Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - Nov 22, 2022

 

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

67 Statewide Deaths Reported from November 19 to November 21

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

"With respiratory illnesses circulating in our state this Thanksgiving holiday, I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and to use all available tools to keep themselves and loved ones in 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."

Yesterday, Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to take precautions this holiday season to protect young children, older individuals and those with underlying health conditions from respiratory viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19 as infections continue to rise nationwide. Influenza is spreading quickly, with the number of laboratory-confirmed cases statewide having nearly tripled over the past three weeks, while hospitalizations have more than doubled.

Earlier this month, Governor Hochul launched a public awareness campaign featuring New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett speaking directly to New Yorkers about the three viruses 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 urges 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:

1. Cases Per 100k - 15.18
2. 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 18.88
3. Test Results Reported - 38,418
4. Total Positive - 2,967
5. Percent Positive - 6.88%**
6. 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.87%**
7. Patient Hospitalization - 2,919 (+275)
8. Patients Newly Admitted - 1045*
9. Patients in ICU - 287 (+33)
10. Patients in ICU with Intubation - 101 (+8)
11. Total Discharges - 364,414 (+692)*
12. New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 67*
13. Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 59,288*

** 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 - 75,642

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	Saturday,   Nov.  19, 2022	Sunday,   Nov.  20, 2022	Monday,   Nov.  21, 2022
Bronx	7.07%	7.06%	6.99%
Kings	5.71%	5.77%	5.82%
New York	6.26%	6.28%	6.31%
Queens	7.00%	6.95%	7.01%
Richmond	5.12%	4.98%	4.82%

Governor Hochul Announces Actions to Prevent Hate Crimes and Protect New Yorkers

 

Signs Legislation (S.6570/A.1202) to Require Individuals Convicted of Hate Crimes to Undergo Mandatory Training in Hate Crime Prevention and Education and Legislation (S.123A/A.5913A) to Establish a Statewide Campaign Developed and Run by the Division of Human Rights to Promote the Acceptance, Inclusion, Tolerance, and Understanding of the Diversity of the People of New York

Encourages Community-Based Organizations to Apply for $50 Million to Strengthen Safety Measures and Protect Against Hate Crimes - Deadline Extended for Additional Applications

Announces Plans for Unity Summit to Bring Together Community Leaders and Combat Hate, Violent Extremism, and Discrimination

Builds on the State's Hate Crime Prevention Initiatives Supported by $361 Million in State and Federal Grant Funding

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced actions to prevent hate crimes, promote tolerance, and protect New Yorkers. The Governor signed two pieces of legislation to support hate crime prevention and education efforts, building on the administration's efforts to increase funding to protect targets of hate crimes and increase surveillance and protection for communities at risk. The first piece of legislation requires individuals convicted of hate crimes to, in addition to other penalties, undergo mandatory training or counseling in hate crime prevention and education. The second establishes a statewide campaign for the acceptance, inclusion, tolerance, and understanding of diversity, including, but not limited to diversity based on religion, race, color, creed, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Governor Hochul also encouraged community-based organizations to apply for $50 million in available funding to strengthen safety measures and protect against hate crimes, and extended the deadline for applications.

"Our hearts are broken after a weekend during which LGBTQ Americans were massacred and Jewish New Yorkers were targeted in horrific acts of hateful violence," Governor Hochul said. "New York belongs to the good, not those with hate in their hearts - we're taking bold action to reclaim our city and state from the haters, bigots and white supremacists. Domestic-based violent extremism is the greatest threat to our homeland security, and that is why we continue to remain laser-focused on combatting hate and keeping New Yorkers safe."

Both pieces of legislation promote educational initiatives, which serve as key tools to further tolerance and acceptance, and in turn help keep communities safe from hateful acts and violence.

Legislation (S.6570/A.1202) amends the penal law to establish that in addition to other penalties, individuals convicted of hate crimes shall undergo mandatory training in hate crime prevention and education as part of their sentence. The programs, training sessions, or counseling sessions must be authorized by the court or local agencies in cooperation with organizations serving the affected community.

