Governor Hochul Urges Con Ed to Review Billing Practices and Announces Actions to Continue Addressing Surging Energy Prices

 

Governor Increases Efforts to Provide Relief to New Yorkers, Encourage Low Income Residents to Apply for Millions of Dollars in Aid  

State Sends Letter Urging Con Ed to Review Billing Practices 

 Governor Kathy Hochul urged Con Edison to review their billing practices and better communicate with New Yorkers after the recent surge in energy costs in New York State left many already struggling New Yorkers surprised, through a letter from Public Service Commission (PSC), and also announced increased relief efforts to reach low-income New Yorkers about millions of dollars in aid available.  

"The extreme utility bill increases we are seeing across the state come at a time when New Yorkers are already struggling financially following the COVID-19 pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "Even though the spike we are seeing in electricity, natural gas and fuel prices were predicted and are due to severe winter weather, I am calling on Con Ed to review their billing practices because we must take unified action to provide relief for New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable residents."  

This winter the cost of natural gas, which is used to heat homes and generate electricity, has risen sharply resulting in a significant increase — sometimes more than doubling - of the supply component of customer electric and/or natural gas bills as compared to prior months. These bill increases are being driven by a global increase in natural gas commodity prices due to higher domestic usage because of colder-than-normal weather, increased economic activity, and increased international demand for natural gas. 

 Heating Utility Assistance 

At its October 7, 2021 session, the Public Service Commission (PSC) discussed the projected supply prices increases and steps the utilities were taking to inform customers. To address the increase in supply prices, Governor Hochul launched a statewide effort to raise awareness of the various state programs available to help struggling New Yorkers pay heating and utility expenses to avoid potential service interruptions during the cold weather months ahead. These programs announced by the Governor include:

• More than $373 million in home heating aid is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for low- and middle-income New Yorkers who need assistance keeping their homes warm during the winter season. So far, 1.4 million regular HEAP benefits have been received by eligible households, totaling $208 million.
• Additional federal funding is available to help low-income households pay heating utility arrears. So far, 104,000 Regular Arrears Supplement benefits have been issued, and $166 million in arrears have been paid off for eligible households.
• $90 million in federal funding through Emergency HEAP was made available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating source amid fuel price increases. So far this winter, nearly 20,000 emergency HEAP benefits have been received by eligible households totaling $17.8 million.
• An increase the budget for the statewide Energy Affordability Policy (EAP) program by the PSC in 2021 from $237.6 million to $366.7 million and expanded eligibility, resulting in about 95,000 more low-income customers that will be able to receive benefits. Since September 2021, approximately $153 million in bill discounts were issued by utilities to eligible customers.

PSC Chair Rory M. Christian said, "We understand that increases in winter electric and gas bills cause financial hardship. While the PSC and the utilities cannot control supply prices, utilities can improve their procurement and billing practices to reduce the likelihood of dramatic price swings in the future and we are requiring Con Edison to address this going forward." 

Billing Practice Adjustments 

Neither the utility nor the Public Service Commission controls the price of the supply component of energy bills. However, to better protect consumers from sudden commodity price increases, utilities use a variety of buying methods and hedges, including short-term and long-term contracts. While hedging is a strategy shared by all utilities, each utility applies the value of these hedges differently to customer utility bills. In the case of Con Edison, their billing practices for customers was a contributing factor to the significant increase in supply rates and ultimately customer bills.

Today, the PSC sent a letter to Con Edison requesting a detailed review of the utility's billing practices including an assurance that the full hedged value the utility secured in January is provided to customers in the next billing cycle, improved customer communications, and an evaluation of alternatives to their current billing practices with recommendations due to DPS staff by February 28, 2022.

Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels

As New York moves toward a greener, cleaner economy, Governor Hochul is making significant investments to diversify electricity fuel sources, primarily through renewables, to decrease the state's reliance on fossil fuels and stabilize energy costs. Recognizing the magnitude of the climate crisis, Governor Hochul announced an ambitious renewable energy and jobs agenda in her 2022 State of the State address and Executive Budget proposal. This agenda includes the next offshore wind development solicitation; a $500 million investment for offshore wind port infrastructure and supply chain; achieving 2 million climate-friendly, electrified or electrification-ready homes by 2030; phasing out New York's dirtiest, polluting power plants; animating the market for new clean energy technologies like green hydrogen; and ensure quality green job creation.

