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

 

Central New York 7-day Average Case Rates - Highest in State - Starting to Level Off 

As New Yorkers Continue to Travel During Spring Recess, Remember to Use the Toolkit: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment  

10 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

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

"We have the tools and we know what works to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Get the vaccine - it's the best way to prevent serious illness, and make sure to get boosted if you are eligible. Test early and test often, even if symptoms are mild, and talk to your doctor about available treatments if you test positive."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

• Cases Per 100k - 43.25
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 32.61
• Test Results Reported - 118,213
• Total Positive - 8,452
• Percent Positive - 7.01**  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.37%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,488 (+35)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 285
• Patients in ICU - 186 (+18)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 68 (+9)
• Total Discharges - 294,420 (+247)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 10
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55,358

** 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 - 70,631   

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 - 38,132,525
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 40,060
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 197,826
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.3%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 86.7%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.9%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.0%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.8%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.0%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 76.7%   

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:      

Borough	Tuesday, April 19, 2022	Wednesday, April 20, 2022	Thursday, April 21, 2022
Bronx	2.20%	2.41%	2.67%
Kings	3.37%	3.63%	3.95%
New York	4.97%	5.19%	5.32%
Queens	3.45%	3.90%	4.34%
Richmond	3.98%	4.37%	4.93%

  

TWO MEN INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR SHOOTING WOMAN INSIDE BRONX HOTEL

 

Defendants Engaged Victim in Prostitution, Beat and Robbed Her

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that two men have been indicted on Attempted Murder, Assault, and additional charges for shooting a woman whom they hired to engage in prostitution, inside the Opera House Hotel.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants allegedly beat and robbed the victim, then one of the defendants allegedly shot her in the leg, inside a Mott Haven hotel. Such violence will not be tolerated.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Kadeem Thompson, 29, of 202-15 Linden Boulevard, Queens, NY, and Robert Harris, 34, of 88 Livonia Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, have been arraigned on a 25-count indictment charging Attempted Murder in the second-degree, three counts of first-degree Assault, three counts of second-degree Assault, two counts of first-degree Robbery, two counts of second-degree Robbery, two counts of first-degree Burglary, two counts of second-degree Burglary, first and second-degree Criminal Use of a Firearm, two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of Weapon, two counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and third-degree Patronizing a Person for Prostitution.

 Thompson was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. He was remanded and is due back in court on July 6, 2022. Harris was arraigned on April 13, 2022 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was set at $500,000 cash/ $500,000 bond/ $500,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent and he is due back in court on July 6, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on March 18, 2022, Thompson allegedly contacted and solicited a 29-year-old woman to engage in prostitution with him at the Opera House Hotel located at 436 East 149th Street. Thompson allegedly went to the woman’s hotel room at approximately 12:00 a.m. and told her his money was in his jacket outside and stepped out of the room. Thompson returned with Harris and both allegedly solicited the victim to engage in various sexual acts with them for more compensation.

 Then Thompson allegedly took out a gun and demanded the woman to perform additional sexual acts. When the victim refused and tried to run out of the room, Thompson and Harris allegedly threw her against the wall and hit her head. The defendants allegedly stole her cellphone and money at gunpoint and continued to hit her. The victim attempted to use the hotel room phone to call for help, and Harris allegedly ripped the phone off the wall and Thompson shot her once in her thigh. The defendants then fled the hotel, and the victim was taken to Lincoln Hospital where she was treated for her wound.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Brian DeStefano of the 40th Precinct, NYPD Detective Joseph Azevedo of the Human Trafficking Squad, and NYPD Detective Gary Capellan of the Warrants Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

 If you have been a victim of a crime while engaging in commercial sex work or are in need of support, we encourage you to contact the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, (718) 838-6535; the New York City Police Department, or the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, (888) 373-7888, or by texting “BeFree” (233733) to the hotline phone number. 

