Governor Cuomo Announces New York State Has Nation's Lowest 7-Day Average COVID-19 Positivity Rate

 

COVID-19 Positivity Rate Hits Record Lows for 15 Straight Days; Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.44%—Has Declined for 68 Consecutive Days, Lowest in the Country Per Johns Hopkins University

More Than 20 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered in New York State

104,457 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours; Statewide Vaccination Rate is 69.5%

Hospitalizations Drop Below 700; Intubations Drop Below 100

11 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that according to Johns Hopkins University, New York State has the nation's lowest 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate at 0.44 percent.

"We're beating back COVID-19 across the state and New York has the nation's lowest 7-day average positivity rate, but it's going to take more vaccinations to get us across the finish line," Governor Cuomo said. "The more shots we get in arms, the healthier our state becomes, and that's why we're offering exciting incentives for vaccinations. If New Yorkers who haven't yet gotten the shot do so promptly, we can defeat COVID-19 for good and rebuild our state for a brighter future."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 141,568
• Total Positive - 533
• Percent Positive - 0.38%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.44%
• Patient Hospitalization - 681 (-28)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 88
• Patients in ICU - 169 (-12)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 96 (-5)
• Total Discharges - 183,562 (+107)
• Deaths - 11
• Total Deaths - 42,856
• Total vaccine doses administered - 20,016,043
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 104,457
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 608,238
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 67.2%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 60.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 69.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 60.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 55.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 48.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 57.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 49.3%

203 Days and Counting

 

What am I doing here on Sunday? I cut my workweek down to four days a week, and as soon as this COVID thing goes away I won't have to have any more daily briefings. 

I use to have a full head of head with not one gray hair in it. I hope the person who you elect knows what a tough job being Mayor of New York City is. not only do you have to deal with reporters asking you anything, but also that guy in Albany who keeps holding things over your head, and I just found out he can remove me as mayor. 

204 Days and Counting - Learn From the Best at the Game.

 

I wish I could have gotten to the Bronx 1 Pride event today to see U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. I hear that he had two interns stand around for over an hour until he came so they could walk around with signs Senator Schumer supports the LGBTQ community.

Hey Bill this is how you do it. Have one intern on either side of you holding signs that you support the LGBTQ community.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Annual LGBT Pride Celebration

 

There was no LGBT Pride Celebration in 2020, and in 2021 the celebration was held outdoors of the Riverdale Y in Riverdale. The crowd was smaller than in the past when the event was held at Billy's Sports Bar on East 161St Street, but everyone who attended was glad there was a celebration this year. On a sad note this will be the last LGBT event that Bronx BP Diaz Jr. will be hosting (due to term-limits), and many said they hope the celebration begun by Diaz Jr. continues with the next Bronx Borough President. 

Two of the five candidates running to replace Diaz Jr, were in attendance. Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez and Councilwoman Vanesa Gibson. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and Councilman Eric Dinowitz were also in attendance.

(L-R) Assemblywoman Fernandez, Councilman Dinowitz, Honoree Michael Beau Ivory, and Justin Sanchez of BP Diaz's office.

(L-R) Former 15th City Council Candidate Elisa Crespo, Appolonia Cruz, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., and Bronx DA Darcel Clark

Honorees (L-R) Michael Beau Ivory, Kim Watson, Bronx BP Diaz Jr., Jose Ramon (posthumously), Marie Spivey, Jeannie Sol, with Vivika Westwood Mugler in front.

Tym Moss Doing 'New York New York'.

Bronx DA Darcel Clark joined in for some enjoyment.

BP Diaz Jr. joined Vivika Westwood Mugler for a dance.

As the celebration drew to a close, the reality of this being the last official Pride Month Event by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. set in with many, for one last hug. 

VISION ZERO: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES $39 MILLION IN IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS FOR MCGUINNESS BOULEVARD

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Hank Gutman today announced both immediate and long-term safety improvements to McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn, where teacher Matthew Jensen was recently killed in another instance of traffic violence. The City will fully redesign the corridor, including immediate safety enhancements and a full corridor redesign in 2022, with a commitment of $39 million in capital funding.

“Vision Zero has made New York City safer and more livable – but its work isn’t finished until corridors like McGuinness Boulevard are improved for everyone who uses them,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We can change this city’s streets for the better and forge a better Greenpoint for generations of Brooklynites to come.”

 

“These improvements to McGuinness Boulevard will make Brooklyn safer for all New Yorkers – and send a powerful message that New York City will stand against traffic violence,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “I look forward to working with the community to develop a bold, inclusive, and effective plan.”

 

“After the tragic loss of Matthew Jensen, we look forward to working with the people of Greenpoint to redouble our efforts to make McGuinness Boulevard safer for everyone who uses this critical corridor,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Saving lives and preventing injuries on our streets remains DOT’s top goal under Vision Zero, and fixing McGuinness will be among our very highest priorities this year. We thank the Mayor for his leadership, as well as Assembly Member Gallagher, Council Member Levin, and all the advocates – especially Families for Safe Streets – for all their organizing and hard work to expedite a comprehensive safety redesign.”

 

The City will assess and implement immediate upgrades in 2021, such as adding missing crosswalks, turn calming, and other safety treatments. These changes are expected to be complete by this fall.

 

Additionally, the City will engage the community on a full corridor redesign, supported with $39 million in capital funding. The redesign will offer changes such as protected bike lanes, shortened pedestrian crossings, and other proven safety enhancements. Community engagement and design coordination work will begin this summer, and the redesign will be implemented in 2022.

 

“The epidemic of traffic violence continues to take the lives of New Yorkers like Matthew Jensen,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “Fortunately we have a cure in the form of traffic-calming infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, shorter crossing distances, and measures to reclaim street space for pedestrians. I thank Mayor de Blasio and DOT Commissioner Gutman for responding to this crisis along McGuinness Boulevard, and I urge them to continue the effort on other dangerous corridors throughout Brooklyn, and beyond.”

 

Governor Cuomo Announces 2 Straight Weeks of Record-Low COVID Positivity Statewide

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.47%—Has Declined for 67 Consecutive Days

Statewide Positivity Yesterday was 0.37%

90,801 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours—Statewide Vaccination Rate is 69.2%

709 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

11 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

 

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

"New Yorkers are getting vaccinated in greater numbers every single day, and that means we can take action to reopen the economy, put people back to work and resume normal lives," Governor Cuomo said. "More shots in more arms is the key to our future, and we're offering exciting incentives to encourage New Yorkers across the state that today is the day to get their shots. I encourage everyone eligible who hasn't yet been vaccinated to take advantage of a free $20 lottery ticket or chance to win a SUNY or CUNY Scholarship—let's put this pandemic in the rear view mirror for good."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 130,071
• Total Positive - 480
• Percent Positive - 0.37%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.47%
• Patient Hospitalization - 709 (-49)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 84
• Patients in ICU - 181 (-9)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 101 (-12)
• Total Discharges - 183,455 (109)
• Deaths - 11
• Total Deaths - 42,844
• Total vaccine doses administered - 19,911,586
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 90,801
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 595,492
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 67.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 59.6%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 69.2%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 60.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 55.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 48.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 57.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 49.0%

Attorney General James Announces Election Protection Hotline Ahead of Early Voting Period

 

AG’s Office Will Troubleshoot Voting Issues During Early Voting and on Election Day  

Voters Experiencing Problems Can Call 1-800-771-7755, 

Submit Complaints Online, or Email election.hotline@ag.ny.gov  

  New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will make its Election Protection Hotline available for the upcoming June 22, 2021 election and during New York’s early voting period, which runs from Saturday, June 12 to Sunday, June 20. The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including voting by absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 crisis or in-person at their polling place. Voters that experience problems can report issues to the OAG by calling 1-800-771-7755, submitting complaints online, or emailing election.hotline@ag.ny.gov. The OAG also created a guide to address frequently asked questions to assist voters. 

“New Yorkers should be able to exercise their right to vote with confidence and ease," said Attorney General James. “As some states move to limit voting rights, we are doubling down on voter protection and support. This hotline will address any challenges voters face across the state and provide guidance for those casting a ballot. My office is committed to ensuring New Yorkers are able to vote safely and effectively and will do everything in its power to protect fair and equal elections.”  

Attorney General James urges voters experiencing problems to call the OAG’s Hotline at 1-800-771-7755, submit complaints online, or email election.hotline@ag.ny.gov to request election-related assistance in advance of the election. The hotline and digital forms are accessible in multiple languages. The hotline will open on Saturday, June 12, 2021 and will run between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM through Sunday, June 20, 2021 for the entire early voting period, and between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 (Election Day). Written requests for election-related assistance may be submitted at any time through the online complaint form. Hotline calls and written requests for election-related assistance are processed by attorneys and staff in the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau. 

