D.A. BRAGG, DOI COMMISSIONER STRAUBER ANNOUNCE ARREST OF CITY WORKER FOR TIMESHEET FRAUD

 

ACS Employee Submitted Falsified Timesheets While Traveling Abroad to Nigeria, Togo

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. and New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”) Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber announced the arrest of BOLA ALADE-GBAMI, 72, a NYC Administration for Children’s Services (“ACS”) employee, for falsifying his timesheets and stealing taxpayer money by claiming he was working while he was either on vacation – including in Nigeria and Togo – or had not yet actually arrived at work. 

ALADE-GBAMI is charged in a New York City Criminal Court felony complaint with 1 count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and 8 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.[1]  

“This defendant swore an oath to serve the people of New York City but instead allegedly swindled thousands of dollars of taxpayer money through dishonesty,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Our charges include allegations that this city worker was supposedly clocking into work when he was actually traveling abroad in Africa. The Manhattan D.A.’s Office does not tolerate fraud in any form, and I thank the Department of Investigation for its ongoing partnership.” 

DOI Commissioner Strauber said, “During a Citywide staffing shortage, this Child Welfare Specialist, as charged, clocked in while he was not working, including when he was traveling abroad, and claimed overtime hours that he never worked. This brazen misconduct, as alleged, is a violation of his duty to the City and to the public, and it is also a crime. I thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their partnership on this investigation.”

The charges announced are the result of an investigation by DOI, which received an anonymous tip regarding the possible theft, in partnership with the Manhattan D.A.’s Office. 

ALADE-GBAMI has worked for the City of New York since 1996. He was a Congregate Care Specialist with the Administration for Children’s Services from August 29, 2016, to February 6, 2022. A Congregate Care Specialist coordinates transportation and chaperones trips for children going to and from school and other appointments. 

He began working as a Community Associate for ACS on February 6, 2022, and then as a Child Welfare Specialist for ACS on September 19, 2022. 

According to court documents and statements made on the record, from June 2017 to February 2023, ALADE-GBAMI submitted dozens of fraudulent timesheets through the New York City payroll system known as CityTime.

While he traveled abroad and domestically, ALADE-GBAMI submitted timesheets that claimed he had worked regular and overtime hours for the same periods. Records from various airlines and U.S. Customs and Border Protection show that he made the following trips from New York City or New Jersey:

• Lagos, Nigeria, from September 2 to September 17, 2017 

• Lome, Togo, from November 24 to December 3, 2017 

• Lagos, Nigeria, from April 21 April 28, 2018 

• St. Louis, Missouri, from May 29 to June 2, 2018 

• St. Louis, Missouri, from September 11 to September 14, 2020 

• Dallas, Texas, from March 10 to March 14, 2022 

• Dallas, Texas, from September 9 to September 14, 2022 

• Dallas, Texas, from February 18 to February 27, 2023 

In sum, ALADE-GBAMI was paid approximately $21,000 by the City while he was traveling outside of New York City.

While he was a Congregate Care Specialist, he used ACS’s contracted car service, which is intended to provide transportation for agency staff and children in the agency’s care. The car service can only be used by Congregate Care Specialists for approved trips, such as school, court, or medical appointments, while chaperoning children.

Instead, ALADE-GBAMI used the car service to commute to work even though he was not chaperoning a child or working in any capacity for ACS. He falsified his work arrival and departure times, and ACS documentation -- including GPS records from the car service -- showed different arrival times than his timesheets. These discrepancies total more than $9,000 in stolen City time.

D.A. Bragg thanked New York City Department of Investigation. The investigation was conducted by DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for ACS, specifically Confidential Investigator Shameika Nixon, with assistance from Senior Timekeeper Phillippa Nunes, under the supervision of Assistant Inspectors General Octavia Hill and Bradley Howard, Deputy Inspectors General Gladys Cambi and Harlyn Griffenberg, Senior Inspector General Laura Millendorf, Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella and First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Cort. D.A. Bragg also thanked New York City Administration for Children's Services.

