Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 16, 2022

 

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

35 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19 and outlined basic steps they can take to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections that become more common in the fall and winter seasons. 

"With the holidays just around the corner, I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to use 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 is 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), the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. Last week, the Governor updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts. 

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC also cleared the way for children six months of age and older to receive the bivalent booster shot to increase protection against COVID-19. Previously, these shots were only available to children ages 5 and older. 

The New York State Department of Health issued a report last week showing a 64 percent week-over-week jump in lab-confirmed flu cases across New York and week-over-week hospitalizations up 58 percent. Cases of influenza have now been detected in all 62 counties across the state, highlighting the need for New Yorkers to take steps and precautions that will reduce the risk of severe illness for children and adults.  

Governor Hochul previously launched a public awareness campaign featuring New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett speaking directly to New Yorkers about the three viruses 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. 

The Governor also asked 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 - 32.70
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 27.94
• Test Results Reported - 77,571
• Total Positive - 6,390
• Percent Positive - 7.49%**        
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.84%**     
• Patient Hospitalization - 3,565 (-7)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 566
• Patients in ICU - 364 (+22)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 152 (-4)
• Total Discharges - 374,672 (+535)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 35    
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 59,930

** 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 - 76,280

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 - 43,170,473
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 23,006
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 146,753
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 85.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 90.2% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older who are up to date - 13.6%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series - 74.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 who are up to date - 4.9%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 5-11 with completed vaccine series - 39.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 5-11 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 40.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 5-11 who are up to date - 2.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 0-4 with completed vaccine series - 6.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 0-4 who are up to date - 6.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 76.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.3% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers who are up to date - 11.7% 

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,   Dec.  13, 2022	Wed.   Dec.  14, 2022	Thursday,   Dec.  15, 2022
Bronx	8.00%	8.16%	8.27%
Kings	4.68%	4.71%	4.97%
New York	6.87%	7.12%	7.15%
Queens	8.94%	8.94%	8.89%
Richmond	6.37%	6.28%	6.59%

MAYOR ADAMS HOSTS SUMMIT TO CREATE STRATEGY TO COMBAT RETAIL THEFT ACROSS FIVE BOROUGHS

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today hosted a summit to create a citywide strategic prevention plan to combat retail theft across the five boroughs. The summit included the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Office of the Attorney General, all five of the city’s District Attorney’s Offices, and mental health and social service providers, as well as leaders of the retail industry, representatives from chambers of commerce, various Business Improvement Districts (BID), organized labor, advocacy organizations, and statewide and national retail associations — all coming together to discuss policy ideas and creative solutions to tackle the increase in retail theft, which will be released in a report next year.

“New York City businesses are the lifeblood of our economic recovery, and we are not going to stand by and let criminals undermine our economy and the livelihood of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Our retail stores have my commitment that we will continue to work towards real, long-lasting solutions on the issue of retail theft. The vast participation at today’s summit sends a clear and unified message that will not allow anyone to simply walk away with impunity when they take something without paying for it.” 

Topics discussed during today’s summit included leveraging technology to combat retail theft, physical security measures to deter theft, surveillance best practices, diversion programs, and enhancing existing partnerships with law enforcement.   

Public safety and building back New York City’s economy to pre-pandemic levels are top priorities for the Adams administration. By convening experienced leaders with a range of perspectives on the issue of retail theft, Mayor Adams aimed to identify actionable solutions that are practical for all stakeholders and that serve to enhance public safety while preserving justice.

“The message to our retailers and retail workers is that the city is listening and we hear your concerns, but, more importantly, we are coming up with solutions together,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “This summit brought a vast array of perspectives to the table with an end goal of creating a comprehensive, actionable plan that addresses this issue while ensuring public safety, justice, and economic prosperity.”

“Retail theft harms small businesses and New Yorkers who rely on stores in their communities to carry essential goods,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “This past May, my office was proud to work with Mayor Adams, the NYPD, and our other partners to break up a massive retail theft ring. We will continue our efforts and coordination with New York City officials to combat retail theft and protect New York consumers and small businesses. I thank Mayor Adams for continuing to make public safety a priority." 

“Retail stores in the Bronx are being devastated by theft, which brings the threat of violence to store employees and leads to businesses closing and the loss of jobs,” said Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark. “This summit was a concrete start to collaboration among all the stakeholders to solve this problem, which affects the community in multiple ways.” 

“Today’s discussion between various stakeholders — retail stores, union leaders, Business Improvement District leaders, the NYPD, City Hall, treatment providers, prosecutors, and legislators — was collaborative and productive,” said Manhattan County District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “I thank Mayor Adams for convening this important summit and we look forward to working together to address retail theft in a holistic way.” 

“Retail crime is not only illegal, but it creates a lasting economic impact through increased prices for consumers and fewer jobs for our local workforce,” said Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz. “I look forward to expanding upon our ongoing efforts with meaningful solutions alongside our agency and law enforcement partners to address this growing problem.” 

“The time has come to turn the small business infrastructure into a vehicle for positive change,” said Zaid Nagi, vice president and co-founder, Yemeni American Merchants Association. “We are ground zero for this issue and many others. Nothing stands between us and empowering our merchants not only to report those who have turned stealing into a lucrative business, but, most notably, to offer assistance that will jump start the recovery to cure debilitating mental problems and drug use and address food scarcity.” 

“Today's retail theft summit hosted by Mayor Eric Adams created a collaborative, solutions-based approach to one of the most pressing issues confronting the small business community,” said Lisa Sorin, president, Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “The summit will yield policy solutions and legislative actions to address business-related losses and crime in New York City, while presenting long-term solutions to support our communities and neighborhoods. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is grateful to Mayor Adams, our district attorneys, and community and business stakeholders for being active participants in resolving barriers to small business success. We are confident that this plan will assist in mitigating a myriad of business challenges.”