Legislation (S.123A/A.5913A) amends the executive law to establish and implement a statewide campaign for the acceptance, inclusion, tolerance, and understanding of diversity. The campaign, which will be developed and implemented by the Division of Human Rights, will coordinate and cooperate with public and private organizations, including, but not limited to, local governments, community groups, school districts, places of worship, charitable organizations, and foundations and will develop educational materials to be published on the internet, social media, and other platforms to reach the public.

These legislative efforts build upon $246 million in federal funding that Governor Hochul announced in October to support homeland security preparedness, counterterrorism, and emergency preparedness efforts across New York, as well as $96 million in combined State and Federal funding announced earlier this month to safeguard nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes and attacks.

Administered by the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the state-funded Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program is currently seeking proposals for $50 million, which is anticipated to support approximately 1,000 projects across the state. The Governor announced that DCJS is now extending the application deadline from January 31, 2023 to February 28, 2023 for this program, so more interested, eligible organizations can apply.

Created in 2017, the program provides funding to strengthen security measures and prevent hate crimes against nonprofit community and civic centers, cultural museums, day care centers, and other nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. This funding can be used to support exterior or interior security improvements, including but not limited to lighting, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, barriers, access controls, shatter-resistant glass and blast-resistant film, public address systems, and for the first time, measures to strengthen cybersecurity. Funds can also cover costs associated with security training. To date, a total of $83.1 million has been awarded to more than 600 nonprofit organizations to support approximately 1,700 projects.

DCJS will accept applications for up to $50,000 per project; each eligible organization may submit up to three applications for a maximum of $150,000. An eligible organization also may submit a separate application for up to $50,000 to fund a cybersecurity project. Applications must be submitted to DCJS by Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Visit the Grants/Funding page of the DCJS website for eligibility requirements, instructions, guidelines and additional information.

Governor Hochul has also recently provided direct support to public safety and preparedness programs in the form of $9 million in targeted Homeland Security Grant Funding for bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, technical rescue, critical infrastructure protection, local government cybersecurity, and urban search and rescue teams throughout New York. She has also directed $10 million in state grant funds to support county governments as they develop domestic terrorism prevention plans and threat assessment and management teams in the wake of the horrific white supremist attack on the Tops Market in Buffalo in earlier this year. DHSES has also launched the first state based Domestic Terrorism Prevention Unit and will require each county in the state to develop and submit a domestic terrorism prevention plan to DHSES by December 31, 2023 in an effort to stop hate crimes before they happen when the worst harm has already been done.

At Governor Hochul's direction, New York State Police has increased protection for communities at risk of hate crimes. The State Police remains in contact with the New York Police Department and will continue outreach to LGBTQ communities across New York, as well as to synagogues and other Jewish community spaces in the state. The State Police now has 97 investigators who have been through extensive training in bias-related crimes stationed across the state dedicated to hate crime investigations, more than double the number in place 6 years ago. Over the course of those 6 years, State Police handled more than 1,700 investigations into reported hate crimes.

This weekend, MTA Police, State Police, the NYPD, and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force collaborated to arrest two armed men at Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan who are accused of traveling to the City with plans to cause violence towards the Jewish community. Increased resources provided by Governor Hochul to the State Police and the New York State Intelligence Center contributed to these arrests.

Governor Hochul also announced she will convene a Unity Summit to bring together community and government partners to stand against hate, violent extremism, and discrimination. The Unity Summit will be held in the coming months and follow regional listening sessions, which will be supported by the New York State Police, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Division of Criminal Justice Services, and Division of Human Rights.

State, local, and federal partners, community-based and faith leaders, and advocates will convene at the summit to share policies, programs, and practices to build safer and stronger communities where hate has no place. Participants will also present on their extensive efforts to address hate-motivated crimes, prevent the spread of violent extremism, and promote unity and reconciliation.

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS TWO BILLS PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN NEW YORK CITY

 

Intros. 153-A and 154-A Will Establish Housing Stability Program and Create Online Services Portal for Survivors of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed two bills to provide support for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in New York City. Intro. 153-A amends New York City’s administrative code by establishing a housing stability program for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Intro. 154-A amends New York City’s administrative code by requiring the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) to create an online services portal and guide.

