Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State’s Progress Combating COVID-19 - OCTOBER 3, 2022

 

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

20 Statewide Deaths Reported on September 30

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

"As October begins and the weather gets colder, I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Stay up to date on vaccinations and be sure to test before you travel or attend a gathering. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about your potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for anyone age 12 or older and from Moderna for those 18 or older. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or health care provider; visit vaccines.gov; text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. 

In addition, Governor Hochul is encouraging New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season approaches. The flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may simultaneously spread this fall and winter, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.  

For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

•        Cases Per 100k - 14.09
•        7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 21.66
•        Test Results Reported - 39,247
•        Total Positive - 2,754
•        Percent Positive - 6.42%**
•        7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.79%**   
•        Patient Hospitalization - 2,279 (-27)*
•        Patients Newly Admitted - 407*
•        Patients in ICU - 240 (+3)*
•        Patients in ICU with Intubation - 88 (-1)*
•        Total Discharges - 346,357 (+403)*
•        New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 20*
•        Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 58,144*

** 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.

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,   September   30, 2022	Saturday,   October   1, 2022	Sunday,   October   2, 2022
Bronx	5.57%	5.61%	5.50%
Kings	4.26%	4.07%	3.92%
New York	5.55%	5.59%	5.49%
Queens	6.16%	6.27%	6.20%
Richmond	7.24%	7.65%	8.09%

MAYOR ADAMS, NYC PARKS ANNOUNCE $7.1 MILLION IN FUNDING TO EXPAND HOURS AT NINE RECREATION CENTERS CITYWIDE

 

Sites With Expanded Hours Will Offer Additional Programming, Including City’s Signature Saturday Night Lights Program

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue today announced that starting today, nine recreation centers across the five boroughs will have expanded operating hours — giving New Yorkers greater access to sports and fitness programming, indoor courts, exercise equipment, and more. The increase was made possible with $7.1 million in funding by Mayor Adams in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Sites with expanded hours will offer additional programming, including New York City’s signature Saturday Night Lights program, for city youth.

 

“Recreation centers and the programming they offer change lives and ensure our young people are not left behind,” said Mayor Adams. “Through our $7.1 million investment in expanded hours for recreation center, we are providing New Yorkers in all five boroughs positive programming and a safe space to grow, learn, and build community. Saturday Night Lights is a hallmark of this administration’s investments and our commitment to free, high-quality activities for our youth, and I’m proud that these expanded hours will connect even more young people to this program.”

 

“Our recreation centers serve all New Yorkers, young and old, all over the city. We need to be as flexible and adaptable as the city’s residents. It only makes sense that we expand the hours of operation so that we can serve as many people as we can,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This is a great step forward, and I thank NYC Parks for their dedication to make this happen.”

 

“These nine recreation centers are anchors for the neighborhoods they serve — and now New Yorkers of all ages will have expanded access to them on evenings and weekends,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Thanks to $7.1 million in new funding from Mayor Adams, people who live in the areas most impacted by COVID-19 will benefit from safe, welcoming spaces and positive programming. And we’re proud to partner with sister agencies to expand the Saturday Night Lights program, which has proved to have positive and lasting impacts on our youth.”

 

The following recreation centers will now offer expanded evening and weekend hours:   

 

Bronx 

• Hunts Point Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Kwame Ture Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

 

Brooklyn

• St. John’s Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – Midnight; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

 

Manhattan

• Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Hansborough Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Highbridge Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

 

Queens

• Roy Wilkins Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
• Sorrentino Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

 

Staten Island

• Lyons Recreation Center: Monday to Friday 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM; Saturday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 

Recreation centers with expanded operating hours will also offer additional programming, including Saturday Night Lights, organized in conjunction with the New York City Police Department, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, New York City Department of Education, and the city’s five District Attorney’s Offices. Saturday Night Lights provides young people in underserved neighborhoods with safe and engaging activities and a productive place to gather during evening hours. Participating youth get free membership and access to the many programs and activities available at all recreation centers citywide.

Extended hours will also support other programs, including but not limited to volleyball, board game tournaments, high-intensity interval training, painting, double dutch, basketball, and strength training.

Since 1910, NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. NYC Parks’ 36 recreation centers offer indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, media labs, dance studios, art studios, game rooms, libraries, and more. All recreation centers also offer a range of programs for people of all ages.

