Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JUNE 17, 2022

 

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

13 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

 NOTE: Updates to the CDC's cumulative death data files were paused starting June 6, 2022, while the CDC upgrades its system. Reporting is expected to resume on June 21, 2022. Any questions about this should be directed to the CDC. During this time, total deaths and new daily deaths reported through HERDS will continue as normal. 

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

"New Yorkers should continue making use of the resources we have at our disposal to fight COVID-19 and keep each other safe and well," Governor Hochul said. "This includes staying up to date on vaccination doses and getting tested before traveling, congregating with family, or when you feel sick. After the CDC issues a final recommendation on COVID vaccines for children under five, I encourage parents and guardians to talk with their pediatricians about getting their young ones vaccinated." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:     

• Cases Per 100k - 26.49  
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 24.98 
• Test Results Reported - 93,066
• Total Positive - 5,176
• Percent Positive - 5.12%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.48%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,842 (-42)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 313
• Patients in ICU - 211 (0)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 76 (-3) 
• Total Discharges - 312,587 (+345)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 13
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 56,375  

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 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 (HHS) 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 - 71,670         

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 - 39,187,184
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 16,212  
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 103,990
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 84.2%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 87.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 82.3%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.6% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.9%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 77.6%        

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, June 14, 2022	Wednesday, June 15, 2022	Thursday, June 16, 2022
Bronx	3.85%	3.81%	3.89%
Kings	4.58%	4.89%	4.88%
New York	5.39%	5.38%	5.43%
Queens	5.82%	5.63%	5.70%
Richmond	6.02%	5.67%	5.65%

BRONX MAN INDICTED AS MAJOR TRAFFICKER; NEARLY 29 POUNDS OF HEROIN AND SOME FENTANYL WERE RECOVERED IN HIS HOME

 

Drugs Were Hidden Behind a Light Fixture; More Recovered from His Car 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for Operating as a Major Trafficker and additional charges after investigators found heroin and fentanyl in his home, with an estimated street value of about $1 million dollars.

 District Attorney Clark said, “Heroin and fentanyl are killing New Yorkers and destroying our communities. Getting these deadly and highly addictive drugs off the streets, along with holding accountable the people who care nothing about getting Bronxites hooked, is how we fight back and reclaim our community. The defendant allegedly stashed over 28 pounds of drugs in his home and vehicle, which will not get in the hands of drug dealers or users thanks to our law enforcement partners in the New York Strike Force, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Carlos Munoz, 43, of 1908 Barnes Avenue, in the Van Nest section of the Bronx, was arraigned today on Operating as a Major Trafficker, two counts of first-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, second degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, three counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, and three counts of seventhdegree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was set at $750,000 cash/$750,000 bond/$750,000 partially secured bond. The defendant is due back in court on September 13, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on May 12, 2022, at the defendant’s home, investigators allegedly recovered approximately 13 kilograms of heroin and approximately 300 grams of fentanyl which were hidden behind the ceiling drywall, behind a light fixture in the bathroom. Investigators also allegedly found a 400-lb kilo press, hydraulics to operate the press, a grinder, and a stamp. Two hundred glassine envelopes and an additional 150 grams of heroin were also allegedly recovered from the defendant’s vehicle, which was found with the help of a narcotics-detecting dog.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Nelson Pabon and NYPD Sergeant Ryan Boylan of the New York Strike Force, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force for their work in the investigation. 

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Attorney General James Announces Election Protection Hotline Ahead of Early Voting Period

 

OAG Will Troubleshoot Voting Issues During Early Voting and on Election Day  

Voters Experiencing Problems Can Call (866) 390-2992, 

Submit Complaints Online, or Email election.hotline@ag.ny.gov 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will make its Election Protection Hotline available for the upcoming June 28, 2022 election and during New York’s early voting period, which runs from Saturday, June 18 until Sunday, June 26. The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including voting by absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 crisis or in-person at their polling place. Voters that experience problems can report issues to OAG by calling the new hotline number at (866) 390-2992, submitting complaints online, or emailing election.hotline@ag.ny.gov. The OAG also created a guide to address frequently asked questions to assist voters. 

“As states throughout the country try to strip communities of their fundamental right to vote, we are continuing to make sure that the polls remain accessible for voters across New York,” said Attorney General James. “For years, New Yorkers have relied on our election protection hotline to address any challenges they face across the state and to provide guidance for those casting a ballot. My office remains committed to ensuring that New Yorkers are able to participate fully and meaningfully in the electoral process.”

Attorney General James urges voters experiencing problems to call OAG’s new hotline at (866) 390-2992, submit complaints online, or email election.hotline@ag.ny.gov to request election-related assistance in advance of the election. The hotline and digital forms are accessible in multiple languages. The telephone hotline will be open at any time between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 18 through Sunday, June 26, and between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday, June 28 (Election Day). Written requests for election-related assistance may be submitted at any time through the online complaint form. Hotline calls and written requests for election-related assistance are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.

The OAG has operated its Election Protection Hotline since November 2012. During previous elections, OAG fielded hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of complaints from voters across the state and worked with local election officials and others to address issues. The OAG has also taken legal action to protect against voter registration purges and to ensure that voters have adequate and equitable access to vote early as required under the law. 

Attorney General James reminds all registered voters that they have the right to accessible elections. In addition, all registered voters have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation, whether by election officials or any other person.  

The OAG will receive and respond to election complaints relating to any of the statutes that OAG enforces. 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More Please view/allow images in your email program so you don't miss a thing!

Having trouble viewing the content? Click here to view as webpage

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Juneteenth Celebration& Reflection MTA Bus Network Redesign Implementation Hunts Point Forward Plan Released, backed by $40M NYC investment New York & New Jersey selected as 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City Mayor Adams Releases Housing Our Neighbors Plan Legislation FY23 NYC Budget Passed NYC Chambers Advocate for Additional Fire Department Staffing Upcoming Events Member Spotlight New York Botanical Garden, Juneteenth Event JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION & REFLECTION The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined Mayor Eric Adams and leaders from the black and African American community for a celebration and reflection on Juneteenth - a day of reflection taking place on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas. "Juneteenth is a very important day in our nation's lived history," said Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. " It is the day we celebrate the end of slavery, the day we memorialize those who offered us hope for the future and the day when we renew our commitment to the struggle for freedom. It is also a day where we remember there is still much to do. The Chamber commits ourselves to fighting for what is right and just everyday." MTA BUS NETWORK REDESIGN IMPLEMENTED New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber today announced a new collaborative effort to tangibly improve transit service for New Yorkers, with an emphasis on advancing critical projects to make buses faster, more accessible, and integrated with other transportation options. The new improvements to overall transit system are the result of the first Transit Improvement Summit, a new quarterly effort from the city and the MTA to foster collaboration and continue delivering quality public transit for New Yorkers and visitors. It also builds on a successful partnership between the city and the MTA to promote public safety in the subway and provide services for New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This initiative aims to comprehensively modernize New York City’s bus network and improve bus service in each borough. These projects are a rare opportunity to take a fresh look at the bus network.  The Bus Network Redesign Plan includes: Joint Effort Will Bring Faster, More Reliable Bus Service, 150 Miles of New and Enhanced Bus Lanes, Busways Over Four Years Technology Improvements Will Enhance Bus Lane Enforcement and Transit Signal Priority to Speed Up Buses MTA Commits $200 Million to Expand Countdown Clocks, Upgrade Public Announcement Systems in Over 70 Subway Stations City, MTA Reaffirm Collaboration on Subway Safety and Quality-of-Life Improvements To learn how this plan impacts the Bronx, please Click HERE. HUNTS POINT FORWARD PLAN RELEASED WITH $40M COMMITMENT FROM CITY HALL The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined Mayor Eric Adams, community and elected leaders for the release of Hunts Point Forward a comprehensive plan to create economic opportunity and improve quality of life for New Yorkers in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the South Bronx. Backed by an initial $40 million commitment from Mayor Adams, the plan outlines a 15-year vision shared by the city and the community with more than 70 short- and long-term recommendations for creating family-sustaining jobs, improving public safety, enhancing community health and access to healthy food, promoting environmental justice, and delivering upgrades to open space, transportation, and other key community infrastructure. Key recommendations in the plan include: Making the neighborhood safer by improving street lighting and redesigning key streets and intersections for street safety; Connecting Hunts Point residents to local industrial jobs through a variety of workforce development strategies, including a partnership between the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Food Distribution Center tenants to broaden access to open positions; Increasing access to affordable fresh produce through youth-run farm stands and a new grocery store in The Peninsula redevelopment; Expanding health care access through pop-up health clinics and screenings, as well as a permanent health care facility in The Peninsula redevelopment project; Making the neighborhood a model of industrial sustainability and resiliency, while addressing decades of environmental injustices, by continuing to invest in facilities within the Food Distribution Center that are vulnerable to climate change, identifying the next phase of resiliency investments, and continuing to advocate for funding to redevelop the produce market into a modern facility; Closing the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, an 800-bed