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

 

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

43 Statewide Deaths Reported from Nove­­mber 24 and November 25

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

"It is the time of year when respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 spread quickly throughout our communities, and I urge New Yorkers to take advantage of all available tools to keep themselves and their loved ones 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."

Last week, Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to take common prevention measures - like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene - to protect from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. Influenza is spreading quickly, with the number of laboratory-confirmed cases statewide having nearly tripled over the past three weeks, while hospitalizations have more than doubled.

Earlier this month, Governor Hochul launched a new public awareness campaign featuring New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett speaking directly to New Yorkers about three viruses - RSV, flu and COVID-19 - now circulating in the state with similar symptoms and the potential to cause serious illness. Produced by the New York State Department of Health, the videos include a short clip and a longer version geared toward parents; and a version aimed specifically at health care providers.

Governor Hochul continues to remind New Yorkers that children ages 5 and older may now receive the bivalent booster shots that are recommended to increase protection against COVID-19.

The Governor also urges 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 encourages New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season is widespread across New York State. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both 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 last month.

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 - 15.62
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 17.72
• Test Results Reported - 39,642
• Total Positive - 3,052
• Percent Positive - 7.28%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.99%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,887 (+64)*
• Patients Newly Admitted - 723*
• Patients in ICU - 282 (+9)*
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 99 (+10)*
• Total Discharges - 365,937 (+628)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 43*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 59,387*

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services 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 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 - 75,766

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,   Nov.   25, 2022	Saturday,   Nov.   26, 2022	Sunday,   Nov.  27, 2022
Bronx	7.38%	7.46%	7.60%
Kings	7.08%	7.42%	7.52%
New York	6.85%	7.18%	7.34%
Queens	7.92%	8.32%	8.64%
Richmond	6.35%	6.69%	6.81%

Essex County Felon Sentenced to 93 Months in Prison for Possessing Two Firearms, Drug Trafficking, and Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

 

 An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 93 months in prison on weapons and drug charges, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Teriek Edwards, 44, of Newark, was previously convicted on two counts of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone, following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez, who imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

On May 25, 2018, members of the East Orange Police Department attempted to stop Edwards as part of an ongoing investigation. Upon being approached by law enforcement officers, Edwards fled, and a struggle ensued. Edwards was arrested and law enforcement officers recovered heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and other illegal narcotics from his pants pockets, as well as a 9mm firearm loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. A federal complaint was filed against Edwards and a federal arrest warrant was issued. 

On Aug. 22, 2018, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force arrested Edwards on that federal arrest warrant, at which time they recovered a second handgun – a 9mm firearm loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Vazquez sentenced Edwards to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Miller; members of East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis Bindi; members of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director Fritz Fragé; deputy marshals and task force officers with the U.S. Marshals Service in the District of New Jersey, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; and special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.

Rep. Ritchie Torres - I Won’t Stand by Idly as Antisemitic Violence Goes Unchecked and Unpunished

 

I need to talk to you about something serious. This year, antisemitic violence has risen to the highest levels ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League. Just this past month, antisemitism has proliferated on Twitter because of Elon Musk's changes to virtually allow (and seemingly even welcome) hate-speech without consequence. The data shows that terms associated with Jewish people are being tweeted over 5,000 times per hour. I won’t stand by idly as antisemitic violence goes unchecked and unpunished, and I know you won’t either. So today, I’m hoping you’ll stand with me in condemning antisemitism by adding your name to my urgent petition today. I’m counting on 3,000 signatures by midnight. » STAND WITH RITCHIE: CONDEMN ANTISEMITIC HATE SPEECH & VIOLENCE NOW » This latest surge of attacks is no accident. Antisemitism is fueled by a constant barrage of conspiracy theories and lies too often told about the Jewish community. But combating antisemitism is not the sole responsibility of the Jewish community – it is a moral burden that all of us should bear. So please, can I count on you to stand with me and add your name to condemn antisemitism in communities across the country? » Thank you, Ritchie Torres

Attorney General James Releases Annual “Pennies for Charity” Report

 