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

The NYPD Announces Street Closures and Expected Traffic Delays, Saturday, April 23rd and Sunday April 24th

 

Saturday, April 23rd, 2022

CAR FREE EARTH DAY
Manhattan/Bronx/ Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island:
Manhattan Portion: At the Discretion of NYPD

• Broadway between East 17th Street and West 42nd Street
• 5th Avenue between 24th Street and 26th Street
• St.Nicholas Avenue between 181st Street and 190th Street
• Dyckman Avenue between Seaman Avenue and DyckmanMarina
• Avenue B between East 6th Street and East 14TH Street

Miscellaneous:

• 25th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
• 39th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
• 185th Street between St Nicholas Avenue and Wadsworth Avenue
• 186th Street between St Nicholas Avenue and Wadsworth Avenue
• 8th Street between Avenue Band Avenue C

Bronx Portion:

• Mosholu Parkway between Van Cortlandt Avenue East and Bainbridge Avenue
• 3rd Avenue between 148th Street and 149th Street

Miscellaneous:

• East 148th Street between Willis Avenue and Bergen Avenue
• East Mosholu Parkway South between East 203rd Street and East 204th Street

Brooklyn Portion:

• Tompkins Avenue between Gates Avenue and Halsey Street

Miscellaneous:

• Jefferson Avenue between Tompkins Avenue and Marcy Avenue

Queens Portion:

• 34th Avenue between 69th Street and 94th Street

Miscellaneous:

• 79th Street between 34th Avenue and Northern Boulevard

Staten Island Portion:

• Minthorne Street between Bay Street and Victory Boulevard

Closure: At the Discretion of NYPD

SIKH DAY & PERSIAN DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Manhattan: At the Discretion of NYPD
Formation:

• 36th Street to 38th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue

Route:

• Madison Avenue between 38th Street and 27th Street

Dispersal:

• 27th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue South

Festival:

• Madison Avenue between 24th Street and 26th Street
• 26th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

FALUN GONG RALLY

Queens: 1200

Formation:

• 38th Avenue between Prince Street and Main Street

Route:

• Main Street between 38th Avenue and Sanford Avenue

Dispersal:

• Sanford Avenue between Main Street and Kissena Boulevard
• Kissena Boulevard between Sanford Avenue and 41st Avenue

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

JOHN A CORTESE WAY

Brooklyn: 1100
Location:

• Troy Avenue and Flatbush Avenue

Closure: None

REV DANILO LACHAPEL WAY

Bronx: 1100

Location:

• Tinton Avenue and East 156th Street

Closure: None

BISHOP CM SWEET DADDY GRACE LANE

Manhattan: 1200

Location:

• West 124th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard

Closure: None

MICHAEL PRINCE WAY

Bronx: 1200

Location:

• Ampere Avenue and Ohm Avenue

Closure: None

---

Sunday, April 24th, 2022

911 MEMORIAL 5K RUN WALK AND COMMUNITY DAY

Manhattan: At the discretion of NYPD

Formation:

• Brookfield Place

Route:

• Battery Park City Greenway
• Greenwich Street between Battery Place and Morris Street
• Trinity Place between Morris Street and Edgar Street
• Edgar Street between Trinity Place and Greenwich Street
• Greenwich Street between Edgar Street and Liberty Street
• River Terrace between Murray Street and Chambers Street
• Chambers Street between River Terrace and West Street
• Battery Place between Little West Street and Greenwich Street
• South End Avenue between Liberty Street and Albany Street

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

CONTI’S PASTRY SHOPPE BOULEVARD

Bronx: 1200

Location:

• Morris Park and Barnes Avenue

Closure: None

NYC RUNS BROOKLYN MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON

Brooklyn: At the discretion of NYPD

Locations:

• McCarren Park
• Driggs Avenue between Manhattan Avenue and Lorimer Street
• Manhattan Avenue between Driggs Avenue and Commercial Street
• Commercial Street between Manhattan Avenue and Franklin Street
• Franklin Street between Commercial Street and N 15th Street
• N 15th Street between Franklin Street and Wythe Street
• Wythe Street between N 15th Street and N 12th Street
• N 12th Street between Wythe Street and Kent Avenue
• Kent Avenue between N 12th Street and Williamsburg St West
• Williamsburg St West between Kent Avenue and Flushing Avenue
• Flushing Avenue between Williamsburg St West and Navy Street
• Navy Street between Flushing Avenue and York Street
• York Street between Navy Street and Bridge Street
• Bridge Street between York Street and Front Street
• Front Street between Bridge Street and Jay Street
• Jay Street between Front Street and John Street
• John Street between Jay Street and Pearl Street
• Pearl Street between John Street and Plymouth Street
• Plymouth Street between Pearl Street and Main Street
• Main Street between Plymouth Street and Water Street
• Water Street between Main Street and Old Fulton Street
• Old Fulton Street Street between Water Street and Cadman Plaza West
• Cadman Plaza West between Old Fulton Street and Court Street
• Court Street between Cadman Plaza West and Joralemon Street
• Joralemon Street between Court Street and Fulton Street
• Fulton Street between Joralemon Street and Flatbush Avenue
• Flatbush Avenue between Fulton Street and Grand Army Plaza
• Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Brooklyn Avenue
• Grand Army Plaza
• Prospect Park
• Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Ocean Avenue
• Ocean Avenue between Flatbush Avenue and Parkside Avenue
• Parkside Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Park Circle
• Park Circle
• Fort Hamilton Parkway between Park Circle and Prospect Expressway
• Prospect Expressway
• Ocean Parkway between Prospect Expressway and Quentin Road

