Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MARCH 5, 2022

 

Hospital Admissions 7-Day Average Down 20% From Prior Week

Lowest Hospitalizations Since August 11

16 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"As we continue to make progress with the pandemic across New York State, it's critical that we follow the smart steps that put us in this position in the first place," Governor Hochul said. "Vaccines and boosters work, and are our most powerful tool in beating back this virus. We will continue to encourage every New Yorker to get the vaccine, get the booster dose, and stay home if you feel sick."   

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported - 154,544
• Total Positive - 2,574
• Percent Positive - 1.67%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.60%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,541 (-90)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 172
• Patients in ICU - 282 (+7)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 150 (+9)
• Total Discharges - 286,864 (+235)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 16
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,819

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

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 69,418   

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.  

• Total vaccine doses administered - 37,108,989
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 20,984
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 324,532
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.8%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.1%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.7%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.8%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.8%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.2%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.3%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.1%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.6%   

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

BOROUGH	Wednesday, March 2, 2022	Thursday, March 3, 2022	Friday, March 4, 2022
Bronx	0.79%	0.71%	0.87%
Kings	0.96%	0.94%	1.00%
New York	1.30%	1.28%	1.33%
Queens	1.16%	1.07%	1.04%
Richmond	1.29%	1.26%	1.26%

Man Pleads Guilty To Shooting At A Woman In A Bronx Apartment Building Doorway

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that RAKIM BROWN, a/k/a “Rah,” pled guilty yesterday to firearms and narcotics offenses, including for his participation in a January 28, 2018 shooting at a woman in an apartment building vestibule in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx.  BROWN pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “For years, Rakim Brown was a violent drug dealer who sold crack cocaine on the streets of the Bronx.  In order to protect his drug crew’s territory and reputation, Brown resorted to violence, including shooting at a woman associated with a rival drug crew in the vestibule of an apartment building in the Bronx.  Brown now faces significant prison time for his crimes and the harm he inflicted on the victim and his community at large.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment and statements made in public court proceedings:

RAKIM BROWN, a/k/a “Rah,” was a member of a narcotics conspiracy that operated in and around 183rd Street and Davidson Avenue in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx.  BROWN and others sold crack cocaine throughout the neighborhood.  In 2017, a rivalry developed between BROWN’s drug crew and another drug crew when a member of the other drug crew shot and paralyzed BROWN’s brother.  In retaliation, on January 28, 2018, BROWN and others chased an associate of the rival drug crew until they cornered her in the vestibule of an apartment building.  BROWN then entered the vestibule, beat the victim, and shot at her multiple times.  The victim sustained multiple injuries to her face and legs.  

In connection with BROWN’s guilty plea, BROWN specifically admitted that he committed perjury at a pre-trial hearing before Judge Stein and that he possessed crack on particular occasions in 2016 and 2017 in connection with the narcotics trafficking conspiracy.

BROWN, 26, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, and using and carrying a firearm, which was brandished and discharged, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.  BROWN will be sentenced before Judge Stein on June 6, 2022.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and thanked the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the  

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 2/28/22-3/4/22

 

Dear Community,

Happy Women’s History Month! This month and every month, we celebrate and honor women who have shaped and continue to shape our world for the better. Women have always led the way in the fight for justice and equality– whether it be in the women’s rights, labor, or civil rights movements– and it is imperative that we honor and recognize their contributions.

On the first day of Women’s History Month, the New York State Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and protecting survivors by passing a package of legislation aimed at strengthening protections against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. This package includes two of my bills, S812A and S738. 

My first bill, the Let Survivors Speak Act (S738), protects survivors from facing financial sanction for sharing their experiences of harassment and discrimination. The bill bars settlements of harassment and discrimination claims from including any terms or conditions requiring a plaintiff to pay liquidated damages for violating an NDA. This bill is a crucial step to protect survivors who choose to enter into settlement agreements, and remove any financial punishment for survivors who decide to speak out about their experiences. 

