Governor Hochul Announces More Than 20 Million COVID-19 Tests to Be Deployed Across State Through Spring to Bolster Ongoing Preparedness Efforts

 

Tests To Be Distributed to Nursing Homes, Adult Care Facilities, Schools, NYCHA Residences, Senior Centers, Food Banks, and Elected Officials for Local Communities

More Than 54 Million Tests Already Distributed Throughout the State in Recent Months, More than 90 Million Procured To Date

State Will Establish Precautionary Stockpile of At Least 20 Million Tests

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than 20 million COVID-19 over-the-counter tests will be distributed across the state through the Spring to bolster New York State's ongoing preparedness efforts. 

“As we've seen throughout the pandemic, test kits are a critical tool in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and prevent exposure to others,” Governor Hochul said. “While our numbers remain low, now is the time to ramp up the distribution of tests and build up our stockpile so we can bolster our preparedness for the future to protect our communities, and safely move forward through this pandemic."

The State will continue to provide over-the-counter test kits to nursing homes, adult care facilities, and schools, and will partner with elected officials for continued distribution to the public, during the next few months to identify new COVID-19 cases and keep New Yorkers safe. 

This includes one million tests to schools outside of New York City every other week until the end of the school year. New York City no longer receives State distributions because they have sufficient test kits to get them through the year. At home tests have proven to be an invaluable tool for identifying cases and protecting our communities; they were responsible for finding at least 15,000 positive cases among students and staff the week after the winter break alone.

In addition to these continued distributions, the State is increasing distribution points for test kits. The State will partner with Mayors, County Executives, Members of Congress, Borough Presidents and State Legislators across New York to increase access to tests for the general public. And the State will coordinate distribution of 1.74 million tests to the NYC Housing Authority tenants, enough for each household to receive four tests. An additional 500,000 tests will be made available to various food banks and senior centers throughout the state, based on request.

Ahead of the Omicron surge in late 2021, Governor Hochul and her team identified the need to secure over-the-counter test kits to combat the Omicron surge, providing regular distributions to the general public, prioritizing schools and adult care facilities across the state. 

More than 54 million tests have already been distributed throughout New York since the beginning of the year, including nearly 30 million tests to schools, 12.5 million tests to nursing homes and adult-care facilities, and more than 10 million tests to local officials for public distribution in their respective communities. The distribution efforts follow the procurement of more than 90 million rapid tests in recent months. 

Of the more than 90 million tests procured, approximately 20 million tests have been stored to help prepare for any potential surges later this year

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “This winter Governor Hochul got test kits into New Yorkers hands to combat the Omicron surge. These kits helped keep all of us safe by identifying cases early so that New Yorkers could take action to stop the spread. Our team at DHSES will continue to distribute millions of additional test kits to New Yorkers this spring to help us identify future infections and interrupt transmission early and will maintain the State’s stockpile of this essential tool in case of a future surge.” 

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “Testing has been a critical tool to curb the spread of COVID-19, and the State continues the important work of getting test kits to New Yorkers. The distribution of rapid tests has been a hallmark of Governor Hochul’s winter surge plan, and testing continues to help our classrooms, workplaces, and communities at increased risk stay healthy and safe. If New Yorkers have had COVID-19 exposure, experience symptoms, or have recently traveled, they should take advantage of these free at-home tests being distributed statewide thanks to the hard work of our partners at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.”

Bronx Rive Arts Center (BRAC) Spring 2022

 

BRONX RIVER ART CENTER (BRAC) ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF REGISTRATION FOR SPRING 2022 CLASSES IN FINE ARTS AND MEDIA.

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) continues with its mission to bring high quality and affordable classes in Fine Arts and Digital Media at its state of the art facility located in the West Farms area of the Bronx. For Spring 2022, BRAC offers in person classes in Cartooning, Drawing, Painting, Textile Art and Crochet, Ceramics, Printmaking, Mixed-Media Painting, and in hybrid mode (online and onsite) Digital Illustration and Digital Animation for children, youth, teens, adults and families. Spring 2022 registration will take place until April 23rd through Eventbrite with an Early Bird discount special of 10% off through March 26th ! In addition, BRAC has partnered with KaN Design Studio for its TPS+2.0 (teens plus young adults) Project Studio course to design and produce the "Tableware Product Design" project inspired by ethnic food cultures. TPS+2.0 will take place in BRAC's 3D Makerspace; including the ceramics studio, woodworking shop, and Digital Media Lab. The final designs will be part of a public art installation featured in the Summer exhibition "Around the Table: Stories of the Foods We Love" at the New York Botanical Garden. TPS+2.0 is Free and by Application Only. BRAC's Spring 2022 classes will begin the week of April 4th and run through June 20th with a culminating Student Exhibition opening on June 18. For more information, please visit our website: www.bronxriverart.org to see a more detailed listing of classes, and the roster of professional teaching artists who will be teaching this Spring.

