Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JULY 26, 2022

 

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

51 Statewide Deaths Reported 7/23 to 7/25

 NOTE: Beginning June 24, 2022, the Vaccine data will be updated weekly on Fridays to align with CDC's updated data refresh schedule. For additional information on COVID-19 Vaccination Data provided by CDC, see https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-total-admin-rate-total.

Important Note: HERDS data collection from health care facilities was paused due to the weekend from 7/23/2022-07/24/2022. Data from those days were submitted in Monday's report. Where noted, totals include three days of cumulative data from 07/23/2022-07/25/2022. As a result, some data may appear higher than recent trends. Data affected is marked with an asterisk.

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

"As we continue to respond to new variants and prepare for potential surges during this upcoming fall, it is crucial that New Yorkers take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "The vaccine is the best asset we have to keep COVID at bay and I encourage those who are not up to date on their doses to get caught up immediately. Take a test if you feel unwell and if you do test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 25.37
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 34.81
• Test Results Reported - 45,808
• Total Positive - 4,957
• Percent Positive - 10.22%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 9.14%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,746 (+97)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 498*
• Patients in ICU - 280 (+27)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 85 (+6)
• Total Discharges - 324,318 (+835)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 51*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 56,971*

** 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 - 72,680

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.

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, July 23, 2022	Sunday, July 24, 2022	Monday, July 25, 2022
Bronx	9.09%	8.97%	8.89%
Kings	8.30%	8.42%	8.28%
New York	7.72%	7.60%	7.46%
Queens	10.30%	10.38%	10.36%
Richmond	8.56%	8.73%	8.59%

On 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package to Uphold and Strengthen Rights of People with Disabilities

 

Legislation (S.7107-B/A.8586-B) Relates to Supported Decision-Making by People with Intellectual, Developmental, Cognitive and Psychosocial Disabilities

Legislation (S.6300-C/A.7356-C) Establishes a Public Awareness Campaign to Combat the Stigma and Stereotyping of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Legislation (S.6789-A/A.7882-A) Replaces Certain Instances of Term "Mentally Retarded" or Variations of Such Term with Term "Developmentally Disabled" or Variations of Such Term

Legislation (S.6195-B/A.7443-C) Replaces Certain References to "Mentally Retarded" or "Mentally Ill" Persons with Term "Individuals with a Developmental Disability"

Legislation (A.7652/S.9335) Eliminates State Residency Requirement for Designated Beneficiaries in the New York ABLE Program

Read Governor's Proclamation Commemorating 32nd Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package that further upholds and strengthens the rights of New Yorkers with disabilities. This legislative package encourages autonomy in decision making through a Supported Decision-Making Agreement and seeks to educate the public about the myriad ways people with intellectual and developmental disabilities contribute meaningfully to their communities and reduce harmful stigma and stereotyping. Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation today commemorating the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

"The Americans With Disabilities Act established a comprehensive national mandate prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in all its forms," Governor Hochul said. "With the bills I am signing today, New York State honors the ADA's legacy by expanding the rights of people with disabilities and combatting stigma so that people with disabilities can live rich and full lives. To make the New York dream a reality, we will continue to make New York inclusive, integrated and accessible for all."

Legislation (S.7107b/A.8586b) recognizes Supported Decision-Making as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that promotes autonomy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and empowers them to take an active role in making choices about their own lives. Historically, when individuals with disabilities have reached adulthood, guardianship has been the primary avenue for decision-making. Supported Decision-Making changes the landscape in empowering individuals to make their own decisions with the support of a trusted person in their lives, while ensuring person-centered care and maximizing individual civil rights. The new law will formalize the legal process by which an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities and trusted persons in their lives can reach a written agreement (a "Supported Decision-Making Agreement") that describes the settings in which the individual desires support, the kinds of support they want from each trusted person, and how they want to receive that support. It will also create obligations and corresponding immunity from liability for third parties to honor and effectuate supported decisions made using a Supported Decision-Making Agreement.  

Legislation (S.6300c/A.7356c) requires OPWDD to develop and implement a public awareness campaign that combats discrimination stigma and stereotyping of people with developmental disabilities. The program will utilize public forums, social and mass media, the Internet, radio, and print advertising to educate the public about developmental disabilities and highlight positive contributions people with developmental disabilities make to the state and their communities.

Legislation (A.7882a/S.6789a) replaces references to "mentally retarded" in numerous sections of New York State law to more accurate terms such as with "people with intellectual or developmental disabilities."

Legislation (S.6195-B A.7443-C) replaces certain references to "mentally retarded" or "mentally ill" persons with the term "individuals with a developmental disability." 

New York demonstrates respect for a marginalized population by replacing archaic and offensive terms with modern and acceptable terms that are representative of the respect and dignity that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve.      

New York State Parks Enhances Explorer Mobile App

 

Mobile App Now Offers Visitors and Trail Users Helpful Interactive Maps for Trip Planning

 The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced the launch of the latest release to its popular Parks Explorer mobile app, to orient visitors and provide helpful wayfinding information when in the parks and on the trails. The multiple new enhancements are in addition to the app’s information about the destinations and activities available throughout the Empire State’s parks and historic sites.

