Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Governor Cuomo Announces Four States Added to Travel Advisory Requiring 14-Day Quarantines

 

Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia Meet Metrics to Qualify for Travel Advisory; Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Are Removed

0.96 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive; 32 Straight Days with Infection Rate Below 1 Percent

5 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

SLA and State Police Task Force Visits 929 Establishments; Observes 8 Establishments Not in Compliance

Confirms 557 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 440,578; New Cases in 40 Counties

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced four additional states—Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia—meet the metrics to qualify for New York State's COVID-19 travel advisory. Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands have been removed. The advisory requires individuals who have traveled to New York from areas with significant community spread to quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine applies to any person arriving from an area with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or an area with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

New York State's COVID-19 infection rate has been below 1 percent for 32 straight days. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

"Individuals coming from other states continue to be a problem, and today we're adding four more states to New York's travel advisory. We now have 35 high-risk states in this country, which is incredible," Governor Cuomo said. "We're entering a new, different post-Labor Day phase. After Labor Day, people start to get back to work, schools are opening, activity is increasing, colleges are opening, you see traffic starting to increase. So we have to keep that in mind as we move forward and we need to remain vigilant and smart so that we don't backslide."

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 929 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 8 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. A county breakdown of yesterday's observed violations is below:

  • Bronx - 1
  • Manhattan - 1
  • Queens - 2
  • Nassau - 4

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Patient Hospitalization - 445 (+32)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 70
  • Hospital Counties - 33
  • Number ICU - 114 (-1)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 52 (-5)
  • Total Discharges - 75,503 (+32)
  • Deaths - 5
  • Total Deaths - 25,367

Mayor de Blasio talks with Schools Chancellor Carranza, and Updates on COVID-19 Numbers

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Well, good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend. I hope you had a chance to relax. We had beautiful weather and hopefully everyone got a well-deserved break after everything we've been through. And look, I want to talk today about the ways we to keep ourselves safe, going forward, and that means being really smart about folks who are returning from some of the states where there's a real challenge with the coronavirus, where folks have to quarantine when they come back here in New York City, whether they're folks who don't live here or folks returning from visiting family or whatever it may be. We're going to talk about that in a moment, because I really want people to focus on that reality at this crucial moment. We're going into the fall. We have to really consolidate our gains in fighting this disease.

 

I'll come to that in a moment, but first let me talk about this weekend in another perspective. Look, this weekend that we just had, usually, in addition to all the other family celebrations and folks enjoying the last weekend – in a lot of ways, we feel, the last big weekend of summer. One of the high points each year is the celebration of Caribbean culture, the parade on Eastern Parkway and the J’Ouvert celebration. This year, we had a very different situation. There was not going to be the big events. It was very important, in fact, to protect people's health and safety and not have those big events and have a clear message to the community that health and safety comes first. And that's exactly what the leaders and members of the community did. You see here pictures of members of the so-called God Squad, an amazing group of clergy and community activists who go out into communities in Central Brooklyn to preach peace and to help avoid conflict. They do amazing work. I want to thank all the members of the God Squad. I want to thank all the community-based organizations that were out over the last few days, keeping the peace in central Brooklyn, the elected officials, the clergy, the Cure Violence movement and the Crisis Management System. And, of course, the men and women of the NYPD were out as well and working closely with community members and community leaders. And that was the key to this weekend. So, a situation where there was a lot of concern given everything that had happened, but, in the end, people did a great job on the ground. We had one incident – and it was a very troubling incident where one individual shot five people in Crown Heights in the early morning hours, Monday. One of those people was a six-year-old boy, and that's deeply troubling. Thank God, none have life-threatening injuries. But except for that incident, overwhelmingly, we had a peaceful weekend in central Brooklyn and it really is because of the hard work of everyone. So, thank you to the community. Thank you to the NYPD. Thank you to everyone for working together in these trying times to protect the peace.

