Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 21, 2022

 

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

25 Statewide Deaths Reported on December 20

 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 during the cold weather months.

"As New Yorkers gather together this holiday season, I urge everyone 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. 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. The Governor recently updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC also cleared the way for children six months of age and olderto receive the bivalent booster shot to increase protection against COVID-19. Previously, these shots were only available to children ages 5 and older.

The New York State Department of Health issued a report showing a 19 percent week-over-week jump in lab-confirmed flu cases across New York and week-over-week hospitalizations up 6 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.

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 - 32.20
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 28.55
• Test Results Reported - 77,996
• Total Positive - 6,293
• Percent Positive - 7.15%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 7.50%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 3,835 (+43)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 676
• Patients in ICU - 379 (+15)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 154 (+1)
• Total Discharges - 376,876 (+577)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 25
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 60,079

** 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 - 76,482

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,   December   19, 2022	Monday,   December   20, 2022	Tuesday,   December   21, 2022
Bronx	8.57%	8.40%	8.51%
Kings	4.83%	5.62%	5.76%
New York	7.64%	7.40%	7.34%
Queens	8.99%	8.77%	8.99%
Richmond	6.70%	7.23%	7.97%

New York Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

 

The Defendant, a U.S. Citizen, Traveled to Saudi Arabia in an Attempt to Join ISIS in Syria

 A New York man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for attempting to provide material support or resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization.

Parveg Ahmed, 27, of Queens, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization in June 2018. According to court documents, Ahmed is a U.S. citizen who traveled to Saudi Arabia in June 2017, purportedly to celebrate an Islamic religious holiday. Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Ahmed attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIS.  Ahmed was apprehended in a country bordering Syria during his attempted travel to ISIS-controlled territory.

Previously, Ahmed had repeatedly expressed support on social media for ISIS and for individuals who provided support to the foreign terrorist organization’s mission of violent extremism. On July 17, 2017, law enforcement agents obtained a search warrant for his personal computer, and learned that he had viewed or listened to recordings of radical Islamic clerics Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born cleric and prominent leader of the foreign terrorist organization al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, who was killed on or about Sept. 30, 2011, and Abdullah el-Faisal, a Jamaican-born cleric, who was found guilty in the United Kingdom of solicitation to commit murder for preaching to followers to kill individuals, including Americans, because he deemed them to be enemies of Islam. Ahmed was deported to the United States on Aug. 28, 2017, where he was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Subsequent review of electronic devices found in Ahmed’s possession when he was detained attempting to travel to Syria also revealed:

• Messages explaining that the defendant planned to join ISIS in Syria to wage violent jihad and expressing farewell to the defendant’s family members. Specifically, review of his devices revealed a message he composed, but had not yet sent, stating, “[W]e have made it to Dawlatul Islam [ISIS] in Syria. In sha Allah [God willing] we will join the Jihad very soon and in Sha Allah [God willing] we will then join the ranks of the Shuhuda [martyrs]. The West has invaded the land of the Muslims and is constantly attacking it.”

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI Counterterrorism Division and Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case.

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. - CHRISTMAS: A GiFT FROM GOD

 

You should know that during this time of year America and much of the world are celebrating Christmas in honor of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

 

The celebration of Christmas began when the Roman Emperor, Flavius Valerius Constantine converted to Christianity. He did so in gratitude to God for giving him the victory over the Roman General Maxentius, in the battle known as "The Battle of the Milvian Bridge" in the year 312 (AD).

 

History says that, prior to going into Battle, Constantine had a vision of a Cross which appeared in the sky. This vision also had the phrase in Latin “Hoc Signe Vencis", which means “Under this Sign (meaning the cross) You Shall Conquer”. As a result of this celestial vision, and his victory in battle, Emperor Constantine, declared Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. Later, in the year 337 AD, Pope Julius I, decreed December 25^th as the day that Jesus Christ was born. To this day the world celebrates this date as “Christmas.” The Pope would celebrate a Mass to honor the Birth of Christ. That mass was called “Christ Mass” and later it became “Christmas”.

