Thursday, June 23, 2022

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JUNE 23, 2022

 Clinical specimen testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Wadsworth Laboratory

22 Statewide Deaths Reported


 NOTE: Updates to the CDC's cumulative death data files have been paused since June 6, 2022 as the CDC upgrades its system. As of June 23, 2022, CDC reporting has not yet resumed. Any questions about this should be directed to the CDC. During this time, total deaths and new daily deaths reported through HERDS will continue as normal.

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

"As we continue to monitor the numbers, I want to remind everyone to continue using the tools available to us, in order to move forward safely through this pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "Make sure you are up to date on your vaccine doses, and if you're a parent or caregiver to a child under five, talk to your pediatrician about vaccination options. The vaccine is the best defense we have against COVID-19 - it's effective, safe, and readily available throughout the state."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:    

  • Cases Per 100k - 32.12
  • 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 23.97
  • Test Results Reported - 136,575
  • Total Positive - 6,277
  • Percent Positive - 3.97%**
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.68%**
  • Patient Hospitalization - 1,813 (+3)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 319
  • Patients in ICU - 198 (-8)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 79 (-7)
  • Total Discharges - 313,946 (+268)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 22
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 56,464

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.   

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.     

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.   

  • Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 71,670 

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 - 39,257,866
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 16,396
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 86,894
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.8%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 84.2%
  • 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) - 87.7%   
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 84.0%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.9%   
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 82.3%   
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.7%   
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.9%   
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 77.6%      
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, June 20, 2022 

Tuesday, June 21, 2022 

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 

Bronx 

3.85% 

3.98% 

4.07% 

Kings 

3.87% 

3.14% 

2.58% 

New York 

5.64% 

5.81% 

6.21% 

Queens 

5.71% 

5.75% 

6.04% 

Richmond 

5.33% 

5.17% 

5.06% 

STATEMENT FROM NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS PRESIDENT AND CEO MITCHELL KATZ, MD ON BRUEN SUPREME COURT DECISION

 

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“Every day our staff see the pain and death caused by guns. Today’s Supreme Court decision flies in the face of public health and common sense. As New York City’s public health care system, NYC Health + Hospitals has some of the busiest emergency departments and trauma centers in the city and the nation, and we care for far too many victims of gun violence. For years, we have worked to reduce gun violence in our communities, whether through interventions with violently injured patients at the hospital bedside, or through programming to deter acts of retaliation, support at-risk youth and stand up to violence. NYC Health + Hospitals stands committed to protecting our patients and staff from gun violence and the devastation it causes.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

If the New York City Health and Hospital CEO is commenting on matters such as this, we wonder why Dr. Katz, HHC, and Mayor Adams are not more forthcoming about a proposal to house prisoners at Jacobi Hospital, to the surrounding community of Jacobi Hospital. 


It seems that JUST HOME a NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services Housing Initiative is being set up at Jacobi Hospital without informing the surrounding community, and trying to use certain Community Board 11 members to get this project put in at Jacobi Hospital. 


I have put in a call to the NYCHHC asking Dr. Katz to respond to me. Dr. Katz I live less than ten blocks from Jacobi Hospital, and I and my neighbors would like to hear from you exactly what this proposal is about. I don't think that is asking to much, since if it was in Manhattan everything would be spelled out, and not hidden from the community. 

NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS ENDORSES JUMAANE WILLIAMS FOR GOVERNOR

 

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NYC Public Advocate and candidate for Governor Jumaane Williams was endorsed today by the New York Amsterdam News, one of the oldest and most widely read African-American weekly newspapers in the United States. The endorsement comes after Jumaane recently joined a wide-ranging meeting in which he fielded questions from Amsterdam News editors and reporters.


In their endorsement the Amsterdam News wrote, "From community activist roots he has worked his way through the ranks of elected office and has proven himself time and time again as an exceptional public servant. He walks the walk; he talks the talk. He is exactly who he tells us he is, unabashedly focused on uplifting and strengthening the people and communities that need him most. He is not afraid to take on anyone, at any time, anywhere. At this point in time our state needs a leader like Jumaane Williams; one who will stand not only with us, but by us, and for us. And that is why we endorse Jumaane Williams for Governor of the state of New York."


Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress - Sad but true

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress

 







Warning: This email contains descriptions of violence and strong language.

Last week, Alexandria was named and threatened directly in a new video released by the January 6 committee.

In the video, an insurrectionist (who received a tour of the Capitol by Rep. Loudermilk on January 5) said during the attack: “There’s no escape [...] We’re coming for you. We’re coming in like white on rice for Pelosi, Nadler, Schumer, even you AOC. We’re coming to take you out and pull you out by your hair.”1

A reporter asked Alexandria her response. Here’s what she had to say:

“I think it's been very clear for a very long time that I work with people who wish me harm … who wish me physical harm, who wish me political harm, who wish me harm – and it’s not just Representative Loudermilk.

You have many members of Congress who have specifically used my name to incite violence and this has been happening well before the 6th. Many people experience the 6th in very different ways. I experienced it as a culmination of the violent rhetoric, not a first-time or a one-time spike.”

AOC interview

It’s sad, but true. These attacks are not new.

Last year, Representative Paul Gosar – a Republican from Arizona – tweeted an animated video depicting him killing Alexandria.2 The House passed a resolution to censure Rep. Gosar for his actions, but his Republican colleagues defended him.

Representative Ted Yoho called Alexandria “a f— b—” on the steps of the Capitol, meanwhile Representative Marjory Taylor Greene chased after Alexandria screaming and stalked her office with fellow insurrectionists.3 These attacks are not new, but they’re equally alarming.

Alexandria is a target because our opponents know how powerful our movement is.


Through all of this, Alexandria is laser focused on doing her job and fighting for all of us in Congress. It’s not easy, but we can help make it easier by making sure she has the grassroots support required to fend off these attacks and win her reelection in November.

Thank you for all your support. It means the world.

Team AOC 

1 - January 6 Committee
2 - CNN
3 - CNN

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We have deleted the small portion of this, where a solicitation was present. 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera Testifies at NY Attorney General Letitia James' Hearing on Mental Health

 

GOVERNMENT HEADER

New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Health Committee, testified at New York Attorney General Letitia James' hearing on New York's mental health crisis. Senator Rivera delivered testimony on the challenges faced by New York's already strained providers and the New Yorkers who are increasingly seeking these critical services. 

"Public understanding and acceptance for mental health issues have been growing, and as a result, they are becoming less stigmatized. However, there's much work that still needs to be done. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly strained our mental health providers and consequently, it has reduced the availability of these critical services as well as the ability to obtain them when needed. I want to thank Attorney General James for having held this important hearing to learn from key stakeholders about the mental health crisis facing our state, as well as the measures and policies we must implement in order to actually foster an environment where our mental health and well being is considered as important as our physical health," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

To read Senator Rivera's full testimony, please visit:

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES DONATION OF SURPLUS SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE TO SUPPORT HUMANITARIAN NEEDS

 

City Donates Surplus Beds, Medical Supplies, Emergency Food Rations, Electronics, and Other Critical Items Needed by Ukrainian Government

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the donation of surplus city supplies to Ukraine to support ongoing humanitarian needs. The delivery of these goods began on April 12th, with today’s donation marking the city’s third delivery of supplies. Today’s shipment to Ukraine brings the total amount of donated items since April to over 1.5 million. 

“As home to the largest Ukrainian population in America, New York City stands in solidarity with its Ukrainian brothers and sisters during this painful time,” said Mayor Adams. “We’ve made some major strides by already providing more than $2 million to Ukrainians who are resettling here as the war overseas rages on. But these donations will provide essential supplies and critical aid to the people and the government of Ukraine. While we are hopeful for an immediate and peaceful resolution to this unjustified war, New York City stands ready to offer Ukraine any other assistance as needed.”

 

Donated items since April have included:

 

  • Hospital beds
  • Mattresses
  • Ventilator parts
  • Syringes
  • Wheelchairs
  • Emergency food rations
  • Medical gowns
  • Boxed water
  • Foil blankets
  • Cots
  • Bandages and surgical tape.
  • Medical test swabs
  • Portable radios and two-way radios
  • Batteries

 

“This effort is a testament to the benefits of strong interagency collaboration, which continues to be a hallmark of this administration,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “The city will continue to do everything in its power to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, as it defends itself against this unprovoked and unjustified invasion.”

 

“Tapping on the city’s surplus goods to provide humanitarian aid is among the best uses of our resources, and we are thankful we are in a position to help the people of Ukraine,” said New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “The spirit of collaboration to get these items where they are needed most is a model example of government in action. I thank our sister agencies for their contributions and MEEST for managing the shipping and logistics. With more than 1.5 million items already donated, we look forward to a continued partnership with the people of Ukraine.”

 

“My family and I came to the United States as refugees, and I know the pain of leaving home behind. I also understand the impact of conflict on communities. I am grateful that the City of New York, under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams, has donated these critically needed humanitarian supplies,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein. “New York City continues to show leadership globally in moments of crises. We urge for a return to peace so communities can rebuild their lives.”

 

All donations are surplus items from the city and come from various city agencies, including the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

 

Donations were picked up today from the NYCEM Emergency Support Center in Brooklyn. Ukrainian-based company MEEST is providing free logistical support and shipping.

 

DCAS and the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs (MOIA) have worked closely with the Ukrainian government to assess its on-the-ground needs and to match those needs with surplus items the city has available to donate. The city stands ready to make additional donations to support humanitarian needs in Ukraine.

 

“New York City Emergency Management is proud to carry our mission of preparedness, response, and recovery across the five boroughs and beyond,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. New York City is a cultural mecca enriched by its diverse population, and a second home to those who keep close ties with their home countries. We are proud to contribute to this humanitarian effort in Ukraine with the City of New York.”

 

“The hearts of FDNY members are with the innocent people of Ukraine and their first responders who are bravely risking their lives to save others as their homeland is attacked,” said Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “The FDNY is proud to stand side by side with our fellow city agencies in this initiative that will deliver these lifesaving supplies to those badly in need of our support.”

 

“As home to the largest population of Ukrainians in the U.S., the city is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine here and abroad,” said MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro. “We are proud to collaborate with city agencies in this effort as we continue to work hand in hand with our state and federal partners in our response to this crisis.”

 

“Humanitarian needs transcend national borders, and with this donation to Ukraine, New York City is providing essential supplies to people fighting for survival,” said New York City Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham. “As public health professionals in a global city that millions of immigrants call home, we stand with Ukraine and all communities around the world afflicted with pain and suffering.”

 

“Time and again this virus has shown us that we are all connected in our humanity, regardless of political or geographic borders,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We must continue to work together, as one global community, to curb the spread of COVID-19. My thanks goes out to our sister agencies for their work in supporting pandemic response in Ukraine during this incredibly sad and difficult time for their country.”

 

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ADMINISTERS FIRST COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN UNDER AGE 5

 

Dr. Hannah Jackson’s 9-month-old daughter was among the first babies to receive the vaccine today at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

 

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines available for children under age 5 at pediatric practices in all public hospitals

 

NYC Health + Hospitals patients can schedule an appointment directly with their pediatrician

 

Not a patient? Use the City’s Vaccine Finder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment


NYC Health + Hospitals today administered the first COVID-19 vaccines for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that children as young as 6 months be vaccinated against the virus. The city’s public health care system will offer Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for children under the age of 5, and as young as 6 months, in the pediatric practices at all its 11 hospitals.

 

“The next step towards a return to normalcy is around the corner for our youngest New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I know how long parents and caretakers of our little ones have been waiting for the moment their youngest would have access to a COVID-19 vaccine, and I encourage everyone to get their child vaccinated now that this moment has arrived to keep our children safe and healthy.”

 

“NYC Health + Hospitals has already administered more than 1.75 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and we are proud to now offer this vital protection against serious illness and death to our youngest New Yorkers,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “I encourage all parents to make an appointment with one of our pediatricians, because these vaccines will ensure their kids can safely enjoy daycare, preschool, summer camp, and other activities.”

 

“We thought a lot about this, but in the end the decision for us was really easy,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff in the Office of Ambulatory Care Hannah Jackson, MD, MPH, whose 9-month-old daughter was among the first babies to receive the vaccine today at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “The concern around side effects was so much lower than the ability to be able to protect her against severe disease and Long COVID especially.”

 

NYC Health + Hospitals patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment for their child’s vaccine by calling their pediatrician’s practice directly.  Anyone who is not a NYC Health + Hospitals patient can use the City’s Vaccine Finder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment at other locations.

 

The Pfizer-BioNTech primary series for babies and toddlers is three doses. The first two shots are given three to eight weeks apart. The third is given at least eight weeks after the second. The three-dose vaccine is one-tenth the dose of the adult Pfizer dose. Children will be closely monitored for 15 minutes after each dose in the event of a rare allergic reaction. Children may experience similar side effects of vaccination as adults, with usually mild effects lasting one to two days. A parent or guardian must provide consent for their child to be vaccinated.

 

The vaccines help children develop immunity and provides them with protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. The more contagious variants that have been spreading have caused some children to get sick, be hospitalized, and die. The best way to protect children is to get them vaccinated as soon as possible. All children, including those who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

 

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT RULING ON NEW YORK CONCEALED CARRY LAW


"The Supreme Court's decision puts the rights of those wanting to carry a concealed gun at odds with the safety concerns in our community. It jeopardizes law enforcement efforts to prevent illegal gun possession and address violent crime. Local jurisdictions should determine firearm licensing requirements tailored to their own unique public safety needs, and that is what New York’s law has done for over a century. 


“We are fighting a gun violence epidemic in the Bronx and across the nation. This decision makes it easier to carry firearms in public places, which will inevitably lead to more gunfire in our communities. We will work within the bounds of existing laws to stem gun violence; and we will continue to do everything we can to prosecute those who bring illegal guns to the Bronx.”