SPRING 2022 REGISTRATION Visual Arts and Digital Media Spring 2022 Classes REGISTER FOR CLASSES NOW REGISTER HERE

COVID-19 vaccination proof requirements have expanded to include younger children and to require full vaccination: Children: Children ages 5 to 11 are now required to have proof of vaccination for the public indoor activities. They must show they have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Full Vaccination: People 12 and older participating in public indoor activities are now required to show proof they have received two vaccine doses, except for those who have received the one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Starting January 29, 2022, children ages 5 to 11 must also show proof of full vaccination. Masking, social distancing, hand washing, temperature check and exposure questionnaire will be strictly enforced.

This program is made possible with support from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, including the Bronx Delegation. Additional support is from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, the NYS Council on the Arts with support from Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature including Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda. Foundation support is from Con Edison: The Power of Giving, BronxCare Health System, New York Community Trust and private donors.

Permits Filed For 1258 Shakespeare Avenue In Highbridge, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 70-story residential building at 1258 Shakespeare Avenue in Highbridge, The Bronx. Located between Jerome Avenue and West 169th Street, the lot is near the 170th Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Zev Mayer of Skyrock NYC Development is listed as the owner behind the applications, and is also responsible for permits for the neighboring five-story residential building at 1268 Shakespeare Avenue.

The proposed 70-foot-tall development will yield 48,137 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 90 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 534 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 35-foot-long rear yard and 45 open parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed last month. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON INDICTMENT OF ASSAMAD NASH FOR MURDER OF CHRISTINA YUNA LEE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after Assamad Nash was indicted in Manhattan for the murder of Christina Yuna Lee last month:

 

“Today’s indictment of Assamad Nash is another critical step towards delivering justice for the brutal killing of Christina Yuna Lee. I want to thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, as well as the NYPD’s 5th Precinct and Emergency Services Unit, for their work in taking a dangerous individual off the streets. The new emergency taskforce we’re creating will address the intersection where public safety, mental health, and homelessness intertwine, and is our latest effort to support the AAPI community during these troubling times. As we mournfully commemorate the one-year anniversary of the horrific Atlanta spa shootings, I want members of our AAPI community, and all New Yorkers, to know that we are working around the clock to put an end to this violence and ensure that people in every neighborhood can feel safe in our city.”

 

Governor Hochul Signs Package of Legislation to Address Workplace Harassment and Discrimination

 

Legislation (S.812B/A.2035B) Establishes a Confidential Hotline for Complaints of Workplace Sexual Harassment     

Legislation (S.3395B/A.2483B) Includes the State and all Public Employers as Subject to the Human Rights Law   

Legislation (S.5870/A.7101) Prohibits Release of Personnel Records as a Retaliatory Action Against Employees   

Complements Governor's Equity Agenda, Including Creating a Council on Gender Equity and Protecting Reproductive Access for All 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a package of legislation to address workplace harassment and discrimination. Legislation (S.812B/A.2035B) establishes a toll free confidential hotline for complaints of workplace sexual harassment. Legislation (S.3395B/A.2483B) includes the State and all public employers as subject to the provisions of the Human Rights Law. Legislation (S.5870/A.7101) prohibits the release of personnel files as a retaliatory action against employees. The legislation was signed at a Women’s History Month celebration with advocates for gender equity and women’s rights.

“From day one, it has been one of my top priorities to clean up Albany, change a culture of harassment and abuse, and ensure safe, respectful workplaces,” Governor Hochul said. “Everyone has the right to a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and harassment, and I will never stop fighting for gender equity. While there’s more work to be done, I am proud of the steps we are taking to promote safety, dignity, and respect for all New Yorkers.”

Addressing sexual harassment is part of Governor Hochul’s Equity Agenda, which includes the creation of a Council on Gender Equity, measures to protect access to reproductive health services, including abortion care and prenatal and postnatal care, increased support for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs), investments in child care access, and a plan to bring free child care to every SUNY campus. The Governor is also calling on the legislature to pass the Equal Rights Amendment this session.

Legislation S.812B/A.2035B will require the Division of Human Rights to establish a toll free confidential hotline for complaints of workplace sexual harassment. Many victims of workplace sexual harassment are unable to exercise their legal rights because they are not aware of what those rights are. The function of the hotline will be to connect complainants with experienced pro-bono attorneys who will help make them aware of their legal rights and advise them on the specifics of their individualized cases.

Legislation S.3395B/A.2483B clarifies that the State is considered an employer of anyone serving in the executive, judiciary, and legislative branches – including the staff of elected officials or judges – and subject to the provisions of the Human Rights Law. This legislation will clarify that the state will not be able to avoid responsibility for harassment of public employees and ensure that New York’s sweeping anti-harassment regulations protect both public and private employees.