Consumer Education and Awareness

The PSC and the Department of Public Service have been proactively messaging the projected increase in supply prices and the impact to customers' winter bills. In January 2022, the Department of Public Service partnered with other state agencies and held a series of virtual workshops throughout the state for community leaders and elected officials. The workshops focused on: financial assistance programs, such as Home Energy and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Programs; utility energy affordability programs; weatherization and other actions consumers can take to be energy efficient; home and community-based services and supports for older adults and their caregivers; and how to direct consumers to the winter resources. 

Additionally, since the onset of winter, the utilities been proactively communicating that customers' bills will be higher this winter due to increased supply prices. Such outreach and education included press releases, newsletters, utility call center representative training, YouTube videos, and social media posts.

The PSC is committed to making sure customers are aware of these programs to receive the assistance and information they need to effectively manage their energy bills. For more information on winter preparedness efforts and these assistance programs, please go to www.dps.ny.gov/winter. 

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES $100 INCENTIVE PUSH FOR COVID-19 FIRST DOSES, BOOSTERS

 

$100 Incentive Available at City-Run and SOMOS Vaccine Sites Through End of February

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that starting tomorrow, February 12, the city will reopen the $100 COVID-19 vaccine incentive for New Yorkers who get boosted at a city-run or SOMOS site through the end of the month. New Yorkers who receive their first dose at a city-run site will also continue to be eligible for a $100 incentive until the end of February. The incentive is being made in a continued push to get New York City residents vaccinated and boosted.

 

“New Yorkers have done a tremendous job getting vaccinated, but I know we can do more,” said Mayor Adams. “The more of us protected against COVID-19, the quicker we can get through this pandemic. To anyone thinking about getting vaccinated or boosted, now is the time! Protect yourself and those around you and make some money while you’re at it. I also encourage New Yorkers thinking about how to spend their $100 to buy from our small businesses. They have kept New York City running throughout the pandemic and are the backbone of so many communities.”

 

Since launching the incentive program in July 2021, the percentage of all New Yorkers with at least one dose increased 25 percent, with over 800,000 pre-loaded gift cards being distributed to New Yorkers. Already, 77 percent of incentives distributed have gone to New Yorkers of color and tens of millions of dollars have been reinvested into local businesses and spent at grocery stores, restaurants, bodegas, and on transportation.

 

Both first doses and booster doses will be eligible for the $100 incentive until February 28^th, and prepaid cards will be redeemable until March 31^st. Additionally, the city retains the capability to quickly relaunch these initiatives if the need arises.

 

“Every vaccine brings us one step closer to the other side of this pandemic,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The vaccine incentive program has encouraged over 800,000 New Yorkers to prioritize getting their COVID-19 vaccine, and thereby protect their health, the health of their families, and school communities. We urge all New Yorkers to do their part and get vaccinated and boosted.”  

“Vaccination has been the biggest driver for economic recovery following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Already, more than 800,000 pre-loaded debit cards were distributed to New Yorkers, who in turn spent tens of millions of dollars within their local communities,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am grateful for all the New Yorkers who protected themselves by getting the vaccine and then supported vital small businesses that kept this city running.”

“Vaccination remains the best tool we have to prevent suffering due to COVID-19,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “New Yorkers, if you haven’t gotten your first dose or booster dose yet, there’s no better time than right now!”

 

“With more than 75 percent of New Yorkers fully vaccinated, people have proven they will do what it takes to protect themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Senior Advisor for Public Health and Incoming Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We must continue our efforts to get everyone vaccinated, as it’s our best tool to move closer to the end of this pandemic. The vaccine incentive program is crucial in this fight. Get vaccinated and get boosted, New York, we’re depending on you!”

 

“Vaccines offer life-saving protection against COVID-19, and the surest path towards the pandemic’s end,” said Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals and NYC Test & Trace Corps Executive Director Dr. Ted Long. “For anyone who has not had their first dose or their booster if they are eligible, this is the time to get vaccinated to protect your family and your community. Visit VAX4NYC.nyc.gov to find a site near you, or get a vaccination from us in your home. If we all get vaccinated, we will win the fight against COVID-19.”

 

“NYCEDC has been proud to manage the vaccine incentive program on behalf of the city. Both school children and adults are now vaccinated because they took advantage of the $100 program,” said Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “Not only did New Yorkers benefit from the life-saving vaccine but also from the economic boost their spending has had at local shops, restaurants, and bodegas.”

