Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Get Vaccinated as Flu Season Begins

 

Releases New PSA Encouraging People to Get Vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccine Can Be Received at the Same Time as Flu Shot

Flu Cases Hit Record Low in 2020 Due to Mask Wearing and Social Distancing, Show Preventive Measures for 2021 Flu Season Will Be Critical

 Governor Kathy Hochul today released a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging New Yorkers to get both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this season. The COVID-19 vaccine and/or a booster dose can be received at the same time as the seasonal flu shot.  Flu season occurs primarily from October through May, often peaking between December and February. 

"Vaccination is the best defense against both the flu and COVID-19," said Governor Hochul. "Getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself, it also protects people around you. I urge all New Yorkers to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family, friends and coworkers from both the flu and COVID-19 viruses."

The State Health Department recommends that everyone six months of age or older receive an influenza vaccination. The vaccine is especially important for people at high risk for complications from influenza, including children under age 2, pregnant women and adults over age 65. People with preexisting conditions such as asthma and heart disease are also at greater risk, as are individuals with weakened immune systems due to disease or medications such as chemotherapy or chronic steroid use. Since influenza virus can spread easily by coughing or sneezing, it is also important that family members and people in regular contact with high-risk individuals get an influenza vaccine.

"We actively monitor both flu activity and COVID-19 to help protect and raise awareness among New Yorkers and encourage them to get vaccinated against both infectious diseases," said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.  "Both of these viruses can cause serious complications that may require hospitalization, so while getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 remains the best way to combat these infections, it's also important to wear a mask, social distance where possible and practice good hygiene in order to stay healthy and reduce hospitalizations."

Transcript of the new PSA:

Are you ready for flu season?

With kids back in school and many people returning to work, we need to get ready for both flu and COVID this fall and winter. 

Protect yourself, your family and your community by getting BOTH vaccines.

Everyone (6 months and older on screen) should get their flu shot-- and people 12 and older should get a COVID vaccine, too. 

Talk to your health care provider about getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn more at health.ny.gov/flu

Influenza activity data will be available on the New York State Flu Tracker. The Flu Tracker is a dashboard on the New York State Health Connector that provides timely information about local, regional and statewide influenza activity. Click here for a video demonstration of how to use New York State Flu Tracker.  The New York State COVID-19 Tracker is available here.

Last flu season, flu cases in New York State hit a record low because of people wearing masks, social distancing and practicing frequent handwashing, which are the same public health measures used to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

In addition to getting a flu shot and staying home when sick, it's essential to practice good hand-hygiene:

• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available. Choose a product with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose. 

All New York State mass vaccination sites are open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in COVID-19 vaccination on a first-come, first-serve basis. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.  People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on COVID-19 vaccine appointments near them. In addition to contacting their provider or local health department to get a flu shot, people can find a flu shot near them here. 

October Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Meeting

 

Tuesday October 12th was the monthly meeting of the PPNA, and it was the second in person meeting drawing a large crowd. Over forty people were on hand to hear and question, Department of Sanitation Citywide Community Affairs Officer Steven Caruso. Mr. Caruso explained what his job was, that being the information center for the DSNY, informing the public of DSNY policy, and attending Community meetings like this to get feedback for the DSNY. 

Questions came in from all over the PPNA area, and were questions such as 'What happened to the trash baskets that were on the street corners'? Mr. Caruso answered that question by saying that household garbage was being thrown into the waste baskets which are made for individual pieces of trash, not bags of household garbage. He said where that problem began, the trash can was removed. Another Question to him was about reducing Alternate Side of the street parking on commercial streets from six days a week to three days a week. Mr. Caruso said that it is the community board's responsibility to request that, and the matter was turned over to a member of Community Board 11's Traffic and Transportation committee who was in attendance since it is the DOT who is in charge of street signs. 

Also at the meeting were the NCO officers for Sector B, with their new NCO Sergeant for the 49th precinct, and representatives of Councilman Mark Gjonaj, and Assemblywoman Fernandez.

L-R, Lewis Lutnick PPNA Secretary, Elio Marrero PPNA Treasurer, Steven Caruso DSNY, Steven Glosser PPNA Vice-President, Edith Blitzer PPNA President, and Christian Amato PPNA Trustee.

 L-R 49th Precinct Sector B NCO Officers Alacantra and McDowell with new NCO Sergeant Hines.

A view of the crowd at the October PPNA meeting.

