Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 2, 2023

 

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing and Treatment

26 Statewide Deaths Reported on February 1

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19 and outlined basic steps they can take to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections that become more common in the winter season. 

"With frigid temperatures ahead for New York, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Be sure to stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take common prevention measures — like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene — to protect from the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. The Governor reiterated these basic steps when she updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts last month.  

The New York State Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report for the week ending January 21, shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for a sixteenth consecutive week, with a total of 305,354 positive cases across 61 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 39 percent to 4,459 for the week, while overall hospitalizations were down 44 percent from the previous week, with the week at 465 hospitalizations across the state. 

Additionally, there were 5 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There were no influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported this week, leaving the total at eight statewide. 

With flu season continuing and infections remaining widespread, Governor Hochul encourages all New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both circulating, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system. 

The Health Department is continuing its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get both flu and COVID-19 shots for themselves and children 6 months and older. For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/. 

Governor Hochul also continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Last month, the New York State Department of Health announced new guidance for bivalent COVID-19 booster doses, which are now available for eligible children down to 6 months of age.  

The updated boosters are the first to be targeted to the original virus strain and recently circulating variants and are recommended for young New Yorkers and all those eligible. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or healthcare provider; visit vaccines.gov; text their ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.  

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Cases Per 100k - 17.25
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 14.71
• Test Results Reported - 60,133
• Total Positive - 3,371
• Percent Positive - 5.14%** 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.55%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,563 (-60)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 403
• Patients in ICU - 270 (-20)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 111 (-4)
• Total Discharges - 396,398 (+414)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 26
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 61,381

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services 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 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 - 78,008

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.       

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

Borough	Monday,   January   30, 2023	Tuesday,   January   31, 2023	Wed.  February   1, 2023
Bronx	5.70%	5.68%	5.65%
Kings	3.64%	3.66%	3.26%
New York	4.77%	4.71%	4.63%
Queens	5.60%	5.50%	5.24%
Richmond	5.21%	5.46%	5.36%

Transformative Plan to Increase Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment Capacity, Boost Insurance Coverage and Dramatically Expand Outpatient Services

Investments will Create Transitional and Supportive Housing to Serve New Yorkers with Mental Illness; Create Systemic Accountability for Hospital Admissions and Discharges 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced details of her comprehensive $1 billion multi-year plan to overhaul the continuum of mental health care and drastically reduce the number of individuals with unmet mental health needs throughout the state. First outlined during the 2023 State of the State last month, the plan aims to dramatically expand access to mental health care, reduce wait times and ensure appropriate levels of care to correct a mental health care system that has suffered from chronic underinvestment.

"New York State's mental health care system was strained and suffering from years of underinvestment even before the global pandemic exacerbated the problem and made things worse," Governor Hochul said. "New Yorkers who struggle with mental illness deserve a system that is suited for and responsive to their needs. From creating transitional and supportive housing to expanding our comprehensive network of outpatient services, this bold plan is aimed at providing the funding and resources needed to ensure everyone in our state can access high-quality mental health care."

The plan includes $890 million in capital and $120 million in operating funding to establish and operate 3,500 new residential units for New Yorkers with mental illness. These units include 500 community residence-single room occupancy units, which provide housing and intensive services to individuals with serious mental illness who are at the highest risk of homelessness; 900 transitional step-down units; 600 licensed apartment units serving individuals who require an intermediate level of services.

Also funded through this allocation are 1,500 supportive housing units, which serve individuals with a serious mental illness who have less acute needs but still require support to live in the community. In addition, the plan includes $25 million in capital and $7.3 million in operating costs for 60 community step-down housing units in New York City to serve formerly unhoused individuals who are transitioning from inpatient care.

Governor Hochul is proposing to invest $60 million in capital and $121.6 million operating funding to dramatically expand outpatient services. This includes establishing 12 new comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs providing hospital-level crisis care; tripling the number of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in New York, from 13 to 39, that offer walk-in, immediate integrated mental health and substance use disorder services for New Yorkers of all ages and insurance status; creating 42 additional Assertive Community Treatment teams to provide mobile, high intensity services to the most at-risk New Yorkers and eight additional Safe Options Support teams - five in New York City and three in the rest of state - to provide outreach and connection to services for homeless populations with mental illness and substance use disorders; and expanding capacity at 20 Article 31 clinics that provide core mental health services serving the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

The plan also includes requirements that hospitals responsibly admit and discharge patients, with new, comprehensive standards for evaluation and increased state-level oversight to ensure that new protocols are being used effectively. To ensure the success of these new requirements for discharge planning, a $28 million investment will create 50 new Critical Time Intervention care coordination teams to help provide wrap-around services for discharged patients - from housing to job supports.

