Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MARCH 15, 2022

 

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 monitor the numbers, we must remember to remain vigilant as we fight this pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "Parents and guardians, the vaccine and booster are the best tools to prevent child hospitalizations and reduce the risk of them spreading the virus to other loved ones in your families. Please consult with your child's pediatrician about getting the vaccine, and booster if they're eligible, as soon as you can."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported – 73,501
• Total Positive – 2,753
• Percent Positive – 3.75%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.62%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,070 (-13)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 107
• Patients in ICU – 172 (+4)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 95 (+1)
• Total Discharges - 288,579 (+101)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 16
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,976

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 - 69,689

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 - 37,241,336
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 10,577
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 91,972
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.9%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.2%  
• 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) - 85.9%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.1%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.1%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.3%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.5%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.3%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.9%   

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

BOROUGH

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Monday, March 14, 2022

Bronx	0.49%	0.49%	0.68%
Kings	0.96%	0.99%	1.28%
New York	1.35%	1.33%	1.67%
Queens	0.79%	0.79%	1.02%
Richmond	1.06%	0.99%	1.16%

NYC Comptroller’s Office Estimates $710 Million in Annual Economic Benefits from Expanding Health Coverage For Immigrant New Yorkers

Analysis Finds “Coverage For All” Proposal Generates Broad Benefits Including Increase in Life Expectancy, Labor Productivity, Personal Finances and Access to Health Care Systems

 NYC Comptroller Brad Lander released an analysis of the economic benefits of Coverage For All, finding that enacting the proposed state legislation (A880A/S1572A) would provide $710 million in total estimated benefits annually while increasing health care access for undocumented New Yorkers. The legislation creates a state-funded Essential Health Plan open to all New York adults who live up to 200% below the federal poverty level and are currently excluded from public and Marketplace coverage due to their immigration status. The Comptroller’s Office analysis estimates yearly benefits of $649 million from preventing premature deaths, $22 million in increased labor productivity, $20 million in lower out-of-pocket costs, and $19 million in reduced uncompensated care costs, including uncovered emergency room visits.

“Immigrant New Yorkers were essential to New York’s fight against COVID-19, yet disproportionately shouldered the brunt of the health and financial turmoil of the pandemic in part due to poorer health care access,” said Comptroller Lander. “Expanding quality and affordable medical coverage regardless of immigration status will bolster both healthier communities and a healthier economy. Coverage For All will help immigrant communities avoid unnecessary and costly emergency room visits as a source of primary care, while guaranteeing longer lives and economic benefits for both employers and health care providers.”

Nearly 426,000 residents in New York State are currently ineligible for public health care programs due to immigration status, and 250,000 remain uninsured. The Community Service Society (CSS) and Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) have estimated about 154,000 undocumented adults who live below 200% of the federal poverty line are uninsured. Currently, the Child Health Plus Program provides New York children through the age of 18 with health insurance, regardless of immigration status. And while Emergency Medicaid offers coverage for serious medical emergencies, such as serious body dysfunction or organ damage, undocumented adults are right now ineligible for public or Marketplace coverage, impeding access to primary and preventative care.

Coverage For All (A880A/S1572A), sponsored by New York State Assembly Member Richard Gottfried and Senator Gustavo Rivera, would create a state-funded Essential Plan for all adults aged 19 and up who earn below 200% of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status. CSS and CBC estimate that 46,000 people would enroll at an annual net cost of $345 million, after subtracting $316 million in Emergency Medicaid spending and $4 million in health care provider taxes.

Expanding health care insurance has a myriad of benefits for individuals, families, employers, and health care providers, from saving lives and improving long-term health to lowering costs and boosting workforce productivity. The Comptroller’s Office estimated yearly economic benefits to include:

• Increase in Life Expectancy: Expanding health care coverage to approximately 46,000 currently excluded New Yorkers could avoid an estimated 55 premature deaths year, leading to an estimated $649 million annually in economic benefits.
• Increase in Labor Productivity: Healthier workers would need nearly 77 percent fewer sick days, saving employers and individuals an estimated $22 million annually in hours worked at the minimum wage rate of $15 per hour.
• Reduction in Out-of-Pocket Costs: Families would save an estimated $20 million annually in out-of-pocket health care costs.
• Reduction in Uncompensated Care Costs: Health care providers would save an estimated $19 million annually, including 7,764 fewer uncompensated Emergency Room visits per year.

The full economic analysis can be viewed here.

'Friendly Calls' Program Engages Volunteers in Effort to Reduce Social Isolation for Older Adults

 

NYSOFA, NYSDOH, AgingNY and DOROT team up on training package to support volunteer outreach at the local level

 Providers of aging services are seeking to expand programs that address social isolation in the pandemic, including volunteer models like Friendly Calls.

While the concept of Friendly Calls is straight-forward – neighbors phoning neighbors for short, structured conversations – there are many intricacies involved in organizing and guiding these volunteer models effectively.

