Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MARCH 24, 2022

 

911 Hospitalizations - Under 1,000 for Seven Consecutive Days 

Highest Daily Test Results in Past Three Weeks

5 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19. Additionally, Governor Hochul today announced that Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray was on-site for the delivery of 100,000 over-the-counter COVID tests at the Food Bank of Central New York in Syracuse today, as food banks across the state this week are receiving test kits from the State. Photos of the delivery are available here. These efforts are part of Governor Hochul’s previously announced plan to make 20 million over-the-counter tests available to various organizations, primarily schools and adult-care facilities, throughout the spring. DHSES and the New York National Guard will continue to work together to distribute millions of tests over the coming months to help keep New Yorkers safe.

“New Yorkers have shown time and time again that they are resilient in the face of crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different,” Governor Hochul said. “While hard work has led to enormous progress, we cannot afford to let our guard down. The vaccine and booster are key to moving forward safely through this pandemic, and I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of these tools so we can continue to keep ourselves and loved ones safe and healthy.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported – 162,273
• Total Positive – 3,450
• Percent Positive – 2.13%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 2.02%
• Patient Hospitalization – 911 (-22)
• Patients Newly Admitted – 120
• Patients in ICU – 150 (-11)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 68 (-2)
• Total Discharges – 289,824 (+150)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 5
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 55,070   

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 – 70,108 

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 – 37,362,271
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 14,129
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 92,009
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 92.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 83.4%
• 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) – 86.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 82.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 72.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 81.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 73.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 89.4% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 76.0%

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

BOROUGH	Monday, March 21, 2022	Tuesday, March 22, 2022	Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Bronx	0.66%	0.70%	0.74%
Brooklyn	1.16%	1.30%	1.37%
Manhattan	1.87%	2.04%	2.12%
Queens	1.04%	1.13%	1.19%
Staten Island	1.07%	1.16%	1.30%

Statement from Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Manuel Castro on Welcoming 100,000 Ukrainians Fleeing the Crisis to the U.S.

 

“We thank President Biden for listening to our call to use every tool at his disposal to welcome Ukrainians to the U.S. affected by the Russian invasion. As the home to the largest Ukrainian population in the U.S., New York City is ready to work hand in hand with our state and federal partners to safely reunite Ukrainians with their loved ones and connect them with city resources and support. Those fleeing war, persecution, or disasters are always welcome here. We also applaud the Biden administration's efforts and investments to protect public health, democracy, and human rights for vulnerable groups in Ukraine.”

Attorney General James and Brooklyn Community Foundation Deliver $2.2 Million to Brooklyn Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

 

Funds Derived from Fraudulent Charity Shut Down by AG’s Office

To Date, AG James Has Delivered More than $1.5 Billion Statewide for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Programs

  New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Brooklyn Community Foundation today delivered $2.2 million in grants to 10 community-based organizations to fund substance treatment programs and harm reduction services. The Wellness and Recovery Fund of the Brooklyn Community Foundation was established last year after Attorney General James dissolved Canarsie A.W.A.R.E. for exploiting some of New York’s most vulnerable residents and defrauding Medicaid.

These grants will provide $217,500 over three years to each of the 10 beneficiary nonprofits for dignity-centered direct services designed to prevent and treat substance misuse and abuse; expansion and innovation of harm reduction programs and services; and systems change efforts that impact the lives of people in recovery and people living with addiction.

The 10 organizations that will be receiving grants are: After Hours Project, Ali Forney Center, Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, Community Counseling & Mediation, Global Trauma Research, Housing Plus, Lantern Community Services, New York Therapeutic Communities – Stay’n Out, The Family Center, and VOCAL-NY.

“I am proud to work with the Brooklyn Community Foundation to return these funds to vulnerable communities,” said Attorney General James. “It is essential for New Yorkers who have struggled through addiction and substance abuse to have access to reliable treatment programs, and with these funds, we are doing just that. The funds will finally be used in the manner in which they were intended — to help New Yorkers who need it most. From holding accountable the companies responsible for the opioid crisis and delivering billions of dollars for treatment, to cracking down on nonprofits that try to cheat New Yorkers, I will always use the power of this office to foster the recovery of our communities.”

