Governor Cuomo Announces New York State's Rate of Transmission Has Dropped Below One - and COVID-19 Data - JANUARY 25, 2021

 

An Rt of 1 or More Means COVID-19 Will Spread Quickly

Announces All Elective Surgeries Can Resume in Erie County Amid Sustained Decline in County's Positivity Rate and Hospitalizations

8,730 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,522 Patients in the ICU; 1,005 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 5.47%

167 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State's rate of transmission, or Rt, has dropped below 1. An Rt of 1 or more means COVID-19 will spread quickly.

The Governor also announced that elective surgeries can resume in Erie County following a sustained decline in Western New York's positivity rate. The county's positivity has steadily declined for nearly three weeks, going from 8.6 percent on January 7 to 5.2 percent. Hospitalizations have declined from 427 on December 31 to 323. The county's hospital capacity is at 48 percent.

 "We predicted that increased social activity would lead to a spike in COVID cases, and that the spike would eventually dissipate, and the ongoing fulfilment of that prediction is good news. The rate of transmission—one of the most important numbers—has now declined below one, meaning the virus is no longer spreading quickly. And when those numbers decrease, you can increase economic activity," Governor Cuomo said. "That decline has extended to Erie County, and we now feel comfortable resuming elective surgeries there and will have more adjustments over the next couple of days. This is good news, but don't get cocky with COVID—this beast has been ahead of us from the beginning and it will require New Yorkers to stay vigilant, wash their hands, wear masks and socially distance to get to the light at the end of the tunnel together."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 219,538
• Total Positive - 12,003
• Percent Positive - 5.47%
• Patient Hospitalization - 8,730 (+117)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 817
• Hospital Counties - 57
• Number ICU - 1,522 (-5)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 1,005 (+8)
• Total Discharges - 122,544 (+621)
• Deaths - 167
• Total Deaths - 34,242

MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMPTROLLER STRINGER, AND TRUSTEES ANNOUNCE ESTIMATED $4 BILLION DIVESTMENT FROM FOSSIL FUELS

New York City’s largest pension funds achieve first in the nation goal of divesting from fossil fuel reserve owners - expected to be one of the largest fossil fuel divestments in the world   

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, along with trustees of two of the City’s pension funds, today announced these funds have voted to divest their portfolios of estimated $4 billion from securities related to fossil fuel companies. The divestment, expected to be one of the largest in the world, will address the significant financial and environmental risks that these fossil fuel holdings pose to the funds and to our planet.  In 2018, New York City became the first major city in the nation to commit to divesting major public pension funds from fossil fuel reserve companies. Since the initial announcement hundreds of other institutions, governments, and entities have joined this commitment. The City also partnered with C40 and London to engage other cities to pursue fossil fuel divestment.     

“Fossil fuels are not only bad for our planet and our frontline communities, they are a bad investment,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our first-in-the-nation divestment is literally putting money where our mouth is when it comes to climate change. Divestment is a bold investment in our children and grandchildren, and our planet. I applaud the trustees, advocates and experts for their hard work, and I look forward to seeing more cities around the world join this call for change.” 

  

"Climate change is the fight of our lives, and we must face it head on with everything we’ve got – for our planet, for our children, and for our retirees,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “Since we announced our first-in-the-nation divestment goal, the urgent environmental and financial risks of climate change have only grown more clear. New York City is leading the way forward because we know the future is on the side of clean energy – not big polluters. I’m proud of the trustees, advocates and investment experts who worked with us to ensure a fiscally prudent and environmentally responsible divestment process and a greener future for generations to come.”  

  

The New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) voted to approve divestments today and the New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) is expected to move forward on a divestment vote imminently. Securities were identified based on demonstrated risk from fossil fuel reserves and business activity, and the trustees will continue to evaluate risk in their portfolios to determine additional actions as warranted. The names of companies and the final scope of the divestment will be released following the sale of all targeted securities, which will be completed in a prudent manner to achieve best execution. The divestment is expected to be complete within the original five year timeline. The announcement by the Mayor, Comptroller, and Trustees follows an extensive and thorough fiduciary process to prudently assess the portfolio’s exposure to fossil fuel stranded asset risk and industry decline and other financial risks stemming from climate change.   

  

In January 2018, the trustees announced a goal to divest from fossil fuel reserve owners within five years, consistent with fiduciary duty. The Systems retained independent investment consultants who conducted investment analyses showing the risks posed by fossil fuel companies and the prudent nature of the divestment actions adopted by the Boards.  