Additionally, an investment of $2.8 million will expand the Intensive and Sustained Engagement Treatment program to offer peer-based outreach and engagement for adults with serious mental illness. The plan invests $3.3 million in the Individual Placement and Supports program will ensure that the Office of Mental Health expands the use of this evidence-based model of supported employment for adults with mental illness. 

Governor Hochul will advance legislation to close gaps in insurance coverage for behavioral health services and prohibit carriers from denying access to medically necessary, high-need, acute and crisis mental health services for both adults and children, including medications for substance use disorder. In addition, Governor Hochul will introduce legislation requiring commercial insurance providers to pay for school-based services at a level equal to the higher paying Medicaid rate, to ensure timely access for all children.

Additionally, Governor Hochul is proposing to adopt appointment availability and geographic accessibility standards for behavioral health services. This will require payment parity for behavioral health telehealth services and mandate the use of OMH-designated medical necessity criteria and tools and authorize lawsuits by insureds for state law parity violations. 

Governor Hochul is also proposing a $20 million expansion of mental health services in schools by increasing Medicaid payment rates for school-based satellite clinics and a $10 million investment to expand school-based wraparound services, including an annual investment to provide the start-up funding necessary to get new and expanded school services in operation quickly. The plan also includes an additional $12 million to expand the HealthySteps program and home-based crisis intervention teams, and $10 million in grants to suicide prevention programs targeting high-risk youth. 

DEC REMINDS VISITORS TO STATE LANDS TO LOVE OUR NEW YORK LANDS AND LEAVE NO TRACE™

 

Enjoy Winter Recreation Safely and Responsibly

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded visitors to the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves and all State lands to recreate safely and responsibly and practice Leave No Trace™ this winter. Everyone who recreates on New York’s State lands has a responsibility to adequately prepare themselves and protect natural resources for future generations. Following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace™, set forth by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, is one way visitors are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands. This weekend, temperatures are expected to drop to -45 degrees Fahrenheit in the Adirondack High Peaks. DEC encourages anyone with plans to venture outdoors to consider changing those plans. In dangerously cold weather, as forecast for this weekend, frostbite only takes 10 minutes to take effect. 

“In the Northeast, we are no strangers to the cold, but this weekend’s weather is different and we need to take precautions when outdoors,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “With wind chills reaching -50, there is a risk of rapid onset of hypothermia and frostbite. While DEC’s Forest Rangers are prepared to rescue anyone in need, outdoor adventurers are advised not to put themselves or first responders in unnecessary danger. The Adirondacks, Catskills, and our many forests, wildlife management areas, and other State Lands will still be there to enjoy and share when temperatures rise.” 

When weather conditions are more suitable than the cold weather this week, there are steps visitors can take to help protect themselves and the places they visit, however they choose to recreate. The Leave No Trace™ Seven Principles provide helpful guidance for reducing impacts on the environment and keeping everyone safe. 

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 
   Proper planning is vital to a safe winter adventure. Know personal limits, set realistic goals, and choose an experience appropriate for everyone in the group. Research trails and routes before setting out and contact DEC or other knowledgeable parties with questions. 
   
   
   Winter weather can change rapidly. Prepare for every occasion by bringing the 10 Hike Smart NY essentials, including: food, water, navigation, warm layers, snowshoes and traction devices, a headlamp, first-aid kit, emergency kit, emergency shelter, and matches or a lighter. Stay up to date with current weather reports leading up to a trip. If the forecast calls for harsh conditions, consider rescheduling.  
   
   Make a timeline, including a turnaround time, and stick to it. Always leave trip plans with someone who will call for help if you don’t return on time. For more tips on preparing for a safe outdoor winter experience, visit DEC’s winter hiking safety page. 
   
   
   
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 
   Stick to designated trails and campsites as much as possible. Skis or snowshoes are recommended whenever there is significant snowpack and are required in the Eastern High Peaks when snow depths reach eight inches. Snowshoes make walking in deep snow easier and help prevent postholing, the act of creating deep holes in the snow with bare boots. Remember that snow will likely be deeper at higher elevations. Use traction devices, such as crampons or microspikes, to travel safely on icy trails.
   
   
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
   Pack out garbage, food scraps, broken gear, and pet waste. Dispose of trash in a designated can at the trailhead or at home. ‘Go before you go’ and use toilets or outhouses whenever possible. While the ground is frozen, making cat holes hard to dig, be prepared to pack out poop where toilets aren’t available.
   
