Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - AUGUST 14, 2021

 

46,441 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours 

13 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19. 

"The Delta variant is a very serious threat, especially for people who are still unvaccinated," Governor Cuomo said. "We've made great progress considering where we were when COVID first ambushed our state, but if we want to defeat this virus, it is imperative that every New Yorker takes the vaccine. Every shot in the arm brings us closer to victory, so if you haven't yet, I urge you to come to one of our many sites and get vaccinated - for your own safety and for everyone you love."   

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 152,641
• Total Positive - 4,474
• Percent Positive - 2.93%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.09%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,654 (+93)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 295
• Patients in ICU - 347 (+49)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 132 (+10)
• Total Discharges - 188,748 (+205)
• Deaths - 13
• Total Deaths - 43,229
• Total vaccine doses administered - 22,858,154
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 46,441
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 309,661
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 74.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 68.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 69.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 62.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 56.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 65.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 58.2%

High-Ranking Member Of MS-13 Sentenced To More Than 9 Years In Prison For Racketeering And Narcotics Offenses

 

Prior to His Arrest, Jaime Santana, a/k/a “Smiley,” Was the Highest Ranking Non-Incarcerated Member of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13 in the U.S.

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JAIME SANTANA, a/k/a “Smiley,” a high-ranking member of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick to 110 months in prison.  SANTANA previously pled guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy, and participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. 

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Jaime Santana, a leader of the L.A. Program of MS-13, trafficked in weapons and cocaine and helped plan a cross-border methamphetamine distribution network.  Santana was also party to an extortion in which he and others threatened to murder the victim.  Thanks to our partners at HSI and the NYPD, Santana was arrested, convicted, and has now been sentenced to prison for his crimes.”

According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:

SANTANA is a member of MS-13, a transnational racketeering enterprise that operates throughout North and Central America, including in El Salvador, Mexico, New York, California, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.  In order to enrich the enterprise, protect and expand its criminal operations, enforce discipline among its members, and retaliate against members of rival gangs, members and associates of MS-13 committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine, and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

MS-13 is organized into chapters called “cliques.”  Groups of cliques, in turn, are aligned as “programs.”  Each program is governed by a group of senior gang leaders known as the “table.”  SANTANA is a high-ranking member of the table of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13.

In July and September 2019, SANTANA sold a 9mm handgun, a .40 caliber handgun, a .45 caliber handgun, boxes of ammunition, and cocaine to individuals working at the direction of law enforcement.

Furthermore, in the summer and fall of 2019, SANTANA was involved, with other high-ranking members of MS-13, in planning for the establishment of a methamphetamine distribution network that started in Mexico and operated throughout the United States, including North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Tennessee.

In addition, in September 2019, SANTANA and other senior members of MS-13 conspired to extort another gang member, who was told that he either had to repay money or be “green lit” (i.e., killed) for introducing a “bad connection” who supplied poor quality narcotics to the gang.           

In addition to the prison term, Judge Broderick sentenced SANTANA, 41, of Galatin, Tennessee, to five years of supervised release.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES STATEN ISLAND FERRY SERVICE FULLY RESTORED ON MONDAY

 

As ridership climbs, 24/7 half-hour departures return

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman, and Borough President James Oddo announced today that the full restoration of round-the-clock 30-minute Staten Island Ferry service is to take effect as scheduled on Monday, August 16, 2021. In 2019, the free Staten Island Ferry moved 70,000 passengers on weekdays and 22 million people a year. 

 

“The Staten Island Ferry knits this city together, and the return of 24/7 half-hour service is a sure sign that a recovery for all of us is underway,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “No matter when you go to work, visit family and friends, or enjoy a night out in the greatest city in the world, you deserve fast, frequent, and reliable ferry service. That’s what we’re proud to deliver today.”

 

“Staten Islanders depend on the ferry for free and reliable service to Manhattan, and the return of full overnight service will make these two boroughs accessible for every New Yorker who calls them home,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “I’m grateful to every elected official, advocate, and City worker who made this restoration possible, and I look forward to full service starting on Monday.”

 

“I am pleased that full overnight service will return to the Staten Island Ferry on Monday, all thanks to the Mayor’s and Borough President’s commitment to getting us back to normal," said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Staten Islanders and their elected officials have made it very clear how frequent service is critical to their quality of life -- and we are once again happy to oblige in bringing back service every half hour on one of New York City’s great commutes.” 

 

“Local Law 88 of 2013 lives! Years ago when in the City Council I fought hard to get this legislation enacted to compel increased Staten Island Ferry service. To his credit, early in his tenure Mayor de Blasio knew providing this level of service was the right thing and he fully funded it," said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. "Staten Island lived up to its responsibility during the economic difficulties brought upon by Covid and we accepted the reduction in service. But as the Mayor has made clear, we are in a 'Recovery for all' and that means helping all those essential workers and Staten Islanders who work outside of the typical 9-5 schedule. Local Law 88 of 2013 and 24/7/365 half hour service lives!"

 

The new service schedule’s additional trips will all originate from both St. George Ferry Terminal and Whitehall Ferry Terminals, starting with the first restored trip at 11:30 p.m. from St. George on August 15. The remaining 13 restored trips will depart St. George at 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and then 11:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on weekends. Each of these trips has a return run, one half hour later, out of Whitehall Terminal for a total of 28 runs.