Charges: 

• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count 

• Offering a False Instrument for Fling in the First Degree, a class E felony, 8 counts 

[1] The charges contained in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

Six Defendants Arrested For Multimillion-Dollar Wire Fraud And Money Laundering Scheme

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging six defendants — SALIF NDAMA-TRAORE, KYLE EMORDI, KEITH EMORDI, AMADOU TIDIANE BA, MOHAMMED NABI ELIKPLIM AKINOTCHO, and IBRAHIM BOCOUM — with conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a business email compromise (“BEC”) scheme that used spoofing attacks to deceive victims into sending a total of approximately $5.8 million to bank accounts that had been opened using fake and stolen information.  All six defendants were arrested and were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray in the Southern District of Texas.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, the defendants engaged in a business email compromise scheme in which they induced the victims to make fraudulent payments totaling more than $5 million.  Additionally, in an attempt to conceal their actions, the defendants withdrew their ill-gotten gains in a manner intended to evade federal reporting requirements.  As this action demonstrates, the FBI remains committed to bringing those who engage in fraudulent activity to justice.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Business email compromise and money laundering schemes, although not violent, are not victimless and can be devastating to the organizations and individuals who fall prey to them.  While the network of online criminals targeting unsuspecting victims is growing every day, these charges should send a clear message to scammers committing fraud – wherever they are based – that they will be identified and held fully accountable.  The NYPD will continue to work tirelessly with all of our law enforcement partners to address this pervasive threat head-on.”

As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

From July 2021 through February 2022, the defendants and others engaged in a fraudulent BEC scheme that involved impersonating legitimate business contacts by email to induce five victims — a hospital, a labor union, a law firm, a real estate closing company, and a logistics company — into remitting payments totaling approximately $5.8 million to fraudulent bank accounts.  Each of the fraudulent bank accounts was opened shortly before the diversion of funds, and at least three accounts were opened using a fake driver’s license or stolen social security number.  Internet protocol registration information also shows that the defendants logged into several of the fraudulent accounts online.

The funds were immediately moved from the fraudulent accounts to bank accounts held in the defendants’ own names or in the name of a defendant-owned company.  The funds were then quickly transferred to additional savings or investment vehicles held in the defendants’ names, withdrawn in cash, or sent to co-defendants through ACH transfers or using a P2P payment service.  Withdrawals were usually made in successive increments of less than $10,000 to avoid triggering federal reporting requirements.  Some funds were pulled back after hitting the fraudulent accounts, resulting in the recovery of approximately $3.14 million and a total loss of approximately $2.66 million.

NDAMA-TRAORE, 39, KYLE EMORDI, 26, KEITH EMORDI, 29, and BOCOUM, 32, all of Houston, Texas; AKINOTCHO, 33, of Cypress, Texas; and BA, 35, of Sugar Land, Texas, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California; the FBI Field Offices in Columbia (Hilton Head Resident Agency), Houston, and Sacramento; and the police departments of New York City, the City of Beaufort, and Houston for their assistance.

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces Start of State Interagency Enforcement Actions Against Unlicensed Cannabis Businesses

 

Office of Cannabis Management & Department of Taxation and Finance Executed Product Seizures, Initiating the Process of Shutting Down Unlicensed Storefronts in New York City

Today’s Actions Are Due to Empowering Legislation Governor Hochul Signed into Law in the FY24 Budget

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of an interagency initiative to cease the sale of untested cannabis from unlicensed storefronts and trucks. Enforcement officers from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management and Department of Taxation and Finance conducted inspections at storefront businesses not licensed to sell cannabis and issued Notices of Violation and Orders to Cease Unlicensed Activity, when appropriate. These actions will be replicated across the state to end public sales of untested cannabis by unlicensed businesses. As part of the FY 2024 Budget, Governor Hochul signed critical legislation allowing for these expanded enforcement actions against unlicensed cannabis businesses to take place.

“New York is proud to have undertaken the most equitable legal cannabis roll-out in the nation and the State will not stand idle as unlicensed operators break the law and sell untested products to underage New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “These enforcement actions are critical steps to protect and help those individuals who were promised a shot to start a legal business and be successful. Additionally, these unlicensed operators undermine the State’s efforts to generate substantial funds for a social equity fund that will go into the communities that have been hardest hit by over-prosecution of the cannabis laws in the past.”