My second bill, S812A, establishes a toll free confidential hotline for complainants of workplace sexual harassment. Almost 75% of workplace sexual harassment goes unreported, often because employees don’t know who to go to or what their options are. By creating a free legal hotline, employees across the state – in a variety of workplaces and industries – can easily access confidential legal guidance through the Division of Human Rights, and quickly identify the best next steps to stop the harassment from continuing.

Visit here to learn more about other legislation included in this package.

I am extremely grateful to Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, my Legislative colleagues, and advocates for their support in moving this legislation forward and prioritizing this issue in the Legislature. These important bills will have a tremendous impact, allowing us to center and prioritize survivor justice to build a safer, harassment-free New York. 

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

MAYOR ADAMS CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR BRONX FIRE VICTIMS

 

Meal Delivery Services to Continue for Families Displaced by Bronx Fire Staying at Shelter Hotels

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced the continuation of meal delivery services to support those affected by the January 9^th apartment fire in the Bronx. The delivery of culturally sensitive meals will continue through a partnership ​between the Mayor’s Fund and the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (NYSLRBLA). World Central Kitchen (WCK) generously provided food service in the immediate aftermath of the fire. After WCK shifted their focus to serving Ukrainian refugees in Europe, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson arranged for temporary food delivery via The Hoodspitality Group until the partnership with the Mayor's Fund and NYSLRBLA was established. Meal deliveries coordinated by NYSLRBLA begin today. 

“The fire in the Bronx was an unspeakable tragedy, and I made a promise that New York City would be there to help our neighbors through it,” said Mayor Adams. “I’m grateful for the partnership that the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association made to provide three meals a day to those families displaced by this devastating fire. Knowing that you don’t have to worry about where your next meal is going to come from can make your entire day, and these New Yorkers can trust that their city has their backs. New York stands ready to give impacted families all the support they need. I also want to thank Bronx Borough President Gibson for her partnership in helping coordinate meals in the interim. Bronx residents are lucky to have a fighter like her on their side.”

 

“We thank World Central Kitchen for supporting those affected by the tragic Bronx Fire and are so grateful to the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association for stepping in so quickly to ensure continued services” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright, chair, Board of Directors, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “Our office is committed to working in partnership with communities to ensure our neighbors have their needs met as they continue to recover. I also want to acknowledge and thank Borough President Gibson for her tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents.”

 

“It has been two months since the tragic five-alarm fire at Twin Parks North West Apartments, and our team, alongside our elected official partners and nonprofit organizations, has been working diligently to ensure the families continue to receive support,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “After immediately learning about the gap in food services to impacted families, my office partnered with The Hoodspitality Group to provide temporary food assistance to families in need, and we are excited to hear that, through this partnership between the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and the New York State Latino Restaurant Association, food services will continue for the families. I want to also, once again, thank our first responders, essential workers, community partners and elected officials for their commitment and partnerships. We will continue to work with the mayor’s office to ensure all of the impacted families are receiving resources and transparency throughout this process.”

 

“New Yorkers will not allow those affected by the January 9^th Bronx apartment building fire to go hungry,” said Daniele Baierlein and JL Paniagua Valle, co-executive directors, Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. “The Mayor's Fund is proud to partner with the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association to ensure that culturally appropriate meals are delivered daily to the individuals and families who continue to rebuild and recover from the tragedy. We are also grateful for World Central Kitchen for serving meals immediately after the fire and for many weeks afterwards.”

 

“We are privileged to partner with Mayor Adams in his continual relief efforts to support the grieving families of the Bronx Fire,” said Arelia Taveras, president, NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association. “Our Latino restaurant owners will continue to support New York City and our local communities in times of adversity. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this great city!”

