Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 9, 2023

 

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

39 Statewide Deaths Reported on Friday, January 6

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting 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.

"I urge everyone to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take common prevention measures — like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene — to protect from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. The Governor reiterated these basic steps when she updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts last month.

Last week, the state Department of Health announced that the XBB.1.5. variant is now the most dominant strain in New York, accounting for more than 50 percent of COVID-19 infections statewide. Emerging at a time when both COVID-19 and flu cases remain high, early data indicates that XBB.1.5. is more transmissible than other circulating variants, though there is not yet clear evidence of significant changes to virulence or severity of disease.

The state Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for a thirteenth consecutive week, with a total of 278,886 positive cases across all 62 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 41 percent, while overall hospitalizations were down 7 percent from the previous week ending on Dec. 31 at 2,375 hospitalizations across the state.

Additionally, there were 43 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There was one additional pediatric death, leaving the total at six statewide.

With flu season continuing and infections remaining widespread, Governor Hochul encourages all New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine. 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 Health Department 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. For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

Governor Hochul also continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Recently, the New York State Department of Health announced new guidance for bivalent COVID-19 booster doses, which are now available for eligible children down to 6 months of age.

The updated boosters are the first to be targeted to the original virus strain and recently circulating variants and are recommended for young New Yorkers and all those eligible. 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.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 16.26
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 24.49
• Total Positive - 3,178
• Percent Positive - 7.94%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 7.93%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,044 (-113)*
• Patients Newly Admitted - 663*
• Patients in ICU - 397 (-13)*
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 154 (-10)*
• Total Discharges - 385,396 (+693)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 39*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 60,635*

** 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 - 77,163

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.

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:

Borough	Friday,   January   6, 2023	Saturday,   January   7, 2023	Sunday,   January   8, 2023
Bronx	9.33%	9.14%	9.06%
Kings	4.82%	5.71%	5.56%
New York	6.95%	6.85%	6.83%
Queens	10.17%	10.09%	9.90%
Richmond	7.77%	7.78%	7.61%

THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REMINDS EMPLOYERS TO DISPLAY NEW VETERANS’ BENEFITS AND SERVICES POSTER IN WORKPLACES ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

 

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), in partnership with the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services (NYS DVS), today announced that all New York State employers with more than 50 employees are now required to display a new Veterans’ Benefits & Services poster. Legislation signed in November now requires the poster to be displayed in an area accessible to all employees in the workplace. The poster provides information on how to access several veteran resources, including mental health and substance abuse assistance, training and workforce services, tax benefits, legal resources, and more. Posters can be downloaded and printed from the NYSDOL website.

“Veterans have given so much to our state and nation, and we are grateful for their service,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “At the New York State Department of Labor, we thank these heroes by doing our part to ensure that they are connected to every state and federal resource possible. They supported us when we needed them most, and now it is our turn to pay it forward.”

New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Director Viviana DeCohen said, “We are excited to collaborate with our partners at the Department of Labor on this effort to ensure all those who served are aware of the benefits and services they earned through their military service. This is a major step to bring widespread awareness to employers and veterans about the vast number of resources and programs available to them. We look forward to supporting and assisting them in accessing these services.”  

In addition to important resources, the poster also features hotline information for veterans to get live and confidential call, text, and online chat support for a variety of needs.

In conjunction with NYS DVS, NYSDOL will launch a public service campaign to educate veterans and businesses about the new law. The campaign will include social media, direct emails to businesses, newsletters, and a new webpage. NYSDOL’s business service representatives will also be sharing the poster with businesses around the state. The goal of this multi-pronged approach is to educate veterans about the full spectrum of resources available to them and businesses about their responsibilities under this new law.

NYSDOL offers a variety of programs to help veterans looking for work. The agency employs Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives, veterans who assist other veterans in employment needs throughout the state. NYSDOL also has educational and training resources specifically catered to veterans and priority of service for veterans and those who qualify. To learn more, visit NYSDOL’s Services for Veterans webpage.

For information about NYS DVS services, visit veterans.ny.gov.

