Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 6, 2022

 

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

73 Statewide Deaths Reported from December 3rd to December 5th

 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 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."

Governor Hochul is also urging 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 and hospitalizations having spiked recently.

Governor Hochul previously launched a 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 - 23.35
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 28.51
• Test Results Reported - 85,156
• Total Positive - 4,563
• Percent Positive - 4.02%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.57%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 3,434 (+220)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,301*
• Patients in ICU - 311 (+23)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 107 (+1)
• Total Discharges - 369,781 (+985)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 73*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 59,622*

** 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 Healthand 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 - 75,986

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	Saturday,   Dec.  3, 2022	Sunday,   Dec.  4, 2022	Monday,   Dec.  5, 2022
Bronx	7.99%	8.05%	8.01%
Kings	6.88%	6.92%	5.07%
New York	6.82%	6.71%	6.57%
Queens	8.89%	8.83%	8.85%
Richmond	6.79%	6.67%	6.27%

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,   Thank you for joining us for another week in review.   This week, we are bringing the holiday cheer with a slate of events for our community! Join us for our Winter Wonderland Extravaganza on Thursday, December 8th at 6pm at Lou Gehrig Plaza! We will be kicking off the holiday season with a tree lighting and toy distribution (while supplies last) at Lou Gehrig Plaza! Join us for an evening in community with live performances from local talent. We hope to see you there!  We will also be partnering with the Bronx Community Foundation for The Bronx Dispensary Showroom opening on December 9th - December 11th. The showroom will be located at the Historic Bronx Post Office located at 558 Grand Concourse. We encourage our neighbors to join us to learn about the economic opportunities the cannabis industry can bring to our Borough. This is an educational event - no cannabis will be present or sold during this event. Lastly, we are calling all Chess lovers, players and enthusiasts to the Bronx Borough President's Cup happening this Saturday, December 10th at 10am! This event is only open to Bronx Schools and students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov. In partnership, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES MEDIATION PROGRAM TO HELP DOMESTIC WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS RESOLVE WORKPLACE DISPUTES

 

Domestic Worker Mediation Program Fulfills Mayor’s “Blueprint for Economic Recovery” Proposal 

Furthers Administration’s Commitment to Raising Labor Standards in Industry Predominantly Made Up of Immigrants and Women of Color

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, and the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) Commissioner Asim Rehman today announced the launch of a new Domestic Worker Mediation Program, created to help the city’s approximately 18,000 domestic workers and their employers resolve workplace issues in a respectful, confidential, and free way without going to court. A previous report conducted by DCWP has found that more than half of the city’s domestic workers — the majority of whom are immigrants and women of color — have experienced wage theft, safe and sick leave violations, harassment, discrimination, and fear of retaliation from their employers if they report illegal behavior.

Mediation — which benefits both workers and employers — is voluntary and available to resolve workplace issues related to unpaid wages and overtime, paid safe and sick leave violations, and retaliation. The program builds on Mayor Adams’ commitment to ensure that New York City’s domestic workers — those who work directly for a private household, like housecleaners, nannies, or other care providers — are offered the support and resources they need to thrive.

“Domestic workers do vital work each and every day to care for our loved ones, often for low wages and minimal workplace protections, and, as a blue-collar mayor, I am committed to uplifting all workers across our city, especially the immigrants and women of color who power so many of our critical service industries.,” said Mayor Adams. “Through this new mediation program, we will empower these workers to resolve disputes with their employers and ensure they are afforded the same protections that workers in other industries enjoy. Thank you to the teams at DCWP and OATH for helping to launch this new program and support our city’s workers.”

“Domestic workers — who are predominantly immigrants and women of color — perform essential work to provide care and support for our loved ones, and they deserve to be treated fairly,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Through our new domestic worker mediation program, we will ensure care workers and their employers are able to resolve disputes without having to resort to costly litigation, ensuring access to basic workplace protections and supporting our city’s more equitable recovery.”

“Many New Yorkers rely on domestic workers to help care for our families and our homes, but too often they are denied the most basic workplace protections, with no HR to turn to and employers who may not know all of the obligations they owe their employees,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “This new program marks a victory for domestic workers and will go far in strengthening their rights, as well as educating their employers on how best to follow the law. We thank the mayor and Commissioner Rehman for collaborating with us to find creative ways to protect some of our city’s most vulnerable and dedicated workers.”

“When city agencies and employees need a place to mediate their disputes, OATH’s Center for Creative Conflict Resolution is there to help,” said OATH Commissioner and Chief Administrative Law Judge Asim Rehman. “I’m so glad that the Center’s work will now include the Domestic Worker Mediation Program. Mediation is a win-win for employers and employees because it provides a faster resolution without the expense and adversarial nature of a formal court action.”

“The intimate nature of the services provided by domestic workers — care of family members and dependents within an employer’s home — requires healthy, respectful, and trusting relationships,” said Raymond Kramer, administrative law judge and executive director, Center for Creative Conflict Resolution, OATH. “When conflicts arise that threaten those relationships, employers and employees now have an opportunity to work them out directly with the help or our highly skilled mediators in a private, neutral, and supportive environment.  We’re thrilled to be part of this innovative program.”