jail barge, and starting a community engagement process to repurpose the adjoining city-owned parking lot; and Expanding open space and enhancing area parks and green spaces, including expanding access to Barretto Point Park. NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY SELECTED TO HOST 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy celebrated FIFA’s announcement that New York/New Jersey has been selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Mayor Adams and Governor Murphy led a watch party at Liberty State Park joined by soccer fans, players and supporters at all levels of the game to celebrate the momentous occasion. Celebrations are expected to reverberate throughout the region as New York City Hall, the Empire State Building and other iconic landmarks and stadiums across all five New York City boroughs and the State of New Jersey light up with messages of celebration. New York City and New Jersey submitted a joint bid to host matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. In addition to matches played at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey will host FIFA Fan Fest sites around the region. The proposed training facilities are at Rutgers University, The Pingry School, Kean University, Red Bull Football Club Training Facility, and the New York City Football Club Training Facility. The U.S. last hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup™ in 1994, when Giants Stadium played host to seven games, including a quarterfinal and semifinal match. Giants Stadium also hosted the opening match for the women’s FIFA World Cup in 1999. NYC HOUSING OUR NEIGHBORS PLAN RELEASED New York City Mayor Eric Adams released Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness, his comprehensive blueprint to tackle New York City's affordable housing crisis and get New Yorkers in the safe, high-quality, affordable homes they deserve. Crafted in direct collaboration and coordination with New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness, Mayor Adams' plan represents the first city housing plan to build on the creation and preservation of affordable housing with transformative reforms for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) as well as the elimination of paperwork and processes that retraumatize New Yorkers and families as they find a home they can afford. The blueprint is the result of an extensive stakeholder, industry, and community engagement process, which, for the first time, included direct engagement with New Yorkers who are experiencing or having experienced homelessness, and outlines major steps the Adams administration will take to: Significantly expand affordable homeownership opportunities and help communities build and maintain wealth; Accelerate the creation of supportive housing by completing the 15,000 supportive homes promised by 2030 two years ahead of schedule; Transform NYCHA by both delivering much-needed resources for repairs and improving and streamlining the services NYCHA provides residents and the processes by which they do so; Break down government siloes to bolster transparency and address the full scope of the homelessness crisis, adding to the city's homeless count while creating a more even playing field to give more New Yorkers in all the city's shelter systems access to critical services and resources; and Get New Yorkers into safe, high-quality, affordable homes faster and without forcing them to relive past trauma by eliminating unnecessary paperwork and obstacles to obtaining housing. FY23 NEW YORK CITY BUDGET PASSED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Finance Committee Chair Justin Brannan and Members of the New York City Council voted to adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget. This first budget under Speaker Adams and a new Council class reflects the Council’s commitment and vision to increase its budgetary power to hold agencies accountable, while securing a Council record of funding priorities during city budget negotiations to invest in communities for key programs and services. The adopted FY 2023 budget includes many of the Council priorities to invest in communities to make New Yorkers safer. These include expansions of key youth programs, increased city funding for schools, expansion of housing access programs, a property tax rebate for working and middle class homeowners, funding for parks and sanitation services, and investments in community safety programs. This includes the creation of a new Speaker’s initiative, the Community Safety and Victim Services Initiative. For the New York City Schedule C - for Discretionary Funding, Click HERE For the New York City Capital Allocations, Click HERE CHAMBER JOINS NYC LEADERS TO ADVOCATE FOR INCREASED FDNY RESOURCES The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined business and civic organizations from throughout New York City in advocating for increased resources for the Fire Department of the City of New York. The letter, sent to Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adams encourages expedited approval for increased staffing at the Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention (the Bureau) for the purposes of dedicating more staff to fire alarm plan review and inspection processes. The Bureau of Fire Prevention plays an essential role in the well-being of New Yorkers by reviewing and regulating building equipment that poses a fire hazard or is designed to prevent fires. Moreover, the Bureau is responsible for inspecting the installation of all the covered equipment to ensure safety and compliance, a task that continues to evolve as New York’s 1.1 million buildings adapt and install new technologies. This is a critical life-safety function that is vital to the health and safety of all New Yorkers. Bronx Chamber Signature Event Tuesday June 21 (all day event) Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, Bronx NY Bronx Chamber Annual Golf Outing - Signature Event Join us for fun, networking and fundraising at this can't-miss Bronx Chamber Signature Event! This year we will honor Michael Gilfeather, President & CEO of Orange Bank and Trust Co. Click HERE for Sponsorship packages, foursome, & dinner ticket details. For more information, email dolores@bronxchamber.org Upcoming Events Tuesday, June 21 from 10:30am to 1:00pm Alcohol Training & Awareness Workshop Join the Throggs Neck Community Partnership for a two hour training on State Liquor Authority policies, COVID-19 updates and more. You must register for this virtual workshop. Click HERE To Register