Permits Filed For 3020 Williamsbridge Road In Allerton, The Bronx (Most Likely a SRO Building)

 

3020 Williamsbridge Road in Allerton, The Bronx via Google Maps

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 3020 Williamsbridge Road in Allerton, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of Williamsbridge Road and Wallace Avenue, the corner lot is closest to the Burke Avenue subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Amarjit Singh is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 37-foot-tall development will yield 14,945 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 25 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 597 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 40-foot-long side yard, and seven enclosed parking spaces.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet for the two-family residential building built in 1925. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

80 Days and Counting

 

I am making more appearances in the Bronx, because as your current Governor said, the state goes the way the Bronx goes. Governor Hochul's power is in conservative upstate New York where she comes from, and it was upstate New York's loss of population that will make New York lose one congressional district.

Thanks to me New York City grew by over 500,000 people, and I am the one person who can repopulate upstate New York. I did it in New York City, and I can do it for upstate New York. New York City has survived the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to my quick thinking, and under my guidance New York City is returning better than it was. However just like my mentor Former Mayor David Dinkins who started the Safe Streets program, it was Mayor Giuliani who got all the credit. So as I have laid all the groundwork, it will be Mayor Adams who will get all the credit, not me. People will say Thumbs down, call me a Commie, and the worse mayor New York City ever had, but that's all right because I will become the next governor of New York State.

Sean Merchant, a/k/a “Bronxwood,” Sentenced To More Than 16 Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking Of Minors

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SEAN MERCHANT was sentenced today to 196 months in prison for sex trafficking of three minor females.  MERCHANT was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood, before whom he previously pled guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.  As part of his plea, MERCHANT acknowledged that he trafficked three minor females.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Sean Merchant preyed upon three minor females who had previously resided at a residential treatment facility for at-risk children and adolescents.  Merchant placed these young women in harm’s way by enticing them to perform commercial sex acts for money, and in turn providing them with addictive drugs.  It is hard to imagine a more selfish and inhumane act than coercing a minor to have sex with strangers for profit, and Merchant has justly been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for his outrageous conduct.”  

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and other court documents filed in Manhattan federal court:

From at least in or about March 2017 to at least in or about October 2017, SEAN MERCHANT, a/k/a “Bronxwood,” the defendant, engaged in the sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of three minor victims (“Minor Victim-1,” “Minor Victim-2,” and “Minor Victim-3,” and together, the “Minor Victims”).  The defendant recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, and maintained the Minor Victims for the purpose of commercial sex.  Prior to being trafficked by MERCHANT, each of the Minor Victims previously resided at a residential treatment facility located in Westchester County, which provided housing for at-risk troubled children and adolescents on behalf of department of social services for certain counties in New York State.           

The defendant recruited the Minor Victims to engage in commercial sex.  Subsequently, the defendant used the website Backpage.com, an online classifieds website, to post advertisements of the Minor Victims for commercial sex.  The defendant provided Minor Victim-1 and Minor Victim-2 with drugs, and directed them to engage in commercial sex acts in particular locations in the Bronx, New York.

In addition to his prison sentence, MERCHANT, 32, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

MERCHANT is the third defendant to be sentenced in this case by Judge Wood for his participation in sex trafficking of minors.  Steven Lesane, who pled guilty to sex trafficking of two minor victims, was sentenced to a term of 256 months in prison on July 27, 2021.  Jermaine Myrie, who pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, was sentenced to a term of 135 months in prison on February 12, 2020.  Reuben Sands, who pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Travel Act, was sentenced to a term of 60 months in prison on December 18, 2019.  The final defendant, Martique Mcgriff, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2021.

This case is part of an ongoing prosecution of 19 defendants, set forth in eight indictments, for the sex trafficking of at least 20 minor girls and young adults in New York State’s social services system.  All 19 of the defendants have been convicted, either via guilty plea or following trial. 

Any individuals who believe that they have information that may be relevant to this investigation should contact the FBI at 1-212-384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov.

Mr. Williams thanked the FBI and the NYPD for their outstanding work in this matter and, in particular, the New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Sat. Oct 23 - The Bronx People's Festival Is Happening!

 

The Bronx-wide Coalition took some time this summer to rest and reflect on all that we accomplished in the first half of the year, including launching a massive civic engagement campaign and kicking off our Bronx-wide planning process through a series of virtual People’s Assemblies over the spring and early summer. 

We are excited to share that our borough-wide planning process is back in action! We are coming together again for the Bronx People’s Festival on October 23 between 11am-3pm. Join the Coalition for our first in-person gathering (outdoors!) at the Mary Mitchell Center Courtyard at 2007 Mapes Avenue where we will continue our work of building power and co-creating the future of the Bronx--for us, by us!