“Our experience at Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network is that people who employ domestic workers want to do the right thing, but they just don’t have the resources or support they need,” said Tatiana Bejar, New York City lead organizer, Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network. “This mediation program will assist employers in resolving conflict and creating a fair, equitable, and safe work environment for the nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers who work in their homes. We’re proud to be a part of this collaborative and innovative effort that recognizes the essential labor of domestic workers.”

“Domestic workers, who are often immigrant women of color, may be apprehensive about filing complaints and engaging in adversarial approaches with their employers,” said Leydis Munoz, enforcement program manager, National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) – New York Chapter. “We are excited that the mediation program offers an alternative way for domestic workers to engage in the process of asserting rights and resolving issues in the workplace.”

Mediation under the Domestic Worker Mediation Program is free, confidential, offered regardless of immigration status, and provides a fair resolution faster than pursuing legal action in court. If the worker and employer agree to mediation, a neutral mediator from OATH’s Center for Creative Conflict Resolution will meet with the two parties to understand the issues and reach an agreement that is fair for everyone. A DCWP staff member and worker or employer representatives may also participate in mediation. For more information or to make an appointment, New Yorkers can visit nyc.gov/workers for a multilingual overview, email OLPS@dcwp.nyc.gov, or call 311.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Ensure Eligible Votes Are Counted

 

Legislation (S.284C/A.642C) Requires the Counting and Canvassing of Affidavit Ballots Cast by an Eligible Voter Who Appears at the Wrong Polling Place, Provided Voter is in the Correct County and Assembly District

Prevents Eligible Voters from Having their Entire Ballots Unnecessarily Invalidated

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to protect New Yorkers' right to vote and improve the voting process. Legislation (S.284C/A.642C) requires the counting and canvassing of affidavit ballots cast by eligible voters who appear at the wrong polling place, as long as they are voting in the correct county and assembly district. The new law strengthens protections for New Yorkers' right to vote and have their ballots counted in races that they are entitled to vote in while also encouraging voter participation in the electoral process.

"Access to the ballot box shouldn't be held up by complicated and unclear voting processes," Governor Hochul said. "New York continues to lead the nation in taking critical steps forward to protect the fundamental right to vote. My administration is committed to empowering voters and improving the state's electoral process, which has disenfranchised too many New Yorkers for too long."

Legislation (S.284C/A.642C) protects New Yorkers' fundamental right to vote and encourages participation in the electoral process by requiring the counting and canvassing of affidavit ballots when cast by an eligible voter who appears at the wrong polling place, as long as the individual is voting in the correct county and assembly district. Voters may inadvertently arrive at the wrong polling place on Election Day. This may happen when recent changes have been made to their polling place location or when they have been provided incorrect information about how and where to vote, among other reasons. Currently, a voter who casts a ballot in the wrong polling place but in the correct county and assembly district will have their entire ballot invalidated, including their votes in districtwide, statewide, and federal contests that all eligible voters are allowed to participate in. This new law will allow such ballots to be counted and canvassed in races that eligible New Yorkers are entitled to vote in.

This common-sense measure builds on Governor Hochul's efforts to empower New York State voters. In June, the Governor signed the landmark John. R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, which expands voter protections for members of racial, ethnic, and language-minority groups. The Governor also signed legislation to safeguard absentee ballots, ensuring that ballots are not voided due to stray marks or writing as long as the express intent of the voter is unambiguous.

Attorney General James Stops Illegal Agreement between Home Care Companies to Protect Patients and Caregivers

 

Marks Homecare Agency Inc. and Martin Ganz to Pay $550,000 in Penalties for Unlawful ‘No Poach’ Agreement

New York Attorney General Letitia James today stopped unlawful no poach agreements between Marks Homecare Agency Inc. (Marks Homecare) and another home care company that prevented patients and their caregivers from moving to the provider of their choice. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Martin Ganz, acting on behalf of Marks Homecare, entered into an unlawful agreement with a competitor to not take each other’s existing patients. The OAG found that on several occasions, vulnerable patients were unable to switch to a provider that could have paid their caregivers more. As a result of today’s agreement, Marks Homecare and Martin Ganz cannot enter into any anti-competitive agreements in the future, must pay the state $550,000, and will cooperate with OAG’s ongoing investigations in the home care industry.

“Vulnerable New Yorkers should be free to use the home care provider of their choice,” said Attorney General James. “By refusing to allow patients to switch providers, Marks Homecare created an unhealthy market that limited patients’ options and reduced caregivers’ wages. Today, we are holding Marks Homecare accountable for deceiving patients and restoring fairness to the home care industry to protect patients and caregivers.”

Marks Homecare is a Queens-based fiscal intermediary in the home care industry that administers caregiver payments for patients enrolled in the New York State Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). New York’s CDPAP allows patients who require long-term care to hire a family member or a friend as their caregiver. Fiscal intermediaries, such as Marks Homecare, are the entities that handle timesheet processing, payments to a patient’s caregivers, and other administrative functions on behalf of patients. In a competitive market, a patient would choose the fiscal intermediary that pays their chosen caregiver a higher hourly wage and/or a company with better services.

