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

 

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

22 Statewide Deaths Reported on October 2

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

"This fall, I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Be sure to stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul announced last week that children ages 5 and older may now receive the bivalent booster shots that are recommended to increase protection against COVID-19. The State Department of Health updated its guidance after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its clinical guidance, which collectively will allow more children to safely boost their immunity against COVID-19.

The Governor continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or healthcare 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 is already widespread across New York State. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both currently circulating, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.

The State Department of Health recently announced the launch of its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get both flu and COVID-19 shots for themselves and children 6 months and older. The advertisements, which will run in both English and Spanish language, began running on Monday, October 10.

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

Today's data is summarized briefly below:    

1. Cases Per 100k - 13.36
2. 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 18.88
3. Test Results Reported - 38,988
4. Total Positive - 2,610
5. Percent Positive - 6.09%**     
6. 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.81%**      
7. Patient Hospitalization - 2,810 (+4)*
8. Patients Newly Admitted - 465*
9. Patients in ICU - 295 (+9)*
10. Patients in ICU with Intubation - 116 (+9)*
11. Total Discharges - 353,601 (+439)*
12. New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 22*  
13. Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 58,578 *  

** 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 - 74,809

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,   October   21, 2022	Saturday,   October   22, 2022	Sunday,   October   23, 2022
Bronx	5.36%	5.22%	5.29%
Kings	3.80%	3.78%	3.69%
New York	5.14%	5.01%	5.03%
Queens	6.08%	5.93%	5.87%
Richmond	5.67%	5.58%	5.64%

DEC Announces nearly $640,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Funding Now Available

 

Funds Assist with Purchase of Wildland Firefighting Equipment for Rural Fire Departments

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for nearly $640,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grant funding to help rural fire departments protect public safety and natural resources. The deadline for applications is Nov. 15.

“DEC’s Forest Rangers work closely with volunteer fire departments to battle wildfires, and this grant program is a great way to help fire personnel across the state,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “These grants bolster local capacity to fight wildland fires, protecting property and communities.”

The Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC Forest Rangers. Fire departments will receive 50/50 matching funds up to $1,500. Last year, the program provided $1,500 grants to 412 fire departments.

Only expenses directly related to wildfire suppression efforts are eligible for funding. These include the purchase of portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, approved lightweight fire-resistant clothing, hard hats, turnout gear, portable radios, generators, and dry hydrants. Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as search and rescue, acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases, and maintenance items are not eligible for funding.

Eligible fire departments include: those that serve a single town with a population under 10,000; those that serve multiple communities, one of which is a rural town of less than 10,000 residents; and fire departments in towns with a population of 10,000 or more that meet the application requirements. Fire departments that receive a grant award must complete all required grant paperwork.

For applications and additional information about the grant program, contact DEC at (518) 402-8839; write to NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection, 625 Broadway 3rd Floor, Albany, NY 12233-2560; or visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2364.html.