 

Now, back to the question of how we protect ourselves going forward. So, we're going into the fall, a lot more activity expected, and we have a lot of challenges to face right here in New York City in terms of beating back the coronavirus. But we know travel – all over the world, all over this country, we've seen travel is a crucial part of the equation and being smart about restrictions on people who travel is one of the keys to fighting the coronavirus. So, I want to make sure if you're one of those folks listening to my voice now, or friends, family, coworkers, anyone in your life, if they've come back from one of those 33 states and territories up on the screen now – if you're coming back from one of those 33 States or territories, you’ve got to quarantine for two weeks. It is the smart thing to do. It's the safe thing to do. It will keep you and your family and your community safe, and it is the law. So, again, whether you're a New Yorker coming back, or whether you're someone visiting either coming from one of those 33 places, you have to quarantine. Now, we are doing more and more to make sure people understand that – more and more activity at airports, at highways, bridges, tunnels, you name it. But here's another new piece – and the Sheriff's Office has done an outstanding job. I want to thank Sheriff Joe Fucito and his whole team. They have a new approach at the Port Authority bus terminal, where they will be pulling over buses before they arrive. And this is buses that are coming specifically from states with a high rate of COVID. And they'll be giving out those traveler health forums to get people right away to sign up so we can make sure they quarantine. So, the officers are literally be going on the buses, talking to the passengers, giving out those forms, making sure that people fill them out. This is so important to keeping us safe. Now, again, expect a lot more activity economically going into the fall, school's opening, we are keeping a close eye also, of course, on the flu season – a lot going on. We have to get this part about travelers right. So, again, thanks to the Sheriff's Office and thanks to all of the agencies and all the travel companies that are helping us with this, because they understand how important this quarantine is as well.

 

Okay, well, as we talk about the fall coming back and school coming back, obviously the particularly crucial piece of the life of this city, this is a time where we see so much happening to get ready for the school year. You have educators going back today to their schools, getting ready for the school year. But throughout these last weeks, in fact, going all the way back to June, you've seen hardworking folks getting the school buildings ready, whether they're folks from Department of Education, school facilities, School Construction Authority, the custodial teams in each school – everyone's been working hard, they've been working nonstop. And now, the ventilation inspections we've talked about over the last few days, they've been completed for all 1,485 public school buildings. Again, 1,485 buildings fully inspected. And that includes 64,550 classrooms. And what we can say today is 96 percent of those classrooms have passed and are ready to go. Work will continue on the classrooms that need a little more to be done before school opens. There's time, obviously, to make the improvements before school. And this morning, we will put the inspection data up on the Department of Education website, so you can see exactly what's going on in your school. And again, I'm going to affirm what the Chancellor and I have said many times, if any classroom is not ready, it will not be used. It would only be used when it's ready. But, thank God, the overwhelming majority of classrooms are ready right now.

 

So, as we've said, this is all about health and safety first. The approach we're going to take to reopening our schools is to be there for our kids, be there for our families, give them what they need, but always do it from the perspective of health and safety first. Here to talk to you about these inspections and all the work that's being done to get school ready, our Chancellor Richard Carranza.

 

Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me just say that September is my favorite time of the year. And you can feel that energy of the new school year and getting it going again. No doubt this year will be very different in so many ways, but I know that today educators, students, and families across the city are getting ready for the school year to begin and across the city teachers and staff and principals are in their buildings, bringing those buildings to life. We've been busy in buildings as well. We've completed ventilation inspections in every single New York City public school building. And because – and you've heard us say this – the Mayor and I say this before – health and safety comes first, always. Today, we are not only telling our families that, but showing them that fact. Every family will be able to see the results of the inspections that we have done in their child's school. Just visit schools.nyc.gov and you'll be able to see the list for each school.

 

Here's what we found overall. Of over 64,000 classrooms surveyed, we found that the ventilation is 96 percent in good working order, in 96 percent of those classrooms. Where we need to take a little more action on the ventilation issues, we are. And, in fact, repairs are being completed on an aggressive timeline. In fact, many buildings that were surveyed – remember, that was just a moment in time have already been fixed. So, rooms in need of repair are safe for one individual, and that's important to understand as well. Any repairs that aren't complete before the first day of full-time teaching and learning will not be used. It's as simple as that. Now that there are 10 buildings that we've identified as needing repairs across the board, we're prioritizing these buildings to get all systems up to par by the 21st of September, meanwhile, staff at those buildings will be temporarily working from home.

 

Look, I've been a teacher, and I've been a principal, and I'm a parent. We're leaving no stone unturned to protect our students and our educators and our families. That's why we're being tremendously aggressive in all of our health and safety protocols from ventilation to face covering, to physical distancing, to nightly cleaning and frequent hand washing and sanitizing. It's why we will reinspect and make all information available to the public as well. These next few days are about getting everything ready for the incredible school year that lies ahead. So, we're happy to have people back in the buildings today, preparing for this new school year.