“Since its introduction, the Parks Explorer app has been a useful and easy way to plan your next outdoor adventure, and now with this latest release it delivers an elevated visitor experience with interactive mapping tools and improved wayfinding,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid.  “Whether you’re new to a park or a seasoned hiker on the trails, the new map features will help you explore the parks and discover new favorites more easily.  If you enjoy the parks and don’t already have this handy mobile app on your device, I encourage you to download the app today.”

The new features just introduced include upgrades to trail mapping functionality such as planning hike distance using the new trail mileage tool, offline maps for use when connectivity is a challenge, and live maps for use on Wi-Fi or with good connectivity.

Interactive map elements now provide visitors:

• Easier wayfinding: When the user’s mobile device’s location services are turned “on”, visitors can easily follow along with where they are on the map;
• The ability to zoom in on and around each map to learn more about the facility;
• Information about trails, park features and amenities by simply tapping on a trail or icon;
• Trail segment distance; and
• The ability to change base layers in live maps from satellite view, simple street view or topography.

The app also includes a link to a brief video to demonstrate the new mapping features.

Additional improvements as part of the Park Explorer app’s new release are the expansion of the search function so that visitors can search for parks and historic sites from multiple regions at a time, and users will now have easier access to NY State Parks Gift Cards and Shop.

The New York State Parks Explorer App is a free, user-friendly resource for visitors to plan outdoor adventures and stay connected to favorite parks and historic sites. Fans of the outdoors can learn more about their preferred destinations and discover new must-see locations with curated content and easy-to-access to park information such as directions, hours, amenities, fees and rates, trail maps, helpful know-before-you-go details, and the ability to receive important updates and alerts.

The New York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available at no cost for download for iOS and Android devices.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually.  For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

State Senate District 34 Debate TONIGHT @ 5pm

 

Tonight @ 5pm Schneps Media State Senate District 34  Democratic  Primary Debate Candidates John Perez (Top) Christian Amato (Middle); Nathalia Fernandez (Bottom). Tonight at 5pm, Schneps Media and PoliticsNY will be hosting the virtual debate for State Senate District 59, featuring Democratic candidates Christian Amato, Nathalia Fernandez, and John Perez. This debate will be moderated by PoliticsNY Editor-in-Chief Stephen Witt and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Jane Hanson. Register for tonight's debate here!

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Drive-By Shooting That Wounded A Pregnant Bystander

 Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Steven Bynum was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 18 years in prison for possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug distribution conspiracy.  On September 10, 2017, Bynum shot and wounded a pregnant innocent bystander in the head leaving the victim severely disabled after firing a handgun into a group of people.  Bynum pleaded guilty to the charges in February 2020.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John B. Devito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his callous and wanton disregard for human life and safety in opening fire and shooting a pregnant bystander in the head, causing her permanent paralysis,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office and its law enforcement partners are deeply committed to protecting residents in our communities from the dangers of senseless gun violence and to ensuring that defendants like Bynum are prosecuted and punished for their heinous acts.” 

“Today’s sentencing of a violent criminal shows the steadfast commitment by ATF to identify and bring to justice those who commit any act of violence in our communities” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Devito.  “The defendant’s vile actions and disregard for human life left a mother paralyzed and threatened the life of her unborn child. Thanks to the efforts of the ATF/NYPD Sparta Task Force, this defendant will no longer be able to commit willful acts of violence and prey upon the citizens we have sworn to protect.”

“Gun violence has absolutely no place in New York City,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell.  “The NYPD, working in tandem with our law enforcement partners, is relentless in its pursuit of the very few people in our city who are responsible for the majority of the violence.  Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that this behavior will never be tolerated in New York City, and that anyone reckless enough to pick up and use an illegal gun here will face the full consequences of their actions.  I commend the NYPD investigators, the members of ATF, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York – whose collective efforts resulted in this arrest, conviction, and meaningful prison sentence.”

According to court documents, in early 2017, Bynum stole drugs from a rival drug dealer (Individual 1) and then distributed those drugs at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights.  In June 2017, Individual 1 retaliated against Bynum for the theft by assaulting Bynum near the Kingsborough Houses.  On September 10, 2017, Bynum drove a rental car to the vicinity of 2070 Dean Street in East New York to retaliate against Individual 1.  Bynum located Individual 1 standing with a group of people, including a pregnant bystander (“Victim”) who lived in the neighborhood.  Bynum circled the block, slowed his vehicle, and fired multiple shots from an illegally possessed 9mm handgun at the group.  Bynum’s shots missed Individual 1 and instead hit the five-month pregnant Victim twice in the head.  The Victim underwent multiple surgeries and spent over two months in the hospital recovering from her wounds.  As a result of the shooting, the Victim is permanently paralyzed on her right side, has cognitive and speaking impediments, and suffers from other serious medical issues.  The Victim’s baby was born two months’ prematurely but survived.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.