Governor Hochul Provides Update on State's Response Efforts to Winter Storm Impacting Holiday Travel this Weekend

 

Statewide State of Emergency Now In Effect as Winter Storm Moves Through New York

NYS Thruway (I-90) CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC between Exit 46 (Rochester, I-390) and the Pennsylvania Border; Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and Rainbow Bridge Border Crossings All Closed to All Inbound Traffic

Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans Counties Implement Local Travel Bans, Only Authorized Vehicles Can Travel as Blizzard Conditions Persist in Western New York

More than 110,000 Without Power as of Friday Morning, with 31,000 Outages in Erie County and Nearly 20,000 Outages in Monroe County

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers Avoid Travel Friday and Saturday as Temperatures Drop Across the State Friday, Causing Icy Road Conditions

 Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update to New Yorkers as a winter storm brought significant rain, snow and high winds across the State overnight, and blizzard-like conditions in Western New York. On Thursday, Governor Hochul declared a statewide State of Emergency ahead of the event, which went into effect at 6 a.m. Friday. Governor Hochul advised New Yorkers planning to travel this weekend to reconsider as a significant drop in temperatures Friday afternoon will cause significant flash freezing and icy road conditions.

"This storm has brought a bit of everything we anticipated and there are thousands of our first responders, emergency management personnel and utility crews out working in the elements to keep New Yorkers safe today," Governor Hochul said. "I'm asking everyone to stay off the roads this evening as conditions will worsen when temperatures drop across the state later today. Bundle up, stay indoors, and stay safe this weekend."

Today and continuing into Saturday morning, much of the state is expected to see strong winds up to 60 miles per hour or more as temperatures will drop quickly and significantly, by more than 35 degrees in some regions, causing flash freezing, below zero wind chills and icy road conditions. This has already impacted conditions in Western New York and is expected to impact the rest of the state by this evening's commute. Winds on Friday and Saturday will be strong enough to cause downed trees and power lines. Lakeshore flooding off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario is possible in flood-prone areas due to rain, snowmelt and strong winds.

Tonight and continuing through Monday, lake effect snow will impact the Buffalo and Watertown areas off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and strong winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting snow with near zero visibility and localized blizzard conditions. The Buffalo and Watertown areas could see up to three feet of snow through Sunday night. Below normal, freezing temperatures with low wind chills are expected to persist through Monday for upstate regions.

Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to take all necessary precautions, if traveling this week, and plan ahead for significant weather impacts.  

Multiple Blizzard Warnings, Coastal Flood Warnings, Lakeshore Flood Warnings, High Wind Warnings, Wind Chill Warnings, and Winter Storm Warnings are all in effect for this weekend in various counties across the state. For a complete list of weather watches, warnings, and advisories across New York, visit the National Weather Service website.

Safety Tips

Winter Travel Safety

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, review these safety tips:

• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• Make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving.
• Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars.
• Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children.
• Make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling.

Extreme Temps

• Be aware of wind chill - wind in combination with the actual temperature - that can cause an increase of heat loss to the human body.
• Dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long.
• Wear a hat and gloves when appropriate with layers of clothing. Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay active to maintain body heat.
• Take frequent breaks from the cold.
• If signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear, get out of the cold, slowly warm the individual and seek medical assistance:
• Frostbite: Symptoms include loss of feeling, a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
• Hypothermia: Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, and drowsiness.

Heavy Exertion

Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack. Follow these tips to stay safe after the storm:

• Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
• Take frequent rests to avoid over-exertion
• If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw radiating down your arm — STOP and seek help immediately.

Power Outages

Winter storms can cause power outages. Review these safety tips before the lights go out so you know what to do in an emergency:

• Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage.
• Avoid all downed power lines and report them to your utility provider for repair; assume all downed lines have live electricity.
• Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling.  When in doubt, throw it out!
• Do not use a charcoal grill or generator indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat-they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
• Turn off major appliances to prevent damage from a possible surge when the power comes back on-keep one light turned on so you know when power returns.

Home Heating

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Keep loved ones safe by following these important steps:

• Keep all combustibles at least three feet away from heating equipment.
• Always plug appliances including space heaters directly into a receptacle. Never plug appliances into a power strip or extension cord.
• Make sure there is a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

For all non-emergency service needs before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page at www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Warns Against Price Gouging During Winter Storm Elliott

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued an alert reminding consumers and businesses across the state against price gouging during and in the aftermath of Winter Storm Elliott. The powerful storm has already brought heavy wind, ice, snow, and freezing rain to Western New York and other regions throughout the state, and is expected to continue. New York’s price gouging statute prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at an excessively higher price during market disruptions or a declared state of emergency.

“New Yorkers should be on the lookout for fraudsters who may use this winter storm to take advantage of consumers,” said Attorney General James. “Charging excessive prices for essential products during emergencies is wrong, and it is illegal. This dangerous winter storm will impact communities throughout New York state, and I encourage everyone to stay warm, safe, and vigilant against price gouging. If any New Yorker believes they are a victim of price gouging, I encourage them to contact my office immediately.”