Mayor Bill de Blasio: Now, let's go over our daily indicators. Okay. Number one, daily number of people admitted to New York City hospitals or suspected COVID-19, threshold is 200 patients – today's report, 56. And the percentage confirmed positive, 11 percent. Number two, new reported cases on a seven-day average, threshold, 550 cases – today's report, 231. And number three, percent of people tested positive citywide for COVID-19, threshold five percent – today's report, 1.49 percent. 

 

SCOTT STRINGER FOR MAYOR KICK-OFF TOUR VISIT THE BRONX - RIVERDALE ONLY

 

Stringer & Sen. Alessandra Biaggi Walked Around Riverdale, Visiting Small Businesses, and Talking to Local Residents

 New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer today launched his campaign for mayor with a kick-off tour starting in Riverdale.
 
Stringer and Sen. Alessandra Biaggi walked through Riverdale, visited small businesses, and talked to local residents about the urgent need to restore leadership to City Hall, kickstart New York City’s economic recovery, and create a city for everyone.
 
Today’s events included stops in the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. Follow-up events are being scheduled for Brooklyn and Staten Island.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It does not surprise us that City Comptroller who endorsed State Senator Biaggi in 2018 working the Riverdale area, and standing outside one Riverdale pole site for then candidate Alessandra Biaggi. It should be noted that in 2018 City Council Speaker Cory Johnson also campaigned in Riverdale for then candidate Alessandra Biaggi.

It seems that like State Senator Biaggi, Mayoral candidate Scott Stringer thinks the Bronx only consists of Riverdale, where Stringer's mother lives.


Scott Stringer on Primary day 2018 outside the Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy, (the largest poll site in Riverdale) chatting with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Dinowitz was giving out palm cards for State Senator Jeff Klein, while Stringer was giving out palm cards for then senate candidate Alessandra Biaggi.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr - DOES THE EMPEROR HAVE NEW CLOTHES?

 

What You Should Know
By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz

You should know that African-American State Senator Jamaal Bailey is emerging as the next Democratic Party Chairman in Bronx County, replacing Assemblyman Marcos Crespo who resigned leaving politics to work in the private sector.


You should also know that political leaders such as Congressman Adriano Espaillat, State Assemblywoman Natalia Fernández, and Assemblyman Víctor Pichardo among others, have publicly expressed their opposition to Jamaal Bailey, claiming that said position should be filled by a member of the Hispanic community.


My dear reader it is important for you to know, that the congressional seat for District # 15 in Bronx County, based on its Hispanic demographics, has been held by Latinos for almost 50 years. This seat was first occupied by Herman Badillo, then Roberto Garcia, and for the last 30 years has been held by Jose Serrano.


During this past Democratic Primary elections, held in June of this year, there were several Hispanic candidates vying to fill said position. In addition to myself, were Puerto Rican, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Richie Torres, the Dominican Ydanis Rodríguez, and Samelis López, among others.


On that occasion, Assemblywoman Natalia Fernández and Assemblyman Víctor Pichardo were heading those, who seemed to have forgotten the Latino Demographics of the 15th Congressional District, and publicly endorsed, the African-American, Assemblyman Michael Blake. They not only ignored that this congressional seat has a trajectory of being held by a member of the Hispanic Community, but they went against the people’s right to have a congress member that is representative of the areas Latino population.


If they could not support my candidacy due to my anti-abortion and anti same-sex marriage positions, they could have supported Richie Torres, Viverito, Ydanis or Samelis, but they chose not to, and instead threw their support behind Michael Blake. How disingenuous! What audacity and what nerve they have to say that the "Democratic County Chair" and "Borough President" positions should be occupied by a Hispanic. Simply put they are opportunists. They have the audacity to claim that the Latino community should be represented by a Latino, simply put because one is vying to be Democratic County Chairman and the other aspires to be Bronx Borough President. So now they claim and stand on their Hispanicity! What hypocrisy!


Few years ago, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, demonstrated the same audacity when he, being a Dominican Hispanic, chose to go against his own and threw his support behind Robert Jackson, going against Dominican Senator Marisol Alcantara, he also denied his support for Dominican Senator José Peralta. These two Dominican Senators, Peralta and Alcántara lost their Senate seats.
           