 

“Everyone deserves to be safe in their relationships and live a life free of domestic and gender-based violence,” said Mayor Adams. “This is a public safety issue that impacts us all. Domestic and gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere in our city, and we have a sacred duty to protect these survivors. By signing these two bills into law, we are continuing to protect those at risk and ensuring they have a chance to thrive. Together, we can end domestic and gender-based violence and build a city where everyone is safe in their homes and in their communities.”

 

“Today’s bill signing affirms our city’s commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “I look forward to working with ENDGBV and our partner agencies to implement this program and help keep our survivors in safe, stable housing.”

 

“We applaud Mayor Adams and the New York City Council for passing and enacting Councilmember Cabán’s ‘Support Survivors’ legislative package,” said ENDGBV Commissioner Cecile Noel. “This legislation ensures that survivors of domestic and gender-based violence have access to the resources they need to find safety, stability, and healing. In addition to spreading awareness about city and community-based services for survivors, this legislation also addresses a critical need for survivors: low-barrier, flexible funding to support the housing and safety-related needs of survivors. Domestic and gender-based violence are leading causes of homelessness in our city and across the nation, and we are proud to partner with our sister agencies and the City Council to combat this issue and to help strengthen crucial survivor supports.”

 

Intro. 153-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán — would require ENDGBV, in consultation with the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and community-based organizations, to establish a program to provide survivors of domestic and gender-based violence with a low-barrier grant and supportive services that would help survivors with expenses related to maintaining housing. The bill would require ENDGBV to report on the program on an annual basis. The legislation also updates the definitions section used in this section of the code.

 

Intro. 154-A — also sponsored by Councilmember Cabán — would require ENDGBV to establish an online portal and a written resource guide of available services for survivors of domestic or gender-based violence in New York City. The portal and guide would be aligned with ENDGBV’s NYCHope and be available in the designated citywide languages. The guide would also be available in Braille. The portal would include a clear and conspicuous link to any other relevant city-run websites and portals that provide information on survivor services located within the city and a description of the types of such resources. Finally, the bill would require ENDGBV to conduct outreach on the portal and guide and to ensure the portal is secure and confidential to protect the privacy of survivors.

 

Today’s bill signings for survivors help usher in the city’s annual ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign,’ which kicks off later this week. The campaign starts on November 25 (International Day to End Violence Against Women) and ends on December 10 (Human Rights Day) — encouraging New Yorkers to learn more about the consequences of gender-based violence and urging government, community, corporate, and philanthropic sectors to take concrete and impactful actions to eliminate gender-based violence. New Yorkers can learn more, join the campaign, or help share the resources and services available to survivors throughout New York City by visiting the 16 Days website.

 

Congressman Ritchie Torres - I lived next to a Trump Golf Course

 

I grew up across the street from one of Donald Trump's golf courses in New York. This one, in fact: ↘↘ Yes, really. But it was not the way I think you're picturing it in your mind — let me explain. I didn't live in a skyrise apartment or a mansion with luxuries at my fingertips. I grew up in the Throggs Neck Houses, a crumbling public housing project among vermin, lead, and mold, across from Trump's Golf Course in The Bronx. Little Ritchie Torres. My mom was a single mom, working multiple jobs to keep food on the table. I'm so grateful for how much she sacrificed to provide for our family. Living across from Trump's Golf Course, I had to see a reminder every day of how easily and often our government supports and enables the ultra-wealthy at the expense of working families. You see, the New York City government shoveled over $100 million in government aid to develop this golf course with Donald Trump and the corrupt Trump Organization. They did this while New York families like mine lived in hunger and poverty across the street. But, I always try to look at the positives — growing up smelling the stench of Donald Trump (even before he became president) has led me to where I am today: Fighting in Congress for justice for real working families. When I work on legislation, I always think about the families who are struggling just like mine did. I lived that experience — it is not abstract to me. And I'll never forget it. I hope you feel like you have a better sense of who I am and what my values are. I swear that I'm fighting for those values every day in Congress. Thank you, Ritchie EDITOR'S NOTE: This was a solicitation for a donation by Congressman Torres which was deleted, but we wanted you to know the story of 'Little Ritchie' Torres and how he has fought his way to congress.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State Pension Fund Valued at $233.2 Billion at End of Second Quarter

 

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that the estimated value of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) was $233.2 billion at the end of the second quarter of the state’s fiscal year. For the three-month period ending Sept. 30, 2022, Fund investments returned an estimated -3.85%.

