Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

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

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Get the Flu Shot to Protect Against the Coming Flu Season

17 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

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

"As we kick off the fall season today, I remind all New Yorkers to take the necessary steps to better protect themselves against COVID-19," Governor Hochul said. "Take advantage of the latest tools and resources at our disposal in order to keep our families and our communities safe. Test before gatherings or travel and if you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for anyone age 12 or older and from Moderna for those 18 or older. 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 is encouraging New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season approaches. The flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may simultaneously spread this fall and winter, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system. 

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 - 30.46
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 23.38
• Test Results Reported - 85,434
• Total Positive - 5,952
• Percent Positive - 6.61%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.61%**   
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,208 (+46)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 416
• Patients in ICU - 222 (-8)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 88 (+6)
• Total Discharges - 343,361 (+364)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 17
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 57,996

** 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 - 74,101

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,   September   19, 2022	Tuesday,   September   20, 2022	Wednesday,   September   21, 2022
Bronx	6.06%	6.08%	6.40%
Kings	3.77%	3.60%	3.64%
New York	5.04%	5.11%	5.24%
Queens	6.11%	6.11%	6.22%
Richmond	5.85%	5.69%	5.69%

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NYC CABINET FOR OLDER NEW YORKERS, COORDINATED CITY AGENCY COLLECTIVE TO BETTER SERVE RESIDENTS OVER 60

First-of-its-Kind, Interagency Cabinet Will Collaborate on Current and Future Services, Projects, and Policies for Older Adults to Ensure Age-Inclusivity 

Cabinet Members Include a Cross-Section of City Agencies Covering Public Safety, Social Services, and Housing 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced today the formation of the New York City Cabinet for Older New Yorkers, a first of its kind multiagency collaborative created to support services, projects, and policies benefitting older adults across New York City. Yesterday marked the first meeting of the cabinet — the first of its kind across the entire country — which will allow city agencies to seek coordination and efficiency across departments, leverage resources, and shape current and future services to better serve older adults, ensuring that New York is an inclusive city for all ages.

 

“One in five New Yorkers is 60 or older, so, as a city, we need to rethink how we serve this important population and make sure that everything we do is designed to be age-friendly,” said Mayor Adams. “The New York City Cabinet for Older New Yorkers will also eliminate silos among city agencies when it comes to serving our elderly population. Older New Yorkers helped build this city, and they deserve the best from it, especially its government, every day.”

 

“New Yorkers over the age of 60 are the city’s fastest-growing population, and to better serve New Yorkers today and in the future, it’s critical to bring all the city’s talents and resources together,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “The New York City Cabinet for Older New Yorkers has an opportunity to do that for the city. Their work will not only better serve older adults, but it will also help future generations as everyone benefits in an age-inclusive city.”

 

“Older adults are oftentimes the cornerstone of the family,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “They are our moms, dads, grandparents, brothers, and sisters. The city must be a place that serves, supports, and protects them, and that is why the formation of the Older Adult Cabinet is so important. It will enable the city to work collaboratively, resolve issues efficiently, and provide a forum to elevate issues facing the community. New York City is the home of so many cherished older adults, and the cabinet will work to ensure that it is a place that is and remains age-inclusive.”

 

“By 2040, the older adult population in New York City is projected to grow to 1.8 million,” said New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “The creation of this groundbreaking cabinet, which brings together the collective expertise of key government officials and breaks down silos between agencies, ensures we are prepared to meet the needs of the older adults of today and of the future — making New York a model age-inclusive city.”

 

Chaired by DFTA Commissioner Cortés-Vazquez, the cabinet includes members from 17 agencies, comprising a cross-section of city agencies that provide services to the city’s 1.6 million New Yorkers over the age of 60. Cabinet members cover multiple facets of city services and resources, including public safety, housing, transportation, health, and social services. Collectively, these city agencies will work together to eliminate silos and create joint action and innovation to ensure that New York is a city for all ages. As part of the cabinet, city agencies will collaborate in eliminating age-related barriers and inequities in services and develop cross-agency solutions to address challenges facing older New Yorkers. The cabinet will also review current and future city initiatives and projects to ensure they are age-inclusive and accessible to adults over 60.

 

“All of the amazing things our city has to offer should be accessible to all, regardless of their age,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “To stay healthy, older people should have activities that bring joy to their lives, keep them connected to others, and reduce isolation and loneliness, which is a threat to individual and public health in an aging world. As a city, we must remove barriers that keep New Yorkers from doing what they love. We’re proud to serve on this cabinet, to lift up our commitment to the long-term health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and to work with DFTA and other partner agencies in this much-needed effort.”