“Drawing upon their own experiences with substance abuse and misuse, our advisory council members have partnered with us to select an outstanding group of grantees that are helping people navigate the difficult road of treatment and recovery while honoring their agency and dignity,” said Jocelynne Rainey, CEO and president, Brooklyn Community Foundation. “We are grateful for Attorney General James’ leadership in reclaiming these funds for the benefit of Brooklyn’s communities, her belief in our community-led grantmaking approach, and her commitment to helping New Yorkers overcome the devastating and far-reaching impacts of addiction.”

The funding comes at a critical moment for in-demand community-based programs, as drug overdose deaths have soared to record levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. From January to March 2021, there were 596 confirmed overdose deaths in New York City, with the second largest number occurring in Brooklyn.

The grants were selected by 10 Brooklyn residents impacted by substance misuse or who have worked with impacted communities. This participatory grantmaking funding approach is a part of the Brooklyn Community Foundation’s commitment to sharing decision-making power with community members who have lived experience on the issues being addressed. Last year, the Brooklyn Community Foundation adopted participatory grantmaking models across all its unrestricted grantmaking programs in alignment with focus on racial justice and community-led change. The grants prioritize communities that have been disproportionately impacted by substance abuse and addiction, including Black, indigenous, and people of color; women, parents/caregivers, youth, older adults; immigrants; low-income individuals and families; people who are unhoused and housing insecure; people who are formerly or currently incarcerated; people who are LGBTQIAGNC+; people with disabilities and or mental health challenges; and people living in the neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Bushwick, Canarsie, Coney Island, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, East New York, Flatbush, and Sunset Park.

“This grant will allow After Hours Project to enhance our evidence-based substance abuse treatment and supportive services, which includes buprenorphine treatment, syringe access, overdose prevention, harm reduction counseling and education,” said Fernando Soto, CEO and president, After Hours Project, Inc. “We plan to use the funds to purchase an electric mobile unit to help lower our carbon footprint and hire a peer-driven outreach team to expand our services in areas with the highest needs, such as Bed-Stuy, Sunset Park, and Williamsburg.”

“During the grant process, I looked for organizations that have grassroots connections to their communities and are committed to listening, respecting the people they serve, and treating the whole person,” said Victoria Graves, member, Brooklyn Community Foundation’s Wellness and Recovery Fund Advisory Council. “I am pleased to say that the grants are going to groups that will truly expand critical services, like harm reduction, for those who need it most.”

Wellness and Recovery Fund Grantees:

After Hours Project: To support an array of health and social services, including behavioral health education; sexual health and wellness; HIV/AIDs linkage to care; harm reduction; housing, food, and family wellness; community outreach; advocacy and referral services, and more. Clients primarily have little or no contact with traditional service providers, and that include persons who inject drugs, sex workers, and people who are homeless. Neighborhoods served: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Bushwick, Crown Heights North, Crown Heights South, East Flatbush, East New York, East Williamsburg, and Flatbush.

Ali Forney Center: To support services provided to 2,000+ LGBTQIA+ youth at a 24/7 drop-in center and 17 emergency and transitional housing sites, as well as to hire a substance misuse treatment counselor to work at 14 housing sites, including 9 in Brooklyn. Neighborhoods served: Boroughwide, Park Slope, and Sunset Park.

Brooklyn Community Housing and Services: To support housing for 1,000+ people who experience homelessness annually, including transitional and permanent housing, as well as substance misuse counselors and skilled clinicians for all new housing developments. Neighborhoods served: Boroughwide.

Community Counseling & Mediation: To support a wide range of social services, counseling, physical and mental healthcare, education, and supportive housing services for individuals and families in extremely low-income areas of Brooklyn. Services include treatment, early intervention, wrap-around services, and recovery support services for people living with substance misuse disorders and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. Neighborhoods served: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Brownsville, Bushwick, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights North, Crown Heights South, Downtown Brooklyn, East Flatbush, East New York, Flatbush, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Park South, and Red Hook.

Global Trauma Research: To support the “Stay Well” program, which provides 24-hour crisis intervention/hospital prevention and culturally/spiritually specific long-term trauma counseling to participants with a history of substance misuse, as well as a multilingual substance misuse and abuse community education campaign with 300 community partners. Neighborhoods served: Boroughwide.

Housing Plus: To support justice-involved women in an alternative-to-detention program that provides community-based housing and comprehensive services to help them overcome poverty, homelessness, effects of incarceration, and build stable lives. The program also seeks to reunite and reconnect parents and caregivers with children in foster care, and to prevent separation in as many families as possible. Neighborhoods served: Bedford Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Canarsie, Crown Heights, East New York, Flatbush, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens.

Lantern Community Services: To provide comprehensive harm reduction services to improve the overall quality of life for clients, including at two supportive housing sites in Brooklyn that serve formerly unhoused residents living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and/or diagnosed mental health conditions. Staff also provide Naloxone training kits and overdose prevention education to residents. Neighborhoods served: Bedford Stuyvesant and Brownsville.

New York Therapeutic Communities – Stay’n Out: To support substance misuse treatment for adults in the criminal legal system through licensed community-based residential and outpatient programs that use a therapeutic community model, as well as to add more peer recovery advocates to connect persons using substances with needed services. Neighborhoods served: Boroughwide.

The Family Center: To support programs that provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and family-focused behavioral health treatment and recovery services for adults, children, and families with significant levels of trauma, chronic disease, extreme poverty, and barriers to care, as well as free childcare for parents and caregivers who are living with addiction, substance use challenges, and recovery while they are receiving treatment and health services. Neighborhoods served: Boroughwide.

VOCAL-NY: To support the growth of outreach and testing programs for people who use drugs, increased operating hours for syringe services programs, expansion of service delivery teams by transitioning part-time peer outreach workers and Hepatitis C care coordinators to full-time salaried positions, and hiring additional peer outreach workers. Neighborhoods served: Boroughwide.

This is the latest action in Attorney General James’ efforts to fight the substance abuse epidemic. In March 2019, Attorney General James filed the nation’s most extensive lawsuit to hold accountable the various manufacturers and distributors responsible for the opioid epidemic. The manufacturers named in the complaint included Purdue Pharma and its affiliates, as well as members of the Sackler family (owners of Purdue) and the trusts they control; Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its affiliates (including its parent company Johnson & Johnson); Mallinckrodt LLC and its affiliates; Endo Health Solutions and its affiliates; Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its affiliates; and Allergan Finance, LLC and its affiliates. The distributors named in the complaint were McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., Amerisource Bergen Drug Corporation, and Rochester Drug Cooperative Inc. 

In December 2021, an agreement with Allergan was reached that will deliver up to $200 million to New York state and Nassau and Suffolk counties for opioid abatement, as well as make enforceable a bar that stops Allergan and all of its subsidiaries, predecessors, and successors from selling opioids in New York and acknowledge Allergan’s prior exit from the opioid business.

In September 2021, an agreement with Endo was reached that delivered $50 million to New York state and Nassau and Suffolk counties to combat the opioid crisis.

Also, in September 2021, the bankruptcy court in Purdue confirmed a $4.5 billion plan — at least $200 million of which will be earmarked for New York — from the Sackler family and foundations that they control, will end the Sacklers’ ability to manufacture opioids ever again, and will shut down Purdue Pharma. The court’s ruling against Purdue and the Sacklers has since been challenged by dissenting states and is currently in mediation.

In July 2021, a settlement with McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen that will deliver up to $1 billion to New York state to combat the opioid epidemic was announced.

In June 2021, a settlement that ended Johnson & Johnson’s sale of opioids nationwide and that will deliver $230 million to New York alone was announced.

The deals with Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen have a global value of approximately $26 billion.

The cases against Mallinckrodt and Rochester Drug Cooperative are now moving separately through U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Pursuant to the new law establishing the opioid settlement fund, all funds collected by the state from opioid settlements or litigation victories will be allocated specifically for abatement efforts in communities devastated by the opioid epidemic and will not go towards the state’s general fund.

