Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 9, 2022

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

23 Statewide Deaths Reported on November 8 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19 and plan to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections that become more common in the fall and winter seasons.  

"With winter approaching, I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and 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."

Last week, Governor Hochul launched a new public awareness campaign featuring New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett speaking directly to New Yorkers about three viruses - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 - now circulating in the state with similar symptoms and the potential to cause serious illness. Produced by the New York State Department of Health, the videos include a short clip and a longer version geared toward parents; and a version aimed specifically at health care providers.     

Governor Hochul continues to remind New Yorkers that children ages 5 and older may now receive the bivalent booster shots that are recommended to increase protection against COVID-19. 

The Governor also urges New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. 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.  

In addition, Governor Hochul encourages New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season is widespread across New York State. 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 State Department of Health 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. Advertisements in both English and Spanish language began running last month. 

For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:    

• Cases Per 100k - 22.67
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 21.12
• Test Results Reported - 64,085
• Total Positive - 4,430
• Percent Positive - 6.45%**     
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.17%**      
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,915 (-33)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 442
• Patients in ICU - 293 (-9)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 100 (-5)
• Total Discharges - 359,987 (+439)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 23
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 59,015

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.       

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.      

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data — not percent positivity.  

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 75,296

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	Sunday,   November   6, 2022	Monday,   November   7, 2022	Tuesday,   November   8, 2022
Bronx	6.52%	6.59%	6.62%
Kings	4.43%	4.50%	5.79%
New York	5.78%	5.74%	5.84%
Queens	6.77%	6.82%	6.84%
Richmond	5.45%	5.44%	5.46%

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON LANDSLIDE APPROVAL OF HISTORIC RACIAL JUSTICE BALLOT PROPOSALS

 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after New York City voters yesterday overwhelming supported three ballot proposals to advance racial justice and equity for all:

 

“Equity and justice go hand in hand and are key to building a prosperous city that serves all New Yorkers. By using their voices and their votes for all three racial justice ballot proposals, New Yorkers have placed racial equity at the heart of our city’s government. Our administration is fully committed to advancing equity, and I am proud of New Yorkers’ decision to create the first-ever Racial Equity Office. New Yorkers from all walks of life have made history to dismantle structural racism in our city and ensure equity is a core government function, setting a precedent that cities around the nation can follow.”

 

DEC Announces Regular Firearms Season for Deer and Bear Hunting in Southern Zone Begins Nov. 19

Hunters Reminded of Additional Opportunities and Responsibilities

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced deer and bear hunting seasons in New York’s Southern Zone begin Saturday, Nov. 19. Hunters can continue to enjoy the longer hours, youth hunts, and other changes enacted last year, including requirements for blaze orange and pink to help maintain New York’s record of safe hunting.

“The regular firearms season for deer and bear in New York’s Southern Zone is the state’s most popular big game hunting season, drawing hundreds of thousands of hunters afield each year,” Commissioner Seggos said. “As a cherished annual tradition in New York State, these hunting seasons are managed to maximize conservation value and balance deer and bear populations, while providing more than 11 million pounds of quality, locally grown, organic meat to families statewide. I wish all hunters a safe and successful season.”

The 2022-23 regular deer and bear hunting seasons in New York's Southern Zone begins Nov. 19, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 11, and includes participation from approximately 85 percent of New York’s 550,000 licensed hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and a substantial part of the statewide bear harvest.

Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will run from Dec. 12 through Dec. 20, and again from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess a hunting license and either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges. 

In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 22, and will close on Dec. 4. The Northern Zone includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain, and the Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys. A late bowhunting and muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11.

For a breakdown of New York’s hunting seasons visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65231.html 

Opportunities for Youth Hunters, Longer Hunting Hours

Again this year, 12- and 13-year-old hunters may hunt deer with a firearm when accompanied by a licensed, experienced adult. This pilot program, established by the New York State Legislature through 2023, applies to counties that choose to participate. The program does not apply to Westchester or Suffolk counties. Of the eligible upstate counties, only Erie and Rockland counties have not opted into the program. 

Hunters are reminded that the daily hunting hours for deer and bear now include the full daylight period, beginning 30 minutes before sunrise and continuing until 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters should check the sunrise and sunset times before hunting each day.

Hunters should also remember that anytime they are pursuing deer or bear with a firearm, they must now wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing—either a hat, vest, or jacket visible in all directions. New York hunters have an excellent safety record, but this change will make hunters even safer. 

Hunters are also reminded to follow the basic rules of firearm safety:

1. Point your gun in a safe direction.
2. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
3. Be sure of your target and beyond.
4. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

When hunting in tree stands, use a safety harness and a climbing belt, as most tree stand accidents occur when hunters are climbing in and out of the stand. Also, hunters should never climb in or out of a tree stand with a loaded firearm.

Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow

Hunters are proving that voluntary choice works to yield more older bucks. By choosing to Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow, New York hunters are now seeing and taking more older bucks than ever before. Older deer yield more meat and have larger antlers.

Hunters are Key Partners in Protecting NY Deer from Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to spread in other states, and hunters have great responsibility to prevent CWD introduction to New York. CWD is always fatal to deer. If introduced, CWD could spread rapidly and be practically impossible to eliminate once established. Hunters can help protect New York’s deer herd from CWD by following these tips:

• If you hunt any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou outside of New York, you must debone your animal before bringing it back.  See CWD Regulations for Hunters.  DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported carcasses and parts, including whole deer and deer heads.
• Do not use deer urine-based lures or attractant scents, as these could contain infectious material.
• Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not just on the landscape.
• Report any deer that appears sick or is acting abnormally.
• Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles.

Take It – Tag It – Report It

With DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app, reporting a deer or bear harvest is easier than ever. Through this mobile app, hunters, anglers, and trappers can access an electronic version of their licenses and report the harvest of deer, bear, and turkey immediately while afield on their mobile device in seconds. Hunters may still use the phone report system (1-866-GAME-RPT) or report online, but the mobile system is faster, more convenient, and easier for hunters to accurately enter information. Reporting your harvest is required by law, so please remember to Take It – Tag It – Report It! 

Other Reminders for the 2022 Southern Zone Regular Hunting Season

• Choose non-lead ammunition for high-quality meat and reduced risk of lead exposure to non-target wildlife.
• Hunger Has A Cure - Hunters can Donate Venison to help those less fortunate while also assisting with deer management in New York.

For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2022-2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide available on DEC's website (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html). Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide. 

New Gun Safety Requirements

New York State recently adopted new requirements for the purchase and transfer of ownership of semi-automatic rifles and the purchase, possession, storage, and transport of firearms and ammunition in New York. See DEC's Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws and additional detail and further guidance, Questions and Answers Regarding Impacts to Hunting and Hunting-Related Activities from Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws, on DEC's hunting website. More information about gun safety in New York State can be found at the New York State Gun Safety website. 

MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FATALLY STABBING WIFE IN FRONT OF THEIR CHILDREN

 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for stabbing his wife to death inside a Bronx homeless shelter.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant stabbed his wife in front of their children. This vicious attack not only took the life of a 19-year-old woman, but also ripped the two children from their mother and caused trauma to staff working to provide services to the defendant at the shelter where the stabbing occurred.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Ernesto Valerio, 27, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Marsha Michael. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter on October 25, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on October 2, 2019, the defendant stabbed his wife, Emilsy Calix, 19, in the face, neck and chest with a kitchen knife inside their apartment in 285 East 171st Street. The couple’s two-year-old daughter and five-months-old daughter were present. Security guards in the shelter heard screams and went to the apartment. The defendant told them his wife went to the store and one of the children had fallen. As the guards went to the lobby to check the sign-out book, the defendant left the scene, leaving his two children at the shelter. The guards returned to the couple’s apartment and found the body of the victim in the bathtub. The defendant fled and was arrested that night in the Bronx.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Christopher Napoli of the 44th Precinct and NYPD Detective Andre Smith of Bronx Homicide for their assistance in the case.

Team AOC - Alexandria’s Decisive Victory

 

We did it, 

Despite a MAGA Republican challenger, we re-elected Alexandria to Congress with a groundswell of support. With most of the results in, we’re currently leading with over 70% of the vote!

Most deep blue seats don’t run real campaigns during the general election. But we put our movement’s values and vision into practice. We didn’t take our community for granted. Together, we:

• Knocked on over 18,500 doors
• Called over 57,900 voters
• Organized over 1,780 volunteers
• Combated rampant Spanish-language disinformation with a first-of-its-kind WhatsApp program and a six-figure Spanish ad program
• And so much more…

And we’re not going to stop now. We’ll be out there next year, in a non-election year because the work of community-building transcends elections. It always has.

Too many politicians just show up before Election Day. That doesn’t foster trust in our democracy. It hurts voter turn-out and breeds cynicism. That’s why we commit to being in the community year-round and showing up in lots of ways – from organizing tutoring programs, to door-knocking for the Census and leading trainings on how to organize a union in your workplace.