   

BRONX PASTOR WHO RAN OVER ESTRANGED WIFE AND ATTACKED HER WITH MACHETE IN 2019 SENTENCED FOR MANSLAUGHTER

 

Killing Happened in Front of Victim’s Two Young Grandchildren Defendant Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Yonkers man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for running over his estranged wife with a vehicle and stabbing her with a machete in front her two grandchildren in 2019.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant not only took the life of a Bronx grandmother, but also inflicted a possible lifetime of trauma to her grandchildren who were witnesses to this horrific crime. The defendant and the victim had been estranged for approximately a month before he killed her. He pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter in November.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Victor Mateo, 65, last of 4 Eastman Place, Yonkers, N.Y., a former pastor at the Christian Congregation, The Redeemer Church in the Bronx, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy to 23 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision, with final orders of protection for the victim’s two grandchildren. He pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter on November 17, 2021 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy.

 According to the investigation, on the morning of October 3, 2019, the defendant parked his vehicle near the home of Noelia Mateo, 58, on Ellsworth Avenue in Throgs Neck. As the victim left her house to drive her grandchildren to school, Mateo struck her with his vehicle. The victim hid beneath her car, and the defendant got into her vehicle and ran her over with it. He then hacked her with a machete. The victim was taken to Jacobi Medical Center where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her grandchildren, who were 11 and nine years old at the time, witnessed the entire attack.

 The defendant fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle and was arrested on October 10, 2019 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Francis Orlando from Bronx Homicide and NYPD Detective Kristopher Persaud of the 45th Precinct.

Governor Hochul Announces Increased Statewide Impaired Driving Enforcement Efforts During Super Bowl Weekend

 

Stepped Up Enforcement Campaign Period to Run February 11 Through February 14

More than 840 Arrests for DWI and 26,000 Tickets Issued During 2021 Campaign

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that state and local law enforcement agencies across New York will be stepping up patrols and targeting impaired driving during the Super Bowl weekend. The enforcement campaign will run from Friday, February 11, 2022, through Monday, February 14, 2022. This safety initiative is designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOP-DWI with funding from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

"As we prepare to travel and get together with friends and family for an exciting Super Bowl Weekend, we are deploying law enforcement to make road travel as safe as possible," Governor Hochul said. "Be sure to kick off the weekend by planning ahead for a safe ride home and avoid the costly and possibly deadly consequences of drinking and driving." 

During the 2021 campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 26,127 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 846 arrests for DWI. Full breakdown here:

Violation	Number of Tickets
Impaired Driving	846
Distracted Driving	802
Move Over Law	172
Other Violations	18,019
Seatbelt	680
Speeding	5,608
Grand Total	26,127

New York DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Like most Buffalonians, I hoped to be rooting for my hometown team, the Buffalo Bills, during this Super Bowl, but even though New York won't be represented on the field, that won't stop New Yorkers from celebrating. Our hope is that everyone does their part to keep our roads safe. Be the MVP during Super Bowl weekend by driving responsibly or planning for a safe ride home."

State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "The New York State Police wants everyone to enjoy Super Bowl weekend - but please do so responsibly. Driving while impaired can result in tragic consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road. As always, Troopers will be looking out for reckless and impaired drivers. If your celebrations include alcohol, please plan ahead for a safe ride home. No one wins when someone makes the choice to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired."

A major component of New York's efforts to combat impaired driving is the STOP-DWI program. STOP-DWI stands for "Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated." The state's STOP-DWI program is the nation's first self-sustaining program to help prevent impaired driving. The program is funded from fines paid by convicted impaired drivers. Importantly, the program's coordinators are comprised of diverse professional backgrounds, including law enforcement and non-law enforcement.

The STOP-DWI program was created to empower counties to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. All 62 counties have opted to participate. Some examples of programs funded by STOP-DWI are: specially trained police units dedicated to DWI enforcement, hiring of special prosecutors and probation officers to handle the caseload, monitoring ignition interlock devices, supporting rehabilitation services, and developing public information and education campaigns tailored to communities within their respective regions. To learn more, visit http://www.stopdwi.org/.

In addition to STOP-DWI, the GTSC supports training for Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). DREs are specially trained officers utilized by law enforcement when a driver appears to be impaired, but police have ruled out alcohol as the cause or sole cause of impairment. A DRE receives extensive training that has been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The training allows officers to observe and document signs and indicators of impairment within each of seven drug categories including illicit and prescription drugs.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

For more information about GTSC, visit https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/, or follow the GTSC conversation at Facebook and Twitter.