Citywide memberships for adults ages 25-61 are $150 annually. Memberships are $25 per year for veterans, seniors, and those living with disabilities and free for youth and young adults 24 and under.

Hours of operation for recreation centers across the city vary by location. Please visit NYC Parks’ Recreation Centers page for more information.

 

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE PUSHES BILL TO PROTECT DISABLED NEW YORKERS FROM EVICTION, HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

 

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, one of the only elected officials in the country with Tourette Syndrome, continued his longstanding efforts to house New Yorkers, protect against discrimination, and advance disability justice today. In a statement at a joiny hearing of the City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings and the Committee on Aging today to consider his bill, he argued that despite being prohibited by federal law under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, discrimination against disabled tenants is still prevalent, including through denial of reasonable accommodations. 

"Disability discrimination complaints are reportedly the most common complaint received by federal and local agencies under the Fair Housing Act. People with disabilities have high rates of housing insecurity and experience poverty at twice the rate of nondisabled adults." argued Public Advocate Williams. "Additionally, disabled people are more likely to have medical debt, to receive lower pay, and to experience food insecurity all factors which contribute to an increased risk of eviction and homelessness... Further, having a record with an eviction filing, regardless of whether the eviction was granted, can be a barrier to obtaining rental housing in the future, which can keep renters with disabilities in a cycle of housing instability and homelessness."

The Public Advocate's legislation, Intro 584, would would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to provide tenants with disabilities with information about legal services when they are facing eviction. It would also require the HPD Commissioner to report on any pattern of discrimination against disabled tenants.

He closed highlighting the ongoing eviction crisis citywide, acknowledging the challenges posed in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and pledging to work to "ensure that all people with disabilities in our city have access to stable, affordable, and accessible housing."

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

WISHING YOU A HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. - Governor: Why The Lies?

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Former NYC Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz 

You should know that, during campaign season, when we the People are looking for whom to elect as our representatives in the Government, we are inundated by propaganda, disinformation and to put it bluntly lies. Millions of dollars are spent on commercials, social media, and advertisements to help spread the lies to deceive the voters.

 

My question is why lie? These political ads usually come from the incumbents who desperately want to hold on to their seats, and power. As a result, they have no qualms accusing their political opponents by resorting to name calling and lies. Political opponents are often called "Hitler", "racist", "sexist", "fascist", "homophobic", antiwoman, etc. The list of hateful names and insults are endless.

 

My dear reader, think about this for one moment.  If our elected officials have worked successfully at their jobs, and for the benefit of the people that elected them, then why not highlight their achievements instead of resorting to insults and outright lies?

 

For example, Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign has poured millions of dollars into a commercial that is filled with innuendos, misinformation and outright lies against her opponent, Congressman Lee Zeldin.

 

You should know that this commercial implies that Congressman Lee Zeldin approved the attack on the nation’s Capital Building on January 6^th.  That is a lie!  According to Hochul’s campaign commercial, "5 police officers were killed” on January 6^th   when the Capitol was breached. This too is a lie.  NO Capitol police officers were killed on January 6^th. Hochul’s campaign commercial also says that Congressman Zeldin is "extremely dangerous" because he opposes abortion. It’s no secret that Lee Zeldin is pro life. Therefore, he favors protecting the life of the unborn.  So, according to Kathy Hochul, this makes him “extremely dangerous”? Really?

 

The commercial also accuses Lee Zeldin of being “so cruel to women" because he opposes abortions when the mother's life is in danger. That is another lie.

 

So why the lies? The answer is because if the voter knows the truth, Kathy Hochul would not be elected.  She cannot run on her dismal record. You should Know that Governor Hochul supports the most radical, cruel, and extreme forms of abortions. Kathy Hochul supports late term abortions up until the moment when the baby is about to exit the mother’s womb. Congressman Zeldin opposes this and rightfully views it as a crime like most New Yorkers do. 

 

Gov. Hochul, according to the New York Post, allocated $35 million dollars to expand abortions to make New York State the Abortion Capitol of America. Now the state legislature wants to allocate an additional $50 million dollars to extend abortions to women from other states, wanting to get an abortion, in New York will have their transportation and expenses paid for by you the New York State taxpayer. Don’t think the voters would be too happy about that.