Miscellaneous:

• Lorimer Street between Bedford Avenue and Baynard Street
• Bedford Avenue between North 11th Street and Lorimer Street
• Driggs Avenue between North 11th Street and Lorimer Street
• Baynard Street between North 12th Street and Lorimer Street
• Union Avenue between Driggs Avenue and North 12th Street

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

Two Georgia Residents Charged With Conspiring To Traffic Firearms

 

A Third Co-Conspirator Shot And Critically Wounded an FBI Task Force Officer After Law Enforcement Attempted To Interdict

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Police Commissioner John Mueller, Yonkers Police Department, announced charges today against BRYCE MARTIN and XAVIER SIMMS for conspiring to traffic firearms from Georgia to New York. The defendants traveled together with a third co-conspirator who opened fire on a FBI Federal Task Force Officer after law enforcement attempted to interdict in Yonkers, New York on April 20, 2022.  The defendants were presented in White Plains federal court before United States Magistrate Andrew E. Krause.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Gun crime is plaguing our communities, and the actions of the criminals using them are putting lives in danger. Our law enforcement partners are out doing all they can to get illegal weapons and ‘ghost guns’ off the streets before more people get killed. The violence has to stop, and we have to hold accountable those who are breaking the law.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As we allege today, Mr. Martin and Mr. Simms conspired to illegally traffic firearms, and, when law enforcement attempted to intervene, one of their co-conspirators shot and critically wounded one of our task force officers. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of several firearms, including a "ghost gun," an untraceable type of weapon that continues to pose a significant threat in our communities. We are grateful for the survival of our partner, and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones as he continues to recover from his injuries.”

Commissioner Mueller said: “The Yonkers Police and our fantastic federal, state and local partners will never stop from providing a safe and secure environment for our beloved residents. What took place in this incident is yet another example of the hard work and commitment to mission and heroism. These efforts occur each and every day and will continue for as long as is needed to make our communities safe.”

As alleged in the Complaint[1]:

On April 20, 2022, members of the FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force and the Yonkers Police Department were investigating illegal firearms activity in the vicinity of Elm and Linden streets in Yonkers, New York.  During the course of their investigation, they attempted to interdict members of the conspiracy, including Bryce MARTIN and Xavier SIMMS.  A third co-conspirator (“CC-1”) shot and critically wounded an FBI Task Force Officer, at close range, after law enforcement approached members of the conspiracy, including MARTIN and SIMMS. 

Law enforcement recovered at least four firearms from members of the conspiracy, including a “Ghost Gun”—a type of firearm that is designed to evade law enforcement detection.  Later investigation revealed that SIMMS and MARTIN traveled together with CC-1 from Georgia with several firearms to sell.  Evidence recovered from their cellphones showed that SIMMS and MARTIN both had access to specialized firearms, including machinegun-style weapons. 

MARTIN, 23, of Hampton, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiring to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

SIMMS, 22, of Covington, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiring to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Yonkers Police Department. 

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

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces $232 Million in Additional Food Assistance for April

 

All SNAP Households to Receive the Maximum Level of Food Benefits This Month

More than $696 Million in Supplemental Benefits Distributed Since January

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for April. All households participating in SNAP — including those already at the maximum level of benefits — will receive a supplemental allotment this month, which will result in New York State's economy receiving roughly $232 million in federal funding.

"The heart-wrenching prospect of food insecurity is one that no New Yorker should ever have to face," Governor Hochul said. "By providing the maximum level of food benefits to those in need, we can help struggling households make ends meet and keep food on the table as we continue our economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis."

SNAP households in all counties outside of New York City should see these extra benefits post by Friday, April 22. Those SNAP households in the five-county New York City region should see their benefits post by Friday, April 29.