New Report Shows Charitable Giving Campaigns Raised over $1.7 Billion in 2021, Almost $250 Million More than 2020

Professional Fundraisers Earned Over $460 Million, More Than a Quarter of Total Charitable Campaign Donations

Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Report Lays Out Tips to Protect Donors’ Wallets from Scams

In advance of Giving Tuesday and the holiday season, New York Attorney General Letitia James today released her annual “Pennies for Charity: Fundraising by Professional Fundraisers” report, which analyzes data submitted to the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Charities Bureau by professional fundraisers on their 2021 charitable fundraising campaigns in New York. The report looks at trends in the sector, provides guidance and tips for donors, and gives charities information on fundraisers’ performance. This year’s report found that professional fundraisers received over a quarter of every dollar donated to charities that employed them in 2021 in fees and expenses — a total of more than $460 million. Analyzing 658 campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers in 2021, the report finds that charities received 73 percent of donations, in line with the year prior and a small increase from 2019. Professional fundraisers are outside, for-profit organizations often hired by charities to run campaigns. 

“When New Yorkers make the generous choice to give to a charity, they trust that their money will be used responsibly,” said Attorney General James. “In advance of the holiday season and Giving Tuesday tomorrow, New Yorkers can rest assured that my office is working every day to protect their wallets and deliver the transparency they so rightly deserve. I encourage anyone planning to donate this season to consult our tips for charitable giving to ensure their thoughtful gift goes to the right place.” 

New York is home to many diverse charitable organizations and institutions, which like all parts of our society, faced many challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the pandemic’s continuing economic impact and limitations on in-person events, donations rose to over $1.7 billion in 2021 — an increase of almost $250 million from 2020 and over $400 million from 2019 pre-pandemic contributions. Other report findings include:  

•   In 276 campaigns — 42 percent — charities received less than 50 percent of funds raised, with professional fundraisers retaining the rest. 
•   In 96 campaigns — 15 percent — expenses exceeded revenue and cost charities over $10 million. This is fewer cases than last year for both findings. 

This year’s Pennies for Charity report includes information from reports filed with OAG's Charities Bureau by professional fundraisers for charity campaigns conducted in 2021. Professional fundraisers must register with OAG and their financial reports must break down the campaign’s earnings and expenses. The report and the searchable Pennies for Charity database containing the findings of those reports are posted on the Charities Bureau website.

The report also lays out tips for donors to follow before donating over the phone, through mail, or online to ensure that their contributions reach the causes they intend to support. The report is linked above for a full guide, but important tips to keep in mind include:   

•   If you are contacted by a telemarketer, ask questions to make an informed decision: New York law requires telemarketers soliciting for charities to make certain disclosures to potential donors and prohibits them from making false, misleading, or deceptive statements to contributors. Telemarketers are required to tell potential donors their names, which professional fundraiser employs them, and if the telemarketer is getting paid. Donors may also ask what percentage of their donation will go to the fundraiser for fees and expenses. 
•   If you receive a direct mail charitable appeal, verify the soliciting organization: Does the organization have a name that sounds like a well-known charity? Double-check — is it the one you think it is? Does the mailing claim to follow up on a pledge that you do not remember making? Does it clearly describe the programs that the charity plans to fund with your donation? 
•   If you are donating online, do your research first: Donating online or via an app is convenient for donors and can be cost effective for a charity. But before hitting “Send,” donors should check whether a campaign is legitimate. Below are steps to take before donating online:
  •   Some online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes do not obtain permission from charities, or vet those charities who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should check what fees they will be charged and make sure that the charity has given its permission for the use of its name or logo. The site or the charity should confirm that the charity has approved the campaign.
  •   When donating online, make sure the website is secure: The web address should start with “https.” Unless the charity uses a separate payment site, the web address should match that of the organization that will receive the donation.
  •   Be wary of email solicitations that ask you to click a link or open attachments. These could be phishing scams that try to trick you into giving out your credit card number, Social Security number, or other confidential information.
  •   More information about OAG’s Charities Bureau and organizations it regulates may be found online. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work or that a scam is taking place, please contact OAG’s Charities Bureau at Complaints@ag.ny.gov or (212) 416-8401.