 

In September 2018, the Mayor and Comptroller also jointly announced a goal of doubling the pension funds' investments in climate solutions from 1% to 2%, or about $4 billion within 3 years. Climate solutions include renewable energy, climate infrastructure, green real estate, and other investments that will help achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. The City is on track to achieve this goal. 

Comptroller Stringer serves as the investment advisor to, and custodian and a trustee of, the New York City Pension Funds.  

  

Governor Cuomo Reassures New Yorkers In Hardest Hit Communities That The Covid-19 Vaccine Is Safe And Will Save Lives: "We All Need To Trust The Vaccine" MEDIACOVID-19 VACCINE

 

In Address Delivered to Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Rochester, The People's AME Zion Church in Syracuse and Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn

All Three Churches Will Host Pop-Up Vaccination Sites; Rochester and Syracuse Open Tomorrow, Brooklyn Opens Tuesday

Governor Cuomo: "We now have a vaccine that will save lives, but it will only save lives if we take it. While the vaccine is scarce across the country, I am working as hard as I can to get it here for you. I will fight to deliver it, and we will make it available through churches, community groups, public housing in many different ways to make sure it is accessible to the hardest hit communities of color. The second issue is where I need your help. We all need to trust the vaccine."

Cuomo: "This vaccine was reviewed by the best doctors and hospitals in New York State and it is safe. My mother, who is 65 plus, will take it. I have my daughters, who I love more than life itself, they will take it when they are eligible. And I will take it also. You should take it too."

  In a virtual address delivered to three New York churches, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo reassured all New Yorkers, particularly those in communities hardest hit by COVID-19, that the vaccine is safe and will save lives. The address builds on the Governor's commitment to equity in vaccine distribution, bringing it to communities that do not have access to traditional healthcare institutions by using churches and public housing, among other locations. The Syracuse and Rochester church sites open tomorrow, January 25, and the Brooklyn site opens on Tuesday, January 26.

The Governor announced that community vaccination kits will be deployed to eight additional New York churches to further strengthen fairness and equity in the vaccine distribution process. As with the pop-up sites established last weekend, these sites will be re-established in three weeks to administer second doses. Last week, New York successfully piloted the deployment kits to five NYCHA senior housing developments and eight churches and cultural centers where nearly 4,200 seniors and eligible New Yorkers received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Following this weekend's deployments and as the federal vaccine supply increases, New York will continue to be deploy these kits until pop-up sites have been established at all 33 NYCHA Senior Housing Developments which house more than 7,600 seniors. Pop-up locations will also be established at other public housing complexes statewide, as well as at more than 300 churches and cultural centers which have volunteered to house these sites through Governor Cuomo's Vaccine Equity Task Force.

It's good to be in a new year and starting a new day. I have high hopes for New York in this new year. But as the good book says, we all have to do our part. The COVID beast is still among us, and has been for 330 days. Some people say that they are fatigued in dealing with COVID. Unfortunately we don't have that luxury. This is a war, and if we tire before the enemy, the enemy wins, it's that simple.

Some people aren't afraid of COVID. To them, I say don't be cocky about COVID. 144 people died yesterday from COVID.

COVID was low tide in America. It exposed the racism and the discrimination and the injustice that laid on the bottom of America. Blacks died at twice the rate of whites. Hispanics died at one and a half times the rate of whites.

We now have a vaccine that will save lives, but it will only save lives if we take it. While the vaccine is scarce across the country, I am working as hard as I can to get it here for you.

I will fight to deliver it, and we will make it available through churches, community groups, public housing in many different ways to make sure it is accessible to the hardest hit communities of color.

The second issue is where I need your help. We all need to trust the vaccine.

I know there is skepticism about government and about the Trump Administration in particular. Don't get me wrong, I didn't trust many actions of the Trump Administration. But this vaccine was reviewed by the best doctors and hospitals in New York State and it is safe.

My mother, who is 65 plus, will take it.

I have my daughters, who I love more than life itself, they will take it when they are eligible. And I will take it also. You should take it too.

The bottom line is COVID can kill you, and the vaccine can save you. Let's save lives, and let's rebuild this state back better and stronger than ever before.

Together, I know we can do it.

Thank you so much for having me, and God bless.