MAYOR ADAMS ORDERS FLAGS LOWERED TO HALF STAFF TO HONOR VICTIMS OF TWIN PARK FIRE ON ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

 

On the one-year anniversary of the tragic fire at Twin Parks in the Bronx, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today ordered all flags on all city buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs, to be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of the 17 lives lost.

 

“One year ago, a devastating fire took the lives of 17 people in the Bronx at the Twin Parks apartment complex. On that day, our city lost 17 of our neighbors and friends — they were our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, our children and spouses,” said Mayor Adams. “Since that day, our city has passed critical legislation to educate and protect New Yorkers from fires to help prevent another tragedy. Today, we honor and remember the lives lost.”

Statement from Senate Health Committee Chair Senator Gustavo Rivera on Nurses’ Strike at Montefiore and Mount Sinai Hospitals

 

“I stand firmly in solidarity with over 7,000 NYSNA nurses who went on strike this morning at Montefiore and Mount Sinai hospitals. Nurses deserve a dignified and fair labor contract, period.  I remind patients seeking care that they should not refrain from doing so, as emergency measures are in place and seeking care is not crossing the picket line. I remain committed to working diligently with all stakeholders to achieve a fair contract for nurses and bring this necessary but unfortunate action to an end.”

NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera | rivera.nysenate.gov

Governor Hochul Announces Approval of Siting Permits for Three Major Solar Energy Facilities

 

Combined 309 MW Solar Facilities to Bring Over $458 Million to Local Economy, Power 69,000 New York Homes

11 Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects Approved by ORES Since Its Creation in 2021

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Office of Renewable Energy issued three siting permits that will deliver enough clean energy to power over 69,000 New York homes for at least 20 years. Today's announcement, when coupled with eight previously permitted facilities by the Office, marks the approval of 11 projects, totaling nearly 1.8 gigawatts since 2021. This marks the most rapid pace of renewable energy project approvals in state history. Including projects sited through the State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment, New York has approved a total of 20 new renewable energy projects since 2021.

"Accelerating the development of renewable energy is a top priority to ensure we reach our climate goals, create jobs, and spur economic development across the state," Governor Hochul said. "We're cementing our position as a national leader in climate action, and these investments will help create a clean and healthy New York where future generations can thrive."

While meeting and exceeding all statutory deadlines, the New York State Office of Renewable Energy (ORES or the Office) decisions have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficacy of the permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects in New York State as a model for addressing the most pressing existential crisis of our time - the threat of global climate change. Upon completion of extensive, transparent, and robust reviews of all 11 applications that included consideration of nearly 1,500 public and municipal comments, a majority of these energy facilities were approved within six months of applications being deemed complete. As these projects proceed, ORES will continue to work with local governments and community stakeholders throughout the development of all major renewable energy facilities.

Today's milestone underscores New York's leadership in the fight on climate change by accelerating the most ambitious state-led clean energy agenda in the nation, while also considering the protection of the environment and all pertinent social, economic, and environmental factors in the decisions to permit these facilities in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Office of Renewable Energy Siting Executive Director Houtan Moaveni said, "The success of the § 94-c siting process is attributed to staff at ORES and its partner State agencies, as well as all involved stakeholders including local officials, community members, environmental groups, labor unions and the clean energy industry dedicated to building a cleaner, more resilient New York. This process stands as a regulatory model to make the clean energy transition happen efficiently and effectively to meet our carbon-emission reduction targets, while ensuring robust protection of our natural resources and consideration of all pertinent social, economic, and environmental factors."

Three siting permits, totaling approximately 309 MW of renewable energy capacity are:

• Homer Solar Energy Center (90 MW Solar Electric Generating Facility in the Towns of Homer, Cortlandville, and Solon, Cortland County);
• Tracy Solar (119 MW Solar Electric Generating Facility in the Towns of Orleans and Clayton, Jefferson County); and
• Riverside Solar (100 MW Solar Electric Generating Facility located in the Towns of Lyme and Brownville, Jefferson County).