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS PACKAGE OF BILLS TO IMPROVE DIVERSITY WITHIN FDNY

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed a package of five bills to improve diversity within the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). The bills aim to address recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups within the department, as well as requiring the implementation of diversity, inclusion, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment training. 

  

“Our FDNY frontline heroes keep our city safe day in and day out, and today we take another step to strengthen and support New York City’s Bravest,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City’s diversity is our strength, and these five bills will help build a more inclusive FDNY that is reflective of the millions of New Yorkers we serve. I’m grateful to our colleagues in the City Council for their partnership and commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive Fire Department for generations to come.”

 

“Diversity is strength, and this legislation will make New York’s Bravest even stronger,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “Today’s FDNY is striving to be more inclusive, accessible, and reflective of our communities. With these new tools and under the leadership of Commissioner Kavanagh — the department’s first female commissioner — we will continue to strive toward that goal.” 

“Diversity is at the heart of our city’s strength, and our commitment as an agency is first and foremost to the people we serve. The FDNY will set the bar for the fire service by attracting the best talent this city has to offer, serving each neighborhood as though it was our own, and ensuring each member of our FDNY family can thrive, grow as leaders, and inspire future generations,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, and the City Council are true partners in that mission, and I look forward to working closely with them to achieve it.

Intro. 516-A — sponsored by New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams — establishes a recruitment and retention plan for firefighters. The bill requires the FDNY, in consultation with the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), to develop and implement a plan to recruit and retain individuals from underrepresented populations within the rank of firefighter. 

  

Intro. 519-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Joann Ariola — requires a survey of permanent firehouse upgrades to establish a working environment that facilitates use by a mixed-gender workforce. The bill requires the FDNY to survey each firehouse to determine the permanent facility upgrades necessary to facilitate use by a mixed-gender workforce. Upon completion of the survey, the FDNY will then submit a report on the findings of the survey detailing permanent facility upgrades necessary at each firehouse, the feasibility of implementing such upgrades, and any construction plans to make such upgrades. 

  

Intro. 552-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Kevin Riley — requires the FDNY to submit an annual report on the number of employees assigned to each firehouse or special operations unit, disaggregated by gender and race or ethnicity, as well as the number of individuals who reside within the immediate service area of each fire company, disaggregated by gender and race or ethnicity. 

  

Intro. 553-A — also sponsored by Councilmember Riley — requires the FDNY, in consultation with DCAS, to develop and implement a plan for providing ongoing training and education to all employees regarding diversity and inclusion, including training on the department’s anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. FDNY will also be required to post an annual report on its website regarding efforts taken to implement such training. 

  

Intro. 560-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams — requires the FDNY to submit an annual report on complaints filed with the department’s Equal Employment Opportunity office regarding potential violations of the city’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy. The report will include information on the number of complaints that resulted in corrective action taken by the FDNY, further disaggregated by the form of corrective action, including, but not limited to, formal reprimands, fines, loss of pay or benefits, transfers, suspensions, demotions, and terminations. 

  

“New York City’s firefighters protect our city and save lives every single day, yet it remains clear that FDNY is not representative of our city’s diversity,” said Speaker Adams. “I’m proud these new laws passed by the council and signed today help advance the department’s recruitment and retention of women and people of color from all communities as firefighters. This package of bills becoming law marks a significant step forward to ensure that New York’s Bravest are more equitably composed of people from New York City’s entire gorgeous mosaic. I thank my colleagues in the council for working collaboratively to pass this important legislation and Mayor Adams for signing the bills into law.”

 

Ruben Diaz - My Political Prayers For The New Year

 

You should know that every year, we as Christians Evangelicals traditionally bid farewell to the old year and we welcome the new year, kneeling in prayer at the temple.

 

You should Know that, at that moment, when the clock strikes midnight, we kneel before God, and we give thanks and present God with our petitionary prayers for the coming new year.

 

Our prayers are for our relatives, children, friends, our Nation, and elected leaders. We also pray for a better spiritual life, being a better husband, or wife, having a better job and so on.

