Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 18, 2023

 

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

96 Statewide Deaths Reported from January 14 to January 17

 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 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), 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 last month.

Recently, the New York State Department of Health announced that the XBB.1.5. variant is now the most dominant strain in New York, accounting for more than 50 percent of COVID-19 infections statewide. Emerging at a time when both COVID-19 and flu cases remain high, early data indicates that XBB.1.5. is more transmissible than other circulating variants, though there is not yet clear evidence of significant changes to virulence or severity of disease.

The New York State Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report for the week ending January 7, shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for a fourteenth consecutive week, with a total of 293,541 positive cases across all 62 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 36 percent, while overall hospitalizations were down 34 percent from the previous week, with the week ending January 7 at 1,621 hospitalizations across the state.

Additionally, there were 37 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There were no additional pediatric deaths, leaving the total at six 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. Recently, 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 - 17.63
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 18.36
• Test Results Reported - 41,927
• Total Positive - 3,445
• Percent Positive - 7.72%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.79%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 3,511 (+59)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,509*
• Patients in ICU - 387 (+19)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 141 (-9)
• Total Discharges - 390,351 (+1,269)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 96*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 60,980*

** 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 - 77,526

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,   January   15, 2023	Monday,   January   16, 2023	Tuesday,   January   17, 2023
Bronx	7.89%	7.94%	8.19%
Kings	5.28%	5.20%	5.19%
New York	5.90%	5.89%	6.18%
Queens	8.13%	8.06%	8.01%
Richmond	7.02%	6.96%	6.83%

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Our Co-Op City Office is Now Open!

 

Visit Our New Office in Co-Op City!

To our neighbors in NY-14,

We hope you had a restful holiday season! As we kick off the New Year, we wanted to let you know that our new office in Co-Op City is now open. Visit us at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 3, The Bronx, NY 10475, where we accept walk-ins Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

As we search for offices in other parts of the new district, we will also continue to see constituents at our joint office with State Assemblymember Karines Reyes in Parkchester on Mondays and Tuesdays at 1973 Westchester Avenue.

Otherwise, during the week, we are available by phone at 718-662-5970 or online.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

In service,

The Office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES MAJOR MILESTONE IN PROJECT TO “DAYLIGHT” TIBBETTS BROOK, EXTENDS PUTNAM GREENWAY IN BRONX

 

After Years of Stalemate, Adams Administration Reaches Agreement to Purchase Critical Bronx Property Needed to Complete One of New York City’s Most Ambitious Green Infrastructure Projects to Date

 

Project Will Create Additional Capacity in Bronx Sewer System, Improve Health of Harlem River, and Provide Residents with New Green Space

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that the city has hit a key milestone in the project to uncover Tibbetts Brook and extend the Putnam Greenway in the Bronx. Following years of a stalemate, an agreement has been reached with railroad freight company CSX Transportation to purchase a piece of property critical to the project for $11.2 million. By obtaining this final component, the city will be able to move forward with rerouting the brook above ground, an engineering feat known as ‘daylighting,’ and will complete one of New York City’s most ambitious green infrastructure projects to date.

 

Removing Tibbetts Brook from the sewer system will create much-needed additional capacity in the borough’s drainage network and is expected to reduce combined sewer overflows by 228 million gallons annually, which will improve the health of the Harlem River. This green infrastructure project will also create new parkland for New Yorkers to enjoy within the former CSX rail line property and extend the existing Putnam Greenway, which goes through Van Cortlandt Park and connects northward to the 750-mile Empire State Trail.

 

“Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to completing one of New York City’s most ambitious green infrastructure project to date,” said Mayor Adams. “After years of trying, I’m proud that this administration was able to reach this milestone and can proceed with rerouting Tibbetts Brook above ground. Not only will this create more green spaces to enjoy, but it will remove millions of gallons of water from our sewer system, lessening potential flooding on rainy days.”

 

“With the help and support from Senator Schumer, our partner agencies, and countless committed electeds and advocates, the city will improve water quality for nearby rivers, reduce flooding, all while providing additional parkland and greenway connections,” said Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi. “This type of action highlights the importance of redeveloping unused industrial space creatively for the purpose of greening our city, and directly benefitting those communities in the Bronx as well as those adjacent to the Harlem River”

 

“Rerouting this long-buried waterway above ground will reduce pollution going into the Harlem River, lessen flooding, connect greenways, and create even more recreational space for the Bronx,” said Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Thanks to the persistent efforts of the Adams administration and our elected, community, and environmental partners, we are on our way to acquiring this critical piece of land from CSX Transportation and moving forward with the plan to restore Tibbetts Brook. This is one of our most ambitious green infrastructure projects to date, complementing the many other innovative initiatives we are already utilizing - including the recently expanded Cloudburst Program, Bluebelts, rain gardens and green roofs - to tackle climate change.”