For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov, or follow the DMV conversation online on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Restricts Investments in 21 Shale Oil & Gas Companies

 

$238 Million Divested From Companies Not Prepared for Net Zero Transition

 The New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) will restrict investments in 21 shale oil and gas producing companies, including Pioneer Natural Resources Co., Hess Corp. and Chesapeake Energy Corp., that have failed to demonstrate they are prepared for the transition to a low-carbon economy, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the Fund, announced today.

These restrictions are part of DiNapoli’s comprehensive Climate Action Plan to address investment risks from climate change and his commitment to transition the Fund’s investment portfolio to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

“As market forces and new policies drive the energy transition, we must align our investments with a profitable and dynamic future,” DiNapoli said. “The shale oil and gas industry faces numerous obstacles going forward that pose risks to its financial performance. To protect the state pension fund, we are restricting investments in companies that we believe are unprepared to adapt to a low-carbon future.”

The oil and gas industry, including shale oil and gas companies, has been named by the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) as an industry that may be most affected by climate change and the transition to the emerging net zero economy.

After reviewing 42 companies, the Fund determined 21 failed to show viable transition strategies. The 21 companies are:

• APA Corp.
• Apache Corp.
• Baytex Energy Corp.
• Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
• Callon Petroleum Co.
• Centennial Resources Development Inc.
• Chesapeake Energy Corp.
• Comstock Resources Inc.
• Continental Resources Inc.
• Crescent Point Energy Corp.
• Crew Energy Inc.
• Diamondback Energy Inc.
• Enerplus Corp.
• Hess Corp.
• Laredo Petroleum Inc.
• Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp.
• Matador Resources Co.
• Oasis Petroleum Inc.
• PDC Energy Inc.
• Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

The Fund will divest more than $238 million in public equity and debt securities issued by these companies. These securities will be sold in a prudent manner and timeframe, consistent with the Comptroller’s fiduciary duty.

The evaluation of the Fund’s shale oil and gas holdings is part of DiNapoli’s broader review of the transition readiness of energy sector investments that face significant climate risk. DiNapoli’s prior reviews of oil sands and coal companies led to the Fund’s divestment from 34 firms that the Fund determined failed to demonstrate transition readiness. The Fund will next evaluate integrated oil and gas companies.

Background on Climate Investment Actions

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has been recognized as a global leader for his efforts to protect the Fund’s investments, address material risks from climate change and pursue sustainable investment opportunities for the Fund. In 2019, DiNapoli released a Climate Action Plan, a multi-faceted strategy that includes a goal of committing $20 billion to sustainable investments, dedicated staff to pursue climate solution investments, and minimum standards for portfolio companies that will inform engagements, investments and potential divestment decisions. Building on the Climate Action Plan’s solid foundation, in December 2020, DiNapoli announced the Fund has adopted a goal to transition its portfolio to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. 

Background on New York State Common Retirement Fund

The New York State Common Retirement Fund is one of the largest public pension funds in the United States with assets of approximately $279.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2021. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. It has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation.

MAYOR ADAMS CREATES NEW OFFICE OF FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

 

New Office Will Be Led by Pastor Gilford Monrose

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today created the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnership (OFCP). The office — created with the signing of an executive order by Mayor Adams — will be led by Pastor Gilford Monrose, who will serve as a conduit between city government, the faith-based community throughout New York City, and nonprofit organizations. OFCP will seek to improve the welfare of all New Yorkers and will be housed within the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU).

 

“Our faith community has gone above and beyond the past two years, working tirelessly to keep our people fed, safe, and healthy, mentally and physically,” said Mayor Adams. “It’s past time that the city recognized the critical role they play in uplifting people across our city. I have had the privilege of working alongside Pastor Monrose for several years and have gotten to witness firsthand his talent for building bridges between diverse communities. I thank him for joining our administration in this newly created office and look forward to working with faith leaders across our city to ‘Get Stuff Done.’”

 

“The faith-based community is a fundamental partner in the work that our office does every day,” said CAU Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “I’m thrilled to be working with Pastor Monrose in order to continue this partnership and work together towards our shared goals.”

 

“I am humbled to join the administration as head of OFCP,” said Pastor Gilford Monrose, executive director, Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships. “Mayor Adams has always recognized the important work faith leaders across our city do to help the most vulnerable New Yorkers, and this new office will engage these communities to address issues affecting our city, from gun violence to hate crimes, and uplift people across the five boroughs.”