“The mayor’s summit today was constructive and informative in bringing to light the situation that retail is facing with theft and burglary,” said Nelson Eusebio, government liaison, National Supermarkets Association. “I want to thank the city for taking the initiative to address this issue. This is the first step in many more to come to resolve this issue in a manner that allows the city to flourish, the stores to stay in business, and our citizens to shop freely without fear in our local stores.”

In addition to the New York City Mayor’s Office, the following entities had representatives present at today’s summit: 

• New York City Law Department
• New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice
• New York City Police Department
• New York City Department of Small Business Services
• Office of the New York Attorney General
• Bronx County District Attorney’s Office
• Kings County District Attorney’s Office
• New York County District Attorney’s Office
• Queens County District Attorney’s Office
• Richmond County District Attorney’s Office
• New York City Council
• 125^th Street BID
• Bodega & Small Business Association of New York
• Bronx Chamber of Commerce
• Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
• Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• CASES
• Center for Court Innovation
• Chinatown Partnership
• Fifth Avenue Association
• Flatbush-Nostrand Junction BID
• Flushing BID
• Fordham Road BID
• Fortune Society
• Gap Inc.
• Hudson Yards-Hell’s Kitchen Alliance
• Korean American Business Council
• Latino Supermarket Association
• Macy’s
• Madison Avenue BID
• Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
• New York City Criminal Justice Agency
• Pitkin Avenue BID
• Queens Chamber of Commerce
• Retail Council of New York State
• Retail Wholesale & Department Store Union
• Starbucks
• Target
• United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500
• Walgreens
• Washington Heights BID
• Yemeni American Merchants Association

 

Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $7.2 Million for Residential Step-Down Housing in New York City

 

Application Sought to Develop 60 Units of Housing Offering Recovery-Oriented 'Step-Down' Services After Inpatient Hospitalization

Units to Support Work of Mobile Services and Transition to Home Units; Serve Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Living on the Streets and Subway System

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $7.2 million to develop short-term transitional residences in New York City to help formerly unhoused individuals make the transition from inpatient care into units with services that are designed to foster living in independent settings. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health, the state funding will help establish four Community Residential Step-Down programs and a total of 60 units of housing to serve individuals living with mental illness on the streets or in the subway system.

"No New Yorker should be left to reside in the subway system or on the streets, especially not vulnerable individuals living with mental illness," Governor Hochul said. "These new housing facilities will provide unhoused individuals with access to services they can rely on to ensure they have the skills to live successfully and independently."

The Community Residential Step-Down programs will be established at four locations in New York City, and each include 15 units of transitional housing with associated mental health services. Individuals admitted to this program will be connected to wraparound, mobile services designed to address their mental health needs and other supports necessary for them to transition into successful community living and permanent housing.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "This new step-down residential program will help people living with mental illness who had been homeless transition to safe and stable long-term housing. The program is an important transitional step between inpatient care and the independent living provided by supportive housing and other community-based housing options."

These programs will be a vital component of the continuum of care for unhoused New York City residents with mental illness and complement the Transition to Home units, the psychiatric center-based inpatient treatment program established earlier this year. The first Transition to Home unit opened at the Manhattan Psychiatric Center last month, with a second expected to come online early next year.

Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other clinical and non-clinical personnel, the Transition to Home units are aimed at providing an intensive focus on life management skills for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. These facilities will help patients to gain functional skills, and work with other agencies to enhance engagement in their mental health care.

Patients being discharged from the intensive inpatient facility will be able to utilize the Community Residential Step-Down programs for transitional, short-term residence and to further develop the support and skills needed to move to more independent housing. Individuals will also receive help securing benefits and community-based services to ensure long-term success and recovery.

Individuals utilizing the new residential step-down programs will also receive assistance from other OMH-supported services, including the Safe Options Support teams, Assertive Community Treatment teams or Intensive Mobile Treatment teams. These teams also provide services and support to unhoused individuals living on the street, in transportation hubs, safe havens, drop-in centers and homeless shelters.

The Office of Mental Health will provide operating funding for the four Residential Step-Down programs, in addition to capital funding once sites are identified. Today's announcement builds on other efforts to provide safe housing to unhoused individuals living on the street and in the subway system in New York City.

Earlier this week, Governor Hochul announced the availability of up to $16 million in annual state funding through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative to operate 500 units of scattered-site housing with support services. These units will take referrals from the city's Safe Options Support teams with a goal of placing unhoused individuals into housing where they can live in an independent setting and fully integrate into their communities.

Bronx Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Using Illegal Gun To Shoot Two Victims

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BATISE BOYCE was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.  BOYCE pled guilty on September 8, 2022, to one count of possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony and one count of possessing a firearm in a school zone.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “This sentence demonstrates the importance and success of the Triggerlock program in bringing together state, local, and federal law enforcement to ensure that repeat firearm offenders receive appropriate sentences for their crimes.  I greatly appreciate our law enforcement partners as they work with us to ensure that deadly firearms and violent offenders stay off the streets of our communities.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment and statements made during court proceedings and filings:

BOYCE, 45, of the Bronx, New York, possessed an illegal semiautomatic handgun from at least August 2, 2020, until November 6, 2020, when he was arrested with the gun by officers of the New York City Police Department.  Prior to possessing the gun, BOYCE had been convicted of at least six prior felonies, including robbery, an assault with a firearm, and a slashing attack with a knife.  On August 2, 2020, BOYCE used the gun to shoot a victim in the head, although the victim fortunately survived.  The next night, during an argument, BOYCE struck a second victim in the face with the gun, causing him to bleed, then shot the victim in the back as he attempted to walk away.  One of the victim’s legs was amputated as a result.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department.