Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State’s Progress Combating COVID-19 - AUGUST 8, 2022

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

16 Statewide Deaths Reported on Friday, August 5

 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 is not currently required on weekends or holidays. The survey will resume today and the facility/death data will be displayed in tomorrow's report. The numbers below with an asterisk were reported on Friday, August 5.      

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

"As we continue to monitor the numbers and prepare for any potential surges in the Fall, I remind all New Yorkers to take advantage of the tools we have that help protect against and treat COVID-19," Governor Hochul said. "The vaccine and booster are the best tools we have to prevent serious hospitalization from COVID-19, and I encourage those who are not up to date on their vaccine and booster 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 - 17.53
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 29.38
• Test Results Reported - 37,797
• Total Positive - 3,425
• Percent Positive - 8.96%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 8.51%    
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,520 (-30)*
• Patients Newly Admitted - 428*
• Patients in ICU - 213 (-11)* 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 83 (+2)*
• Total Discharges - 328,587 (413)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 16*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 57,191*   

** 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 - 73,090   

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	Friday, Aug. 5, 2022	Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022	Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022
Bronx	8.63%	8.52%	8.40%
Kings	7.30%	7.23%	7.22%
New York	6.84%	6.86%	6.83%
Queens	9.36%	9.36%	9.44%
Richmond	7.92%	8.24%	8.17%

United States Obtains Warrant For Seizure Of Airplane Of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Andrei Skoch Worth Over $90 Million

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Lisa O. Monaco, the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, announced today that the United States of America has been authorized to seize an Airbus A319-100 (the “Airbus”) owned and controlled by sanctioned Russian oligarch Andrei Skoch, pursuant to a seizure warrant from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which found that the airplane is subject to seizure and forfeiture based on probable cause of violation of the federal anti-money laundering laws.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Today’s affidavit and warrant authorizing the seizure of Andrei Skoch’s private airplane demonstrate the Southern District’s partnership commitment with the task force to pursuing sanctioned Russian oligarchs and their blocked property.  We will continue to use every legal tool available to enforce our anti-money laundering laws and to pursue those who seek to use the U.S. financial system to violate and evade sanctions.” 

Task Force KleptoCapture Director Andrew C. Adams said:  “Once again U.S. law enforcement has demonstrated that international shell games will not suffice to hide the fruits of corruption and money laundering. Through today’s warrant, the Department of Justice lays out a roadmap for those engaged in the legitimate financial sector to follow when assessing transactions with Skoch’s laundering network, while taking steps to freeze, seize, and forfeit the fruits of his criminal activities.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said:  “An oligarchy is defined as a government in which a small group exercises control for their own selfish and corrupt gain.  Members of that group in Russia have long hid and disguised their illegal activities using the U.S. dollar in the process.  The sanctions levied by the U.S government and the work of this task force demonstrate to these offensively wealthy oligarchs who support Russia’s military aggression that they are not untouchable, and we are dramatically impacting their way of life.”

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod said:  “Today’s action demonstrates that the U.S. government will be relentless in our efforts to bring to justice those that are enabling Putin’s heinous war against Ukraine.  Coordination and collaboration between federal law enforcement and international partners is essential to effective enforcement of U.S. law, and I’m proud of our team of dedicated law enforcement professionals.”

According to the seizure warrant and affidavit sworn out today:[1]

Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”), the National Emergencies Act, and Executive Orders Issued by the President of the United States, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) designated Andrei Skoch as a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) on April 6, 2018 “for being an official of the Government of the Russian Federation,” “a deputy of the Russian Federation’s State Duma,” and because of his “longstanding ties to Russian organized criminal groups, including time spent leading one such enterprise.”  After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, OFAC issued further sanctions against Skoch and his assets.  On March 24, 2022, OFAC designated Skoch and other members of the Duma, for “support[ing] the Kremlin’s efforts to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”   On June 2, 2022, OFAC identified the Airbus as blocked property in which Skoch had an interest. 

Skoch is the beneficial owner of the Airbus through a series of shell companies and trusts tied to his romantic partner.  After OFAC designated Skoch in April 2018 and continuing through at least 2021, U.S. dollar transactions were made to pay for the registration of the Airbus in Aruba and for aviation insurance premiums for the Airbus, each of which was a necessary expense to maintain and operate the Airbus. 

The Airbus (pictured below), bearing tail number P4-MGU and serial number 5445, is believed to be worth more than $90 million.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI and U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.  Mr. Williams further thanked the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs, and OFAC for their assistance in this investigation. 

The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine.  Announced by the Attorney General on March 2 and run out of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

[1] The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.

News, Updates and More from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, J

 

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME Team Salamanca took to the streets for National Night Out Against Crime. Council Member Salamanca joins each police precinct across the South Bronx. Our commitment to engaging with one another in the community is critical to building strong police-community relationships.