 

Another reason Gov. Kathy Hochul cannot run on her record is because of the out of control increasing crime rate and violence in New York. It is important for you to know that Governor Hochul favors cashless bail for criminals and violent offenders. This allows the immediate release of those who commit crimes. It lets the criminal back out on the streets enabling them to commit more crimes and prey on the innocent victims of New York. The Bail Reform Law has negatively impacted our judicial system, tying the hands of our police officers and court judges. This leaves New Yorkers in the hands of those who want to prey upon us.

 

So, you see, Governor Kathy Hochul must hide her dismal record as Governor by hiding behind her deceptive commercials. She has no successes or achievements to highlight, so she resorts to lying about her opponent. Governor Hochul must pay millions of campaign dollars to hide her inability to control the violence, crime, failing judicial system and the disrespect for our law enforcement officers. She must deflect from her ineptitude to put an end to the chaos that has befallen our State under her watch.

 

If we want things to change for the better in New York State and we want to improve the quality of life in New York, then we must ignore the lies, the political propaganda, and go out as educated voters, and vote with understanding and wisdom.

 

I Am Rev. Ruben Diaz, and This Is What You Should Know.

 

Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Designating October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Highlights Resources for Small Businesses and New Yorkers

 

"See Yourself in Cyber" Theme Stresses the Growing Importance of Cybersecurity in an Increasingly Connected World

Read the Proclamation Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As New Yorkers face growing cybersecurity threats, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is part of joint state and national efforts to engage and educate the public about cybersecurity and provide tools and resources to help them stay safe online.

"Whether you're a novice internet user or a tech savvy expert, cyberattacks pose a threat to all of us whenever we're online," Governor Hochul said. "This October, we are raising awareness for New Yorkers at all levels of the public and private sectors as we continue to lead the nation in aggressively combating evolving cybersecurity threats."

The theme for the 19th annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month - "See Yourself in Cyber" - highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and encourages individuals and organizations to take the necessary measures to protect themselves in an increasingly connected world.

New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said, "Governor Hochulcreated the position of Chief Cyber Officer because she understands the importance of protecting the state's cybersecurity infrastructure from emerging threats and strengthening our cyber defenses. I am proud to serve in that role and am committed to establishing and building relationships across all levels of government and the private sector to ensure New York's critical infrastructure is secure and resilient."

 Each week in Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on a different topic:

• Understanding and implementing basic cyber hygiene practices, including the creation of strong passphrases, using multi-factor authentication, performing software updates and backing up data.
• Recognizing and reporting phishing attempts, whether they come through email, text messages, or chat boxes.
• Empowering individuals to not only practice safe online behavior, but also consider joining in the mission to secure our online world by pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
• Making cybersecurity a business priority by ensuring products and processes are "secure by design" and encouraging the consideration of cybersecurity when purchasing new internet-connected devices.

ITS also is coordinating a statewide cybersecurity poster contest for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, a timely opportunity for teachers to focus on keeping children safe online in a fun and informative way. Submissions are due Dec. 16, 2022. New York State winners will be featured on the ITS website and entered into the national contest sponsored by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. In addition, the agency provides a number of free resources to the public, including the Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit, which includes cybersecurity-themed posters, calendars, brochures and other content that can be downloaded and shared to help promote and reinforce cyber safety themes in practical, informative, entertaining, and usable ways.

For more information, visit the ITS CISO website, follow the agency on Twitter (tag #NYSCyber) and Facebook.

MAYOR ADAMS, MAJORITY LEADER SCHUMER ANNOUNCE FIRST-IN-NATION STREET DELIVERISTAS HUBS TO SERVE NYC’S FOOD DELIVERY WORKERS

 

First-Of-Its-Kind Program for App-Based Food Delivery Workers Will Use Existing Infrastructure Like Vacant Newsstands to Create Critical Street Deliveristas Hubs

 

Hubs Will Provide Workers With Charging Stations, Shelter, Rest Areas, Bike Repair Servicing

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced a first-of-its-kind hub program for New York City’s 65,000 delivery workers that uses existing infrastructure, like vacant city newsstands, to provide a place to rest and recharge. Street Deliveristas Hubs will create a place for delivery workers to seek shelter from the elements, charge both their electric bicycles and cell phones, and, by revitalizing these empty public spaces, ensure New York City’s public spaces serve all. Through a $1 million federal grant secured by Senate Majority Leader Schumer in the upcoming appropriations bill for Workers Justice Project/Los Deliveristas Unidos, this pilot program will renovate and transform underutilized structures on city properties. A portion of the federal grant will also be used to help renovate a worker center in Williamsburg for deliveristas.