Separately, but related to her work on opioids, in February 2021, Attorney General James co-led a coalition of nearly every attorney general in the nation in delivering more than $573 million — more than $32 million of which was earmarked for New York state — towards opioid treatment and abatement in an agreement and consent judgment with McKinsey & Company.

In December 2020, a jury found Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its affiliates liable for violating New Yorkers’ rights and responsible for the public nuisance charges made by New York state in its opioid trial in Suffolk County State Supreme Court. A subsequent trial will now be held to determine how much Teva and others will be required to pay, which will be added to the up to $1.5 billion Attorney General James has already secured for the state of New York from different opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Genesis Petroleum Resolves Federal Environmental Claims Involving 13 Gas Stations Located in Long Island And Westchester, New York and New Jersey

 

Claims Address Stations Located in Low Income Areas and Communities of Color that Suffer Disproportionately from Environmental Burdens

 Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Lisa Garcia, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2, announced that the United States has entered into a Consent Judgment settling a civil lawsuit against Genesis Petroleum, Inc. and 20 associated companies (Defendants), for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in connection with their ownership or operation of underground storage tanks (USTs) at 13 gas stations in New York and New Jersey. The Consent Judgment requires the Defendants to adequately detect leaks of petroleum product from USTs, and to implement other safety measures, across their facilities in New York and New Jersey. The settlement also requires Defendants to pay a civil penalty of $250,000.

“Genesis Petroleum flagrantly disregarded measures required by law that are designed to protect the health and safety of the communities in which it operates its gas stations.  Leaks from underground storage tanks can contaminate drinking water supplies, pollute surrounding soil and surface waters as well as groundwater, and impact indoor airspaces,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This settlement reaffirms this Office's commitment to safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and promoting environmental justice in partnership with the EPA.” 

“This settlement protects communities across New York and New Jersey by significantly improving how these businesses manage underground storage tanks,” stated EPA Regional Administrator Garcia.  “If underground storage tanks leak, they can pose a serious problem because they can contaminate groundwater, and the risk can be heightened when owners and operators of USTs fail to comply with EPA’s regulatory requirements.  Underground storage tanks are important business infrastructure and are essential for fueling vehicles but when these tanks are not properly maintained or repaired, communities and the environment can be at risk from leaks of hazardous substances.”

Petroleum products such as gasoline contain chemical compounds that pose substantial threats to human health. Service stations typically store gasoline in USTs. When operated conscientiously and monitored closely, USTs are a safe and effective means to store gasoline.  But when those tanks are not subjected to basic operational safeguards, they can endanger the public and the environment, for example by leaking the contents of their tanks into the water supply, discharging toxic vapors into the air, or even triggering fires or explosions.

EPA’s regulations under RCRA are designed to protect the public by requiring underground storage tank operators to reduce the likelihood of leaks, monitor for leaks so they can promptly be addressed, and maintain adequate insurance to conduct corrective action and compensate injured third parties should a leak occur.

The Consent Judgment, which is subject to public comment and approval by the district court, resolves a lawsuit filed by the United States in June 2019, which alleges that the Defendants repeatedly violated RCRA and related regulations at various times between 2012 and 2016 with respect to their ownership and/or operation of underground storage tanks at 13 gas stations. Twelve of the Defendants’ facilities covered by the Consent Judgment are located in low-income areas and communities of color that are exposed to disproportionate environmental burdens.

The United States alleges that the Defendants failed to perform required actions including:

• failure to install and use spill prevention equipment at three facilities;
• failure to use overfill prevention equipment at three facilities;
• failure to provide release detection for underground storage tanks at three facilities;
• failure to provide release detection for pressurized piping at six facilities;
• failure to test automatic line leak detectors at nine facilities;
• failure to report suspected releases at three facilities;
• failure to perform release detection for underground storage tanks that were temporarily closed but still contained more than three feet of petroleum products at one facility;
• failure to timely provide records of release detection monitoring at ten facilities;
• failure to timely respond to requests for information issued by EPA at 13 facilities; and
• failure to maintain financial responsibility and evidence of financial responsibility at seven facilities. 

