearms, and engaged in shootings as part of their gang membership and narcotics trafficking. 

For years, ABG engaged in disputes with rival crews in the Bronx, which resulted in numerous acts of violence.  Among the many shootings that resulted from those rivalries was the murder of Darren Scruggs on February 18, 2019.  On that date, HENRY JONES and DAIVON MORGAN assisted ROBERTO ESPINOSA when he shot and killed Scruggs.  In addition, ELIJAH PERKINS shot at rival gang members on October 30, 2018, and committed another shooting on August 21, 2021, with assistance from AMIER WILSON.  Separately, WILSON carried out a shooting on March 25, 2022, during which he struck a victim.  JAMIE WILKINS also carried out a different shooting on October 28, 2021, and JONES committed a shooting on November 7, 2021, with assistance from JUAN REYES.

ABG’s rivalries also resulted in multiple slashings.  For example, on May 8, 2020, REYES, PERKINS, and XAVIER ARAU beat and slashed a victim.  Then on February 20, 2021, MORGAN slashed a victim across the face at the direction of TRUSTY.

ABG members also participated in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics in New York.  All defendants named in the Superseding Indictment participated in a conspiracy with other individuals to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine from at least in or about 2017 up to and including the present.

Between in or about 2017 and the present, the defendants also possessed, used, brandished, and discharged firearms in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy in which they all participated.  JONES, MORGAN, WILSON, PERKINS, WILKINS, and REYES are further charged with engaging in violent crimes in aid of racketeering, and using, brandishing, and discharging firearms in furtherance of these crimes of violence based on the shootings described above. 

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the NYPD, HSI, and the New York City Department of Corrections.

The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

“It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was committed to a life of service which impacted many. She was a global force who will be remembered for her reign of 70 years. Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth.”

 

Mayor Adams today ordered all flags on all city buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs, to be lowered to half-staff, beginning immediately.

Attorney General James Releases Statement on CAIR-NY’s Survey of Hate Crimes and Bias against Muslim New Yorkers

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement in response to the Council on American Islamic Relations New York’s (CAIR-NY) report on hate crimes and bias incidents against Muslim New Yorkers:

“The findings in CAIR-NY’s survey demonstrate that more needs to be done to protect and support Muslim New Yorkers. It’s clear that years of unjust policies and prejudice have left deep wounds in Muslim communities in New York. No New Yorker should be targeted or discriminated against because of what they believe, what they wear, or the color of their skin. My office will continue our work to take on hate and bias and make sure every New Yorker feels safe here.”

Read CAIR-NY’s report here.