 

It is important for you to know that according to the Holy Scriptures, many miracles occurred prior to the birth of Messiah. A Choir of Heavenly Hosts descended and sang “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth and goodwill to men."  (Luke 2:13-14)

 

It is also important for us to remember God’s miraculous events as He prepared to render unto us the greatest gift ever. The birth of Messiah is surrounded by several miracles and amazing events such as:

 

1^st Miracle: The Angel of God, “Gabriel the messenger”, appears to Zachariah, the temple Priest. The Angel informs him that he and his wife will bear a child, although they are past the childbearing years. Zachariah, for his disbelief is left temporarily mute and his elderly wife, as foretold by the Angel, conceives a child. That child becomes John the Baptist, who late prepares the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and His earthly ministry.   (Luke 1:1-20) 

 

2nd Miracle: Six months later the same Angel “Gabriel” appears to a  Young Virgin named Mary and lets her know that she would give birth to a son. When she inquires “How could this be?” given that she is a virgin.  The Angel responds that it would be of the “Holy Spirit”. (Luke 1:30-36) 

 

3rd Miracle: Joseph, Mary’s espoused, understandably upset at this news, later miraculously accepts Mary, who according to the law should have been put to death by stoning. Joseph later understood that the child in her womb was of divine origin as  revealed to him in a vision that assured him that Mary had not been unfaithful, therefore, Joseph protected her.    (Matthew 1:20)

 

4th Miracle: The Emperor Augustus Caesar orders a Census. This forces Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, with his pregnant wife Mary who is soon to give birth. This order of a census miraculously took place to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be born of a Virgen in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)  (Luke 2:1-7)

 

 5th Miracle: God organizes a choir of celestial beings which descend from the highest revealing themselves to Shepherds in the field bringing the good news that the Redeemer/ Savior has been born and they sang “Glory to God in the highest, And on the earth peace, and goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:8-14) 

 

My dear reader, Christmas is a magical time. There are many reasons to celebrate Christmas. It is a time to be Joyous, Grateful and feel the Love of God’s gift of His Son to the World.

 

As Christians the best gift we can give our neighbors at Christmas time, and always is the gift of a smile to someone who is sad, visit someone who is Sick, give a hug to your Enemy and say Jesus Christ Loves you and so do I.  Let your light shine upon someone who is in need. As Christians let’s Show the world that we are blessed because we are the recipients of the best gift that God has given all of Humankind, the precious gift of His son the Savior of the world. (John 3:16) 

 

Christmas should be a time of peace, joy, unity, and a time to remember that we must have goodwill toward one another as members of one Race, the Human Race. Christmas is a time when we gather with family and friends to remember God's most precious gift to the world.  Christmas reminds us that our Creator loves us. 

 

So, with my Virtues and all my defects I have accepted God’s most precious gift of His son Jesus Christ, and I have welcomed Him into my heart. My friends, this is the reason for the Christmas Season. This is the reason we celebrate.  Long live Christmas! Peace on Earth and Good will toward all humankind. I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

 

I am Reverend Ruben Diaz and this is What You Should Know.

Attorney General James Delivers $500,000 in Credits to Incarcerated Individuals Who Were Denied Services

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James reached an agreement with JPay LLC (JPay), a technology and financial services provider for corrections facilities, for failing to provide adequate media and communication services to incarcerated individuals at facilities owned and operated by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). JPay provides tablets to incarcerated individuals that are used to watch videos, listen to music, and communicate with approved family and friends using a secure messaging system. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) received numerous complaints from incarcerated New Yorkers that JPay’s tablets were defective, arrived late, or never arrived. The OAG also found that JPay failed to refund consumers or provide technical support when a service they paid for was not delivered. As a result of today’s agreement, JPay will provide $500,000 in credits to incarcerated individuals that can be used to communicate with people outside DOCCS facilities.

“Denying New Yorkers a service or product they paid for is illegal and unjust,” said Attorney General James. “JPay failed to deliver services to incarcerated individuals and did little to fix issues with their devices. As a result of today’s agreement, JPay must improve its services and provide better customer support to incarcerated individuals. Every New Yorker has rights, and my office will continue to defend and protect those rights.”

DOCCS operates 44 correctional and/or treatment facilities that house approximately 30,500 individuals throughout New York. JPay provides tablets to incarcerated individuals — including those at DOCCS facilities — that can be used to buy music, movies, and communications services. The communications services allow individuals to pay to communicate with approved family and friends using a secure messaging system. Family members of incarcerated individuals can add funds or digital stamps into an account to connect with their loved ones.