 

Those impacted by the fire on January 9th face a variety of associated costs. The Mayor’s Fund proactively works ​with the City of New York to ensure relief services, such as meals, are provided to the families as they recover and rebuild. Locally based organizations, including the Gambian Youth Organization, are providing additional support to those in need.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE RENEWS CALL FOR MUNICIPAL CONTROL OF CITY SCHOOLS

 

  Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams continued his call for municipal control of New York City public schools today as the state considered the extension of mayoral control. In testimony submitted to the New York State Senate and Assembly Standing Committee on New York City Education for a joint hearing, the Public Advocate argued that municipal control would bring a new level of accountability, checks and balances to the city’s administration of the education system – including consent of the City Council for the hiring of a Department of Education Chancellor.

“I remain unwavering in my belief that New York City and local government should have jurisdiction over New York City schools through municipal control,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams in his testimony to the Standing Committee on New York City Education.“...We need to implement a system of checks and balances where the mayor and coordinating bodies are all held accountable. With municipal control, governmental bodies including the City Council would take on a greater role and work in tandem with the Mayor in assessing the needs and constraints of the New York City education system.” 

He highlighted that while the ongoing pandemic has transformed intergovernmental partnerships across city government, education has still been primarily managed under the mayor. “ Our children’s education should not be dependent on one person—the Mayor—especially during a time where we need heightened collaboration. It does not make sense to have one singular person at the helm of such an extensive education system when we can have a larger body share these responsibilities.” 

The Public Advocate's full testimony is below.

TESTIMONY OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS AS SUBMITTED

TO THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON NEW YORK CITY EDUCATION 

MARCH 4, 2021

Good morning. My name is Jumaane D. Williams and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. I would like to thank Senator Liu, Senator Mayer, and Assembly Member Benedetto for holding this hearing. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak today. As someone whose entire educational background occurred within the New York City public school system, this is a very important and personal issue to me. 

In 2019, I provided testimony to the State Senate regarding the renewal of mayoral control. Of course, as you all know mayoral control was extended until June of this year. This time around, we have a renewed opportunity when it comes to mayoral control. I remain unwavering in my belief that New York City and local government should have jurisdiction over New York City schools through municipal control. Circumstances have drastically changed since 2019; we have since encountered various challenges within the New York City education system due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there are new considerations that need to be assessed. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many educators, parents, and students experienced uncertainty due to the lack of coordination and organization from the previous administration. As a result, students’ academic success and performance rate plummeted. I am aware that the administration had the best intentions and did the best they could based on these circumstances. However, our children’s education should not be dependent on one person—the Mayor—especially during a time where we need heightened collaboration. It does not make sense to have one singular person at the helm of such an extensive education system when we can have a larger body share these responsibilities. 

I would like to highlight that previous mayors, including our current mayor, are already familiar with working collaboratively in the education space. Mayor-elects establish a transition team for their administration which include education experts, elected officials, and government appointees. Why can’t this collaborative effort extend into the decisions made throughout their term and include other governmental bodies in the process? The Mayor of New York City is currently not held accountable for any of the decisions they make for the education system, and they should not remain unchecked.

We need to implement a system of checks and balances where the mayor and coordinating bodies are all held accountable via municipal control. With municipal control, governmental bodies including the City Council would take on a greater role and work in tandem with the Mayor in assessing the needs and constraints of the New York City education system. This role must include consent of the City Council for the hiring of a DOE Chancellor. Various advocacy groups and organizations already look to the City Council to create change but as the law stands, there are limitations to the say these bodies have in the education system. We must make room for other voices to weigh in on education issues. The City Council provides checks on other city agencies, yet they cannot do the same for the DOE. We have a chance to change this and provide a level of consistency across the board when it comes to agency accountability.

All students deserve to have a reliable and consistent education system that puts them first. The way this will be possible is by expanding the level of responsibility-sharing among multiple bodies including the City Council, not just the Mayor. We need to set an example for our students and show them that collaboration is how work gets done successfully, and this can be done through municipal control. At the end of the day, this decision impacts our students the most and I am hopeful there will be significant changes at the state and city level regarding this issue. I also look forward to working together to ensure that every student is able to have a fair chance to succeed in the system and that decisions moving forward involve a collective effort. 

Thank you.