Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - OCTOBER 28, 2022

 

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

19 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

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

"I urge New Yorkers to take advantage of all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "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 also 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 is continuing 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. Advertisements in both English and Spanish language began running earlier this month.

This week, Governor Hochul and the state Department of Health warned New Yorkers that COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV cases are all rising and encouraged New Yorkers to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and take important prevention steps including distancing, masking and hygiene during the cold weather months.

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

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 23.46
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 19.68
• Test Results Reported - 64,292
• Total Positive - 4,584
• Percent Positive - 6.70%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.58%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,854 (+32)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 492
• Patients in ICU - 277 (-6)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 119 (-1)
• Total Discharges - 355,795 (+435)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 19
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 58,722

** 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 - 74,919

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 - 40,336,849
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 4,763
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 21,976
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 93.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 84.8%
• 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) - 89.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 86.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 83.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 75.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 93.1%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 79.6%

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:

Borough	Tuesday,   October   25, 2022	Wednesday,   October   26, 2022	Thursday,   October   27, 2022
Bronx	5.25%	5.61%	5.65%
Kings	3.38%	3.12%	3.45%
New York	5.36%	5.31%	5.39%
Queens	5.86%	5.80%	6.06%
Richmond	5.04%	5.08%	5.33%

Former United Nations Employee Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Drugging And Sexually Assaulting Victims

 

Throughout Nearly Two Decades, Karim Elkorany Drugged 20 Victims and Sexually Assaulted at Least 13 of Those Victims

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KARIM ELKORANY, a former communications specialist with the United Nations (“UN”) in Iraq, was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court by United States District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald to 15 years in prison for drugging and/or sexually assaulting 20 victims.  ELKORANY previously pled guilty on May 24, 2022, to sexually assaulting an internationally protected person and making false statements to cover up another sexual assault.  In connection with the plea, ELKORANY also admitted that he drugged and/or sexually assaulted 17 additional victims. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Karim Elkorany perpetrated monstrous acts against multiple women over nearly two decades.  At today’s proceeding, Elkorany was held accountable by the Court and also by his victims, a number of whom confronted him with powerful statements about the grievous harm he caused through his horrific conduct.  We express deep gratitude to all of the victims for their bravery in coming forward and remain committed to doing all we can to bring perpetrators like Elkorany to justice.”

According to the Superseding Indictment, public court filings, and statements during court proceedings:

Since at least in or about 2005 up to at least in or about April 2018, ELKORANY worked in international aid, development, and/or foreign relations.  From in or about October 2013 up to in or about April 2016, ELKORANY worked for the UN Children’s Fund (commonly known as UNICEF) in Iraq.  From in or about July 2016 up to in or about April 2018, ELKORANY worked as a Communications Specialist for the UN in Iraq. 

In or about November 2016, ELKORANY drugged and sexually assaulted a woman (“Victim-1”) in Iraq, where he was stationed while working for the UN.  ELKORANY drugged Victim-1 and brought Victim-1 to his apartment.  While at ELKORANY’s apartment, ELKORANY sexually assaulted Victim-1 while she was unconscious.  In or around December 2016, Victim-1 reported the sexual assault to the UN.  The UN initiated an investigation, through which ELKORANY was notified of the substance of Victim-1’s allegations against him.

On or about November 3, 2017, special agents with the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) conducted a voluntary interview of ELKORANY outside of his residence in New Jersey.  During that interview, ELKORANY expressed familiarity with the nature and substance of the allegations made by Victim-1 to the UN but falsely stated that the drugging and sexual assault by ELKORANY that Victim-1 had reported to the UN did not occur. 

ELKORANY also engaged in a pattern of similar conduct involving many other women.  Between in or around 2014 and in or around 2019, ELKORANY drugged and sexually assaulted a woman (“Victim-2”), who was a contractor for a UN organization at relevant times, in the United States and Iraq, among other locations, on multiple occasions. 

In addition to Victim-1 and Victim‑2, ELKORANY drugged and/or sexually assaulted 18 additional victims between in or around 2002 and in or around 2016. 

In addition to the prison sentence, ELKORANY, 39, of West Orange, New Jersey, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in amounts to be determined. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan Announces Prison Sentence for Queens Man on Narcotics and Gun Possession Charges

 

 Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, today announced the prison sentence of TERRY BARBOUR in connection with the possession of more than 18 kilograms of narcotics, including fentanyl and heroin, and seven semi-automatic guns. BARBOUR previously pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to Conspiracy in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. He was sentenced to 12 years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision.