Espaillat also had little interest in defending, protecting or maintaining the unity of his own community, when he threw his support behind Mark Levine, against a fellow Dominican ,Guillermo Linares, denying the Dominican Community from having one of their own as their representative in the City Council. 


At no time did Adriano Espaillat claim Hispanicity to defend them or the Dominican Community. This brings to mind the childhood story entitled "The Emperors New Clothes”. Now Espaillat wants to deceive his community by supposedly putting on “new clothes”. Now he wants to come to the Bronx and present himself as the great virtuous leader in defense of Hispanicity, when he never had the courage or the moral will to defend his own people in his own backyard.  My dear reader this Emperor has no new clothes. 


Jamaal Bailey is a very decent Afro-American Senator, super prepared, dedicated to his community and not looking to be critical of anyone. It is very true that Senator Bailey and I have ideological differences and core beliefs, but I say, “render unto Caesar, what is Caesar’s.” Jamal Bailey’s qualifications are insurmountable when compared to some opportunists who only come out to defend Hispanics when its convenient and beneficial for them personally.


You should know that I bring this to light, not because of what some might say or think that its due to sour grapes. I bring this to light because I am tired and disillusioned with so much hypocrisy. I have decided that from now on I will expose those that are opportunist and who use the Hispanic community only when its personally advantageous for them.


I am Councilman Rev. Rubén Diaz and this is What You Should Know.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This seems to be a rivalry between Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. and Congressman Adriano Espaillat that goes back to when both were in the State Senate, and on different sides on most issues. 

In our coverage of last weeks Norwood 'Food and Mask Giveaway' we mentioned State Senator Jamaal Bailey as the next Bronx County Democratic Leader, and it seems that others now realize that should happen. We have nothing against the others mentioned by Councilman Diaz, but we question Congressman Espaillat's ability to control a Bronx County Democratic organization when the majority of his district is in the borough of Manhattan. 

Assemblywoman Fernandez has announced her intention to run for Bronx Borough President. While currently it is a long shot, should she be elected Bronx Borough President she could not serve as Bronx Democratic County Leader, otherwise our current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, would have been the Democratic County Leader, not former Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. Assemblyman Pichardo in our opinion is not ready to be the Democratic County Leader. 

Two years ago I asked State Senator Bailey if he was ready to become the Bronx Democratic County Leader. His answered that there was a Bronx Democratic County Leader in place, and maybe sometime in the future he would have to give the position some thought. The time is now, and State Senator Bailey has matured quickly in the State Senate and the borough of the Bronx. State Senator Jamaal Bailey should be able to be the leader the Bronx Democratic County organization needs to bring it back to where it should be, while embracing the new dynamics of the current political thinking. 

That is what you need to know.

Senator Bailey Book Bag and Food Giveaway

 

 On the Friday before the Labor Day Holiday State Senator Jamaal Bailey held his Annual Labor Day Barbecue and Book Bag Giveaway. This year however due to COVID-19 Senator Bailey didn't hold a barbecue, but gave away 750 pre-made barbecue meal along with an equal amount of book bags, and other things including an opportunity to fill out the Census 2020 for those who did not fill it out yet. 

Senator Bailey's staff (know as 'The Bailey Bunch'), additional volunteers such as those from the Carpenter Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York (750 Book Bags), Pepsi (750 drinks), Omars Kitchen NYC (750 Barbecue style meals), Montefiore Medical Center, The U.S. Census, and others helped make this a fun day for everyone.



Above -State Senator Jamaal Bailey staffer Kenny Agosto on the megaphone guiding people where to go.

Below - Senator Bailey handed out face masks to everyone.  



Above - The table to pick up your book bag.

Below - The table to pick up your hot meal, then get a beverage with it.

Senator Bailey at the U.S. Census table with the U.S. Census workers.

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 145 DECLARATION EXTENDING LOCAL ST A TE OF EMERGENCY

 

September 5, 2020           

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 

WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York to address the threat that COVID-19 poses to the health and welfare of New York residents and visitors; and 

WHEREAS, Emergency Executive Order No. 98, issued March I 2, 2020 and extended most recently by Emergency Executive Order No. I38, issued August 6, 2020, contains a declaration of a state of emergency in the City of New York due to the threat posed by COVID-19 to the health and welfare of City residents, and such declaration remains in effect; and 

WHEREAS, this Order is given because of the propensity of the virus to spread person-to-person and also because the actions taken to prevent such spread have led to property loss and damage; and 

WHEREAS, measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 may prevent individuals, businesses and other entities from meeting legally imposed deadlines for the filing of certain documents or for the completion of other required actions; and 

WHEREAS, this Order is given in order to ensure that the Governor's orders are enforced; NOW, 

THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency: Section l . I hereby direct that the State of Emergency declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 98, dated March 12, 2020, and extended by subsequent orders, is extended for thirty (30) days. 

§ 2. I hereby direct that sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Emergency Executive Order No. 144, dated August 31, 2020, are extended for five (5) days. 

§ 3. This Order incorporates any and all relevant provisions of Governor Executive Order No. 202 and subsequent orders issued by the Governor of New York State to address the State of Emergency declared in that Order pursuant to his powers under section 29-a of the Executive Law. 

§ 4. I hereby direct the Fire Department of the City of New York, the New York City Police Department, the Department of Buildings, the Sheriff, and other agencies as needed to immediately enforce the directives set forth in this Order in accordance with their lawful enforcement authorities, including but not limited to Administrative Code sections 15-227(a), 28-105.10.1, and 28-201.1, and section I 07.6 of the New York City Fire Code. Violations of the directives set forth in this Order may be issued as if they were violations under the New York City Health Code, title 24 Rules of the City of New York sections 3.07 and 3.11, and may be enforced as such by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or any other agency named in this section. 

§ 5. This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately. The State of Emergency shall remain in effect for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. Additional declarations to extend the State of Emergency for additional periods not to exceed thirty (30) days shall be issued if needed. The remainder of this Order shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date. 

Bill de Blasio, MAYOR


Governor Cuomo Announces One Month with COVID-19 Infection Rate Below 1 Percent

 

0.88 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

2 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

SLA and State Police Task Force Visits 1,064 Establishments; Observes 7 Establishments Not in Compliance

Confirms 520 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 440,021; New Cases in 42 Counties

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced for one month, or 31 days, that New York State's COVID-19 infection rate has remained below 1 percent. Yesterday, 0.88 percent of tests reported to the state were positive. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

"Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, our state has now gone a full month with our COVID infection rate remaining below one percent," Governor Cuomo said. "Our numbers have continued to remain stable even as we reach new milestones in our phased, data-driven reopening. As we close out this Labor Day Weekend, I urge everyone to remain smart so we can continue to celebrate our progress in the weeks and months ahead. It took the work of all of us to get here, and to protect this progress we will need to all continue to wash our hands, wear our masks, remain socially distant and above all, stay New York tough."

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,064 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 7 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. A county breakdown of yesterday's observed violations is below:

  • Brooklyn - 1 
  • Manhattan - 1 
  • Suffolk - 5 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Patient Hospitalization - 413 (+3)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 49
  • Hospital Counties - 33
  • Number ICU - 115 (-4)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 57 (+1)
  • Total Discharges - 75,471 (+46)
  • Deaths - 2
  • Total Deaths - 25,361

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Governor Cuomo and Attorney General James Protect Thousands of Homeowners by Stopping Tax Lien Sale

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James released the following statements regarding the Governor's Executive Order stopping New York City's annual tax and water lien sale in an effort to protect homeowners as the COVID-19 public health crisis continues.

"COVID-19 caused enormous disruption in the daily lives of New Yorkers, including their ability to keep a roof over their head," Governor Cuomo said. "The tax and water lien sale was delayed in May in recognition of this hardship, and given the current economic climate it makes sense to delay it again so that homeowners aren't facing further uncertainty. This measure is part and parcel with our ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers weather the ongoing public health emergency."

"As the economic impacts of COVID-19 rage on, the tax lien sale puts an unnecessary financial burden on New York's homeowners, and especially communities of color," said Attorney General James. "It is the responsibility of government to relieve the financial hardships of the people wherever possible, not exacerbate them. I am proud that my office worked with Governor Cuomo and his team to take immediate action to protect hardworking homeowners during this stressful time."

As New Yorkers are still facing significant financial burdens due to the pandemic, including these homes in the tax lien sale will only exacerbate the economic crisis and result in homeowners — mostly in communities of color — potentially losing their homes during this time.