With infinite gratitude,

Team AOC

Ritchie Torres - Thank you

 

Friend, We did it! I am thrilled to be representing the people of The Bronx for a second term in Congress. It’s the honor of my lifetime to serve our community in Washington, and I can’t wait to build upon the historic progress we’ve made over the past two years. Thank you for believing in me and standing with me every step of the way – this people-powered movement was only made possible by people like you, and regardless of the final results of our majority, I know together we can continue the fight. Let’s get back to work, Ritchie.

Governor Hochul Announces New York State Has Surpassed Half a Billion Dollars in Mobile Sports Wagering Tax Revenue

 

In Less Than 10 Months, New York State Has Continuously Shattered Tax Revenue Records

Tax Revenue Reinvested in Education, Grants for Youth Sports Programming and Problem Gambling Prevention Treatment and Recovery Services

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that since early January, when mobile sports wagering became available in New York, the State has collected $542 million in taxes through the week ending October 30, far surpassing every other state in the nation. An additional $200 million in licensing fees has also been collected, generating a total of more than $740 million in revenue, most of it to be used for education. This far outperforms every other state in the nation, including those that have been accepting mobile sports wagers for several years.     

"By bringing sports wagering to New York, we have not only opened the door to responsible entertainment for millions of sports fans, but we have also brought in significant revenue to support schools, as well as youth sports, while implementing important safeguards to help those who need it," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud of the work that has been done to secure our state's top position in mobile sports wagering, and I am excited to continue the trend as we secure hundreds of millions of dollars to support programs that will improve the lives of New Yorkers."    

New York State set a record of $73 million in mobile sports wagering tax revenue in September, the most generated by any state to date, breaking its own record of $63 million set in January. For context, according to reports, the highest monthly mobile sports wagering tax revenue generated outside of New York is Pennsylvania in November 2021 at $19 million.  

New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O'Dwyer said, "New York continues to lead the nation in sports wagering thanks to Governor Hochul's enacting of smart gaming policies that deliver real, transformative results for New Yorkers. The revenue generated from sports wagering will provide critical support to our schools, youth sports and responsible gaming programs."    

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "OASAS stands ready with services and supports for New Yorkers struggling with problem gambling. This additional revenue from mobile sports wagering will allow OASAS to expand important prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services across the State."  

According to GeoComply, a software firm used by sports books to ensure geolocation requirements, more than 11.3 million unique player accounts have been created since January, conducting nearly 985 million transactions.    

Looking at a breakdown of wagers by sport since January 8, 2022, Major League Baseball has taken in $2.6 billion and the NBA was not far behind with $2.5 billion. For football, the most popular sport in America, the NFL has taken in $1.3 billion over 10 regular season weeks and all of the 2022 playoffs. College football has taken in $406 million, which includes the 2022 bowl games and the current regular season to date. A final statistic to accentuate the popularity of pro football mobile sports wagering in New York State shows the average number of transactions on Sundays since the start of the 2022 season at 5.7 million.    

Through the week ending October 30, 2022, the mobile sports wagering handle is $13 billion with net revenue to education of $527 million. For FY 2023 and annually thereafter, revenues from mobile sports wagering are distributed as follows: $5 million to fund sports programs for underserved youths, $6 million to fund problem gambling education and treatment, and the remaining majority to education aid.     

Every Friday, the NYS Gaming Commission publishes weekly mobile sports wagering reports from all of its operators online here.    

The Commission's regulations require operators to prevent underage gaming, provide bettors the availability to impose spending limits, and share information on gambling risks and signs of problem gambling. New Yorkers who are struggling with a gambling problem or know someone with a gambling problem can call the state's toll-free, confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369). New Yorkers can also contact the Regional Problem Gambling Resource Center at: https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/.    

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Most people with gambling problems refuse to admit they have a gambling problem, so providing links for problem gamblers is of no help. 

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS PACKAGE OF SEVEN CHILD CARE BILLS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR WORKING PARENTS, MOTHERS, CAREGIVERS, AND FAMILIES IN NEW YORK CITY

 

Intros. 485-A and 487-A Will Create Child Care Portals for Child Care Subsidy and Child Care Directory, Fulfilling Key Item in Mayor’s Child Care Blueprint

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed a package of seven bills to provide support for mothers, working parents, caregivers, and families in New York City. Specifically, two of the bills — Intros 485-A and 487-A — fulfill commitments from Mayor Adams’ “Accessible, Equitable, High-Quality, Affordable: A Blueprint for Child Care & Early Education in New York City,” by establishing a portal for accessible child care subsidies and a directory of child care programs in the city.