 “Increasingly, trafficking in deadly fentanyl and gun possession are linked,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Brennan. “Gun seizures in cases overseen by my office rose by 150% in recent years. Fatal overdoses are at record high levels in New York City, with a death occurring every 3 hours. Those involved in the distribution of deadly narcotics and the possession of guns will continue to face significant penalties.”

 BARBOUR was arrested during a long-term investigation by the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), Group T-31, comprised of agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New York Division, New York City Police Department (NYPD) detectives and New York State Police investigators. The investigation ran from approximately May of 2020 to March of 2021.

 In total, members of NYDETF Group T-31 recovered approximately 18 kilograms of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine (40 pounds), carrying an estimated street value of $4 million. The majority of the narcotics were found inside bags in a vehicle in Queens on December 15, 2020, as were two guns, including an AK 47. A co-defendant of BARBOUR’s was driving the vehicle. Prior to this seizure, agents and officers conducted surveillance on a heroin and fentanyl packaging mill at 94-04 80th Street, Apt. 1 in Ozone Park and observed BARBOUR and this other man entering and exiting the building, sometimes carrying bags.

 Agents and officers arrested BARBOUR on a felony warrant in Bushwick, Brooklyn on January 7, 2021. A subsequent court-authorized search of a Brooklyn storage unit, on January 22, 2021, resulted in the seizure of five semi-automatic guns, including three MAC-11 submachine guns, and magazines and ammunition for all of the guns. Also present in the unit, located at 486 Stanley Avenue, Unit 2839, were a bulletproof vest, a gun cleaning kit and documents bearing BARBOUR’s name.

 Members of NYDETF Group T-31 obtained security footage from the storage facility. A review of footage from December 29, 2020 (two weeks after the seizure of 18 kilograms of narcotics) showed two individuals appearing to be BARBOUR and a female co-defendant remove three large duffel bags from the storage unit.

 Special Narcotics Prosecutor Brennan thanked Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and commended the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, including members of the DEA New York Division, the New York State Police and the New York City Police Department, for their work on the case.

 Defendant                    Convicted                      Sentence                                                                  

Terry Barbour    Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct     5-10 years prison

Queens, NY        CPCS 1st – 1 ct                 12 years prison + 5 years prs

Age: 44               CPW 2nd – 1 ct                 12 years prison + 5 years prs 

                                                                      (sentences to run concurrently)

Council Votes to Increase Services for Survivors of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, Reduce City’s Growing Problem with Rats

 

Council also passes legislation to expand public bathrooms and greenways

The Council passed bills to increase support for survivors of domestic violence, reduce the City’s problem with rats, and to advance planning for the expansion of public bathrooms and greenways. The legislative package increasing services and providing resources for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, known as the “Support Survivors” package, comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It would require city agencies to establish a housing stability program for survivors and create an online portal and resource guide for survivors.

“Survivors of domestic and gender-based violence deserve our support and care as they heal,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “To promote their health and safety, we must work to create safe environments where survivors have access to the stability, resources, and assistance they need. The Council is focused on ending cycles of violence and addressing the trauma it causes, and the Support Survivors package advances solutions for those who need it most. I thank Chair Cabán for her leadership on these bills and all of our colleagues for their support.”

Introduction 153-A,sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, would require the Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV), in consultation with the Department of Social Services (DSS) and community-based organizations, to establish a program to provide survivors of domestic and gender-based violence with a low-barrier grant and supportive services that would help survivors with expenses related to maintaining housing. The bill would also require ENDGBV to report on the program on an annual basis.

Introduction 154-A,sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán,would require ENDGBV to establish an online portal and a written resource guide of available services for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in New York City. The portal and guide would be available in the designated citywide languages. The guide would also be available in Braille. The portal would also include a clear and conspicuous link to any other relevant City-run websites and portals that provide information on survivor services located within the city, and a description of the types of such resources. The bill would also require ENDGBV to conduct outreach on the portal and guide and ensure the portal is secure and confidential to protect the privacy of survivors.

Resolution 111, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán,would call upon New York State to pass legislation that would provide domestic violence survivors and their families with job-protected, paid leave, similar to that of New York State’s Paid Family Leave law, to be used for any activities relating to their actual or perceived status as a domestic violence survivor or family member of a domestic violence survivor.