The OAG investigation found that Marks Homecare and Martin Ganz, acting on behalf of Marks Homecare, entered into an unlawful agreement with another fiscal intermediary to not take each other’s existing patients, which prevented their existing patients and their chosen caregivers from moving to the company of their choice. On several occasions, patients tried to switch to Marks Homecare but were rejected because they were patients of their competitor. Marks Homecare and its competitor also exchanged information about the hourly rates they were paying caregivers to reduce competition. Additionally, Marks Homecare and Martin Ganz attempted to enter into another unlawful agreement with a different competing fiscal intermediary.

As a result of today’s agreement, Martin Ganz and Marks Homecare cannot enter into any anticompetitive agreements that restrict options for patients and must administer an antitrust compliance program with a training for its management and executive personnel. Marks Homecare must provide annual reports to OAG on its compliance with this agreement for the next five years. Marks Homecare must pay a $500,000 penalty to the state and Martin Ganz must pay a $50,000 penalty to the state.

Queens Man Sentenced on Weapons and Narcotics Charges after Aiming Assault Rifle at NYPD Detective

 

Today in Manhattan Supreme Court, JULIN LIRIANO was sentenced to prison for possessing narcotics and three loaded guns, including an assault rifle that he pointed at a New York City Police Department (NYPD) detective conducting surveillance on a residential street in Middle Village, Queens. LIRIANO previously pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Menacing in the Second Degree. 

Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division, New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell and New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli announced that LIRIANO received a sentence of 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.  

The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) Group T-31, which is comprised of DEA agents, NYPD detectives and New York State Police investigators. 

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget B. Brennan said, “The sentence imposed today serves as a grim reminder of the dangerous connection between narcotics and guns. I thank law enforcement officers who face grave risks conducting investigations in order to keep the public safe.” 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Lethal narcotics and illegal weapons create a dangerous mix that place our communities at grave risk. I commend our law enforcement partners for ensuring that the streets of Queens County remain safe. Thank you to the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the DEA’s New York Division, the NYPD, and the New York State Police for making sure that this defendant is held accountable for his actions.”

“This sentencing illuminates the dangers law enforcement face every day while striving to keep the public safe,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “I applaud the members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Office of the New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor for their diligent work throughout this investigation.”

“Today’s sentencing is the result of the exceptional effort and steadfast dedication of everyone involved in this investigation,” said NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “Illegal guns and illicit drugs put New Yorkers at significant risk, and we must ensure that dealing in this lethal combination results in real consequences. I want to thank the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, the DEA’s New York Division, the Queens County DA’s Office, the New York State Police, and everybody who worked on this case for their unwavering commitment to public safety.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “Mr. Liriano’s sentencing illustrates the work of a strong law enforcement partnership that has ultimately resulted in a dangerous man being taken off the streets. This sentencing reinforces that we will continue to be vigilant in holding those accountable who bring illegal drugs and weapons into our communities. The State Police and our law enforcement partners will remain committed to investigating and arresting those who put others in danger.”

On October 7, 2020 at approximately 6:45 p.m., members of DEA’s NYDETF Group T-31 were conducting surveillance as part of a short-term narcotics investigation when they observed LIRIANO outside of his residence at 85-25 Elliot Avenue in Middle Village carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle. LIRIANO was accompanied by a bulldog. 

Agents and officers observed LIRIANO “cock” or load the rifle and point it at an NYPD detective inside an unmarked car. LIRIANO was ordered to drop his weapon, but rather than comply he instead went inside 85-25 Elliot Avenue.

Members of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) arrived at 85-25 Elliot Avenue and disabled security cameras pointing outside of the residence. LIRIANO subsequently exited the building and was taken into custody.

Following LIRIANO’s arrest, members of NYDETF Group T-31 conducted a court-authorized search of his residence and a car parked inside the garage. The search resulted in the seizure of three loaded guns: a semi-automatic pistol, an EVO 9mm carbine assault rifle and a MAC-11 submachine gun with a suppressor. Additionally, agents and officers recovered approximately 85 grams of cocaine, three pounds of marijuana, a scale, handcuffs and ammunition. A bulletproof vest was also present.

A court authorized search of an extensive home security system yielded images of the events of that day: LIRIANO standing in front of his home holding an assault weapon, loading the weapon, and lifting it to point at the detective’s vehicle. The security footage also showed that after LIRIANO refused to drop his weapon and fled back into his home, he carried multiple backpacks out to the garage and crammed them into an area of the car where the guns were found. 

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and commended SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, including DEA New York Division, the NYPD and the New York State Police, for their work on the investigation. 

Defendant                         Convicted                                    Sentence 

Julin Liriano                       CPW 2nd                    8 years prison + 5 years prs

Queens, NY                         CPCS 3rd                   8 years prison + 5 years prs

Age: 36                               Menacing 2nd                364 days jail