 

It is important for you to know that on the night of Saturday, December 31, if the Lord grants me the opportunity, I will be on my knees, saying goodbye to the year 2022, at The Christian Neighborhood Church at 1437 Longfellow Avenue in the Bronx.  I will be offering several prayers to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 

Among the many petitions I will make on New Year’s Eve, I will make sure to include the following in my prayers.

 

1. For the Republican Party: I will pray that they don't forget the great support they received from our community when they voted Republican for the first time. I will pray that Republicans continue to visit our communities, organize, and invest resources in our neighborhoods.  The numbers for these past elections proved that the GOP made inroads in Democratic strongholds with limited resources. I will pray that the GOP does not give up on the strides they made in our community during these past elections.

 

2. To Republican Leaders and Candidates: I will pray that they learn to work in a more unified manner. Because apart from being Republicans, they cannot afford to continue to working independently. I will pray that they learn to work as a team, and learn to run with a slate of candidates, and with unified campaign literature, so that candidates carry and support each other, that those at the bottom help carry those candidates at the top and vice versa. 

 

3. To Governor Kathy Hochul and the leaders of the Democratic Party: I will pray the Democrats open their eyes and take the numbers for the past elections seriously. I will pray that when they do, they will realize that they no longer have the support or the influence of the Asian, Jewish, and Hispanics communities like they once had, having lost all our trust.

 

4.  For Vanessa Gibson, President of the Bronx: I will pray that she takes time to sit down and learn from examples set by former Bronx Borough President’s like: Fernando Ferrer, Adolfo Carrion and Rubén Diaz Jr. I will pray that she will learn from them on how to work effectively to serve the many diverse communities residing in the Bronx.  I will pray that she learns this lesson before the next elections for President of the Borough.

5.  To Councilman Rafael Salamanca: Although we do not know what his next political moves are, I will pray that he continues his tireless agenda on     behalf of his district, blessing people in need, during Thanksgiving, inside and outside his district, organizing festivals helping to bring the community together, creating housing and offering opportunities that benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs. His efforts have shown us that he has a bright and fruitful future, I will pray for his continued public service wherever it may lead him.

6.   To Congressman Adriano Espaillat and the New Assemblyman George Álvarez: I will Pray that their eyes be opened so that they can realize that the bets are on everywhere. The wager is on which of the two will be the first to betray the other when a better political opportunity arises, given that both lack loyalty and commitment as far as friendships go. It seems as though they both studied at the same school as Senator Luis Sepulveda.

7.  To Mayor Eric Adams: I will pray that my friend also takes some time to sit down and revisit the campaign promise he made to all New Yorkers. He Promised that he would be a Mayor for all New Yorkers regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and not just serve his friends relatives, and special interest’s groups. I will pray that the Mayor will take note and analyze that his opponent Republican Curtis Sliwa, who despite running on limited resources, and no support from the Labor Unions gave him a good run for his money and did very well. God willing the mayor will do his best and not continue to give ammunition for his rivals to run on come the next mayoral election.

8. For the Ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo: I will pray that he understands the meaning of the words in Ecclesiastes. The Bible says, “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born,  and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; I will pray that the former governor realize that opportunities come like a little ball with three strings, and when that little ball with the 3 strings come your way, you must grab it by one of those strings, because when that opportunity is slips away, its gone and it  does not return.         

               

9.  Finally, for Congressman Lee Zeldin: I will pray that the Congressman does not rest on his laurels and doesn’t stay put in Long Island. I pray that he continues to return to our inner-city communities and continue to build on the strong foundation he has begun. I will pray that he keeps in mind that those issues which he ran on, such calling out Governor, Kathy Hocul on the increase in crime, violence, late term abortions, bail reform laws, etc., etc., might not be there in four years. 

As you can see dear reader, I have many petitionary prayers for 2023. I hope my listeners also can understand what the Bible says, “For in the elderly there is science and in old age intelligence" {Job 12} All who have ears, listen.

          

I am Reverend Ruben Diaz and this is What You Should Know.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Service & Funeral Information for Joseph Kelleher, Chairman of the Board of Directors