Attorney General James Files Lawsuit to Support Safe, Rapid, and Complete Dismantling of Indian Point

 

Suit Challenges NRC’s Denial of Public Hearing on State’s Decommissioning Concerns, and Approval to Use More Than Half a Billion Dollars for Non-Decommissioning Purposes

 New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit, on behalf of the state of New York, against the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) over the decommissioning of the Indian Point nuclear power facility in the lower Hudson Valley. The suit challenges the NRC’s denial, last week, of New York’s petition for a hearing on the state’s concerns regarding the decommissioning plan for Indian Point, proposed by Holtec International and its subsidiaries (Holtec). The suit also challenges the NRC’s decision to allow Holtec to use more than $630 million of the plant’s dedicated decommissioning trust funds for spent fuel management costs, which is the legal and financial responsibility of the federal government.  

“For the health and safety of New Yorkers, it's imperative that Indian Point be safely, rapidly, and thoroughly dismantled,” said Attorney General James. “The NRC is attempting to bypass critical transparency and accountability steps, and also is seeking to make New Yorkers pay for the job. The NRC’s unwillingness to hear New York’s valid concerns is a slap in the face to all New Yorkers. I am committed to fighting back against the NRC’s misguided and illegal actions and ensuring that Indian Point is decommissioned in a responsible way.”

In 2017, Entergy — the owner of Indian Point — agreed to close the two remaining operating units at the site. Unit 2 powered down in April 2020, and Unit 3 is scheduled to cease operations in April 2021. On January 23, 2020, the NRC announced that it was considering approval of an application by Entergy to transfer the Indian Point license — and the facility’s decommissioning trust funds — to Holtec for decommissioning.

Decommissioning, the radiological clean-up and dismantling of a nuclear facility, is extremely demanding, both technically and financially. Accordingly, the NRC requires that nuclear facilities establish and maintain funding to pay for eventual facility decommissioning following closure. In the case of Indian Point, its three decommissioning trusts were capitalized by New York ratepayers through electricity bills. Holtec obtained the NRC's approval to use the trust money, not only to conduct the required radiological decommissioning, but also to fund spent fuel management. Of the approximately $2.1 billion of aggregated trust funds intended to decommission the facility, Holtec intends to spend more than $630 million for spent fuel management alone, raising concerns regarding the sufficiency of the remaining funds to conduct safe and comprehensive decommissioning at a site known to harbor substantial contamination. The federal government has a legal obligation to reimburse spent fuel management costs, but the NRC’s approval allows Holtec to pocket those reimbursements rather than returning them to the decommissioning trust funds.  

On February 12, 2020, Attorney General James filed a petition, on behalf of the state of New York, to intervene in the license transfer, arguing that the transfer violates the NRC's rules for approving a nuclear facility license transfer. Attorney General James also requested that the NRC hold a public hearing on whether the proposed Holtec licensees have demonstrated financial qualification, whether they have shown adequate decommissioning financial assurance, and whether their decommissioning plans will actually ensure adequate funding for decommissioning and the other activities for which Holtec sought to use the decommissioning trusts, particularly spent fuel management. On March 24, 2020, and again, on October 7, 2020, New York opposed Holtec’s request for an exemption from the NRC's regulations that prohibit the use of trust funds for non-decommissioning activities.

Attorney General James Investigating Fraudulent Sales of PS5 Gaming Consoles

 

Encourages New Yorkers Who Purchased PS5s from Prestigious Marketing Concepts to File Complaints With the AG’s Office 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office is looking into potentially fraudulent sales of Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) gaming consoles after receiving complaints from consumers who paid for consoles but never received them. The complaints center around “Prestigious Marketing Concepts,” a company that claimed to have the in-demand consoles available for purchase, yet has failed to provide them to customers who paid full — and even above retail — prices upfront and have gone months without receiving them. Attorney General James encourages anyone who purchased a PS5 from Prestigious Marketing Concepts, but has not received it, to file a complaint with her office online or by calling 1-800-771-7755. 

341 Days and Counting - State Senator Gustavo Rivera endorses two mayoral candidates to replace Mayor Bill de Blasio

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera endorses two mayoral candidates to replace Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers On State Vaccination Program, and State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic JANUARY 24, 2021

As all of Week 6 Allocation Arrives, as of 11AM today, New York's Health Care Distribution Sites Have Administered 88% of First Doses Received from Federal Government

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. The total week 6 federal allocation of vaccine delivery to providers will be complete today. Delivery of the week 7 allocation from the federal government does not begin until the middle of this week. As of 11am today, New York's health care distribution sites have received 1,304,050 first doses and administered 88 percent or 1,144,070 first dose vaccinations.