To help, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY), and DOROT have partnered on a Friendly Calls Volunteer Manual and training videos to expand the development and growth of these outreach programs locally.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and other community-based aging services partners are encouraged to use these training materials in the development or enhancement of Friendly Calls programs in their communities using standardized best-practices.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said: “Social isolation remains a serious public health concern in the pandemic, contributing to depression, poor health care outcomes, and increased mortality rates in some cases. NYSOFA’s 20-plus core programs include nutrition, transportation, personal care, social day care, and other services that all address social isolation at the local level while simultaneously providing vital supports and assistance. NYSOFA has also deployed several new pioneering solutions aimed at social isolation, from high-tech virtual platforms to grassroots outreach efforts that channel the carefully guided goodwill and kindness of neighbors helping neighbors, which is why this Friendly Calls project is so powerful.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said: “This collaboration with the New York State Office for the Aging and its partners advances health equity efforts and enhances NYSOFA’s existing programs that address loneliness and social isolation across their statewide aging network. The Friendly Calls program will increase access to meaningful one-on-one conversations for many individuals who can benefit from greater social connectedness to positively impact health and quality of life.”

How it Works

The Friendly Calls program is overseen by a county-based Office for Aging/AAA or other social service organization. It is intended to reach people who live alone, are isolated, or express interest in some type of social connection. Participants who meet these criteria are assigned to a volunteer who calls them weekly for conversations of about 20 to 30 minutes in length.

Volunteers use a tracking form to log calls. They report to a program manager at the AAA or sponsoring agency who can help address any concerns that might arise, especially if any of the conversations reveal a need for additional supportive services, such as lack of food or unsafe housing conditions. Volunteers are provided sample scripts and are also trained on how to hold engaging conversations, discuss meaningful and appropriate topics, and establish boundaries.

This new training program was developed with support from the federal Building Resilient Inclusive Communities (BRIC) project, which is designed to help states and community-based organizations improve safe access to physical activity, promote healthy eating by improving nutrition security, and reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Friendly Calls is part of a multi-pronged NYSOFA effort to address social isolation, which the U.S. Surgeon General has declared a “global epidemic.” According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, social isolation drives $6.7 billion in additional associated Medicare spending per year. The health consequences of loneliness and isolation are equivalent to smoking almost a pack of cigarettes daily.

Getting Help

If you or an older adult in your life needs support or feels isolated, please contact the NY Connects hotline at 1-800-342-9871 for one-stop access to free, objective and comprehensive information and assistance at the local level. You can also reach your county office for the aging by using NYSOFA’s online directory.

About the New York State Office for the Aging

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) continuously works to help the state’s 4.6 million older adults be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. Stay connected—visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter and NYSAging on Instagram; or visit aging.ny.gov.

About the New York State Department of Health

The mission of the New York State Department of Health is to protect, improve and promote the health, productivity and well-being of all New Yorkers. Our vision is for New Yorkers to be the healthiest people in the world, by creating communities that promote health and are protected from health threats, and by having access to quality, evidence-based and cost-effective health services.

About the Association on Aging in New York

The Association on Aging in New York supports and advocates for New York’s mostly county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and works collaboratively with a network of organizations that exist to promote independence, preserve dignity, and provide support for residents of New York State as they age. For more information, follow us on Facebook, visit www.agingny.org or call 518-449-7080.

About DOROT

DOROT, a nonprofit social service organization based in New York City, brings the generations together to create meaningful connections for older adults. For more than 45 years, DOROT’s programs and services – offered onsite, within the community, virtually and in older adults’ homes – foster a sense of community and alleviate social isolation. DOROT’s innovative intergenerational and volunteer-led models for social connection have been replicated by organizations throughout the country. To learn more, visit www.dorotusa.org.

Attorney General James Releases Footage From Investigation Into the Death of Eudes Pierre

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released videos from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and other video footage, which her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Eudes Pierre. Mr. Pierre died on December 20, 2021 following an encounter with members of the NYPD. 

The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that videos obtained by her office in the course of investigations conducted by the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) be released to the public in order to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.

Warning: These videos contain images that viewers may find disturbing.

Investigation into the Death of Eudes Pierre

OSI is currently conducting an investigation into the death of Eudes Pierre, who died after an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department in December of 2021. OSI has released five videos of the police encounter with Mr. Pierre.

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

Video 5

MAYORS ADAMS AND BOWSER, NYPD COMMISSIONER SEWELL, MPD CHIEF CONTEE ANNOUNCE ARREST OF SUSPECT IN MURDER, SHOOTING OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant Sewell, and Metropolitan Police Department of DC (MPD) Chief Robert Contee III today announced the arrest of the suspect in multiple shootings and murders of individuals experiencing homelessness across New York City and Washington, DC. Between March 3 and March 9, three men were shot in Washington, DC, and one of those men succumbed to his injuries. This past weekend, two men were shot in New York City, and one of those men succumbed to his injuries. The NYPD, the MPD, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began coordinating immediately on Sunday morning. Mayor Adams and Mayor Bowser spoke on Sunday as well, and both mayors, Commissioner Sewell, Chief Contee, ATF, and others met yesterday to discuss the manhunt to locate the suspect.