“The recent volatility in the markets and concerns over the state of the economy have hit investors hard,” DiNapoli said. “Inflation and supply chain issues are continuing to impact the financial world and we expect a challenging investment environment for the foreseeable future. Still, the Fund is highly diversified and built to weather the ups and downs of the markets. Our pensioners and members can remain confident that their benefits are safe.”

The Fund's value reflects retirement and death benefits of $3.745 billion paid out during the quarter. Its audited value was $272.1 billion as of March 31, 2022, the end of the state fiscal year.

As of Sept. 30, the Fund had 42.33% of its assets invested in publicly traded equities. The remaining Fund assets by allocation are invested in cash, bonds, and mortgages (22.62%), private equity (15.29%), real estate and real assets (13.53%) and credit, absolute return strategies, and opportunistic alternatives (6.23%).

The Fund’s long-term expected rate of return is 5.9%.

Every three years the Fund is required to undergo an independent Fiduciary and Conflict of Interest Review. The review, most recently performed by Kroll LLC, found the Fund “continues to be a leader amongst its peers for management and operational transparency.”

DiNapoli initiated quarterly performance reporting by the Fund in 2009 as part of his on-going efforts to increase accountability and transparency.

Brooklyn Woman Pleads Guilty To Multifaceted COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

 

TATIANA DANIEL Conspired to Commit Pandemic Fraud by Defrauding New York City’s COVID-19 Hotel Room Isolation Program, Selling Fabricated COVID-19 Test Results, Committing Unemployment Benefits Fraud, and Obtaining Fraudulent COVID-19 Loans

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TATIANA DANIEL pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  DANIEL participated in a scheme to commit COVID-19 pandemic fraud by (1) defrauding New York City’s COVID-19 Hotel Room Isolation Program; (2) selling fabricated COVID-19 test results, both positive and negative; (3) committing unemployment benefits fraud; and (4) obtaining fraudulent COVID-19 loans from both the United States Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program.  DANIEL pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.  DANIEL’s case is assigned to United States District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As she admitted today, Tatiana Daniel repeatedly took advantage of resources offered to aid people and businesses in crisis.  Daniel’s misconduct included selling fabricated COVID-19 test results, which likely put members of the public at risk of contracting the deadly virus from one of Daniel’s customers.  Daniel now faces possible prison time for her illegal and dangerous actions.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information, court filings, and statements made during plea proceedings:

From March 2020 through September 2021, DANIEL conspired to commit COVID-19 pandemic fraud through a variety of different means.

First, DANIEL defrauded the COVID-19 Hotel Room Isolation Program (the “Program”).  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City created the Program.  Funded by New York City and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Program provided free hotel rooms for qualifying individuals throughout New York City.  The Program was open to (a) healthcare workers who needed to isolate because of exposure to COVID-19; (b) patients who had tested positive for COVID-19; (c) individuals who believed, based on their symptoms, that they were infected with COVID-19; and (d) individuals who lived with someone who had COVID-19.  As stated on the City’s website describing the Program, such individuals “may qualify to self-isolate in a hotel, free of charge, for up to 14 days if you do not have a safe place to self-isolate.”  Those who wished to book a hotel room through the Program could either call a phone number or use an online hotel booking platform. 

DANIEL defrauded the Program in at least two respects.  First, she secured free Program hotel rooms for herself by falsely claiming to be a healthcare worker — specifically, a respiratory therapist.  Second, she sold at least approximately 144 nights’ worth of fraudulently obtained hotel rooms to customers who were ineligible for the Program.  In connection with this scheme, DANIEL used Facebook to advertise the sale of Program hotel rooms, to communicate directly with potential purchasers of Program hotel rooms, and to communicate with a co-defendant who worked at a call center that handled phone calls and certain reservations for the Program for several months in 2020.  For instance, at one point, DANIEL wrote to her co-defendant, “We gotta relocate that bitch they keep asking for employee ID.”