The emergency assistance supplement is provided to all households, including those that ordinarily receive the maximum allowable benefit per month on SNAP—a federally funded program overseen by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Those households already near or at the maximum benefit level—$835 for a household of four—will receive a supplemental payment of at least $95.

OTDA began issuing the emergency supplemental benefits in April 2020 to those SNAP households receiving less than the maximum monthly benefit amount. When New York State's emergency declaration expired in June 2021, the agency successfully worked with the federal government to secure the maximum allotment for all SNAP households until the expiration of the federal declaration, which is now expected to be extended into June.

SNAP benefits also play an important role in New York's economic recovery, injecting more than $696 million into the state's economy so far this year. Every federal dollar invested by SNAP generates up to $1.54 in economic activity, according to a federal study quantifying the impact of SNAP on the U.S. economy.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "These supplemental benefits have played a tremendous role in helping New Yorkers avoid the food insecurity exacerbated by the global pandemic. In addition to assisting households in need, this funding is providing a welcome boost for local retailers and giving strength to our state's economy as a whole."

As with the prior months, the payments will be delivered directly to recipients' existing Electronic Benefit Transfer accounts and can be accessed with their existing EBT cards. Like regular SNAP benefits, the supplemental benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. Any unused SNAP benefits will automatically carry over to the following month.

New Yorkers continue to rely heavily on SNAP, with more than 1.6 million households throughout the state enrolled in the program in February. More than 2.8 million New Yorkers received benefits in February, the most since June 2021.

Find more information on the emergency supplemental SNAP benefits, including answers to frequently asked questions, here. New Yorkers can check their eligibility for SNAP and apply online by visiting mybenefits.ny.gov.

SUOZZI AND WILLIAMS CALL FOR STATEWIDE DEBATES Gubernatorial Candidates Challenge Hochul to Participate in “Competition of Ideas”

 

Democratic candidates for Governor Congressman Tom Suozzi and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams sent a joint letter to broadcast television stations across the state encouraging them to hold televised debates ahead of the June 28th Democratic primary. Both candidates challenge Governor Kathy Hochul to participate in the debates with them. 

“Our state is at a crossroads with an important primary election coming up in just nine weeks,” said Suozzi and Williams in the letter. “These are unprecedented times for New Yorkers and voters need and deserve the opportunity to hear directly from all candidates in a transparent manner.”

Currently, Suozzi and Williams have confirmed their participation in two scheduled debates, including the recently announced June 16th debate hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo and the Albany Times Union. Hochul’s campaign has said she is “weighing whether to participate in the debate.”

There have been numerous virtual candidate forums that have been held by Democratic clubs, civic clubs and advocacy groups, since January. Suozzi and Williams have participated in nearly all, while Hochul has not participated in any of them, sending her former Lieutenant Governor instead.

“Democracy is about a competition of ideas,” stated Suozzi and Williams in their letter. “With no shortage of challenges facing New York, we believe that news organizations play an integral role in facilitating a rigorous discussion of the issues that voters expect of those entrusted to serve the public.”

Both candidates have pledged that they will debate anywhere at any time and believe it is incumbent upon good government groups and the media to not allow Hochul to duck debates when there is so much at stake in these elections. Suozzi and Williams both say they would like a minimum of six debates across the state as early as the beginning of May.

The Suozzi and Williams letter is below and can be downloaded here.

 

Our state is at a crossroads with an important primary election coming up in just nine weeks. These are unprecedented times for New Yorkers and voters need and deserve the opportunity to hear directly from all candidates in a transparent manner.

 

As two candidates who are running for governor, we are writing to request a series of public debates across New York State ahead of the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 28.

 

To ensure that these debates occur, we encourage, and would gladly accept, an invitation from your news station to host an in-person televised debate in the coming weeks. Of course, we believe that every candidate who is running for governor and has secured their position on the ballot be afforded the opportunity to participate so that voters are informed before making their voices heard at the ballot box.

 

Democracy is about a competition of ideas. With no shortage of challenges facing New York, we believe that news organizations play an integral role in facilitating a rigorous discussion of the issues that voters expect of those entrusted to serve the public.

 

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you further to discuss preparations in advance so that all candidates can coordinate their schedules accordingly.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tom Suozzi     

Congressman (NY-3)                                            

Democratic candidate for Governor                      

Jumaane Williams

New York City Public Advocate

Democratic candidate for Governor