The Council also passed the Rat Action Plan, which requires the City to double-down on combatting rats by increasing rat mitigation efforts. New York City is currently experiencing a severe rat infestation problem. The increased number of rodents results in more property damage, food contamination and disease transmission as well as in an overall reduction in residents’ quality of life. These bills would address the everyday problems New Yorkers face when encountering rodents.

“Our neighborhoods have experienced the dramatic increase in rat infestations, a public health problem that has only intensified during the pandemic,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “We cannot allow rats to continue running wild through our communities. Today’s rat mitigation legislation will begin to effectively address this issue and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. This Council continues to lead with solutions that impact the health and safety of our residents, and I thank my colleagues for prioritizing this critical legislation.”

Introduction 414-A, sponsored by Council Member Chi Ossé, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to issue an annual report on rat mitigation efforts in rat mitigation zones, submit the report to the Speaker of the Council and the Mayor, and make the report publicly available online. The report would describe the metrics DOHMH uses to measure the efficacy of rat mitigation in each zone as well as outreach efforts.

Introduction 442-A, sponsored by Council Member Erik Bottcher, would require that before a permit authorizing certain construction work that is subject to rodent extermination is issued, the applicant certify that a licensed exterminator was retained to effectively treat the premises for rodent extermination.

Introduction 459-A, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, would require that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene designate by rule rat mitigation zones throughout the City. This bill would also provide that the Department of Sanitation may determine by rule the times during which buildings must set out their garbage and recycling for collection.

Introduction 460-A, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, would require that buildings that receive two or more rodent-specific housing maintenance code or two or more rodent-specific health code violations place their refuse in rodent-proof containers for at least two years. The bill would provide that the Department of Sanitation may waive this container requirement where it would cause an undue hardship or public safety hazard.

The Council also passed the following:

Introduction 258-A, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, would require that the Mayor designate an agency or office to, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and Department of Parks and Recreation, report on feasible locations for public bathroom facilities across the City. This bill would also require that the agencies or offices responsible for such report incorporate public and community board input regarding locations suitable for public bathrooms.

Introduction 291-A, sponsored by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers and Council Member Carlina Rivera, would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a citywide greenway master plan, with the goal of achieving a comprehensive network of greenways. Under the legislation, these agencies would create a working group tasked with identifying locations feasible for development into greenways, establishing greenway design guidelines and identifying opportunities for integrating green infrastructure, and creating a list of early action greenway projects. The bill would also require that these agencies report annually on the implementation of the greenway plan, and engage with community boards on all proposals.

Land Use

Ninth Street Rezoning – This will rezone a mid-block section of 9th street in the Gowanus area of Brooklyn within Community District 6 in Council Member Hanif’s district. It will also include a text amendment to designate an MIH Area and a mixed-use district. The project will facilitate the development of a five-story residential building with an estimated 22 units, 25 percent of which will be affordable under the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program.  This outcome represents a compromise that balances citywide housing needs with community priorities by simultaneously advancing affordable housing and industrial preservation in the aftermath of the previously approved Gowanus neighborhood rezoning to create 8,500 units of housing, 3,000 of which will be affordable.

Gateway Site 26a and Phase 5 & UDAAP Amendment – The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) requests designation and approval of an Urban Development Action Area Project (UDAAP) and amendment to the Fresh Creek Urban Renewal Plan(FCURP). These actionswill facilitate a new 8 –story mixed use building with 191 affordable senior housing units, community facility and the development of nine four-story buildings with approximately 560 affordable housing units in the Spring Creek neighborhood of East New York, in Council Member Charles Barron’s district.                    

Morrisania Open Door – The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) requests an Article XI tax exemption, a UDAAP approval and disposition of city-owned property to a developer selected by HPD to facilitate the development of approximately 23 affordable homeownership units, in Council Member Althea Stevens’ district.

Morris Heights NCP – The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) requests an Article XI tax exemption, a UDAAP approval and disposition of city-owned property to a developer selected by HPD to facilitatethe construction of two six-story residential buildings with approximately 28 affordable homeownership units, approximately 873 square feet of passive recreation space and laundry room, in Council Members Pierina Ana Sanchez’s and Althea Stevens’ districts.

Morrisania Claremont Village Open Door – The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) requests an Article XI tax exemption and UDAAP approval, tax exemption and disposition of city-owned property to a developer selected by HPD to facilitate the development two family buildings with a total of 14 new units. It will include seven affordable homeownership units through the Open Door Program and seven affordable rental units, in Council Members Kevin Riley’s and Althea Stevens’ districts.

Finance

Transparency Resolution – Approving new designations and changes of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget.