Our state has come a long way in beating back this virus, but our work continues because we need to get every New Yorker vaccinated—especially with the risk of the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2. The CDC has designated this more contagious variant as a “variant of concern.” It poses a serious threat to communities with lower vaccination rates. The good news is, all the COVID-19 vaccines have proven extremely effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19—even against variants of concern such as the Delta variant. Those who are unvaccinated have the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill, which is why the New York State Department of Health urges all eligible New Yorkers to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.  Image of the Day: To date, New York has administered 21 million vaccine doses Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. COVID hospitalizations are at 346. Of the 55,334 tests reported yesterday, 290, or 0.52 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.39 percent. There were 89 patients in ICU yesterday, up four from the previous day. Of them, 42 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 3 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. As of 11am this morning, 71.9 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 24,746 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 21,046,333 total doses with 65.0 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker. 3. There is no post-COVID recovery that doesn’t include helping small businesses. Business owners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for the State’s Business Recovery Fund. Learn more. 4. To date, New York has conducted over 58 million tests. Getting tested for COVID regularly is a great way to ensure your health and the health of those around you. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, get tested. Find a testing site near you. You can also call 1-888-364-3065 to make a free appointment at a New York State-run testing location. 5. Just a few days left until the last drawing of NY’s Vaccine Scholarship Incentive. New Yorkers ages 12-17 who get vaccinated can enter for a chance to win a 4-year full-ride scholarship to a SUNY or SUNY school. Learn more: ny.gov/vaccinescholarship. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Underneath Albany’s streets lie a series of hollow tree trunks—remnants of the city’s first public water system. Albany Water Department employees have often found the hollowed tree trunks while making repairs, and they dug up some ancient wooden mains in early June. Albany’s water system dates back to the late 1600s and is the second-oldest in the country. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
NYS Coronavirus Update: Delta Variant — 21 Million Vaccines
June 29, 2021
ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF BEACON HOUSING AUTHORITY … BINGO IS BACK!
June 25, 2021
BINGO is returning to BHA on July 9th, 2021. Those residents who wish to participate in playing BINGO should mark their calendars.
DATE – 7/9/2021
TIME – 4:30PM to 7:30PM
LOCATION – FORRESTAL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ROOM
$1.00 PER CARD – You can purchase as many cards as you like. PLEASE BRING EXACT CHANGE. Payout is based on the cash collected that night divided by the number of games to be played.
BINGO WILL START ON FRIDAY JULY 9TH AND WILL BE PLAYED WEEKLY! THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. YOU MUST BE A BHA RESIDENT OR A GUEST OF A BHA RESIDENT TO PARTICIPATE.
NYS Coronavirus Update: COVID-19 State of Emergency Ended
Today we close out the emergency chapter in the pandemic—effective today, New York’s COVID-19 State of Emergency has ended. Federal CDC guidance will remain in place, meaning if you’re unvaccinated, you should still wear a mask in public indoors. Masks will also still be required on public transit and certain other settings, like health care facilities. Fighting COVID and vaccinating New Yorkers are still our top priorities but the emergency is over—and that’s thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers and especially all our essential workers. We will continue to focus on COVID recovery and reimagining and rebuilding New York.  Image of the Day: The Circle of Heroes monument will open in Battery Park City on Labor Day in honor and recognition of our essential workers. Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. COVID hospitalizations are at 442. Of the 113,108 tests reported yesterday, 343, or 0.30 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.35 percent. There were 101 patients in ICU yesterday, down one from the previous day. Of them, 60 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 5 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. As of 11am this morning, 71.3 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 56,547 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,759,365 total doses with 63.5 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker. 3. The state will provide $25 million in child care scholarships for essential workers. As of June 23, 2021, these scholarships are the first in a series of new investments to support working families and the child care industry through the federal CARES Act. Apply here. 4. I signed the Safe Staffing Bill to improve the care given at our health care facilities. This law will give nurses and other health care facility staff stronger voices at their hospitals and ensure that these facilities collaboratively plan for the future. 5. Free child care is available to parents and caregivers getting vaccinated or recovering from the vaccine. From now until July 4, parents and caregivers can sign up for free child care if they need additional support while getting the COVID-19 vaccine or recovering from the vaccine. 6. There’s only one drawing left in the State’s Vaccine Scholarship Incentive. Today, we announced the fourth group of winners of the State’s Vaccine Scholarship incentive. These ten vaccinated New Yorkers will attend a SUNY or CUNY school with their tuition and room & board covered. There is only one drawing (and ten scholarships) left, so spread the word and participate while you still can. Parents can learn more here: ny.gov/vaccinescholarship. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Ten years ago today, New York made history and became the first big state to pass marriage equality. Over the coming weeks, the earliest married same-sex couples in the state will celebrate their 10-year anniversaries. One such couple is Katrina and Tiffany Olson-Hopkins, who got married on July 24, 2011. The New York City-based couple will celebrate their anniversary with their newborn six-month-old daughter. Congratulations Katrina and Tiffany. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
Governor Cuomo Makes an Announcement ON JUNE 23, 2021
June 24, 2021
CLICK ON ARROW TO VIEW THE ANNOUNCEMENT
ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF BEACON HOUSING AUTHORITY … BINGO IS BACK!
BINGO is returning to BHA on July 9th, 2021. Those residents who wish to participate in playing BINGO should mark their calendars.
DATE – 7/9/2021
TIME – 4:30PM to 7:30PM
LOCATION – FORRESTAL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ROOM
$1.00 PER CARD – You can purchase as many cards as you like. PLEASE BRING EXACT CHANGE. Payout is based on the cash collected that nigh divided by the number of games to be played.
BINGO WILL START ON FRIDAY JULY 9TH AND WILL BE PLAYED WEEKLY! THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. YOU MUST BE A BHA RESIDENT OR A GUEST OF A BHA RESIDENT TO PARTICIPATE.
CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION & SNAP-Ed NEW YORK PRESENT A LUNCH AND LEARN – MANAGING NUTRITION AND HEALTHY EATING
June 23, 2021
Residents are encouraged to participate in this informative and healthy event. Please review information below and share with friends and family. This will be an on-going program done every week on Thursday @ 1pm. If you are unable to attend the weekly Thursday afternoon lunch there is a weekly Tuesday morning Breakfast & Learn offered at 9am.
For more information call (845) 344-1234 Ext 265
MHA WILL BE HONOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES ON JUNE 25TH, 2021
As part of their Dutchess County Veterans Programs MHA will be holding a Military Appreciation Event for Veterans and their families. Please review the information below and share with your friends and families.
OFFICE OF THE AGING HAS RE-OPENED THE SENIOR CENTER AT FORRESTAL HEIGHTS
June 22, 2021
The Office for the Aging plans, coordinates and provides an array of community based services to the elderly and persons who require assistance in the long term care system, in an effort to promote independence, dignity and quality of life.
We offer an array of programming that provides socialization, recreation and fitness opportunities for seniors to remain active and energized.
Through its distinctive role of committed advocate and community partner, the agency strives to ensure clients’ needs will continue to be met now and in the future.
Important Notice:
Our offices are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Call or email before visiting – many issues can be resolved without having to leave the safety of your home:
845-486-2555
866-486-2555 outside the 845 area code, or
ofa@dutchessny.gov.
How You Can Help Our Seniors
- The need continues for volunteers for our Home Delivered Meals Program, and for our summer Senior Drive-Thru Picnics. Click here for a printable volunteering form. Volunteering at the Drive-Thru Picnics is a great way for seniors to stay active, and for students to meet their schools’ community service requirements.
- For up to date information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and how you can help seniors and other County residents visit Dutchess Responds or call 845-486-3555.
Cancellations and Postponements
- (Updated 6/17/21) Six of the eight OFA Senior Friendship Centers have reopened! Watch this space for details, and subscribe to OFA updates via Dutchess Delivery.
- The Office for the Aging is closed in observance of the national Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 5th. Clients of OFA’s Home Delivered Meals program will receive meals in advance of the holiday.
Updated Events
- Limited face-to-face legal counseling sessions are available, on Fridays only, by appointment only. Contact OFA to find out more.
- A limited number of in-person Medicare website classes and workshops are taking place. Details are available on the county calendar
NYS Coronavirus Update: Fourth of July Fireworks — Hospitalizations Continue to Decline
From the highest positivity rate on the globe, to one of the lowest positivity rates in the nation, New Yorkers have worked tirelessly to keep their communities safe and show up for each other throughout the pandemic. With reopening underway, New Yorkers should be proud of themselves and start living life again, enjoying all that our beautiful state has to offer—especially now that it is officially summer. If you haven’t already, get your vaccine so you can safely go forward to make priceless memories with your loved ones.  Photo of the Day: The Smithtown High School East Honor Society visited the Stony Brook mass vaccination site to thank the staff (Photo by Aphrodite Montalvo) Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. COVID hospitalizations are at 485. Of the 58,372 tests reported yesterday, 251, or 0.43 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.37 percent. There were 114 patients in ICU yesterday, down four from the previous day. Of them, 62 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 10 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. As of 11am this morning, 71.0 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 31,101 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,605,726 total doses with 63.2 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker. 3. Fourth of July fireworks celebrations will be held at Empire State Plaza and Jones Beach this year. The New York State Office of General Services and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are joining with partners again to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and events from 6-10pm at the Empire State Plaza, including a pop-up vaccination site from 5:30-8:00pm and at Jones Beach State Park beginning at 9:30pm. 4. In the third round of the program, Nourish NY has spent $13 million to help New Yorkers in need. So far, over eight million pounds of raw milk has been turned into dairy products and distributed by food banks, along with over 3.4 million pounds of produce. Over 7 million meals have been made for households in need using products sourced from New York farms. 5. Some mass vaccination sites will downscale as the State shifts resources to local areas of greatest need. Given the statewide progress on vaccinations, certain State-run mass vaccination sites will begin to downscale and shift their resources for localized vaccination efforts. Over the course of weeks and months, a number of sites will downscale based on demand, proximity to other vaccination sites, and other locally-focused efforts. The transition reflects the State’s plan to focus resources on areas where zipcode data shows the vaccination rate is lower than the statewide average. 6. Remember, mental health resources are available for New Yorkers who need them. Even though it’s officially summer and New York continues to reopen and rebuild, we can’t underestimate the mental and emotional strain of the pandemic. New Yorkers can visit http://headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: The Queens-Midtown Tunnel is a great option to get from Manhattan to Queens by car—but it’s an unusual route for a dog. Indie, a rescue who has been living in the Upper West Side, escaped from her dog walker and managed to end up in Long Island City by way of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, evading oncoming vehicles. A week later, Indie was reunited with her owner thanks to the help of fellow New Yorkers who rescued Indie from a warehouse following her cross-borough journey. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
NYS Coronavirus Update: 20 Million Doses — State Fair to Return at 100% Capacity
June 15, 2021
We’ve come a long way in six months. Exactly six months ago, on December 14, 2020, Sandra Lindsay, an ICU nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, became the first person in the nation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, more than 20 million vaccine doses have been administered in New York State alone. As of today, exactly half of all New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and our adult vaccination rate is a hair’s breadth away from 70 percent—the goal we set when we will lift most remaining COVID restrictions. After Sandra Lindsay received her first dose, she said, “There is hope.” She was right. Now we must continue to get out the word to unvaccinated New Yorkers and work to accelerate the reopening of our state.  Photo of the Day: Six months ago today, Sandra Lindsay received the first COVID-19 vaccine dose in the nation outside of a trial setting (Photo by Kevin Coughlin) Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. COVID hospitalizations fell to 617. Of the 61,634 tests reported yesterday, 320, or 0.52 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.41 percent, among the lowest in the nation. There were 163 patients in ICU yesterday, down seven from the previous day. Of them, 92 are intubated. Sadly, we lost seven New Yorkers to the virus. 2. As of 11am this morning, 69.9 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. After we reach 70 percent, most remaining COVID restrictions will be lifted. Over the past 24 hours, 37,284 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,099,155 total doses with 61.3 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker. 3. The Great New York State Fair will reopen at 100 percent capacity. The State Fair is an iconic New York tradition, and I’m so glad the Fair can reopen at full capacity, given the incredible progress we have made in bringing the number of COVID cases down. Most popular buildings at the Fairgrounds will be open, adhering to health guidelines. The State Fair will be an 18-day-long event featuring New York’s best food and drink, rides and games, entertainment, and agricultural education. We hope we’ll see you in Syracuse at the end of summer! 4. Get a shot, get a free bus pass. New York State is partnering with six public transportation providers in Upstate New York to incentivize more New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Anyone who shows proof of vaccination from June 15 to July 14 at participating transportation redemption centers will receive an unlimited seven-day public transportation pass. Participating providers include the Capital District Transportation Authority, Greater Glens Falls Transit, Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit and Broome County Transit. Learn more. 5. Reminder that applications for the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program are open. Business owners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for grants of up to $50,000. 6. Today we announced grant funding is available for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and artists. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on many artists and performers, but we are committed to reviving the arts and culture—they are part of what makes New York so special. The New York State Council on the Arts will offer four rounds of flexible funding grants, with applications opening on Wednesday, June 16. Learn more. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Wasabi, a tiny Pekingese, won Best in Show at the 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show yesterday, beating out a whippet, a sheepdog, and a Samoyed, among others. The Westminster Dog Show was held this year in Tarrytown, NY—instead of its usual home at Madison Square Garden in New York City—so that it could take place outdoors for the safety of all participants. There were no spectators, but the show aired live on television. Wasabi is the great-grandson of Malachy, who was also a champion, winning Best in Show at Westminster in 2012. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |