Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 27, 2021

 

27,842 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours       

132* COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Over Saturday and Sunday

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

"As we approach the end of the year, we must continue to stay vigilant," Governor Hochul said. "Vaccines are the way we can get through our holidays safely. If you will be attending any gatherings, exercise caution, wear your mask, and encourage those around you to get the vaccine and get the booster. Doing all of this, we will get through this and regather again at the other side, safe and healthy in 2022." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below. Please note that certain numbers marked below with a single asterisk represent two-day increases, due to delayed reporting over the Christmas holiday: 

• Test Results Reported - 166,681
• Total Positive - 26,737
• Percent Positive - 16.04%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 12.41%
• Patient Hospitalization - 5,526 (+635*)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,569*
• Patients in ICU - 913 (+33*)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 501 (+0)
• Total Discharges - 227,255 (+781*)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS covering both Saturday and Sunday - 132*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 48,066 
  
  
  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 - 60,941 
  
  
  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 - 33,133,391
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 27,842
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 685,273
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 88.6% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 80.4% 
• 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) - 82.6%**
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 77.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 69.4% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.9%**
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.3%**

*Due to the Holiday, has the data from Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 and represents a two day increase

**Vaccination numbers compiled by the CDC as of Dec. 24

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES $75 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BUSHWICK INLET PARK

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio today joined Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Martin Maher, Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park Co-Chairs Katherine Thompson and Steve Chesler, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Council Member Stephen T. Levin, and members of the community to announce an investment of $75 million toward the development of the CitiStorage parcel of Bushwick Inlet Park in North Brooklyn.

 

“Bushwick Inlet Park shows how much can change when a community stands together,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This $75 million investment will ensure 27 acres of world-class green space on the North Brooklyn waterfront are completed for families to enjoy for generations to come.”

 

“Bushwick Inlet Park is a testament to what is possible when there is advocacy, determination, and collaboration. Thanks to Mayor de Blasio’s investment, we are one step closer to completing the vision for this park and honoring the open space commitments that were made to the North Brooklyn community,” said Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “Open space is a necessity, and all New Yorkers should have access to world-class greenspaces. Through the development of Bushwick Inlet Park we are making transformational, generational changes that will benefit and improve the quality of life for countless New Yorkers.”

 

"For years, Greenpoint and Williamsburg residents have fought to secure open space along the waterfront. I have been proud to lend my voice to that fight, supporting this project with critically-needed capital funds and even leading a sleep-out with other leaders in 2016 to ensure that the City lived up to its commitments. Today, we are taking another major step toward completing Bushwick Inlet Park and ensuring North Brooklyn residents have a world-class place for healthy recreation and relaxation right in their backyard. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio and Parks Commissioner Fialkoff for this historic investment, and look forward to overseeing the completion of this new phase," said Mayor-elect Eric Adams.

 

“From the buzzing playground on weekday mornings to the lively club soccer matches on weeknights and the crowded Smorgasburg food festival on the weekends, there is always something happening at Bushwick Inlet  Park,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “I am so grateful that Mayor de Blasio has honored the amazing grassroots work by the Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, Councilmember Stephen Levin, Councilmember-elect Lincoln Restler, and other members of the community, who have committed so much time and energy to improving and expanding this precious local resource. This $75 million investment will make Bushwick Inlet Park an even greater urban oasis for the people of Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and the rest of the city.”

 

The $75 million in new funds, combined with $17 million previously allocated and $1 million in discretionary funding from the City Council, brings the total invested in park development to more than $90 million. These funds will go toward the demolition of the former CitiStorage warehouse, and design and construction of the next phases of the multi-phase build-out of the park.

 

The CitiStorage site is one of six parcels that make up Bushwick Inlet Park, the centerpiece of the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Waterfront. Already, 3.5-acres of the park are complete and open to the public, featuring a multi-purpose field and a building for community activities with a state-of-the-art green roof which doubles as a seating area. The newest section to be renovated, 50 Kent, will open to the public in early 2022.  All of the parcels of land required for the park have all been purchased by the City and are in varying stages of remediation and development. Upon completion, the park will add over 25 acres of greenspace to the Greenpoint-Williamsburg community. 

 

This administration has made notable progress to bring open space to North Brooklyn, including: 

 

• In 2017, the acquisition of the CitiStorage site was completed ($165 million).
• In November 2019, NYC Economic Development Corporation completed demolition of the Bayside site.
• In April 2021 construction started on the parkland at the 50 Kent site with completion anticipated for early 2022 ($7.8 million).
• Design of the parkland at the Motiva parcel is expected to wrap up in early 2022 with construction start anticipated for late 2022.

Do Our COVID-19 Vaccines Work Against the Omicron Variant or Not. What is going on Governor Kathy Hochul?

There has been much hype as to whether to get vaccinated or not to get vaccinated. Conflicting words have been put about be it by Health officials, elected officials, mandates, word of mouth, or Anti Vaxers. Health officials have said the only way to prevent, or have a safe period of having the COVID-19 virus (or it's variants) is to get vaccinated with one of the three vaccines that were available. Elected officials have mandated vaccinations in order to continue working or continuing a regular lifestyle. 

The public was recently told the vaccinations require a booster shot, and while only suggested as of now, it is only a matter of time as to when Booster shots will also be mandated. New York City has gone as far as giving incentives to get vaccinated, or boosted by the end of this year. Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he expects the Omicron variant to be with us for only a few weeks before it passes, which must mean once a person has the virus they must become immune to it. That is similar to what I was told by Doctor Dave Chokshi Commissioner of the NYCDOH, and Doctor Mitchell Katz head of the NYCHHS, with Doctor Katz going as far as saying I did not need to get vaccinated after I explained that I had the COVID-19 virus in March of 2020 for only five days. I did get vaccinated in September of 2021, and had a bad reaction to the second shot, but that is another story.

Now that the Omicron variant has hit New York, on December 18th the governor's office reported 192 cases statewide, and 41 in New York City. There has been no more reporting of Omicron cases, just that all positive test results are all that of the Omicron variant. This is similar to what Governor Andrew Cuomo did in 2020 by counting any and all deaths as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Governor Hochul has declared a Disaster Emergency in the state of New York with Executive Order 11.1 However in that Executive order Governor Hochul states the following 

WHEREAS, this Omicron variant has been shown to be highly transmissible and may cause exponential spread;

WHEREAS, current vaccinations do not appear to be as effective against Omicron infection, while remaining stronger against severe disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 11 until January 25, 2022.

Does this mean that the Omicron variant will be gone on January 26, 2022 Governor Hochul, or will there be another extension? What is going on Governor Kathy Hochul?

6 Days and Counting Our Vaccines Don't Work Kathy Hochul Says

 

I have always tried to be honest with you when I could, and I have told you the only way to be safe is to get vaccinated against any and all variants of the COVID-19 virus. I could not believe my eyes when I read Executive Order 11.1 from Governor David Patterson, I mean Kathy Hochul, Kathy states about the Omicron variant, WHEREAS, this variant has been identified in all 50 U.S. states, including New York, and more than 104 countries; Duh Kathy, New York is one of the fifty states, and one of the original thirteen colonies.

Then she writes, WHEREAS, this Omicron variant has been shown to be highly transmissible and may cause exponential spread; We already know that Kathy. but when she writes, WHEREAS, current vaccinations do not appear to be as effective against Omicron infection, while remaining stronger against severe disease; Is she nuts? The state legislature should look at removing Kathy Hochul as governor immediately. Why are we telling people to get vaccinated, and making mandates that people must get vaccinated if the Governor of New York State says our vaccines are not working?

No. 11.1: Declaring a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York

 

E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R No. 11.1

Declaring a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 global pandemic has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization since early 2020;

WHEREAS, the United States Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency for the entire United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19 on January 31, 2020;

WHEREAS, New York is now experiencing COVID-19 transmission at rates the State has not seen since April 2021;           

WHEREAS, the rate of new COVID-19 hospital admissions has been increasing over the past month to over 300 new admissions a day;

WHEREAS, the state must pursue a coordinated approach to ensure hospital capacity statewide is able to meet regional needs;

WHEREAS, the State government must support the municipalities and counties in their efforts to facilitate and administer vaccinations and tests for COVID-19, and to prevent the virus from continuing to spread at such rates;

WHEREAS, a new SarCoV2 variant, known as Omicron, has been identified and named a variant of concern by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

WHEREAS, this variant has been identified in all 50 U.S. states, including New York, and more than 104 countries;

WHEREAS, this Omicron variant has been shown to be highly transmissible and may cause exponential spread;

WHEREAS, current vaccinations do not appear to be as effective against Omicron infection, while remaining stronger against severe disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby continue the terms, conditions, and suspensions contained in Executive Order 11 until January 25, 2022.

IN ADDITION, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through January 25, 2022 the following:

• Title V of Article 5 of the Public Health Law and subparts 19 and 58 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow laboratories holding a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Acts (CLIA) certificate and meeting the CLIA quality standards described in 42 CFR Subparts H, J, K and M, to perform testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in specimens collected from individuals in New York State;
• Subdivisions 7, 7-a and 8 of section 459-c of the Real Property Tax Law, and subdivisions 5, 5-a, 5-b, 5-c and 6 of section 467 of the Real Property Tax Law, to the extent necessary to permit the governing body of an assessing unit to adopt a resolution directing the assessor to grant exemptions pursuant to such section on the 2022  assessment roll to all property owners who received that exemption on the 2021 assessment roll, thereby dispensing with the need for renewal applications from such persons, and further dispensing with the requirement for assessors to mail renewal applications to such persons.  Provided however, that the governing body may, at its option, include in such resolution procedures by which the assessor may require a renewal application to be filed when he or she has reason to believe that an owner who qualified for the exemption on the 2021 assessment roll may have since changed his or her primary residence, added another owner to the deed, transferred the property to a new owner, or died;
• Article 7 of the Public Officers Law to the extent necessary to authorize the New York State Senate and Assembly, at their discretion, to meet and take such action authorized by law remotely by conference call or similar service and otherwise act in conformance with the provisions of Part E of Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, and expiring upon the expiration of such Chapter.

G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this twenty-sixth day of December in the year two thousand twenty-one

BY THE GOVERNOR          

Secretary to the Governor

Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order to Support Vulnerable Homeowners Amid Winter Surge

 

Allows Local Governments to Suspend In-Person Renewal Requirement to Extend Property Tax Exemptions for Low Income Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities 

Executive Order Also Permits Labs to Use Out-Of-State Facilities For COVID-19 Testing of New York Specimens to Increase Testing Capacity and Reduce Delays

Provides Legislature with Discretion to Meet Remotely Under Open Meetings Law, Expiring January 15th

 Governor Hochul today signed an Executive Order to help support vulnerable homeowners amid the current surge of COVID-19 cases. The Executive Order allows local governments to lift an in-person renewal requirement for property tax exemptions for low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 

“As we battle this winter surge, we are using every tool to protect our most vulnerable neighbors,” Governor Hochul said. “The thousands of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on property tax exemptions should not have to risk their health and safety to remain in their homes. With this Order, I am allowing local governments to take common sense action to protect seniors from COVID-19, provide tax relief to those who need it most, and prevent vulnerable New Yorkers from losing their homes this winter.”

The Governor’s Executive Order includes two additional actions to support public health as New York State combats the Omicron variant and wave of cases. Amid an increased demand for testing, Governor Hochul’s Order will permit certified clinical laboratories to use out-of-state facilities for New Yorkers’ COVID-19 testing to mitigate testing capacity issues.

In addition, the Order grants the New York State Senate and Assembly through January 15th the discretion to meet remotely, consistent with legislation passed in September that currently applies to other public bodies. The law allows public bodies to meet remotely but requires the contents of the meetings to be publicly available.

Under the Governor's Executive Order, local governments can automatically renew 2022 benefits for all property owners who received the benefit in 2021 unless the locality has reason to believe an individual has changed their primary address, added another owner to the deed, transferred the property to a new owner, or passed away.

DEC ANNOUNCES PROPOSED CHANGES TO SUPERFUND AND BROWNFIELD SITE CLEANUP REGULATIONS

 

Proposed Changes to Enhance Regulation of Emerging Contaminants PFOA and PFOS and Strengthen Programs to Clean Up Sites across the State

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced proposed changes to the State’s regulations for the clean-up of contaminated sites that will advance efforts to revitalize communities and protect public health and the environment statewide. The proposals are available for public comment until April 21, 2022, and would create new cleanup standards for the oversight of the emerging contaminants perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS), strengthen the implementation of the State’s successful Brownfield Cleanup Program, and enhance State Superfund and other cleanup programs.

“New York is a national leader in our commitment to address the threat of emerging contaminants and our sustained efforts to clean up legacy contaminants in communities statewide,” Commissioner Seggos said. “The proposed changes to New York’s regulations are instrumental in advancing DEC’s efforts with the latest science and data about public health and the environment while supporting the revitalization of former industrial sites to create economic opportunities and stronger communities.”

The proposed changes to the 6 NYCRR Part 375 regulations that pertain to the State’s Environmental Remediation Programs would increase consistency across programs administered by DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation and provide DEC with the tools to effectively implement these changes, including:

• Enhanced requirements for the Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Remedial Program (State Superfund Program);
• Updates to the State’s Soil Cleanup Objectives (SCOs) to reflect the latest scientific input of experts at DEC and the New York State Department of Health. Revisions include the creation of SCOs for PFOA, PFOS, aniline, and nitrobenzene to reflect the designation of these chemicals as hazardous substances and codify existing guidance in regulation to provide the State with a greater ability to conduct enforcement against polluters; and
• Proposed changes, clarifications, and modifications to the regulations based on DEC’s experience during the first decade of implementing the Brownfield Cleanup Program.

DEC encourages the public to participate in and submit comments during two virtual hearings on the revised rulemaking. The hearings will be held at 2 p.m. on April 5, 2022, and 5:30 p.m. on April 7, 2022. To participate in the hearings, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/101908.html. Persons who wish to receive the instructions by mail or telephone should call DEC at (518) 402-9764 and leave a message for Jenn Dawson. Participants should provide their first and last name, address, and telephone number and reference the Part 375 public comment hearing.

The public is invited to submit written comments on the revised proposed regulations through April 21, 2022, at 8 p.m. Written comments can be submitted by email to derweb@dec.ny.gov, noting “Comments on Proposed Part 375” in the subject line of the email, or by mail to the NYS DEC - Division of Environmental Remediation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7012, attention: Jenn Dawson.

All documents and related information pertaining to the revised proposed rulemaking are available on DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/101908.html. Members of the public without internet access are advised to contact NYS at the address above or call (518) 402-9764.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES $10.9 MILLION ALLOCATION TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY AND UPGRADE THE OLD STONE HOUSE

 

Historic cultural and civic hub located in Washington Park will be upgraded as part of the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan

 Mayor Bill de Blasio joined Parks Brooklyn Commissioner Martin Maher and Councilmember Brad Lander to announce a $10.9 million investment in the Old Stone House (OSH) to increase accessibility and fund preservation efforts at the historic site in the heart of Washington Park. 

“The Old Stone House is more than a cultural and educational hub, it’s a symbol of Brooklyn, containing centuries of history,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As a proud Brooklynite, it’s important to preserve our history and shared heritage. This funding will help restore this iconic site, increase accessibility, and ensure visitors can enjoy it for generations to come.”

“The Old Stone House is a culturally significant site rich with history, and thanks to Mayor de Blasio, a brighter future,” said Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “Increasing accessibility through investment has been a hallmark of this administration and a necessary step to propel us forward. We hope this cultural institution will continue to enrich and serve the community.” 

“This funding will make the Old Stone House accessible to the entire community, enabling everyone to experience OSH’s 2^nd floor Great Room – a space for affordable events, the arts and history-based education programs,” said Old Stone House Executive Director Kimberly Maier.

The funding is part of the larger Gowanus Neighborhood Plan. The multi-faceted plan includes increased community engagement, affordable housing opportunities, small business support, improvements to community facilities such as the Old Stone House and the Pacific Branch Library, and more.

Enhancements to the Old Stone house will include a newly constructed elevator, a new staircase, and the addition of public restrooms within an extension on the north side of the building – a reflection of historic reconstruction’s 1930’s layout. Design will officially begin in 2023, with a construction start date in 2026. 

The Old Stone House is one of 23 historic sites included in the Historic House Trust of New York City’s collection. Originally built by Claes Vechte in 1699, this reconstructed house, with its solid stone walls and high brick gables, is a landmark in American military and sports history, built on land taken from the Lenape in the mid-17^th century. Today, reconstructed from original stones near the original site, the Old Stone House serves as an interpretive and educational center dedicated to Brooklyn history, as well as a cultural resource for the community.