   
4. Leave What You Find 
   Leave trail signs and markers so others can find their way. Leave historic artifacts and natural features for others to enjoy. Last but not least, don’t carve or graffiti rocks, trees, or backcountry structures.
   
   
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 
   Confirm that fires are permitted before you build one. Use designated fireplaces whenever possible and only burn dead and downed wood. When you’re done with the fire, extinguish it completely. Never leave a fire unattended or have a fire inside a structure such as a lean-to or tent. 
   
   
6. Respect Wildlife  
   Appreciate wildlife from a distance. Don’t follow, approach, or feed them. Human food can harm wildlife and feeding animals can create bad habits that lead to dangerous human interactions, unnatural habituation, and unsustainable dependency.  
   
   
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors 
   Help all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience by following winter trail etiquette. Wear snowshoes or skis on snowy trails to avoid post-holing and separate ski and snowshoe tracks when possible. Yield to downhill skiers, keep to the right side of the trail, and use the left to pass. Snowmobile riders are reminded to respect posted signage and slow down when passing pedestrians or traveling through densely populated areas. For more information about snowmobile safety, go to https://parks.ny.gov/newsroom/press-releases/release.aspx?r=1828

To learn more about safe, responsible recreation in all seasons, visit the Love Our New York Lands page on DEC's website. For more helpful tips on preparing for your next adventure, check out the Outdoor Recreation playlist on DEC’s Youtube channel. 

 

Attorney General James Secures $410,000 from Tech Companies for Illegally Promoting Spyware and Violating New Yorkers’ Privacy

 

Multiple Companies Owned by Patrick Hinchy Sold Software Products that Allowed Individuals to Spy on their Partners without Their Consent

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $410,000 from Patrick Hinchy and 16 of his companies for illegally promoting spyware that allowed individuals to monitor another person’s device without their awareness. The software products sold by Hinchy’s companies allowed users to secretly monitor activity on another device, including call logs, text messages, photos and videos, location, Gmail activity, WhatsApp and Skype messages, social media activity, and browsing history. The companies’ advertisements and promotions led customers to believe that using their products for spying was legal, however, installing and using stalkerware to monitor another adult’s mobile device without their consent violates numerous state and federal laws. As a result of this agreement, Hinchy’s companies must pay $410,000 in penalties and modify their apps to alert device owners that their devices are being monitored.

“Snooping on a partner and tracking their cell phone without their knowledge isn’t just a sign of an unhealthy relationship, it is against the law,” said Attorney General James. “These apps and products put New Yorkers at risk of stalking and domestic abuse, and were aggressively promoted by Patrick Hinchy through 16 different companies. Today’s agreement will block these companies from allowing New Yorkers to be monitored without their awareness, and will continue our ongoing fight to protect New Yorkers’ rights, safety, and privacy.”

A consortium of companies owned by Hinchy promoted several apps as tools to spy on spouses or intimate partners without their awareness or consent. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Hinchy and his companies also misrepresented their refund and data security policies, failed to disclose the potential harm to a device caused by the installation of their products, and created sham review sites to lure customers into purchasing and using the stalkerware products.

The investigation revealed that Hinchy created numerous websites that purported to provide independent technology advice, but in reality, solely promoted the stalkerware products sold by Hinchy’s companies. Hinchy’s stalkerware companies also failed to disclose the need to perform an invasive procedure, known as rooting for Android devices or jailbreaking on Apple devices, and the risks associated with such procedures. Customers were also misled by confusing refund policies and false claims regarding the data security of information obtained by the stalkerware products.

Today’s agreement requires Hinchy and his companies to pay $410,000 in penalties, disgorgement, and costs. In addition, Hinchy’s companies must modify the apps and software so that the owner of the device being monitored is notified and informed of the types of information collected by the app or software and made available for viewing by the user of the product. The agreement further requires Hinchy and his companies to make accurate disclosures regarding endorsements, rooting and jailbreaking requirements, refund policies, and data security.

The companies owned by Hinchy and named in today’s agreement include Powerline Group Inc., Powerline Media LLC, Powerline Data LLC, Powerline Digital LLC, Powerline Commerce LLC, ILF Mobile Apps Corp., Auto Forward Data Services LLC, DDI Utilities Inc., DDI Data Solutions Inc., Highster Mobile Inc., Highster Data Services LLC, PhoneSpector LLC, Safeguarde LLC, BFG Marketing LLC, Digital Security World LLC, and CTS Technologies Corp.