Pursuant to the Consent Judgment, Defendants are required to comply with the regulations applicable to USTs for all tanks at 29 facilities at which they currently own or operate underground storage tanks in New York and New Jersey. The Consent Judgment requires Defendants to implement significant measures to ensure such compliance, including undertaking inspections, maintaining and operating a federally approved release detection method at all underground storage tanks at the facilities, maintaining a properly functioning and operational overfill prevention system for new tanks and providing semi-annual reports to EPA.

The Consent Judgment will be lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days and notice of the Consent Judgment will be published in the Federal Register before the Consent Judgement is submitted for the Court’s approval.  This will afford members of the public the opportunity to submit comments on the Consent Judgement to the Department of Justice.

In June 2021, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York created an Environmental Justice Team within the Office’s Civil Division. The focus of the Environmental Justice Team is the protection of the rights of residents of the Eastern District of New York who are disproportionately burdened by environmental and health hazards. 

NYS Division of Consumer Protections Alerts New Yorkers of Poisonous Home Hazards During Poison Prevention Week

 

National Poison Prevention Week Runs Through March 26 Raises Awareness to Help Prevent Poisonings 

Consumers Should Take Basic Precautions in the Home To Keep Young Ones Safe

 In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, March 20 – March 26, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of prevention measures to reduce the risk of poisoning. Established in 1961, National Poison Prevention Week raises awareness of unintentional poisonings and offers information to help consumers prevent poisonings, especially among children.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission Annual Report on Pediatric Poisoning Fatalities and Injuries from January 2022,  pediatric poisonings involving children under 5 years of age resulted in 43 fatalities in 2020, a 26 percent increase from 2019, and 34 fatalities in 2019, a 100 percent increase from the 17 deaths in 2018.

“With the increase in reported poison exposures in 2020, it is critical that New Yorkers understand the potential hazards in the home,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “This National Poison Prevention Week, I encourage all New Yorkers to follow basic safety measures to prevent unintentional poisonings and to keep loved ones, especially children, safe.” 

“Everyday household items such as cleaning supplies or faulty carbon monoxide detectors can pose serious harm if not properly stored or maintained," said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "Accidental poisonings can happen to both children and adults and this week is a good reminder to take stock of potential hazards in your home and secure poisonous substances to avoid unnecessary illness or tragedy.”

DCP urges consumers to take safety precautions in the home to prevent unintentional poisonings and keep loved ones safe. Recommended measures to secure the home include the following:

• Educate yourself about the risk. Many products consumers use are not thought of as poisons due to their everyday use, including medicines, detergents, and household cleaners. Read the labels of household items to understand the risk of exposure. Teach children to stay away from cleaners and use appropriate language—for example, never refer to medicines as candy, as that can be confusing to children.
• Keep poisons out of reach. Keep household cleaners and medicines out of reach, especially in homes with vulnerable children. Lock items behind childproof locks to prevent accidental exposure. If locking items is not possible, keep them out of reach and out of sight. Keep laundry pods away from children, as they can resemble candy. Always store household cleaners in their original containers and not in food containers or other bottles, where it may be difficult to distinguish what is in the container.
• Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposure to carbon monoxide results in thousands of emergency room visit every year. Consumers should make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed on every level of the home and outside of sleeping areas, and that alarms are tested monthly.
• Clean your home safely. Reduce the risk of inhaling poisonous fumes from household cleaners. Open windows or turn on fans while using cleaning products. Never mix chemicals or household cleaners to prevent creating noxious gases. Spray products away from people and pets and keep away from the skin using gloves.
• Reduce poison risks outside the home. Pesticides can be dangerous even in small quantities, as they can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. If using pesticides such as bug spray, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and gloves. Stay away from areas that have been sprayed with pesticides until the spray has dried or for at least one hour. If your skin makes contact with pesticides, make sure to rinse the area with running water for 15-20 minutes. Remove and wash clothing after using chemicals.