 

“The New York Police Department remains committed to giving older New Yorkers everything they deserve by working collaboratively, and tirelessly, with our government partners in this important new mission,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “In every neighborhood throughout New York City, the women and men of the NYPD are proud to protect and serve older New Yorkers — who are our friends, neighbors, parents, and grandparents — and the department embraces this multiagency enhancement of that commitment.”

 

“Many New York City residents are aging in place at public housing developments throughout the five boroughs and are in need of coordinated health, social, and financial services,” said New York City Housing Authority Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “Convening a collection of voices from across city government to foster a more informed dialogue about the needs and contributions of our senior residents will enable the authority and the city to build a sustainable strategy capable of improving the quality of life for all older New Yorkers.”

 

“We’re excited to join the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers and work in partnership with all city agencies to ensure New York City is the global leader for age-friendly cities,” said New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “This will translate into a city that is user-friendly regardless of your age, including the housing and community support we all need.”

 

“As the city’s population continues to age with many relying on DSS’s essential benefits and services, we look forward to partnering with our sibling agencies to ensure equal access and opportunity for older New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “The New York City Cabinet for Older New Yorkers will leverage the best of our collective agencies to serve older adults with care and compassion. Our goal is to ensure that New York City is a leader in creating age-inclusive programs and supports.”

 

“Schools are the centers of our communities, bringing together students, staff, families, and New Yorkers of all ages,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “Whether parents, teachers, food service workers, school safety agents, custodians, or the multitude of other roles in which they support our youngest, our older generations serve as vital members of our school communities. The Department of Education is proud to be working closely with our agency partners across the city to ensure that our older New Yorkers receive the supports they need and deserve.”

 

“NYC Health + Hospitals serves thousands of older New Yorkers every day,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “We look forward to collaborating with our sister agencies to promote the health of older adults.”

 

“New York City Parks has strived to ensure that our programs, facilities, and open spaces are accessible and inclusive for all New Yorkers, crossing the barriers of age and ability,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the New York City Cabinet for Older New Yorkers and look forward to exploring how we can better serve this vital community.”

 

“During challenging economic times, scammers and other predatory businesses often prey on seniors, but, here at DCWP, we are committed to educating and protecting our city’s older adults,” New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “Thank you to Mayor Adams, the Department for the Aging, and our fellow agencies for embarking on this innovative and collaborative cross-agency initiative.”

 

“Although DYCD is known primarily for serving young people, our agency also supports programs targeting the over-60 set,” said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard. “We look forward to continuing our Foster Grandparent Program partnership with DFTA that connects older New Yorkers with volunteer opportunities and to expanding the My New York Story initiative, which fosters positive relationships between seniors and youth through storytelling, creative writing, and other shared activities. DYCD is proud to be a member of the New York City Cabinet for Older New Yorkers, and we are excited to team up with our sister agencies to make New Yorkers’ golden years their best years.”

 

“Older New Yorkers paved the way for our future generations, and they deserve to live in a city that will continue to serve them as they grow older,” said New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “The Department of Cultural Affairs is honored to join this important interagency initiative to break down barriers and deliver older residents the services and programs they need. We look forward to working with our partners to ensure that older New Yorkers have every opportunity to experience, create, and contribute to our city’s extraordinary cultural life.”

 

“As part of our ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, New York City is committed to increasing access to connectivity, devices, and skills training for our residents older than 60 to unlock all the social, health, career, and public safety benefits technology can offer,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser. “I am honored to serve on the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers and look forward to working closely with my fellow members to deliver programs that will enrich the lives of our elders.”

 

“I am proud to be a member of the New York City Cabinet for Older New Yorkers to create safe and all-inclusive spaces for New York City’s older population,” said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro. “Our office is dedicated to bridging the gaps present between members of the older community and their access to the necessary resources needed to thrive in New York City. Regardless of your age or immigration status, this administration is committed to ensuring that New York is an inclusive city.” 

 

In addition to DFTA, the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers includes the following city agencies:

• Chief Technology Officer
• New York City Civic Engagement Commission
• New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
• New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
• New York City Department of Education
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
• New York City Department of Social Services
• New York City Department of Transportation
• New York City Department of Youth and Community Development
• New York City Housing Authority
• New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
• New York City Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities
• New York City Police Department
• NYC Health + Hospitals

• NYC Service

 

The cabinet will meet periodically throughout the year to address challenges and build partnerships to meet the unique needs of aging New Yorkers.

Two New York Men Charged With Three Gunpoint Robberies And With Conspiracy To Commit Robberies In New Jersey, New York And Pennsylvania

 

 Two Brooklyn, New York men are charged with three gunpoint robberies of check cashing locations in different parts of New Jersey in 2021 and 2022 and with conspiracy to commit robberies in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Ramel Harris, 40, of Brooklyn, and Neville Brown, 38, of Brooklyn, are charged by complaint with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, and one count of Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.  Harris and Brown each made their initial appearance on September 6, 2022 before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court and were detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On several dates between January 2021 and January 2022, two individuals, later identified as Harris and Brown, attempted to rob a check cashing location in Nanuet, New York, and thereafter successfully robbed three check cashing locations in different parts of New Jersey while brandishing a firearm and using zip ties to restrain female employees at each location.  During those robberies, Harris and Brown stole over $578,00.00.     