Governor Hochul signed legislation allowing for enhanced enforcement of unlicensed cannabis businesses as part of the FY 2024 Budget. The legislation allows the Office of Cannabis Management to assess civil penalties against unlicensed cannabis businesses that would undercut their efforts, with fines of up to $20,000 a day for the most egregious conduct. It also makes it a crime to sell cannabis and cannabis products without a license.

As a result of the legislation, the Department of Taxation and Finance can also conduct regulatory inspections of businesses selling cannabis to determine if appropriate taxes have been paid and levy civil penalties in cases where appropriate taxes have not been paid. The legislation also establishes a new tax fraud crime for businesses that willfully fail to collect or remit required cannabis taxes, or knowingly possess for sale any cannabis on which tax was required to be paid but was not.

By taking decisive action against unlicensed dispensaries, New York State is taking a significant stride towards eradicating unlawful cannabis operations that jeopardize public safety, consumer well-being, and the integrity of New York State's legal cannabis market. This hybrid approach aims to foster a fair and regulated market environment, ensuring consumer protection and bolstering support for licensed cannabis businesses.

New York State Cannabis Control Board Chairwoman Tremaine Wright said, “The successful enforcement actions against unlicensed storefronts and trucks selling cannabis in New York City serves as a clear message that New York State is actively taking action against illicit operators. By enforcing the law, empowered by new legislation, we are safeguarding public safety and the integrity of the legal cannabis market. Our mission is to create a fair and regulated environment that supports licensed businesses and protects consumers.”

New York State Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander said, “Through the collaboration of our enforcement teams and law enforcement agencies, we will be able to take meaningful action against illegal cannabis operations that pose countless risks to our communities. This targeted operation is a significant step towards promoting a safe, transparent cannabis industry in New York State. With the strengthened penalties and unified enforcement measures in place, we are actively working towards our goal of a regulated market that fosters consumer trust and supports licensed operators.”

NYC Mayor's Community Affairs Unit: Air Quality Update

 

The Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs wanted to give New Yorkers an update on the unprecedented event our city is facing as a result of the wildfire smoke from Canada.    At 5 PM yesterday, the Air Quality Index hit 484, a “Hazardous” on the levels of health concern — that is the highest level on the index level. There is potential for conditions to significantly improve today, the ability to predict smoke conditions that far out is low.    We are encouraging New Yorkers to stay home and indoors today, whenever possible. All New Yorkers should limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible. City services will continue to be available for New Yorkers today and we will continue to serve this city, but we will not be conducting outdoor events.     Public schools will be closed today. Beaches are also closed. Staten Island Ferries are operating on a fog schedule.. Those traveling on East River Bridges should drive at the posted speed limit.    We want to reiterate what was said by the Mayor yesterday: New Yorkers should stay inside, close windows and doors, and use air purifiers if you have them. If you are an older adult or have heart or breathing problems and need to be outside, wear a high-quality mask such as a KN95.    Check the air quality forecast from local media outlets, the National Weather Service, or other weather and air-quality apps that you can access on the go. This is climate change in action, and we must continue to draw down emissions, improve air quality, and build resiliency.    Our city is strong and resilient. We have faced crises before, and we will get through this together. Stay indoors, stay safe and mask up if you are outside.    For more information and updates, visit https://on.nyc.gov/2Ho9W4J or contact 3-1-1 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY 212-504-4115).    Beginning Thursday, June 8th, at 8:00 am, each New Yorker will be able to receive two masks from the locations below.    NYPD  All NYPD Precincts  Find Your Precinct and Sector - NYPD    Bronx   FDNY Division 6 - 720 Melrose Avenue  FDNY Division 7 - 2417 Webster Avenue  Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center - 1826 Arthur Avenue    Brooklyn   FDNY Division 11 - 172 Tillary Street  FDNY Division 15 - 885 Howard Avenue  Brownsville Neighborhood Health Action Center - 259 Bristol Street  Manhattan  FDNY Division 1 - 100 Duane Street  FDNY Division 3 - 207 W 77th Street   East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center - 158 East 115th Street  Queens   FDNY Division 13 - 91-45 121st Street   FDNY Division 14 - 108-01 Horace Harding Expressway    Staten Island  FDNY Division 8 - 1850 Clove Road

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY METRO, LOWER HUDSON VALLEY, UPPER HUDSON VALLEY, EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO, CENTRAL NEW YORK AND WESTERN NEW YORK

 

In Effect for Thursday, June 8, 2023

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York regions for Thursday, June 8, 2023.  