Legislation S.5870/A.7101 establishes that the release of personnel records to discredit victims of workplace discrimination counts as a retaliatory action under the Human Rights Law. The Human Rights Law expressly prohibits all forms of retaliation against complainants. This legislation clarifies that the release of a personnel record counts as retaliation except where it is necessary to comply with an investigation. This bill also provides additional recourse to victims of unlawful retaliation under this new provision by allowing them to file a complaint with the Attorney General who may commence a proceeding in state Supreme Court.

Photos credit, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

Former Government Official In The Dominican Republic Sentenced To 15 Years For Conspiring To Import Cocaine Into The United States

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that the Dominican Republic’s former Consul General to Jamaica, JEREMIAS JIMENEZ CRUZ, was sentenced today to 179 months in prison for using his position and contacts in the government of the Dominican Republic to import cocaine into the United States. JIMENEZ CRUZ was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood. JIMENEZ CRUZ previously pled guilty to conspiring to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Jeremias Jimenez Cruz abused his position as a government official to traffic vast amounts of cocaine into the United States. Today Jimenez Cruz was rightly sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crime.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, prior filings in this case, and statements made in Court:

JIMENEZ CRUZ was a high-ranking government official in the Dominican Republic whose positions have included Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic to Germany, Consul General of the Dominican Republic to Jamaica, and president of the National Christian Movement.  He has also held himself out to be the half-brother of a former two-term president of the Dominican Republic. JIMENEZ CRUZ used his position, connections, and planes to traffic large quantities of cocaine, including for importation to the United States, and to launder drug proceeds. During the course of the investigation, JIMENEZ CRUZ was caught on tape admitting that with his government connections, he had the capacity to move up to 600 kilograms of cocaine by airplane and up to one ton of cocaine by boat. JIMENEZ CRUZ admitted that he was a leader of this conspiracy that involved the importation of over 50 kilograms of cocaine, and that he abused his position of public trust to commit the offense.

In addition to the sentence, JIMENEZ CRUZ, age 52, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA. The arrest was the result of an investigation by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).  

The Strike Force is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, New York City Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives , U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, the Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department, and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Attorney General James Applauds New Laws to Combat Sexual Harassment

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement applauding new laws signed today to combat sexual harassment in New York:

“Sexual harassment is pervasive, corrosive, and has been a silent barrier for women in the workplace for far too long. Today is an important day in our collective efforts to combat sexual harassment, and I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the legislative sponsors for their work on these issues. Most importantly, I am grateful to the advocates who shined a light in the dark corners of our society and fought tirelessly to make these critical protections a reality. Every workplace should be safe from harassment or abuse, and these new laws will go a long way towards ensuring we have the proper tools to protect people from harassment and retaliation.”

Partnerships for Parks - FREE Webinars and Job Openings

 

Once You Hear Me, You Won't Forget Me by Patricia Cazorla & Nancy Saleme. Howard Bennett Playground in Harlem, November 2018. Photo courtesy of the artists.

BRINGING ART TO LOCAL PARKS: THE NYC PARKS’ ART IN THE PARKS PROGRAM Want to bring art installations to your local park? For the first time, Partnerships for Parks is teaming up with NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program to showcase the ways you can navigate the public art process to enrich your neighborhood park. You will see highlights from past installations and hear from a local artist who has had their work displayed through the Art in the Parks program. Join us to learn: The variety of artworks that have been exhibited in parks citywide. An overview of the public art process. Guidelines for applications. Featured speakers include:  Elizabeth Masella, Senior Public Art Coordinator for NYC Parks. Naiomy Rodriguez, Public Art Coordinator for NYC Parks. Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. Traducción en Español disponible. Tuesday, April 5 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

REGISTER NOW

W119th St Block Association care for street trees, November 2021.

CONTRIBUYA A SU PARQUE Our "Get Involved with Your Park" workshop in Spanish ¿Te gustaría contribuir con tu parque local? Todavía hay tiempo para registrarse a nuestro curso virtual en español (traducido en inglés) que servirá como una introducción a las formas en que puede apoyar a su parque local y a otros parques de la ciudad de Nueva York. Este curso virtual enseñará temas relacionados a cómo ser voluntario para ayudar a parques urbanos y áreas verdes, información sobre cómo crear grupos para colaborar en equipo en tu comunidad. A través de una subvención, Partnerships for Parks ofrece un máximo de $3,000 por grupo que esté interesado en cooperar con el mantenimiento/embellecimiento de parques urbanos y áreas verdes. Recomendamos completar el registro de capacitación lo antes posible. La inscripción finalizará el día anterior al entrenamiento (22 de marzo).

REGISTER NOW

PfP staffer tables at The People's Festival at Albee Square in Brooklyn, August 2021.

WORK WITH PfP We are a joint community engagement program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks working to sustain local parks and green spaces across New York City. We are currently hiring for multiple positions including Catalyst Organizer, Catalyst Community Connector, Technical Assistance Director, and Volunteer Projects Assistant. Check out the following sites for details and instructions on how to apply https://bit.ly/PfPJobs22 and https://on.nyc.gov/3sA2XvU.

APPLY NOW

Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to transform these spaces into dynamic community assets.