During the subsequent investigation, law enforcement learned that the conspirators surveilled check cashing locations in the following locations: Mount Kisco, New York, Allentown, Pennsylvania and West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Law enforcement collected an extensive amount of video surveillance footage that ultimately linked Harris and Brown to the robberies.    

The Hobbs Act Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison.  The brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence count carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed.  Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited members of the FBI’s New Jersey field office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; members of the FBI’s New York field office, under the leadership of Assistant Director In Charge Michael J. Driscoll; members of the FBI’s Philadelphia field office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; members of the Hackettstown Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief James Macaulay; members of the Old Bridge Police Department, under the leadership of Acting Chief of Police Donald F. Fritz, Jr.; members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Richard Pantina; members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; members of the Clarkstown Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker; members of the Westchester County (New York) Department of Public Safety; and members of the Borough of West Chester (Pennsylvania) Police Department, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - Supporting Our Neighbors in Puerto Rico

 

Dear Neighbors,

When I woke up on Monday, I did not know what to think or how to feel. The devastation in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Fiona has not left my mind for even a second. For many, this feeling is all too familiar, leading to flashbacks of Hurricane Maria in 2017. I have only recently heard from my family since Hurricane Fiona made landfall, and I know many of you are having a similar experience. However, this time is different because I am not taking ‘no’ for an answer, and I am joining partners from various levels of government to support Puerto Rico. We cannot allow our fellow Americans to continue to be neglected, especially in moments like this.

In order to support our Puerto Rican neighbors, my office has partnered with Diaspora for Puerto Rico, a local organization in New York City with partners and volunteers across Puerto Rico. Many resources sent o the island are often allocated to higher-density tourist areas such as San Juan, Rincon, and other coastal cities. Diaspora is committee to having volunteers on the ground to distribute supplies to even the most remote areas, including the western and central regions on the island. Through their work, we will not only save lives but also support our most vulnerable populations.

For those wondering, the electric grid and infrastructure in Puerto Rico are outdated, leaving millions of people without electricity and running water. If you would like to donate to Diaspora for Puerto Rico, please click here. If you would like to donate or purchase an item from their Amazon Wish List, please click here. The Amazon Wish List offers access to solar panels to support the communities suffering from power loss. You can also drop off donations at my office, Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM. All donations are appreciated, and we look forward to supporting and uplifting our Puerto Rican community and neighbors.

If you or someone you know has been directly impacted by Hurricane Fiona and is in need of assistance, please contact Diaspora for Puerto Rico directly at: www.diasporaxpuertorico.org

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Governor Hochul Invites New Yorkers and Visitors to Fish For Free Saturday, September 24

 Anglers of All Skill Levels Encouraged To Cast a Line, Experience Benefits of Freshwater Fishing for Free

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Saturday, September 24 as a Free Fishing Day in New York State. This free freshwater fishing day is one of six held annually and coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is celebrated to promote outdoor activities that are significant contributors to New York's economy and help support fish and wildlife conservation.

"From Babylon to Buffalo, Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors at one of New York State's many world-class fishing locations," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of this weekend's Free Fishing Day, support New York's local economy, and see the benefits of our extensive conservation efforts to protect and enhance our natural resources."

On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents may fish New York's fresh waters for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. The sixth and last Free Fishing Day of 2022 is on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2022.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC is thrilled to support Free Fishing Days throughout the year to help introduce people to the sport of fishing. Along with other improvements like our new Tackle Box feature on the HuntFishNY smartphone app, DEC continues to work to make fishing more accessible for local anglers of all skill levels to enjoy the excellent fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in every region."

Earlier this summer, DEC launched the new 'Tackle Box' feature to enhance fishing-related tourism and help new and experienced anglers enjoy the great fishing offered throughout New York. The Tackle Box feature is available on DEC's HuntFishNY smartphone app, (available for iOS and Android) which provides information on nearly all State fishing regulations, waterbodies, State-operated fishing access sites, stocking information, and other useful features like photos to help identify fish likely found in a certain river, lake, or stream. More information on the HuntFishNY Mobile app can be found on DEC's website.

DEC's Places to Fish webpages are also a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying catch and understanding fishing regulations.

When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anglers 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish in fresh water. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a freshwater fishing license can be found on DEC's website. Information about the required, no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry for saltwater fishing can be found here.

New Yorkers can learn more about purchasing a license and get more information about freshwater fishing here. Additionally, information about saltwater fishing can be found here.