The air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy’ AQI levels on Thursday in the New York City Metro, Long Island, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central and Western regions.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter 

The advisory will be in effect from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g. vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy saving and pollution-reducing steps:

1. use mass transit instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities.
2. conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
3. turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
4. use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
5. close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
6. limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
7. set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
8. purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
9. reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.
   

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up for DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Thursday, June 8, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Long Island which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties; New York City Metro which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; Lower Hudson Valley which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties; Upper Hudson Valley which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties;  Eastern Lake Ontario which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates counties; and Western New York which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Urges New Yorkers to be Vigilant of Price Gouging as New York’s Air Quality Worsens Due to Canadian Fires

 

AG James Encourages New Yorkers to Report Price Gouging of Essential Items such as Masks to Her Office

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert urging New Yorkers to be vigilant of price gouging of essential goods, such as masks, air purifiers, and air filters, as New York’s air quality worsens due to Canadian wildfires. Plumes of smoke from the Canadian wildfires have engulfed the state, lowering New York’s air quality and making it dangerous for particular health groups to be outside. New York’s price gouging statute prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at an excessively higher price during market disruptions or emergencies.

“The poor air quality impacting our state should not be an excuse for companies to increase profits on essential items,” said Attorney General James. “My office has zero tolerance for price gouging of any kind, and if New Yorkers notice abnormally high prices for essential items, I urge them to report it immediately. I also urge New Yorkers to follow local health guidance to protect their health and stay safe.”

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging statute covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.

When reporting price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and,

• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

NYCHA Miscalculated One-in-Five Rent Increases, New York City Comptroller’s Review Finds

 

Auditors reviewed rent calculations for tenants in the Red Hook East and Red Hook West Developments between October 2021 and October 2022.

The Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander found that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) miscalculated one-in-five sampled rent adjustments at the Red Hook East and Red Hook West developments. The review followed complaints from tenants at the developments of improperly calculated rent.

“NYCHA tenants repeatedly raised concerns with the calculation of their monthly rent, so our audit team went to investigate. We found issues with the calculations that led to some tenants overpaying and NYCHA losing out on rental income. Our public housing system has a duty to provide decent, affordable housing for New Yorkers, and it can only do that successfully with strong oversight and management that guarantees accuracy and fairness,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Monthly rent for NYCHA residents is generally set at either 30% of the household’s adjusted gross income (after subtracting allowable deductions) or the flat rent (the maximum amount charged per household based on the number of bedrooms), whichever is lower. NYCHA residents submit income documentation on an annual basis that the agency then uses to calculate eligibility and appropriate rents. The rent calculation processes are handled by each development’s management office. NYCHA uses Siebel System to maintain information and documentation provided by residents and third parties which are used to support rent calculations. Siebel is also used to generate the Public Housing Lease Addendum and Rent Notices after the completion of the recertification process.

Between October 2021 and October 2022, 32% (853) of the 2,692 units at Red Hook Houses saw rent increases. At a roundtable with Comptroller Lander and in survey responses as part of the resident engagement plan for NYCHA audits, residents raised concerns about the accuracy of rent calculations. To investigate, the Comptroller’s Office auditors reviewed income documentation and rent calculations for a sample of 102 units at Red Hook Houses.

The review found that:

• NYCHA miscalculated one-in-five (19%) sampled rent adjustments in the Red Hook East and Red Hook West public housing developments in 2022.
• Of the 102 apartments sampled, NYCHA overcharged three households by a total of $439 in monthly rent and undercharged 17 households by a total of $1,395 in monthly rent.
• NYCHA’s data management platform generated incorrect public assistance amounts on rent notices sent to the tenants.
• Auditors were unable to verify rent calculations for nine apartments due to a lack of supporting documentation.