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during times of emergencies. The price gouging statute covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options. Contract services for storm-related damage, both during and after a natural disaster, are also covered by the state’s price gouging statute.

Consumers should protect themselves when hiring contractors to perform storm-related services by considering the following tips:

•   Shop around – Get at least three estimates from reputable contractors that include specific information about the materials and services to be provided for the job.
•   Get it in writing – Insist on a written contract that includes the price and description of the work needed.
•   Don't pay unreasonable advance sums – Negotiate a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific stages of the job. Never pay the full price up front.
•   Get references – Check with the Better Business Bureau, banks, suppliers, and neighbors. Always contact references provided to you.
•   Know your rights – You have three days to cancel after signing a contract for home improvements. All cancellations must be in writing.

When reporting price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), consumers should:

•   Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices, and the types of formula being sold; and,
•   Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

NEARLY $30 MILLION IN FINAL EXCLUDED WORKERS FUND PAYMENTS TO BE SENT TO NEW YORKERS IN NEED

 

Most recipients will get the maximum benefit amount of $15,600.

 More than $2 billion was distributed to 130,000 New Yorkers who did not qualify for traditional Unemployment Insurance or other pandemic relief benefits.

 The first-of-its-kind program served as a model for local and state governments across the country who established similar programs.

More than 1,900 New Yorkers are set to receive benefits as part of the final round of payments from the state’s historic Excluded Workers Fund (EWF). Nearly $30 million will be sent before the end of the year. In total, more than 130,000 EWF applications have been approved and, minus administrative costs, the entirety of the $2.1 billion fund will soon be distributed to eligible New Yorkers.

“The Excluded Workers Fund has provided critical relief to low-wage workers who performed vital services to keep New York running throughout the pandemic,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. “As we send this final round of payments, I’d like to applaud the advocates, community organizations, and legislators who made this historic fund a reality. It exemplifies the values of New York State and our ability to look out for our neighbors during the most difficult of times.”

The EWF provided financial help to New Yorkers who lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic and were left out of various federal relief programs, including unemployment and pandemic benefits.

The program went live in August 2021 and, within the first month, more than 90,000 applications were received by the DOL. To qualify for EWF benefits, applicants needed to verify both their identity and residence. Benefits under the fund were tiered, with approved applicants receiving one of two amounts based upon the proof of work eligibility they provided. Tier 1 qualifiers received $15,600 and Tier 2 qualifiers received $3,200. More than 99 percent of approved applicants received the maximum funding amount of $15,600. Approved applicants will receive a one-time payment on a prepaid card.

More information about the first-of-its-kind program, including testimonials from recipients, is available in the DOL’s EWF white paper.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

As the Bronx Chamber of Commerce reflects on Christmas and the holiday season we are reminded that light overcomes darkness. No matter the faith, nearly every religion focuses on light during these dark months of winter. This past Wednesday was the Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year when the world is most dark. We could be poetic and align this to global or personal events - let's admit it, this has been a tough year! But we won't. We will focus on the light - the reminder that no matter how dark times may be - there is always light, and that light shines brightest when we are together. As we prepare to celebrate the holidays - let us look to the message of those holidays - a message of hope, and find light and strength together as we enter 2023. On behalf of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce we wish you a very Happy Holiday and blessed Christmas! We are stronger together.

UPCOMING EVENTS

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!

 Bronx Chamber of Commerce 1200 Waters Place, Suite 106, 

 Bronx, NY 10461

AHEAD OF WINTER STORM, NYC ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES REMINDS NEW YORKERS THAT -- EVEN IN COLD WEATHER -- INFANTS SHOULD NEVER SLEEP WITH BLANKETS OR IN BEDS

 

To Keep Warm, Caregivers Should Put Babies to sleep in Sleep Sacks or In an Extra Layer of Infant Clothing

Ahead of the New York City winter storm, the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is reminding parents and caregivers with infants about the ways to keep their children safe while sleeping. There is serious danger associated with babies less than a year-old sleeping with parents in adult beds, or sleeping with blankets or quilts, which can create a risk of suffocation. To keep babies warm and safe, parents and caregivers are urged to dress babies in an extra layer of infant clothing or in a wearable blanket, such as a sleep sack.

 

“With a winter storm quickly approaching, ACS is helping make sure that all New Yorkers caring for infants know how put their babies to sleep in a way that will keep them both safe and warm,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “Out of the best of intentions to keep our beloved little ones warm, we can unintentionally put them in danger. We’re reminding parents and caregivers that infants should sleep alone, on their backs, and in their own cribs free of blankets or other items.”

 

ACS’s cold weather reminder is part of an ongoing effort to help parents prevent unintentional injuries to their children. In 2021, ACS created a brand-new office, The Office of Child Safety and Injury Prevention, which supports ongoing child safety campaigns, including those related to unsafe sleep practices, hot car tragedies, window guards, unsafe storage of prescription medications and, most recently, pediatric exposures to cannabis edibles.

 

Every year about 40 or more babies in New York City die from suffocation and other preventable sleep-related injuries. A sleep-related injury death is the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year old that occurs because of where and/or how they were placed to sleep. Sleep-related infant injury death is not the same as SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or “crib death.” SIDS is the natural death of a baby that cannot be explained after a careful medical review of the case. Unlike SIDS, sleep-related infant injury deaths are mostly preventable.

 

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to learn the ABCs of safe sleep. Infants should sleep Alone, on their Backs, in a safety-approved Crib. Parents should also remember the following five things during the winter weather:

 

1. Avoid bringing the baby into bed with you, even if you think it will keep the baby warmer. A baby must never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair with anyone. Babies may suffocate if another person accidentally rolls on top of them or covers their nose and mouth.

 

2. Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any other items that could increase the risk of suffocation out of the baby’s sleep area.

 

3. When worried about a baby getting cold, dress them in a wearable blanket, such as a sleep sack, or in another layer of infant clothing.

 

4. Place babies on their backs to sleep. Babies breathe better on their backs than on their stomachs or sides.

 

5. Put babies to sleep on a flat, firm sleep surface with a fitted sheet made for that specific product. Though it might seem more comfortable to put a pillow on top of the mattress, babies may suffocate on the soft surface.

 

Over the years, ACS has engaged in important campaigns to help increase awareness about safe sleep practices. ACS is working to reach families proactively with educational messages and services that can support healthy children, families and communities.

 

Pursuant to New York City’s Housing Maintenance Code, building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their tenants. New Yorkers should contact 311 to file a complaint if indoor temperatures are not compliant with the Code in cold weather. New Yorkers should contact 311 to file complaint if indoor temperatures are not in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code.

 

For more information on infant safe sleep best practices or resources in your community, visit: www.nyc.gov/safesleep or call 311 and ask for Safe Sleep.

Morris County Pharmacy Employee Admits Participating In $2.4 Million Kickback And Bribery Scheme

 

 A pharmacy employee admitted conspiring to offer and pay bribes and kickbacks in exchange for having prescriptions steered to the Morris County, New Jersey, pharmacy where he worked, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Srinivasa Raju, 51, of Haskell, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging him with conspiring to violate the federal anti-kickback statute.

Magdalena Jimenez, 58, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty to a parallel bribery and kickback scheme involving the same pharmacy.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Raju had various responsibilities at the Morris County pharmacy, including coordinating prescription deliveries and soliciting business. From January 2019 through February 2021, Raju worked with other pharmacy personnel to pay kickbacks and bribes to medical employees in two different doctors’ offices in Jersey City, New Jersey. In exchange, those employees steered numerous, high-value prescriptions to the pharmacy where Raju worked. Raju and his conspirators paid as much as $150 for each prescription and used various tactics to conceal many of those bribe payments. Overall, the pharmacy received over $2.4 million in Medicare reimbursement payments based on prescriptions derived from the kickback scheme.

The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing for Raju is scheduled for May 16, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 23, 2022

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

32 Statewide Deaths Reported on December 22 

 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 winter season. 

"As New Yorkers gather to celebrate this holiday season, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and take all available precautions 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.The Governor recently updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts.  

Earlier this month, 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.  

As flu cases remain high across the State, the New York State Department of Health recently reminded New Yorkers to take preventive action, including getting a flu shot. A recent report shows a 19 percent jump in lab-confirmed cases across New York and a six percent increase in flu-related hospitalizations for the week ending December 10th. 

Emergency department visits for patients with flu-like symptoms also remain high. The Department's recent influenza surveillance report also found 79 lab-confirmed outbreaks in long-term and acute care facilities in the State for the same week.  

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 departmentor visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/. 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Cases Per 100k- 34.15 
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k- 28.67 
• Test Results Reported-69,818 
• Total Positive-6,674 
• Percent Positive- 9.04%** 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive-7.86%** 
• Patient Hospitalization-3,719 (-59) 
• Patients Newly Admitted-609 
• Patients in ICU-366 (-8) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation-164 (+5) 
• Total Discharges-378,076 (+620) 
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS-32 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS-60,150 

** 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-76,528 

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 -43,302,276  
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours-20,217  
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days-131,803  
• 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) -90.3%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older who are up to date - 14.1%  
• 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) -76.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 who are up to date -5.1%  
• 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 - 2.7%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 0-4 with completed vaccine series - 6.9%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 0-4 who are up to date - 6.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series-76.2%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series(CDC)-80.4%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers who are up to date-12.2%  

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,   December   20, 2022	Wed.   Dec.   21, 2022	Thursday,   December   22, 2022
Bronx	8.51%	8.62%	8.71%
Kings	5.76%	5.80%	6.07%
New York	7.34%	7.35%	7.61%
Queens	8.99%	9.11%	9.36%
Richmond	7.97%	8.13%	8.48%