 

“Yesterday, I stood with Commissioner Sewell, Mayor Bowser, Chief Contee, and the ATF to show the coordinated effort between multiple cities and the federal government to bring a cold-blooded killer to justice, and, today, we’re proud to announce that that suspect is in custody,” said Mayor Adams. “This man targeted those experiencing homelessness with no regard for life, but this criminal is now off the streets. Gun violence against anyone, let alone our most vulnerable populations, is sick, but thanks to the coordination between different levels of law enforcement and the public’s help, those experiencing homelessness can breathe a sigh of relief today. The recent rise in gun violence remains a concern for us all, and we will do everything in our power to keep our citizens safe because public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity.”

 

“We want to thank everyone in Washington, DC, New York City, and elsewhere who sent in tips about this suspect. I also want to thank Mayor Adams and his team in New York, our team at MPD, as well as our federal partners at the ATF for their collaboration and partnership. We said that the work to remove this man from our streets was urgent and our communities responded,” said Mayor Bowser. “We know that this experience has been especially scary for our residents experiencing homelessness. Our work continues to end homelessness and ensure all residents have access to safe and affordable housing. Our work also continues to get guns off our streets, to address the proliferation of firearms, and to prevent violence while also working swiftly to hold people accountable when they terrorize and bring harm to our communities.”

 

“Excellent detective work, teamwork with our partners from the Metropolitan Police in DC at the ATF, and the FBI culminated in the arrest of the suspect in five shootings, including two murders of homeless men in New York City and Washington, DC,” said Commissioner Sewell. “People experiencing homelessness have many worries to cope with every day. Tonight, they will have one less.”

 

“I want to personally thank our community members who submitted tips and information in this case and thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing this individual to justice,” said Chief Contee. “It is essential for us to work together as a community to close cases and show the world that there is no place for those who commit violence in our communities.”

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of New Online Wage and Employment Tools as Part of Continued Commitment to Transparency

 

New Interactive Dashboards on Department of Labor Website Simplify Search for Employment and Wage Data

Provides Industry-Specific Employment and Wage Data for Nearly 800 Job Titles Across New York State

Part of Department of Labor Agency-Wide Transparency Plan

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of two new interactive online resources designed to improve transparency and enhance access to employment statistics and occupational wage information. The Current Employment Statistics dashboard provides monthly estimates of non-farm employment, hours, and earnings by industry for New York State, metropolitan areas, and counties outside of metropolitan areas. The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics dashboard provides estimates of employment and wages for nearly 800 job titles across New York State. Both dashboards are easily accessible on the Department of Labor website. The announcement coincides with Sunshine Week, a national initiative that spotlights efforts to increase transparency and openness in government.

“On day one, my administration made a commitment to bolstering transparency and restoring trust that government can produce real results for everyday New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “These new, easily accessible employment and wage data dashboards represent our latest efforts to make good on that vow – bridging the information gap and helping New Yorkers understand the full scope of available job opportunities and competitive wages. Connecting people with this pertinent job and wage information has never been more crucial – as many seek to rebuild and redefine their careers in the wake of the pandemic.” 

The CES dashboard can be used multiple ways, including searching a single industry based on geography, time, and seasonal adjustment. The monthly estimates are based on a survey of more than 18,000 businesses statewide. Users can also build their own dataset and retrieve data for multiple industries in more than one region.

The OEWS dashboard enables users to browse employment and wage information by occupation. It also allows users to compare wages for occupations across the state, view wages for occupations within groups, and view occupational employment by industry.

These new programs are in addition to other virtual data resources offered on the NYSDOL website, including Labor Force and Unemployment Data, Prevailing Unemployment Insurance Wages, and much more.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Governor Hochul continues to be a champion for transparency. These tools are yet another tangible result of her commitment to breaking down public information barriers in state government. Data can help us better understand trends across New York State. With these resources, New Yorkers can see employment trends in their region and beyond, explore salaries in occupations of interest, and much more. These new dashboards give New Yorkers the ability to easily explore employment information on their own.”

The launch of these new online tools represents the latest effort from Governor Hochul to increase transparency, accountability, and ethics in state government. On Monday, Governor Hochul announced that New York State is continuing efforts to expedite the process of responding to public requests, directing the State Office of Information Technology Services to issue a Request for Quotes to secure a software platform that will accelerate the timeline for receiving, processing, or responding to FOIL requests.

In her State of the State address, Governor Hochul announced proposals to reform the Joint Commission on Public Ethics and institute term limits and outside income bans for statewide elected officials. Weeks after taking office, Governor Hochul publicly released transparency plans from more than 70 state agencies, recusal policies for top State officials, and instituted new human resources policies to protect employees across state government and within the Executive Chamber from discrimination and harassment.