 

“This project has been years in the making, and we are so proud that this administration has negotiated the vital CSX agreement to move forward with daylighting Tibbetts Brook – a win for environmental justice, and a big upgrade for the Bronx,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “In addition to adding nearly four acres of brand new greenspace and improving water quality in the Harlem River, this project will add an extension to our Putnam Greenway, connected to the larger Empire State Greenway, increasing recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers to enjoy.”

 

Tibbetts Brook was dammed in the 18^th century to form a mill pond in Van Cortlandt Park and by 1912 it was completely buried underground and directed into the city’s sewer system. The daylighting project will return it closer to its natural open-air path, which winds through the Kingsbridge neighborhood and empties into the Harlem River.

 

Once completed, the daylighting project will remove roughly 4 to 5 million gallons of water from the sewer system each day, more on rainy days. The project could lessen flooding in some areas of the Tibbetts Brook watershed, and reduce treatment costs and greenhouse gas emissions by diverting brook water away from the Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility.

 

There has already been significant community engagement on the project, and it is now in the final stages of the design process. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.   

 

Acquisition by the city of the rail property is subject to approval by the federal Surface Transportation Board for use of the former rail line as a trail. The overall daylighting and greenway project budget is $133 million. The project is part of an agreement between New York City and New York State to further improve the ecological health of city waterbodies.

 

Senator Gustavo Rivera on Senate Judiciary Committee's Hearing on Judge Hector LaSalle

 

"Thank you to my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee and to Chair Hoylman-Sigal for their diligent questioning of Judge LaSalle at today's hearing as part of the Senate’s advice and consent process. I also appreciate the nominee for his willingness to answer questions on his record.

The committee voted against moving this nomination to the floor after carefully considering Judge LaSalle's testimony. I believe that we have fulfilled our chamber's constitutional obligation and evaluated the nominee based on his professional merits and his record.

It is unfortunate that this process has become so acrimonious and I implore the Governor to work collaboratively with the Senate so that we may approve the nominee she selects next. I look forward to working with her to see that happen."

New Jersey Tax Preparer and Arizona Man Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud and Identity Theft

 

 A New Jersey tax preparer and an Arizona man were charged for their roles in conspiracies to commit wire fraud and defraud the IRS, and for aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Omar Khater, 32, of Fairfield, New Jersey, and Walid Khater, 37, of Mesa, Arizona, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Omar Khater is scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Walid Khater is expected to appear on Jan. 19, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in federal court in Arizona.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Omar and Walid Khater were relatives who worked together and with others to steal victims’ identities, which they used to file false tax returns and fraudulently receive tax refunds from the IRS. They electronically submitted tax documents to the IRS falsely claiming that the individual taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. The false filings also claimed tax withholdings on the purported income or gambling winnings that entitled the tax filer to refund payments from the IRS. The Khaters and others typically submitted these fraudulent tax filings using the names and personal identifying information of victims without the victims’ knowledge or permission. The fraudulent filings caused the IRS to pay $4.49 million in tax refunds, the Khaters and others directed to various bank accounts that they controlled. 

The wire fraud conspiracy count is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison; the count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison; and each count aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, to run consecutively to any term of imprisonment on the underlying felony.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, and special agents of FBI-Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy with the investigation leading to the charges.

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

Attorney General James Releases Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Allowing Firearm Dealer and Concealed Carry Gun Laws to Remain in Effect

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the United States Supreme Court ruled to allow New York’s Firearm Dealer Laws and Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) to remain in effect pending appeal. The Supreme Court declined to block a number of firearm dealer laws and provisions of the CCIA that were challenged in Gazzola v. Hochul. This action by the Supreme Court follows another decision from last week to uphold a stay issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Antonyuk v. Nigrelli.

“Once again, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to allow our state’s gun safety laws to remain in effect. We all see the heart-wrenching news from communities throughout New York state about the lives that are lost to senseless gun violence. We know that gun safety laws help save lives, and keep our state safer. My office will continue to work tirelessly to stand up for New York’s gun safety laws and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect New Yorkers.”

As a result of today’s decision, the full CCIA continues to be in effect. The CCIA took effect in September 2022, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The law strengthens requirements for concealed carry permits, prohibits guns in sensitive places, requires individuals with concealed carry permits to request a property owner’s consent to carry on their premises, enhances safe storage requirements, and requires background checks on all ammunition purchases.

Statement by Governor Hochul on Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

"Today, New Yorkers had the opportunity to hear directly from Judge LaSalle, and what they heard was an affirmation of his commitment to fairness and justice above all else. He also shared his personal background and views, including his deeply held support for organized labor and unequivocal belief in the right to an abortion. Judge LaSalle demonstrated exactly why he is the right person for this role - because of his extensive experience, judicial temperament and integrity.

"While this was a thorough hearing, it was not a fair one, because the outcome was predetermined. Several Senators stated how they were going to vote before the hearing even began - including those who were recently given seats on the newly expanded Judiciary Committee. While the Committee plays a role, we believe the Constitution requires action by the full Senate." 

MAYOR ADAMS DELIVERS REMARKS AT U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today delivered the following address, as prepared for delivery, to the United States Conference of Mayors’ opening plenary luncheon:

“Thank you, Mayor Suarez, and thank you to the conference of my fellow mayors.