At the Festival, you’ll be able to: 

• Share your ideas for how we can transform our Bronx economy and society to prioritize self-determination, wellbeing, and dignity for all,
• Learn about exciting projects happening locally and beyond that are aligned with our vision and values,
• Get all the information you need to vote in NYC’s general election this November,
• Reflect on the loved ones we’ve recently lost, and access resources for healing, like Reiki,
• Connect with the organizations, staff, and delegates in our leadership team and learn how you can stay engaged, and
• Eat delicious food, play games, win prizes, build community, and a lot more! 

Mark your calendars, invite your family, friends, and neighbors, and join us on October 23rd.

We want to hear from you!

Did you attend one of our virtual People's Assemblies this past spring/early summer? if so, we'd love to hear from you! Fill out this short survey to share: feedback on the events, what you learned, and what else you're looking forward to in our planning process.

Best,

The Bronx-wide Coalition Leadership Team

       

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - OCTOBER 12, 2021

 

40,233 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

35 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

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

"Millions of New Yorkers have been vaccinated and life is returning to a semblance of normalcy, but COVID-19 still threatens our communities and New Yorkers every single day," Governor Hochul said. "We have to increase the vaccination rate even further to successfully protect our neighbors and loved ones from this virus and put the pandemic in the rear view mirror. Getting vaccinated is safe, free and effective, so I urge everyone to get their shots right away."

  

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 111,564
• Total Positive - 3,376
• Percent Positive - 3.03%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.52%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,148 (+50)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 221
• Patients in ICU - 467 (+1)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 259 (+3)
• Total Discharges - 203,812 (+167)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 35
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 44,939

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. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 57,151 

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.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 25,968,644
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 40,233
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 401,443
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 82.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 74.8%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 85.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 76.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 70.1%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 63.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 72.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 64.5%

Fall IMP-act Day: Partnerships for Parks to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 by Planting 70,000 Daffodil Bulbs with 1000+ It’s My Park Volunteers

 

Annual Fall Planting Day Doubles in Size to Commemorate the Victims of COVID-19 through the Daffodil Project  Fall IMP-act Day will be held this Saturday, October 16  Approximately 1000 volunteers will gather in local parks across New York City on Saturday, October 16th for Fall IMP-act Day—an annual citywide park beautification day—to begin planting nearly 70,000 daffodil bulbs in all five boroughs. In recognition of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, many of these bulbs will be planted in remembrance of the victims of 9/11 through the Daffodil Project. Led and organized by Partnerships for Parks (PfP), a joint program of NYC Parks and City Parks Foundation, this year’s Fall IMP-act Day focuses on the borough of Manhattan—where the terrorist attack occurred—with hundreds of volunteers honoring the lives lost on that horrific day. PfP will also provide crocus bulbs to volunteers in Manhattan as part of an initiative started last year to memorialize the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Thousands of volunteers participate in the Daffodil Project annually as a part of It’s My Park, PfP’s signature volunteer program, with hundreds of volunteers coming out on the third Saturday of October—once known as It’s My Park Day—to begin a season of planting bulbs, with nearly 700,000 daffodil bulbs planted over the last 20 years as part of the Daffodil Project. Each spring, New Yorkers across the city enjoy the bright yellow blooms as a symbol of rebirth and healing. The purple crocus flowers will now accompany this burst of color, recognizing the New Yorkers lost to the pandemic as well. This Fall IMP-act Day comes at a critical time for parks and green spaces as New York City tentatively recovers from COVID-19, bracing for new variants and facing an economic crisis. Parks have been a place of refuge for New Yorkers since the pandemic began, increasing awareness about how crucial green space is to the overall health and well-being of the city. For a complete list of projects, please visit our website cityparksfoundation.org/calendar/category/its-my-park/ or contact tomasia.kastner@parks.nyc.gov.  When: October 16, 2020 / Various times Where: Local Parks in all five boroughs Washington Market Park, Chambers St. bet. Greenwich St. and West St., Manhattan St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave., St. Nicholas Ter. bet. W. 128 St. and W. 141 St., Manhattan Ruppert Park, Second Ave. bet. E. 90 St. and E. 91 St., Manhattan Leif Ericson Park, 67 St., 66 St. bet. 4 Ave. and Ft. Hamilton Pkwy., Brooklyn Astoria Park, 19 St. bet. Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd., Queens Ewen Park, Johnson Av, W 232 St, Riverdale Av, Bronx Oakwood Beach in Great Kills Park, Tarlton Street and Cedar Grove Avenue, Staten Island Visuals:  Local community groups beautifying neighborhood parks with bulb planting, cleaning, and festivities 20-150 community members of all ages volunteering at each park Elected officials in attendance at some locations About Partnerships for Parks: Partnerships for Parks is a unique public-private partnership between City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions neighborhood volunteers by giving them the tools they need to advocate and care for their neighborhood parks and green spaces. More information about Partnership for Parks is available at www.partnershipsforparks.org.