The Comptroller’s Office made four recommendations, which NYCHA has agreed to address:

1. Review the rent calculation for the apartments that were either overstated or understated and determine if corrective action should be taken.
2. Provide periodic training to staff to ensure adherence to the Management Manual, so they are able to accurately verify and input household incomes and deductions for Siebel to calculate the monthly rent amount; and generate HUD’s Enterprise Income Verification report and confirm the tenants’ incomes through independent sources.
3. Test rent calculations across the system after every recertification.
4. Conduct a system review of Siebel to ensure that it properly generates the correct amount on Rent Notices for Public Assistance Income for each qualified household member.

Full Report: Letter Report on the Review of the New York City Housing Authority’s Calculation of Rent Increases for Public Housing Tenants at the Red Hook East and Red Hook West Developments

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Air Quality Issues

 

Governor Hochul: "I would call this, what we're experiencing right now with the sub-standard air quality, a crisis. It is also a dangerous situation. We've been monitoring this for well over a week since the fires started in Eastern Canada. And I would say over the last 48 hours, it has gotten significantly worse."

Hochul: "And the bottom line is this: If you can stay indoors, stay indoors. This is detrimental to people's health. In New York State, we have over 1.4 million people who already have asthma. And when the air quality is bad, it's a significant risk for these individuals as well as seniors, children."

 I want to first of all give a brief public health update on what is an emergency situation, an emergency crisis. I would call this, what we're experiencing right now with the sub-standard air quality, a crisis. It is also a dangerous situation. We've been monitoring this for well over a week since the fires started in Eastern Canada. And I would say over the last 48 hours, it has gotten significantly worse.

The haze and the smoke from the fires, you could feel it even sitting indoors here, it's clogging much of our air. In fact, it's almost impossible to see the sunset or see the sky, and it's something I'm a little more accustomed to from Western New York when every day looked like this - you know, the Bethlehem Steel Plant. But we have not seen anything like this since the 1970s.

So, New York City and Syracuse were among the worst places on the entire planet yesterday. And normally our air quality index is around 50. In New York State over the last 24 hours, and we just got these numbers in, the index hit - my numbers this morning were 200. We have updated information, it's now 400. The index hit 400 in parts of our state. That's an 800 percent increase.

So the DEC has been issuing air quality health advisories in nearly every region. The air quality index is unhealthy in New York City Metropolitan Area, Central New York, and Eastern Lake Ontario. It's also unhealthy for sensitive groups in Western New York, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.

And earlier today, after consulting with the Department of Health, we recommended that all outdoor school activities be postponed. And we've been in touch with the school leaders in Rochester, Syracuse, and New York City, and I commend them for canceling outdoor activities today. But we're also recommending that school districts in the unhealthy areas also cancel activities as well.

And the bottom line is this: If you can stay indoors, stay indoors. This is detrimental to people's health. In New York State, we have over 1.4 million people who already have asthma. And when the air quality is bad, it's a significant risk for these individuals as well as seniors, children. And you think about all the people that may be still experiencing the effects of COVID, long COVID, you know, compromising their respiratory system. And New York was the epicenter of the COVID pandemic, and this is an issue that is affecting people's ability to breathe.

So we're encouraging people to check the air quality in their zip code. They can go to airnow.gov. And again, we're trying to encourage everyone to stay [inside] and stay hydrated. Take frequent breaks. Also, if you have a mask - the N95 is considered to be effective in protecting people from this. So that's what we're dealing with.

I also recommended some time ago to have DEC send support to Eastern Canada. We have expert firefighters here. It's not something that is foreign to us. We wanted to send our resources. We have a couple of individuals up there now, fire rangers and experts for wildfires. And we're expecting them to ask us for even more. We put in the offer, and we'll be expecting to send more individuals up there very soon.

This is expected to go for the next few days. There was some thought yesterday that this would abate by Friday. I just received an update minutes ago that that is not expected. So people need to prepare for this over the long haul. And again, we can all feel it. It is an effect - one of the collateral damages of climate change. It's an environmental crisis, and I just want to make sure all New Yorkers are aware of this. You may not see it. You may not even feel it. But it is having a negative effect on everyone. So please take precautions throughout our state.