“A year ago, I came before you to lay out an urban agenda and urge mayors to lead.

“Today, I am here to thank you for that leadership, and to ask you to support me in a national call to action on three of the most serious issues facing us as a nation: Gun violence, the fentanyl epidemic, and the asylum seeker crisis.

“These are issues that need a 50-state strategy, the leadership of our government, and the economic power of a united nation.

“The border crisis reminds us of this reality every day.

“Just a few days ago, I was in El Paso to see for myself how the asylum seeker crisis is affecting our border states and our entire nation.

“What I saw was not a state problem or a city problem. It is a national problem, driven by global forces, impacting regular people. 

“Every attempt to deal with immigration on a national level through legislation has been sabotaged, mostly by right-wing opposition, and cities are bearing the brunt of this failure, which is why I ask all of you here today to join me and say: We must come together as Americans to solve an American problem.

“A true solution to this problem is going to come from the executive branch, and from bipartisan effort in our Senate and House. I want to thank the New York City congressional delegation, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for their leadership in providing New York and other localities with federal funding to help cover a portion of these expenses.

“I also would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for supporting policies that will assist localities on the frontlines of the asylum seeker crisis gripping our nation. They have put forward a bold vision on immigration reform and requested billions of additional funding from Congress, but we are in need of more help.

“Today I am calling for a national response to the asylum seeker crisis, which includes six main points:

1. “A dedicated point-person whose sole focus is overseeing and coordinating our national asylum seeker response,
2. “A decompression strategy at the border that establishes a plan for each migrant’s arrival — and creates a system to fairly distribute newcomers regionally,
3. “Congressional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to implement that strategy in the places of greatest need,
4. “Expedited right to work options for asylum seekers who are allowed to enter the country,
5. “Congressional legislation that provides a clear pathway to residency or citizenship for those who enter this country legally,
6. “And nationwide leadership that takes an all-hands-on-deck approach by bringing together nonprofits, the faith-based community, and the private sector, alongside state and local government to meet this challenge.

“We need a similar national response on gun violence. Last year, I testified before Congress on the urgency of this issue.

“We are facing a crisis that is killing more Americans than war. A crisis that is now the number one killer of our young people. I know firsthand as the co-chair of Everytown’s nonpartisan coalition on Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

“We have made some progress as a nation. I am proud that we have confirmed a new ATF director and passed the first new gun safety laws in a generation. Thank you to President Biden, Majority Leader Schumer, and the New York congressional delegation for getting this done.

“But we must do more.

“We need common-sense gun safety laws across this nation, including the Assault Weapons Ban and the Background Check Expansion Act. And we need to stop the flow of illegal guns across state lines.

“Federal agencies must work together with local and state law enforcement to track, stop, and prevent the interstate trafficking of illegal guns — and those systems and partnerships require funding and legal support. Any new DOJ/ATF funds targeting gun violence must require that federal databases and investigation details be shared within existing joint task forces.

“The federal government must also increase funding for community violence intervention and other local anti-violence initiatives.

“While the gun violence crisis continues to destroy families and communities, we are also seeing a rise in deaths from opioids, particularly fentanyl, which is cheaper, more powerful, and more dangerous.

“In New York City alone, we saw over 2,600 fatal fentanyl overdoses in 2021 — a 78 percent increase since 2019. Over 100,00 people are dying from opioid overdoses every year in America — almost one every 3 hours.

“Opioid use is a public health crisis that requires a federal response centered around education, prevention, and treatment. The federal government must declare a national emergency around our overdose crisis, citing the dangerous supply and increasing deaths. 

“Next, the DEA, FBI, and state and local law enforcement must create a central database tracking the flow of fentanyl and the entire economic operation surrounding it. Coordinated seizures and building larger national cases on financial seizures may help disrupt supply. 

“And we need more federal resources behind national awareness strategies, including the DEA’s ‘1 pill can kill!’ campaign. This is a message that will save lives and must reach the widest audience possible.

“The federal government must also act to authorize proven harm reduction strategies, including overdose prevention centers or safe consumption sites. We need more funding for programs that make using drugs safer even as they treat substance use issues. And we must expand the use of drug testing supplies, including fentanyl test strips, and medical interventions like naloxone.

“We also need expanded federal funding to create reliable nationwide infrastructure that will support treatment and recovery. Right now, there are not enough treatment facilities or funding to care for those who so desperately need help. Federal agencies must also expand coverage for substance use disorder treatment under Medicaid and Medicare, and require the same of private health insurers because this isn't a ‘War on Drugs,’ this is a battle to save human lives.

“My fellow mayors: I’ve said it over and over again, this is our moment. Cities are not names on a map. They are the engines that power this nation; and those engines must be kept in good working order for our nation to prosper. Our cities and mayors have gotten us this far. Now it's time for our entire government to support the work that will save so many lives, protect the American dream for generations to come, and show the might of a nation united.

“I thank you for the job you do every day.”