 

“From the beginning of our administration, we have fought for greater access to child care and investments in early education to support New York City families. When we announced our child care blueprint, we said that we were going to tackle our child care needs head on and make sure that we provide services and support to those who need our help the most. Today, we are signing a package of seven child care bills to reaffirm our administration's commitment to our city's families and children and to say to working mothers and families that you are not alone,” said Mayor Adams. “Raising a family in New York City should not be impossible, and today we are providing families with the support so of an entire city in helping to raise their children. We know that nothing holds back opportunities or success at work more than lack of child care in this city, so this slate of legislation will even the playing field by supporting mothers and families.”

 

“For our city to move forward with a strong equitable recovery, we must invest in our working families and today’s bill signing sends a signal to New Yorkers that we are ‘Getting Stuff Done’ for our city’s families,” said Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “While it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a city to create a comprehensive early childhood education and child care program. Thank you to all of the elected officials, organizations, and advocates that pushed for these resources to help make this package of legislation possible.” 

 

Under the child care blueprint released earlier this year, the Adams administration committed to cutting red tape and alleviating the frustrations of the application process for families by launching a new application portal designed specifically for child care — allowing families to navigate this process more easily. The portals will ensure greater accessibility and transparency to allow the average parent to identify the right child care locations and access child care subsidies.

 

Intro. 242-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez — would require the creation of a Marshall Plan for Moms Task Force to study and develop recommendations to support working mothers, parents, and caregivers. The task force would be required to submit a report with its recommendations within one year of the task force’s first meeting, which would be posted to the Commission on Gender Equity (CGE)’s website within 10 days of submission.

 

Intro. 477-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Crystal Hudson — would establish a child care task force to study how to make child care more affordable, how to make it more accessible for families in the city, and how to provide support and funding to child care.

 

Intro. 485-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — would require the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to coordinate with the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, now known as the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation, to create and maintain an online website with a directory of child care programs in the city to allow the average parent identify the right child care locations for their children.

 

Intro. 486-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — would establish a child care advisory board, which would be responsible for conducting studies on and issuing reports related to child care in the city.

 

Intro. 487-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — would require an agency or office designated by the mayor — in collaboration with the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, now known as the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation — and any other relevant agency or office to create and maintain a publicly accessible online portable regarding child care subsidies.

 

Intro. 488-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — would require an administering agency designated by the mayor to establish a three-year child care grant pilot program by July 1, 2023.

 

Intro. 489-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — would require the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop guidance for owners of real property regarding the facility requirements for a child care program and make such guidance available on its website.

 

“Our families deserve services and programs that make raising a child in our great city easier,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “Nothing should stand between working parents and caregivers, least of all a lack of access to safe, reliable child care, and I’m thankful to Mayor Adams for focusing on the needs of our working families and opening doors of opportunity for generations of New Yorkers to come.”

 

“High-quality, affordable child care helps parents pursue career and educational opportunities while ensuring their children are in safe, nurturing environments that promote their healthy development. We want families across the city with limited incomes to know that they can apply for child care assistance today,” said New York City Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “We appreciate the City Council’s partnership and collaboration in our efforts to increase child care access for families and to support providers. We look forward to working together to implement this new legislation.”

 

"Child care is a necessity for all families and should be assessed within the broader context of families’ everyday lives, especially as we transition through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said New York City Commission on Gender Equity Executive Director Jacqueline M. Ebanks. “Combined, these bills and the mayor’s child care blueprint will ensure that New York City builds a strong and sustainable infrastructure to support workers in this critical industry and provide safe, affordable, and readily accessible child care services for all families in the city.”

 

“Support for families leads to healthier children, mentally and physically,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Access to child care alleviates stress and can improve mental health of caregivers, which has ripple effects for the entire family, including allowing parents and caregivers the time and space to pursue social and economic security for their children. These bills are really health and mental health bonds for our children: Investments today that will pay off for years to come in their well-being, and that will serve to make New York City a fairer and healthier place to live for families.”

 

“High-quality, affordable child care must be made available to all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable families who are all too often forced to choose between caring for their child or going to work,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “We are incredibly thankful for the sponsors of these bills and this administration as they continue to fight for working families, caregivers, and children. We look forward to continuing this good work and participating in future task forces and discussions about improving access to child care.”

 

“The Adams administration’s child care blueprint will improve the lives of parents, caregivers, and children in New York City,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser. “The Office of Technology and Innovation is honored to help build the technology to advance this historic effort, and is grateful to the City Council for its support.”

 

“As the first women-majority Council in New York City history, we fully understand that child care remains one of the biggest challenges facing working women and families,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council has always prioritized advancing solutions to support our communities, including the expansion of affordable, high-quality, and accessible child care on a universal basis. Now that this groundbreaking legislative package has been signed into law, our city will deliver the help and care that families need while boosting our economy. I thank the bill sponsors for their leadership and all my colleagues who support our efforts to move towards accessible child care for all New Yorkers.”