Second, DANIEL operated a fraudulent document mill, through which DANIEL sold, among other things, fabricated COVID-19 test results, both positive and negative, in July and August 2021.  These fabricated test results included the names of purported medical personnel, and contained misspellings (e.g., “postive”).

Third, between May 2021 and September 2021, DANIEL submitted fraudulent applications for COVID-19 loans, through both the PPP and EIDL programs, resulting in the disbursement of thousands of dollars in pandemic loan funding to DANIEL and a co-conspirator.

Fourth, between March 2020 and September 2021, DANIEL conspired to fraudulently obtain more than approximately $97,000 in unemployment benefits in New York State for both herself and others.  She did so by making misrepresentations about herself, and by stealing the identities of more than 10 individuals and collecting unemployment benefits issued for the benefit of those individuals.  In addition, DANIEL filed unsuccessful unemployment benefits applications in other states.

DANIEL, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  Under the terms of her plea agreement, DANIEL has agreed to forfeit $109,655 and to pay restitution of $401,206. 

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  DANIEL is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kaplan on March 29, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.

DANIEL’s three co-defendants are currently scheduled to proceed to trial before Judge Kaplan on January 17, 2023.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of agents, investigators, and analysts from the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Intelligence Analysts for their support and assistance in this investigation.  He also expressed gratitude to the New York City Police Department, the New York State Department of Labor, and the DOL-OIG Atlanta Regional Office for their assistance.

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Take Steps to Reduce Risk of Respiratory Illnesses this Holiday Season

 

Encourages Proven Prevention Measures to Prevent Severe Illness, Including Vaccinations and Good Respiratory Hygiene

Respiratory Virus Cases, Including RSV and Flu, Have Increased at a Rapid Pace; COVID-19 Continues to be a Significant Threat

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take precautions this holiday season to protect young children, older individuals and those with underlying health conditions from respiratory viruses like RSV, influenza and COVID-19 as infections continue to rise nationwide. With statewide travel and indoor gatherings prevalent around the Thanksgiving holiday, Governor Hochul asked New Yorkers to take common prevention measures - like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene - to protect from these viruses and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals.

"As many New Yorkers look forward to gathering with friends and family during the Thanksgiving holiday, we should also embrace the commonsense measures we know to be effective at reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses," Governor Hochul said. "Be sure to stay up to date on vaccines - including flu shots and COVID-19 boosters. And if you do fall ill or develop symptoms, stay home and first seek treatment from your primary care provider."

RSV, influenza and COVID-19 can be especially dangerous for very young children, New Yorkers 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions. As a result of this threat, the state Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice this fall to alert hospitals, local health departments, laboratories, emergency rooms, and other health care providers to remain vigilant against rising respiratory illnesses.

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "While the simplest thing to do is regularly wash your hands and practice good respiratory hygiene, like covering your cough, one of the key things we learned in our battle against COVID-19 is that wearing a well-fitting mask can also dramatically reduce the spread of other respiratory viruses, including flu and RSV. This holiday season, we can protect our children and elderly, keep our family out of the hospitals and reduce the pressure on our local healthcare system by taking many of the same protective measures that became commonplace from the outset of the pandemic more than two years ago, including masking in public indoor spaces."

The Department of Health's statewide surveillance of influenza found activity levels were geographically widespread for six consecutive weeks. The number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases reported to the agency has nearly tripled over the past three weeks, while hospitalizations have more than doubled.

The agency's weekly flu tracker displays the number of cases and hospitalizations cases across the state. This site is updated throughout flu season, which is typically October through May of the following calendar year.

Nationally, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 1.6 million and 3.7 million people were sick with the flu in October; with between 760,000 and 1.8 million seeking a healthcare provider; and between 13,000 and 28,000 being hospitalized. Between 730 and 2,100 people died from the flu or flu-related causes last month, the federal agency estimates.

Simultaneously, RSV cases continue to emerge with more frequency than recent years and can strain pediatric hospital capacity. A common respiratory virus, RSV can be especially harmful to older adults and very young children - particularly those under one year of age or born preterm.