 

DOT has hired and trained new personnel required for these additional trips since the restoration was announced in June.

 

On Staten Island, riders can get to the St. George Terminal using the following MTA/NYCT bus lines: S40 Howland Hook; S42 Clyde Place; S44 Staten Island Mall; S46 West Shore Plaza; S48 Mariners Harbor; S51 Grant City; S52 S.I. Univ. Hospital; S61 Staten Island Mall; S62 Travis; S66 Port Richmond; S74 Tottenville; S76 Oakwood Beach; S78 Tottenville; S81 Grant City (Limited); S84 Tottenville (Limited); S86 Oakwood Beach (Limited); S90 Howland Hook (Limited); S91 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S92 Travis (Limited); S94 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S96 Mariners Harbor (Limited); and S98 Mariners Harbor (Limited).

 

In Manhattan, riders can get to the Whitehall Terminal using the M5, M15, M15SBS, M20 bus service lines, and the R train to Whitehall Street Station, the 1 train to South Ferry Station, the 4 and 5 train to Bowling Green Station, and the J and Z train to Broad Street Station.

 

Cars, motorcycles and trucks are no longer allowed on the ferries. Travel time between Whitehall and Saint George terminals and vice versa is approximately 25 minutes. For more information visit nyc.gov/siferry, and for updates, please check nyc.gov/dot or contact 311.

 

“I’m thrilled that we can get back some normalcy in our commuting life. Many Staten Islanders are some of our most dedicated public servants, and with that comes untraditional hours. I hope this brings them a great sense of relief,” said Senator Diane Savino.

 

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Enacting the "Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act"

 

Legislation Allows for the State to Finance the Acquisition and/or Conversion of Distressed Hotels and Commercial Office Properties by Nonprofit Organizations to Increase Affordable Housing

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.5257C/A.6593B), enacting the "Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act," which provides a mechanism for the state to finance the acquisition and/or conversion of distressed hotels and/or commercial office properties by the appropriate nonprofit organizations for the purpose of maintaining or increasing affordable housing

"Putting empty buildings together with those in need of housing is common sense - there's no better way to revamp unused structures than to turn them into thriving, safe, comfortable homes," Governor Cuomo said. "Providing affordable housing to communities not only serves those living in the homes, but the communities around them. We look forward to all that HONDA will do to serve the people of New York and I am proud to sign it into law."

Housing created through HONDA will provide affordable permanent housing that meets safety, habitability and quality standards while also providing inhabitants access to supportive services.

Attorney General James Statement on Earthquake in Haiti

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement on the earthquake in Haiti: 

“The situation unfolding in Haiti right now is devastating and deeply concerning. Over the past few weeks, the Haitian people have endured so much pain and suffering, and today, they have been rocked by yet another disaster. We must do all we can to support the Haitian people both in the immediate aftermath of this earthquake and in the months to come. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and our Haitian communities here in New York.”

144 Days and Counting - Segregation is alive and well under Mayor de Blasio

 

As your mayor I want to dispel those rumors that the Department of Education is promoting segregation. It is just a coincidence that the lowest performing schools in New York City are those with Black and Brown students in the Bronx public schools. 

I also want to dispel the rumor that our homecoming events are also a form of segregation. One must have a valid vaccination card showing at least one vaccination shot was administered, or proof that one can not take the vaccine, and has a 72 hour letter stating that they are negative for the virus. 

It is not my fault that the Black and Brown communities, especially in the Bronx have the lowest vaccination rate in the city. It is the fault of the outgoing governor who did not give the city adequate supplies of vaccine for the outer boroughs, especially the Bronx. 

If elected governor I vow to return the name Tapan Zee to the bridge now named the Mario Cuomo Bridge.  

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: NYC HOMECOMING WEEK KICKS OFF WITH OVER 100 ARTS & CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS, AUGUST 14-22

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This proves by mandating a person must have a vaccination that segregation is alive and well under Mayor Bill de Blasio. It is the Black and Brown people who have the lowest vaccination rates in the city. 

In accordance with City of New York requirements:

●       Attendees who are age 12 or over must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter an NYC Homecoming Week Concert or Film Screening. Proof of vaccination includes at least one dose of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac.

●       Unvaccinated minors under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult to enter an NYC Homecoming Week Concert or Film Screening. The vaccinated adult must present proof of at least one dose of a Food and Drug Administration or World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac. Unvaccinated minors under the age of 12 must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test:

PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS STATEMENT ON THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI

 

"The people of Haiti, who have already suffered so much pain and trauma in the last weeks, months and years, are once again reeling in the wake of a devastating natural disaster. My appreciation and respect for the Haitian people and culture runs as deep as the diaspora's roots here in New York City. I offer my prayers for peace and comfort to the families of those who have lost their lives, and to everyone in Les Cayes, in Jeremie, on the island and throughout the diaspora still waiting for information on their loved ones as so many lives and livelihoods have been destroyed.

"Together with our prayers, we must provide sustained support. In the past, people  and nations have rushed to Haiti's aid in the immediate moment of crisis, when the headlines are fresh and the cameras are present, only to abandon them in the aftermath and invite future crises. Just five weeks ago the President of Haiti was assassinated, and while that upheaval is ongoing, the world's attention has not been. This cycle cannot continue. We must come together today, yes, but stay together through recovery and rebuilding. L'Union fait la force."