 

“The Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships reminds us that though we may travel on separate paths to our respective houses of worship, there comes a time when we of many faiths must walk together as one family with strength and support for one another,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president, New York Board of Rabbis. “We are a divided country but spiritually we are a united community.”

 

“I welcome Mayor Adams’ announcement of an Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships in his administration,” said Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, executive director, Interfaith Center of New York. “Having witnessed first-hand, for many years, the power of grassroots faith leaders to strengthen New York City’s communities, I am certain that this Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships will help ensure that diverse communities of faith contribute to our vibrant democracy in years to come.”

 

“The Muslim Community Network proudly endorses the significant need to have Mayor Adams’ new Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships,” said Dr. Debbie Almontaser, CEO and founder, Bridging Cultures Group Inc. “This office gives voice to the multi-religious communities of New York City — an important voice that has not been heard. In partnership, we people of faith will stand shoulder to shoulder to care for beloved communities in every neighborhood across the city.”

 

“I am very happy to see the creation of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships,” said Evan R. Bernstein, national director, Community Security Service; and co-founder, New York City Interfaith Security Council. “Thank you, Mayor Eric Adams and the City of New York, for leading this critical initiative at a time when we are seeing a rise in hate crimes that impact religious minority groups across the city. Partnership and dialogue are critical in fighting hate and this office will help foster both.”

 

THREE MEN SENTENCED FOR ROBBING, FATALLY SHOOTING MAN IN 2018

 

One Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter, Sentenced to 19 Years; Other Defendants Pleaded Guilty to Robbery, Sentenced to 12 and 16 Years

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that three men have been sentenced to prison in the 2018 robbery and fatal shooting of a Bronx man in his apartment.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants texted each other and planned the robbery of the victim. When they got to his apartment, they robbed and fatally shot him. One of the defendants was a childhood friend of the victim, knew his family and even attended the victim’s funeral. One of the defendants pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter and the other two pleaded guilty to first-degree Robbery. They will spend years in prison for their senseless acts.”

 District Attorney Clark said defendants, Dexter Jones, 32, of Queens, N.Y.; Tommie Williams, 30, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Shawn Marquis, 31, of Brooklyn, N.Y., were sentenced by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy. Jones was sentenced to 19 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision for first-degree Manslaughter on February 8, 2022. Williams was sentenced to 12 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision for first-degree Robbery on February 8, 2022. Marquis was sentenced today to 16 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision for first-degree Robbery.

 According to the investigation, on the night of December 28, 2018, the defendants drove from Brooklyn to the home of Rodney Bennett, 32, on Southern Boulevard. Jones and Marquis, armed with guns, went up to the victim’s apartment as Williams waited outside in the car. When the victim opened the door, Jones shot him in the back. Marquis struggled with the injured victim and one of the defendants stole Bennett’s chain. The three defendants fled the scene and Bennett was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was pronounced dead less than hour after the incident. The defendants were arrested in March 2019.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Sergeant Luis Linares of the 42nd Precinct and retired NYPD Detective Matthew McCrosson of the Bronx Homicide Squad.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Statewide COVID-19 Hospitalizations Lowest Since December 20 - Down 272 Since Yesterday, Down Nearly 1,800 Since Last Week

65% Drop in Hospitalizations from January 11 Peak (12,671)

Cases Per 100k (7-Day Average) Declining in All Regions

72 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"While we are seeing cases and hospitalizations continue to decline in New York State, this pandemic is not over and we must remain vigilant to protect our vulnerable loved ones," Governor Hochul said. "Let's continue to use the tools we know protect ourselves and vulnerable loved ones from this virus - the vaccine, booster, masks and tests. We must continue to be adaptable and responsive to the changing circumstances, which is why our new Winter Toolkit focuses on how we safely and responsibly move forward in this pandemic: Protecting the most vulnerable, increasing our vaccine and booster doses, strengthening the healthcare system, empowering local leaders and supporting New Yorkers who are dealing with long term effects of COVID."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 205,667
• Total Positive - 7,442
• Percent Positive - 3.62%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.88%
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,398 (-272)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 494
• Patients in ICU - 712 (-43)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 404 (-14)
• Total Discharges - 279,168 (+626)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 72
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 53,931

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 - 67,750

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 - 36,341,991
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 47,976
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 301,380
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.4%
• 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) - 85.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 70.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.1%