These projects are expected to provide nearly $20 million in the first 20 years to the host counties, towns, and school districts in the form of payment-in-lieu of taxes (PILOT) and host community agreements to invest in infrastructure, additional services, and resources for residents in the communities hosting each facility. Further, these projects are expected to spur over $458 million in capital investment and create over 460 short- and long-term jobs in development, construction, and facility operations and maintenance. Once operational, these projects will add 542,000 megawatts of new renewable capacity annually, and are expected to generate enough clean energy to power more than 69,000 homes each year and reduce carbon emissions by more than 356,000 metric tons annually, the equivalent to taking over 76,000 cars off the road every year.

New York's Nation-Leading Clean Energy Initiative

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the State's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.

Defendant Extradited to the United States from Mexico to Face Sex Trafficking Charges

 

Leonardo Jimenez-Rodriguez was extradited to the United States and was arraigned before Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr., at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on a six-count indictment charging him with sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking, interstate prostitution, alien smuggling and related offenses.  The defendant was arrested in May 2022 in Mexico following a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Mexico City, HSI New York and the Mexican Federal Police. 

The defendant is charged in a superseding indictment together with his brother and co-defendant, Marcos Jimenez-Rodriguez, who was previously arrested in the United States.  The defendant’s sister, Melisa Jimenez-Rodriguez, was also previously arrested in the United States and is awaiting sentencing on the charge of distributing proceeds of a prostitution business.   

The extradition and charges were announced by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, HSI New York.  

“As alleged, using false promises of love and support, the defendant and his siblings brutally sex trafficked women between Mexico and the United States for over two decades,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Stopping human trafficking and ensuring that traffickers face justice for the crimes against their victims remain priorities of this Office and our law enforcement partners.”

Mr. Peace commended HSI New York’s Trafficking in Persons Unit for leading the investigation of the Jimenez-Rodriguez Sex Trafficking Organization; thanked the HSI Mexico City Attaché Office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the State Department, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts.  Mr. Peace also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

“This extradition is the result of years of extraordinary collaboration between law enforcement agencies spanning multiple countries and investigative jurisdictions.  Leonardo Jimenez-Rodriguez is alleged to have been a part of his family’s transnational human trafficking organization which offered the chance at a better life to young women and girls before cruelly ensnaring them in forced sex work with no way to return home,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo.  “HSI is grateful to our colleagues with the HSI Mexico City Attaché Office and to our many partners in the United States and the Government of Mexico whose collaboration and teamwork make investigations like this possible.”

As alleged in the superseding indictment and other court filings, between 1997 and May 2018, Leonardo Jimenez-Rodriguez was a member of a family organization based in New York and Tenancingo, Mexico, that used force, fraud and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States (the “Jimenez-Rodriguez Trafficking Organization”).  Leonardo Jimenez-Rodriguez, together with other relatives, lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support and pressured the victims to travel to the United States with promises of a better life.  After Leonardo Jimenez-Rodriguez and other members of the Jimenez-Rodriguez Trafficking Organization illegally smuggled young women from Mexico into the United States, they employed brutal physical beatings, intimidation, psychological abuse, and threats to force or attempt to force the women to work as prostitutes in New York City and elsewhere. The defendant is also charged with distributing the illicit proceeds of the sex-trafficking and prostitution enterprise.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of the sex-trafficking related charges, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ incarceration and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The investigation, prosecution, bilateral enforcement action and extradition of the defendants apprehended in Mexico were coordinated through the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Human Trafficking Enforcement Initiative.  Since 2009, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have collaborated with Mexican law enforcement counterparts in a Bilateral Human Trafficking Enforcement Initiative to more effectively dismantle human trafficking networks operating across the U.S.-Mexico border, bring human traffickers to justice, restore the rights and dignity of human trafficking victims and reunite victims with their children.  These efforts have resulted in successful prosecutions in both Mexico and the United States, including U.S. federal prosecutions of over 175 defendants in multiple cases in Georgia, New York, Florida and Texas, in addition to numerous Mexican federal and state prosecutions of associated sex traffickers.  The extradition in this case is also the latest development in the Eastern District of New York’s comprehensive anti-trafficking program, which has to date indicted more than 100 defendants for sex trafficking; assisted nearly 200 victims, including over 50 minors, reunited 19 victims’ children with their mothers, and secured restitution orders of over $4 million on behalf of trafficking victims.