17th DISTRICT STREET CO-NAMING CEREMONIES Council Member Salamanca joins families, friends, and community to honor local community leaders across the District.  CURTIS HAMILTON WAY As the 42nd Precinct celebrates National Night Out, Council Member Salamanca hosts the street co-naming ceremony for Former 42nd Precinct Council President by co-naming Third Ave & Brook Ave ‘Curtis Hamilton Way’. FREDDY PEREZ SR WAY Freddy Perez Sr. was a pioneer and an activist who fought for equity, inclusion and representation in the Bronx. Working with some of the biggest names in Latin music, Freddy helped shape what is now known as ‘El Condado De La Salsa’. Council Member Salamanca joins the Perez Family co-named E. 156th St & Third Ave ‘Freddy Perez Sr Way’. RUSSELL M ALSTON WAY Russel wasn’t just a resident of public housing but an advocate who passionately cared for his residents and stepped up to lead without question. An unsung hero who Council Member Salamanca paid homage to by co-naming Courtlandt Ave & E 157th St. ‘Russell M Alston Way’. COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT Council Member Salamanca hosts a Community Movie Night at Yolanda Garcia Park for the showing of Space Jam: New Legacy.  Joins us on Thursday, August 11th at Vidalia Park for the showing of Encanto!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and State Senator Gustavo Rivera Call for Actions That Center Equity in the State's Monkeypox Response

On August 3rd, State Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas who sits on the Assembly Health Committee sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul with recommendations on additional steps that can be taken to respond to monkeypox. The legislators noted that the recommendations outlined in the letter were sent with the hope that the state centers on equity in its approach to managing the public health crisis. The letter was sent amid a rise in monkeypox cases that has surpassed 1600 in New York State and as it continues to be the state with the majority of cases in the nation.

In the letter, the legislators requested that the state do what it can to ensure that testing, vaccines, and treatment, or TPOXX be made available to New Yorkers free of charge. They noted that this was particularly important given the many weeks an incubation period and isolation period could require of someone who has come into contact with monkeypox. The lawmakers also noted that a funding pot by the state, known as Article 6 funding, which allows counties to respond to public health emergencies had been changed by former Governor Cuomo so that the state’s reimbursement to New York City was 20% instead of 36% which all other counties receive. They asked that this be reverted back to the original 36% and that the change had cost New York City millions in funding that could have helped them better respond to the outbreak. Senator Rivera and Assemblymember González-Rojas also urged the state to make demographic data regarding who is being vaccinated available as well.

“We’re urging the Governor to act now within the emergency declaration to eliminate financial burdens to New Yorkers seeking testing and care for the monkeypox virus. It is unconscionable that our public health response would be hindered by New Yorkers’ fears of the high cost of healthcare. We also know from the COVID-19 pandemic that a lack of transparency around who is accessing a limited supply of vaccines can have detrimental consequences,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “I am proud to work with Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez Rojas to demand guaranteed healthcare during the monkeypox outbreak and in our efforts to make New York a leader in transforming our healthcare system to serve patients, not profits.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us several lessons about the inequities of our healthcare system but now we must apply the lessons learned to our response to monkeypox. One of those lessons was that supply without the ability to access testing, treatment, and vaccines means communities of color and working class, and poor people will bear the greatest burden of this crisis. That is why I’m joining with Senator Gustavo Rivera to call for us to lift all possible financial barriers that can exist with accessing these resources and for our state to publish data on who is getting vaccinated so that no one is left behind,” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, a member of the Assembly Health Committee. “This is also a time to reassess Article funding provided to New York City so that as we prepare to respond to future public health crises our city has the resources necessary to do so. 

Read letter here.

OcasioCortez.com - It’s Hot 🥵

 

We’re sure you’ve noticed these last few weeks have made for an especially uncomfortable summer in NYC, the rest of the country, and all over the world. Make no mistake, skyrocketing global temperatures are a result of the climate crisis, and we can expect these extreme weather conditions to worsen.

So, here at Team AOC, we want to make sure you know how to stay safe this summer from heat stroke and other health effects of heat:

Get creative with hydration.

It doesn’t just have to be water! Juices and electrolyte-infused drinks will help replace some of the energy lost in your sweat. You can even add DIY electrolytes to your beverages at home with this recipe from 350.org: Mix together:

- 1/4 cup lemon juice

- 2 tbsp lime juice

- 2 tbsp raw honey

- 1/8 tsp of sea salt

- 2 cups of cold water

If you don’t have A/C, cover your windows with curtains or sheets – better yet, damp sheets.

The curtains will block the sun’s rays from further heating up your home, and the moisture in the fabric will cool down whatever air is flowing in from outside. This is an important tip from heat wave researcher Gulrez Shah Azhar — who grew up in Uttar Pradesh, India without A/C — in an article for NPR (read more here).

Mist yourself with cool water, or place a wet towel around the back of your neck.

Azhar also attests to how important it is to lower the temperature of your skin with moisture and breezes whenever possible. Soaking your feet in cool water will help lower that temp too!

Check on your neighbors.

Are the elders and unhoused in your neighborhood struggling to keep themselves cool? Post these tips in your lobby and knock on your neighbors’ doors to check in. Offer water and damp towels to the unhoused. Communities keep each other safe!

Keep the larger climate fight in mind.

If corporations and establishment politicians are going to continue to prioritize profit over protecting vulnerable communities, it’s up to us to educate and protect our neighbors from the dangers of extreme heat - which we know disproportionately affects lower-income communities and marginalized people.

It’s no secret as to why portions of The Bronx have the highest rates of childhood asthma in the country. As temperatures climb and air quality suffers, we have to stick together to fight these devastating health outcomes.

The climate crisis may be global, but Alexandria firmly believes that coordinated action at a local level is the best community protection money can’t buy.

Stay cool,

Team AOC