“As our week six allocation finishes arriving to providers today, New York has already administered 88 percent of its first doses, demonstrating once again that the problem we face is lack of supply from the federal government,” Governor Cuomo said. “We have the operational capacity to do over 100,000 doses a day — we just need the dosages. In the meantime, the state will continue working around the clock to get shots into arms quickly, and providers must continue administering to their assigned priority populations in order to ensure equity of distribution during this time of limited supply.”

New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals far exceed the vaccine supply coming from the federal government. While the federal government has increased eligibility for the vaccine to include 7 million New Yorkers, the federal supply of vaccines has actually decreased. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

Vaccination program numbers are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state’s vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government’s Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11AM today is as follows: 

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

• First Doses Received - 1,304,050

• First Doses Administered - 1,144,070

• Second Doses Received - 564,600

• Second Doses Administered - 139,929

8,613 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,527 Patients in the ICU; 997 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 5.09%

160 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have high hopes for New York as we enter this new year with a new administration, but New Yorkers have to do their part," Governor Cuomo said. "The COVID war still needs to be fought, and while many feel COVID fatigue, that is a luxury we cannot afford. If we tire before the enemy, the enemy wins - it's that simple. I am confident that we can defeat this and rebuild stronger than ever before. Until that day comes, I encourage all New Yorkers to keep fighting the good fight together - wear a mask, social distance and avoid gatherings."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 249,955
• Total Positive - 12,720
• Percent Positive - 5.09%
• Patient Hospitalization - 8,613 (-189)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,021
• Hospital Counties - 57
• Number ICU - 1,527 (-35)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 997 (-26)
• Total Discharges - 121,923 (+1,022)
• Deaths - 160
• Total Deaths - 34,069

Bronx CB 11 Chair Al D'Angelo Sends Alternate Site(s) to Mayor and DHS for Proposed Stillwell Avenue Adult Men's Shelter

 

The proposed 1682 Stillwell Avenue site.

On March 11th there was a proposal to Community Board 11 for a second two-hundred adult men's homeless shelter. This one is located at 1682 Stillwell Avenue to a height of six stories. The site is a closed former auto repair shop right next to a residential neighborhood, and one block from a highly successful charter school. Opposition quickly grew to the second adult men's homeless shelter which would burden Community Board 11 with four hundred homeless adult men, more than half of the seven hundred total homeless population the board was told it is responsible for. The Department of Homeless Services had a formula where no more than twenty-five percent of the total homeless population in a community board could be adult single men. 

When the first adult Men's homeless shelter (at 1400 Blondell Avenue) was proposed the community asked that it be a family shelter instead of an adult single men's homeless shelter, and now they are being given a second adult men's shelter. Mayor de Blasio answered a question of why the need for more single adult men's shelters by saying last year, with the new No Cash Bail law people are no longer being kept in jails when they could not pay bail, and the city now has more single adult homeless men.   

In a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Steve Banks, Dated Jan. 22, 2021 Bronx Community Board 11 Chair Al D'Angelo is proposing an alternate site to the proposal of a homeless shelter at 1682 Stillwell Avenue. Chair D'Angelo has come up with 1956 Birchall Avenue where a two-story building with cellar space would be constructed with the owner of the properties approval, in an M1 zoned lot that would not need any zoning change. It is stated that the Birchall Avenue site is at the foot of an elevated subway station, not near any schools, or one family homes. It is further stated that this site would be less expensive and wind up saving the city close to one million dollars a year over the Stillwell Avenue proposed site. There are other alternate sites also listed. This letter has also been sent to local city, state, and federal elected officials, the Governor, NY State Attorney General, all citywide elected officials, DHS, DSS, and the Lantern Community Services (the provider).

In a second letter of Intent it is stated that the owner of the Birchall Avenue site in CB 11 has a total of 23,013 square feet, and can be estimated to be 35,000 square feet with a cellar. Included is that the homeless shelter would meet all compliance with Part 494 of the OTDA regulations and that the owner of this alternate site would work with the provider the Lantern Corporation or any other non-profit provider the city chooses. The letter of intent is signed by CB 11 Chair Al D'Angelo and the owner of the Birchall Avenue alternate site.