Additional resources are offered through the American Association of Poison Control Centers page. The NYS Department of Health also offers resources through New York’s two poison control centers.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. 

For more consumer protection information, call the Division of Consumer Protection Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Governor Hochul Launches Website with Resources for the Ukrainian People and Their Allies in New York

 

Resources Include Support Services, Immigration Assistance, Emotional Support, Humanitarian Aid and Information on Ways to Show your Support

Visit the Website Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new website containing resources offered by New York State and its partners to help Ukrainian people and their friends and allies here in New York. This follows the Governor’s announcement warning consumers about scams and cybersecurity threats amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In an additional show of support, the Governor also announced the Ukrainian flag will be flown on the Capitol building, the Executive Mansion, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services headquarters.

“Ukraine's resilience against Vladimir Putin's tyranny is an inspiration to the rest of the world, and many New Yorkers are already doing their part to support humanitarian efforts,” Governor Hochul said. “In moments like these, New Yorkers always stand together to support those in need. We are proud to provide trusted resources for those who want to lend a helping hand for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters here in New York."

This directive comes amid Governor Hochul's ongoing efforts to support Ukraine. Last week, the Governor announced an Executive Order to prohibit state agencies and authorities from contracting with entities that continue to do business in Russia. In early March, Governor Hochul announced actions to strengthen the Department of Financial Services' (DFS) enforcement of sanctions against Russia, including the expedited procurement of additional blockchain analytics technology. In February, Governor Hochul ordered all state agencies and authorities to divest public funds from Russia and stop doing business with Russian companies.

Resources available on the website include:

Support Services

The Office for New Americans (ONA) provides a variety of free support services to all immigrants and refugees in New York State, regardless of status, such as:

• Access to free legal support including asylum applications and deportation defense through its network of legal service providers
• English language courses through its network of Opportunity Centers
• Access to mental health support groups through its Golden Door Program
• Workforce readiness tools including resume writing, digital literacy skills, and credentialing evaluation
• Support to access developmental disability services through the ONA Ramirez June Initiative

Visit the Office for New Americans website here or contact their hotline at 1-800-566-7636. The NYS New Americans Hotline connects immigrants and refugees to free services across the state. The Hotline operates from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. All calls are confidential. Assistance is available in over 200 languages, including Ukrainian and Russian.

If you are a U.S. citizen in Ukraine, the U.S. State Department has resources for those wishing to depart. They also offer travel conditions and land border guidance for surrounding countries including Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova.

U.S. citizens in Ukraine should complete this online form so that the State Department can communicate with you. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Ukraine can also call 1-833-741-2777 (in the United States) or 1-606-260-4379 (from overseas) for immediate assistance. You can also visit the Ukraine Crisis page on the State Department’s website here.

The Consulate General of Ukraine in New York is currently providing consular services. However, all consular services which require receiving documents from Ukraine, including issuance of new passports and visa services, have been suspended until further notice.

If you have visa or passport questions, you can contact the Consulate General by emailing gc_usn@mfa.gov.ua or calling either 212-371-6965 or 212-371-5690.

Ukrainians in New York and who are experiencing an emergency situation (e.g. detention), can call the Consulate’s hotline number at 917-325-1444 for assistance.

Immigration Assistance

Protections may be available for eligible Ukrainians already present in the U.S. As a result of the Russian military invasion, the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months. Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Ukrainians eligible for TPS can contact the NYS New Americans Hotline for free legal assistance at 1-800-566-7636. 

If you have recently been granted asylum, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, through contracted providers, offers free services to asylees across New York State.

Visit a provider in your area that can assist you with:

• Finding employment
• Free health screening and immunizations
• Accessing other support services

Find a provider in your area here and learn more about refugee services and assistance for immigrants here.

Emotional Support

If you need 24-Hour Phone Support: You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 1-800-985-5990. Callers can connect with counselors for support in 100+ languages via 3rd party interpretation, including in Ukrainian and Russian.

If you need a 24-hour Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

For 24-Hour Support for Deaf or hard of hearing American Sign Language users: The national Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is now offering direct crisis counseling and support for Deaf or hard of hearing American Sign Language users via a dedicated videophone option. Disaster survivors and responders can connect with trained DDH crisis workers fluent in ASL by dialing 1-800-985-5990 from a videophone-enabled device or via an “ASL Now” link which can be accessed at DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov.

Humanitarian Aid

Avoid donation scams. Anytime disasters occur, scam artists prey on the heartstrings of individuals looking to help. The invasion of Ukraine provides an opportunity for fraudsters to set up fake charities or pose as compelling war victims. Others design websites to mimic a legitimate charity’s official site to steal unsuspecting donors' money and/or personal information. 

To prevent donation money from falling into the wrong hands, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection recommends taking the following precautions: 

• Verify the request. Scammers are more frequently posing as friends, family or romantic interests on social media and requesting donations. If you receive an unsolicited request for donation relief online, even if it appears to be someone you know, connect with the person directly through a different communication link to verify the request. Do not click on any links or complete forms before verifying the source. If the request is coming from someone you only recently met online, it is most likely a scam and you should be especially wary.  
• Research the charity. Don’t rely on a charity website alone. Search online before donating to any charity using the name of the group plus search terms like “review” and “scam”. The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking with give.org, charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, or candid.org to see reports and ratings for charities. You can also check with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for verification that a charity is registered. The Office of the Attorney General also recommends reviewing the Charities Registry for financial reports prior to donating to ensure the charity is fiscally sound. 
• Resist high-pressure tactics. While the situation is urgent, consumers should resist being pressured to donate immediately. Scammers often pressure you to donate immediately, causing you to overlook red flags in their story. Beware of direct e-mails from “victims” and solicitors who employ heart-wrenching stories, insisting that you donate immediately. Do not to give money over the phone to unsolicited telemarketers; instead, ask the caller to send written materials about the charity and where to donate, if you choose. 
• Keep personal information private. Never give your Social Security number, credit card or debit card number, or other personal identifying information in response to an unsolicited charitable request. If donating online, ensure that your internet connection is secure before following through on donation requests. 
• Ask how your money will be spent. Consumers want to know that their money is going directly to the victims. A genuine charity should be able to let you know how much of your donation will go directly to the program as opposed to administrative fees.  
• Donate by check or credit card. Never give money using cash, gift cards, crypto currency, or any tender that would be difficult to trace. Give your contribution by check or credit card to ensure that you have a record of the donation. Make checks out to the charity, not to an individual. If you choose to donate via a charity's website, check that the website is secure and that your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection.  

If you suspect that you have encountered a fraudulent attempt to receive donations, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection here.

The Division’s Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding State holidays, 8:30am to 4:30pm at 1-800-697-1220. You can find more information and tips by following the Division of Consumer Protection on social media on Twitter (@NYSConsumer) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/nysconsumer).

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Show your support through the use of New York-branded social media graphics for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Instagram Story. You can also spread the word about how to show support to the humanitarian response through the social media toolkit here.

MAYOR ADAMS TAKES MEASURES TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND INDEPENDENT VENUES, LEVELS PLAYING FIELD FOR NYC-BASED PERFORMERS AND ATHLETES

 

With COVID Case Counts Low and Vaccination Rates at Record Heights, Mayor Announces Next Step in NYC’S Economic Recovery and Pandemic Response

 

New Order Follows Mayor Adams’ Recent Statement on Mask Requirements for 2-4-Year-Olds, Removal of Mask Mandate for K-12 Public School Students, and Suspension of Aspects of Key to NYC

 With COVID-19 case counts remaining low and vaccination rates at record heights, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today outlined the next step in the city’s economic recovery and COVID-19 response, with a new measure that will support local businesses and arts and performance venues across the city. Signed and effective today, Executive Order 62 expands the performer exemption to the city’s private employer vaccine mandates, putting New York City-based performers on a level playing field with performers based outside of the city. The new order will help kickstart the full spectrum of the city’s nightlife economy, which, pre-pandemic, employed nearly 300,000 New Yorkers and generated over $35 billion in economic impact.

 

“Today we take another step in our city’s economic recovery — leveling the playing field for New Yorkers and supporting local businesses and performance venues across the city,” said Mayor Adams. “By expanding an existing exemption, we are simply making sure the rules apply equally to everyone who is a performer, regardless of where they are from. The old exemption put our sports teams at a self-imposed competitive disadvantage and was unfair to New York performers. Now, with the city in a low-risk environment, we can keep protecting each other, as we continue to move in the right direction and deliver an equitable and inclusive economic recovery.”

 

“Two weeks ago, the mayor and I unveiled a plan to bring our city’s economy back equitably, and today marks another key milestone in the reopening of our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “This decision will give a significant boost to our concert halls, theaters, and nightclubs, as well as the bars, restaurants, and other small business that depend on our entertainment economy. New Yorkers have done so much to get us to this point, and we will not let anything stop us from bringing our city and economy back stronger and fairer.”

 

“New York City is coming back stronger than ever from the pandemic, and it is due in part to everyone doing their part,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “We still need everyone to get their vaccines, as we continue to monitor our numbers, follow the science, and move forward carefully.”

 

Before today, the city’s preexisting private employer vaccine rules generally allowed performers who live outside New York City and athletes who play for visiting teams to perform or play in New York City, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. This double standard hurt the city’s economy and put New York sports teams at a self-imposed competitive disadvantage. Today’s announcement expands those rules to also cover New York City-based performers and professional athletes — helping to kickstart the city’s economic recovery by supporting live entertainment and performance venues as well as nearby local businesses.

 

The latest step in the city’s economic recovery and COVID-19 response, today’s executive order follows the mayor’s statement this week on mask requirements for two- to four-year-olds and his decision earlier this month to remove the mask mandate in public schools for K-12 students and suspend aspects of the Key to NYC program.

 

“The best protection for your health and the health of this great city is vaccination,” said Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “My advice as the city’s doctor, is for ALL New Yorkers to get vaccinated - regardless of their occupation.”

 

“We applaud Mayor Adams for finding another way to kickstart the economy,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Nightlife and spectator sports accounted for $35 billion in economic impact the year before COVID. That makes it clear that New York City needs to support this sector, so it can strengthen the financial footing of the rest of the city, especially our hard-hit small businesses.”

 

“New York City small businesses rely so heavily on the economic activity generated by the entertainment and nightlife sectors,” said Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “Thus, this executive order is another major step toward normalcy and, along with it, an opportunity once again for our small businesses to grow and thrive.”

 

“The entertainment and nightlife sectors not only define New York City as a creative capital, but they also contribute significantly to our local economy,” said Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “The support of local venues and performers in these industries, many of which were adversely impacted by the pandemic, plays an important role in our city's economic and cultural recovery.”

 

“Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen and all of us at the Mets are proud to partner with the mayor and his team as part of New York City's continued reopening and economic recovery,” said Sandy Alderson, president, New York Mets. “We look forward to welcoming fans back to Citi Field, and for Mets players to have the opportunity — for the first time in three years — to play a full season before the greatest fans in the world.”

 

“We appreciate the way the mayor approached this decision with deliberation, understanding, and reliance on the science,” said Randy Levine, president, New York Yankees. “He was open to the needs of New York businesses and is today delivering for millions of New Yorkers. We thank him for his decision.”

 

“This is amazing news — we are truly ecstatic that the vaccination mandate has been lifted on the performer side now,” said Michael Ginsberg, owner, Chelsea Music Hall. “It has been a continuous challenge to launch more thoughtful shows over the past two years, but this will give us an opportunity to dip into a broader pool of talent, as we continue to recover and reignite New York City nightlife, and we’re grateful that the city is progressing through this pandemic.”

 

“We applaud the city’s decision to lift the vaccine mandate for performers — we can’t be thankful enough to begin to do business as normal before the pandemic, with an eye on public safety as always,” said Paul Italia, owner, The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club. “We have all sacrificed so much to ensure that this city rebounds bigger and better than ever, and we are here to build back together.”