The OAG has operated the voter access hotline since November 2012. During previous elections, the OAG fielded hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of complaints from voters across the state and worked with local election officials and others to address issues.  

Attorney General James reminds all registered voters that they have the right to accessible elections. In addition, all registered voters have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation, whether by election officials or any other person.  

100 PERCENT - Primary Day 2021Predictions

 Saturday June 12th begins Early Voting for Primary Day 2021, which will run nine days and end on Sunday June 20th. Primary Day where more than eighty-five percent of the voting occurs is Tuesday June 22nd. This year Rank Choice Voting will be used in all but the race for Judges in the Bronx. Rank Choice voting allows the voter to rank up to five candidates in their order of preference, but you can still only rank just one candidate. As was in the special elections the candidate(s) at the top of the ballot in each race have an advantage over candidates lower in the listing.

This year there is a Republican Primary for Mayor between Curtis Swila and Fernando Mateo.

There are thirteen candidates running for mayor on the Democratic line, and the media has been ripping many of the top choices. One had two women now come forward about unwanted sexual advances, one has had residency doubts cast, another who calls for less police lives in a 2.7 million dollar home with private security, another has her campaign fall apart due to her campaign workers wanting to unionize, then there are the candidates who are long on talk. but short on the issues facing the city in the next four years. My prediction is that when all the dust settles we may have our first woman mayor, and a Latina at that in Kathryn Garcia. 

The Public Advocate race has only three candidates, and it looks like the current Public Advocate Jumanne Williams should breeze to an easy victory.

The City Comptroller race to replace Scott Stringer has ten candidates on the ballot lead by soon to be former City Council speaker Corey Johnson, along with former AOC challenger and MSNBC Financial analyst Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, Councilman Brad lander and seven others. Those three are the leading candidates, and we will see how Rank Choice Voting affects this race. 

Bhe Bronx Borough President race has five candidates: two City Council members, one Assemblywoman, one state Senator, and one novice to politics. All signs are pointing to Councilman Fernando Cabrera as the next Bronx Borough President, but there are forces trying to have Assemblywoman Nathailia Fernandez put Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson as her #2 choice. 

Bronx City Council Races.

11th - Incumbent Eric Dinowitz should breeze to an easy win much like in the special election. It will be a close race to see who comes in second between special election 2nd place finisher Mino Lora, and Abigail Martin who sat out the special election. 80th A.D. District leader Marcos Sierra is really mad that he did not get the endorsement of the Bronx Democratic Party, especially since he seconded the nomination of State Senator Jamaal Bailey for County Leader, mentioning what great friends they are, or were. Mino Lora has the endorsement of State Senators Alessandria Biaggi and Gustavo Rivera again, and it would be a blow to them if she was to come in third.

12th - Can Kevin Riley hold off his two challengers as the Bronx Democratic Party will be stretched thin this year with challenges to all their Bronx Democratic Party candidates.

13th - It appears to be Marjorie Velazquez's to lose with AOC's endorsement, but candidate Velazquez is apparently getting help from a building developers PAC, which is a No No for anyone with an AOC or her PAC;s endorsement.

14th - Too wide open to call, but it may come down to Yudelka Tapia and Perrina Sanchez, The AOC Pac has endorsed candidate Sanchez and candidate Abreu in this race.

15th - We would love to see Special Election winner  Oswald Feliz lose, but he is doing everything he can to lose by not showing up for community meetings. He has missed two Community Board 11 meetings, and apparently the same is true for CB 6. With Elisa Crespo out of the race, Ischia Bravo who came in second should be the winner especially since current Councilman Feliz has a much weaker lead in candidate in the number one spot to drop votes down to him.

16th - Althea Stevens the Bronx Democratic Party candidate or Male District Leader Yevs Filus which the Party chose not to endorse, going with Ms. Stevens instead, 

17th  - Incumbent Rafael Salamanca should win in the first round, but former candidate Lattinad Brown is mounting a write-in campaign after being thrown off the ballot by the Bronx Democratic Party. 

18th - It looked like easy sailing for repeat candidate Amanda Farias until Community Board 9 District Manager William Rivera entered the race. Now it looks like a slam dunk for what may be the former District manager. That's even with the AOC PAC endorsing Farias and also repeat candidate Michael Beltzer who got the endorsement of his good friend Samelys Lopez who ran for Congress with the backing of AOC.

This political column is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the view of this newspaper. Any questions about this column should be sent to 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com Mr. Robert Press.