 

“Deliveristas are out there doing the hard work, day in and day out, and are essential to New Yorkers’ way of life and to our city’s economy, and essential workers deserve essential services,” said Mayor Adams. “While most people have a break room to rest while at work, app-based food delivery workers do not. I’m proud to partner with Majority Leader Schumer to create the first-in-the-nation Street Deliveristas Hubs that will eventually help serve the more than 65,000 deliveristas in New York City. By investing in existing, underused spaces, like vacant newsstands, this program will ensure our public spaces serve all and ‘Get Stuff Done’ for some of our hardest working New Yorkers.”

 

“When I rode my bike alongside deliveristas last fall, I pledged to fight for better infrastructure to support their needs, including charging stations, shelter, rest areas, and more,” said Senate Majority Leader Schumer. “With $1 million in federal funding I have secured for deliveristas, we are creating these innovative Street Hubs and a renovated worker center. Alongside millions for better bike infrastructure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law, we are proudly on our way to meeting that promise for better and safer biking infrastructure. I’ll continue working closely with Mayor Adams and Los Deliveristas Unidos to deliver better infrastructure for the thousands of app-based delivery workers serving our city.”

 

“The city is thinking creatively about how our parks and open spaces can best respond to the needs of the most vulnerable New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are proud to be part of this first-of-its-kind effort to support app delivery workers by providing them with a homebase to take a break, take a call, and recharge.”

 

“Delivery workers keep New York City fed. They are a vital part of the city’s economy, and they deserve safe, welcoming work environments, just like any other workforce,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “DOT is proud to partner in this pilot as we continue to rethink our curb space to better accommodate e-bike deliveries. Thank you, Mayor Adams and Senate Majority Leader Schumer, for this novel approach to address the demands of the industry.”

 

“Food delivery workers serve our city in rain, snow, and extreme heat,” said New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “These new hubs will provide much-needed shelter and services between deliveries for some of our city’s hardest workers. We applaud Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Mayor Adams, and Los Deliveristas Unidos for undertaking this innovative and much-needed pilot.”

 

“Whether we’re experiencing a pandemic or a storm, delivery workers often serve the front lines of getting New Yorkers what they need,” said New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro. “This pilot program represents a true innovative step forward to ensure delivery workers know their rights and get support throughout their trips.”

 

“On behalf of the Worker’s Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos, I applaud U.S Senator Chuck Schumer and New York City Mayor Eric Adams for their commitment to invest and build the nation’s first Deliveristas Hubs, a new infrastructure model that will deliver worker-led training programs, essential services, workers’ rights information, micro-mobility charging stations, and a safe place for deliveristas to rest,” said Ligia Guallpa, executive director, Worker’s Justice Project/Los Deliveristas Unidos. “We are proud to be partners in developing the concept of Street Deliveristas Hubs and to be transforming app delivery jobs into a profession that deserves a living wage, safe working conditions, and new deliverista infrastructure.”

 

The Street Deliveristas Hub pilot program will be the first-of-its-kind in the nation for app-based food delivery workers — an exploding workforce in the post-pandemic economy. Delivery worker hubs will be designed in high-traffic neighborhoods with input from both delivery workers and communities to design spaces that are most beneficial to delivery workers and neighborhood residents alike.

 

Street Deliveristas Hubs will help provide spaces for the more than 65,000 app-based delivery workers — providing workers a place to rest and shelter from the elements, as well as a place to reach numerous services for this mobile work force. Hubs will also help keep streets and sidewalks clear for pedestrians and revitalize unused existing public infrastructure, like newsstands. These hubs — alongside the millions of dollars Majority Leader Schumer secured for safer bike infrastructure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law — represent New York City’s commitment to safe, innovative infrastructure to support critical essential workers.