The OAG received hundreds of complaints from New Yorkers about JPay’s poor services and products. The OAG found that JPay repeatedly failed to deliver services and often failed to refund individuals when purchased music and videos did not download. A significant number of JPay’s tablets were not functional, leaving individuals unable to fully utilize the items they purchased and/or view their saved messages and pictures. JPay also failed to quickly address technical issues and left consumers without functioning devices or refunds for extended periods.

As a result of today’s agreement, JPay will provide 100 digital stamps to every individual presently at a DOCCS facility, a value of approximately $500,000. Stamps allow incarcerated individuals to send digital messages to approved family and friends. In addition, JPay must hire at least 11 customer service representatives to exclusively handle DOCCS complaints and hire at least 10 site reps to handle Level 2 complaints. JPay must also resolve complaints, or “trouble tickets,” about their devices and services within 14 days of receiving a complaint and accurately inform individuals when they can expect their product or service to be delivered. JPay must also ensure that all their kiosks at DOCCS facilities are properly maintained and that technical support is available and pay the state $50,000 in penalties.

Governor Hochul Announces Start of Adult-Use Cannabis Retail Sales

 

Housing Works, a Non-Profit Supporting Formerly Incarcerated New Yorkers, to Make First Cannabis Sale in Manhattan December 29

Completes the Cannabis Supply Chain Started by the Seeding Opportunity Initiative

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that sales of legal, regulated adult-use cannabis will start on December 29 at a dispensary in Manhattan, operated by Housing Works, the nation's largest minority-controlled HIV/AIDS service organization and largest community-based HIV/AIDS service organization. The non-profit, based in New York City, operates a range of direct and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS, the homeless, formerly incarcerated, and justice involved individuals. It also operates a network of charitable retail storefronts.

"We set a course just nine months ago to start New York's adult-use cannabis market off on the right foot by prioritizing equity, and now, we're fulfilling that goal," Governor Hochul said. "The industry will continue to grow from here, creating inclusive opportunity in every corner of New York State with revenues directed to our schools and revitalizing communities."

This historic event will mark a critical milestone in the Seeding Opportunity Initiative, which was designed to set New York on a path to fulfilling the goals of New York's Cannabis Law by building an adult-use cannabis industry that offsets the harms resulting from the disproportionate impact of cannabis prohibition.

Announced by Governor Hochul in March, the Initiative has provided for the licensing of 280 family farmers to grow the first adult-use cannabis in New York State. These tested, safer cannabis products will be sold by the first licensed adult-use dispensaries in New York, which are either owned by successful business operators, or a close family member, who have a cannabis conviction (justice involved); or non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals who have been harmed by the unequal enforcement of cannabis prohibition.

To qualify, nonprofits, such as Housing Works, also need to have at least one justice-involved board member and create vocational opportunities for those with a marijuana conviction. Housing Works has served justice-involved New Yorkers since its inception in 1990 through direct services and advocacy initiatives. Today, Housing Works' Justice Initiative tailors the non-profit's services to meet the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, including those with marijuana convictions.

The storefront operated by Housing Works is located at 750 Broadway in the Astor Place neighborhood. All proceeds from dispensary sales will be directed to parent organization Housing Works, Inc., founded in 1990 to address the dual crises of HIV/AIDS and homelessness. The self-sustaining nonprofit provides job opportunities, legal advocacy and comprehensive housing and health services funded, in part, by revenues from its thrift stores, SoHo bookstore and now its cannabis dispensary. With a focus on compassion and dispelling stigmas, Housing Works endeavors to move the cannabis industry forward by supporting the practical needs of their community through an equity-driven and harm reduction approach.

Spanning 4,400 square feet, the iconic building where the dispensary will be, known as 1 Astor Place, was completed in 1883. Housing Works Cannabis Co will welcome patrons with an introductory shopping experience upon opening, with plans to carefully build out an expanded and thoughtfully curated space as cannabis products become more available.

Housing Works Cannabis Co, located at 750 Broadway in Manhattan's Astor Place neighborhood, will be open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours will adjust in the coming weeks. Learn more here.

To date, the New York State Cannabis Control Board has approved 36 Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary Licenses, including 28 for qualifying businesses and 8 for non-profits. Earlier this month, the Office of Cannabis Management released guidance to support retail businesses in starting their operations with delivery service to help jumpstart sales.