To increase public awareness of RSV and to provide information for parents, guardians, and pediatricians, the Department of Health produced three videos to be shared on social media: A short clip and a longer version geared toward parents; and a version aimed specifically at health care providers. The videos encourage New Yorkers to recognize the best measures for preventing the spread of RSV spread, managing symptoms and care, and how to protect loved ones at the greatest risk of getting very ill.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat, particularly for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated New Yorkers. COVID-19 is one of the leading causes of death in the United States; all New Yorkers 6 months of age and older should stay up to date with their shots, particularly those who are older or immuno-compromised, as well as everyone 5 years and older who are eligible for the updated, bivalent booster dose.

This fall, New York State prepared for a potential increase in COVID-19 infections, which spiked during the fall and winter months for two consecutive years. Case levels remain at moderate levels as of now - between about 5 and 25 per 100,000 people in every region -and hospital admissions due to COVID-19 have been similarly steady and are now between approximately 0.6 and 2.3 per 100,000 in every region.

On November 16, 2,686 New Yorkers who tested positive for COVID-19 were hospitalized. The Department of Health also continues to conduct wastewater surveillance to check transmission levels in communities, enabling the agency to detect prospective surges statewide.

New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19, but don't have a health care provider, can call a new hotline or submit an online form to be evaluated for treatment. All New Yorkers are eligible regardless of income or health insurance coverage. Outside of New York City: Call 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) or complete an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCareTherapeutics Access website. New York City residents should call 212-COVID-19.

To protect against respiratory viruses, the Department of Health recommends commonsense precautions, including:

• Staying up to date on vaccines, including Flu and COVID-19.
• Washing your hands often with soap and hot water for least 20 seconds.
• Not coughing or sneezing into your hands.
• Regularly washing hands and using good hygiene.
• Staying home when sick or symptomatic.
• Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public indoor spaces.

Individuals who have someone in their home who is higher risk, including those under 1 year of age, over 65 years of age, or with a compromised immune system, should be especially vigilant with mask wearing when outside the home or when others come into your home, with scientific evidence supporting this simple, precautionary measure.

Resources are also available to help New Yorkers make informed decisions about these viruses:

• Information about RSV.
• Information about the flu, including fact sheets and other downloadable materials.
• The COVID-19 website has resources for the public, schools, adult care facilities and medical laboratories.
• Information about vaccine efficacy.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON STATE’S APPROVAL OF FIRST ROUND OF CANNABIS RETAIL DISPENSARY LICENSES, PROPOSED CANNABIS REGULATION PACKAGE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement after New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) approved the first round of Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses and proposed their adult-use cannabis regulation package:

 

“Today, OCM took a massive stride towards ensuring that social and economic equity will be infused throughout all facets of the emerging cannabis industry. This is just the beginning of a multibillion-dollar opportunity for our city, and I am proud that the first legal retail sales will be made by entrepreneurs who were most harmed by previous cannabis criminalization. In addition to prioritizing ‘justice-involved’ applicants, I commend OCM for making the unprecedented decision to offer a portion of licenses to non-profit organizations — like LIFE Camp, Housing Works, and The DOE Fund — that have been working to improve outcomes for marginalized people in New York City for decades. This unique approach accomplishes multiple major milestones: Those directly harmed by cannabis criminalization are given the opportunity to better themselves through entrepreneurship, while also providing funding to non-profit organizations that have historically supported underserved New Yorkers.”

 

“I am also pleased to see that the regulatory framework proposed by OCM holds the line on the equity-driven goals of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA), with clear guardrails to prevent oligopolistic consolidation of the market along with much-needed flexibility for responding to unexpected shifts in the market as it develops.”

 

“I have instructed the Cannabis NYC office to host a series of policy review workshops in the coming weeks for external and internal stakeholder groups to help break down the proposed regulations, provide opportunities to capture stakeholder feedback, and support submission of public comment to OCM during the 60-day period. My administration looks forward to supporting New York City’s first adult-use retail dispensaries and helping them grow from seed to shop window.”