Free Groceries are returning to Beacon NY … See information below and share with your neighbors!

April 27, 2021 | by Editor BHA

NYS Coronavirus Update: The Great New York State Fair is Back — Expanding Capacity for Industries

Mark your calendars—the Great New York State Fair will be returning this year. Today we announced the 2021 Reimagined New York State Fair, a special end-of-summer celebration at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse from August 20 to September 6. The Fair will feature New York’s best food and drink, live music and entertainment, rides, and more in four different concurrent festivals that will take place exclusively in the outdoor areas of the fairgrounds. I hope it can serve as a unique celebration for New Yorkers who have made so many sacrifices during this pandemic, while allowing visitors from across the state and the country to enjoy some of the best attractions the Fair has to offer with all necessary safety guidelines in place. This is an important step towards the full return of New York’s largest events as we continue to reopen and reimagine our state’s economy.

Photo of the Day: Today I visited NYS Fairgrounds and announced the fair’s return this year (Photo by Darren McGee)

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:

1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 3,174. Of the 126,953 tests reported yesterday, 3,039, or 2.39 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 2.13 percent. There were 729 patients in ICU yesterday, down 25 from the previous day. Of them, 454 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 41 New Yorkers to the virus.

2. As of 11am this morning, 44.3 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 115,854 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 14,550,880 total doses with 31.4 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

3. On May 15, offices, gyms, and casinos and gaming facilities will expand capacity. Gyms and fitness centers outside of New York City will increase from 33 percent to 50 percent capacity. Casinos and gaming facilities will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent. Offices will increase from 50 percent to 75 percent capacity.

4. On May 19, spectator capacity at large-scale outdoor event venues will increase. These venues, including professional and collegiate sports and live performing arts and entertainment, will increase from 20 to 33 percent beginning May 19. This increase will coincide with the previously announced increase in large-scale indoor event venue capacity. Social distancing, masks, health screenings and all other State health and safety protocols remain in effect.

5. The online learner permit test for Class D (passenger vehicles) and Class M (motorcycles) is now available to New Yorkers statewide. The announcement comes after the launch of an online permit application pilot program last year. This new service allows New Yorkers to begin the permit application process and take the test from the comfort of their home, saving the customer significant time in the DMV office.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: For the Penfield High High School cheer team, April 17 holds a special meaning. On the day of their counties competition, Head Coach Jessica Bucinell went into labor and only 41 minutes after the safe delivery of her son, she streamed the team’s routine from the operating table. The squad went on to win their first counties in school history and to celebrate, the team brought their victory plaque to Bucinell’s recovery room at the hospital.

CORRECTION: In the caption of Friday’s Photo of the Day, the individual receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was incorrectly identified. The individual was Diogenes A. Nunez, CEO of 2075 Salcedo Deli Grocery Corp, not Stuart Appelbaum. We regret the error.

If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

NYS Coronavirus Update: Vaccinating Bodega & Grocery Store Workers

April 26, 2021 | by Editor BHA

Throughout COVID, essential workers put their own safety on the line to ensure the rest of us could weather this pandemic and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for their tremendous service. Today, in partnership with SOMOS Community Care and Urban Health Plan, we announced five new pop-up vaccination sites that will take walk-in appointments for New York City bodega, grocery store and supermarket workers. Eligible New Yorkers can make appointments for the SOMOS sites here and for the Urban Health Plan site by calling 718-589-4755. These new pop-up vaccination sites are so important—they will make it easier for bodega, grocery store and supermarket workers, who have worked every single day to provide an essential service, to get vaccinated and protect themselves, their families and communities from COVID-19.

Photo of the Day: Today Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Appelbaum received the COVID-19 vaccine (Photo by Don Pollard)

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:

1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 3,387, the lowest since November 28. Of the 240,930 tests reported yesterday, 4,901, or 2.03 percent, were positive. That is the lowest single-day positivity rate since November 5. The 7-day average positivity rate was 2.45 percent. There were 786 patients in ICU yesterday, down 25 from the previous day. Of them, 483 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 45 New Yorkers to the virus.

2. As of 11am this morning, 43.4 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 184,119 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 14,124,641 total doses with 30.2 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

3. Six additional New York companies will produce COVID-19 supplies to help combat the virus. These companies have received nearly $2.3 million in funding from New York State to produce needed supplies to help continue our fight in the pandemic. These grant funds will help alleviate product shortages due to supply chain issues that could lead to unfair pricing practices and delays. These companies will also increase the State’s manufacturing capacity while creating new jobs and market opportunities.

4. In the third round of the program, Nourish NY has so far spent $8 million to help New Yorkers in need. So far, over six million pounds of raw milk has been turned into dairy products and distributed by food banks, along with over 1.9 pounds of produce. Over five million households in need have received products sourced from New York farms.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A pair of peregrine falcons are calling the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge home. This species of bird is listed as an endangered species by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, so it delighted environmentalists to see the two falcons establishing a nest in the bridge’s nest box. This box, installed hundreds of feet above the water, provides a vantage point for the birds to dive for prey and wait for their five fledglings to hatch. You can check up on the peregrine falcons and their eggs via the bridge’s Falcon Camera.

If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

COVID-19 Update – A Message from City of Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou.

| by Editor BHA

Hi Beacon;

it’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou – it’s been a while since I’ve provided you a COVID-19 update, and this one is a positive one.

Active Cases: In Beacon, we have only 18 active cases of COVID-19, down from around 40 a month ago, and much much lower than our peak. The county infection rate is now below 3%. These are much improved statistics.

Vaccines: All New Yorkers age 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine. The most accurate and up to date place for vaccine and testing information is the Dutchess County Health Department, at www.dutchessny.gov where you can sign up for appointment notices. There is also the NY State COVID hotline – 888-364-3065.

Vaccinated: 45% of county residents have had a least one vaccine shot, and 30% are fully vaccinated. While those vaccinated should continue to social distance and/or masks in public, they can: Visit indoors without a mask with other fully vaccinated healthy people, and Travel domestically without a pre-or post-travel test or quarantining after travel. On a different turgid note, the City will be flushing fire hydrants over the next three weeks.

Thank you,
stay well

The United Way is hosting a virtual volunteer & service fair where community members have the chance to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

| by Editor BHA

Virtual Service Fair for Veterans, Military Families and the Community

On May 5 from 9am to 1pm, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is presenting a virtual service fair that will offer the chance for veterans, military families and community members to have the opportunity to connect with more than 20 nonprofit organizations including several that serve veterans and military families. By offering a safe and virtual volunteer fair we hope you can learn of the different volunteer opportunities right here in our community! Veterans, military families and community members are all welcome to attend. Organizations will also connect attendees to programs and services available in the community for those who may be experiencing financial hardship. Participants will have a chance to meet dozens of community leaders in a small virtual group setting. We look forward to seeing you there!

NYS Coronavirus Update: Hospitalizations and Positivity Rate Improve

April 23, 2021 | by Editor BHA

The dedication and determination of New Yorkers in fighting the COVID pandemic is stronger than ever and it shows in the numbers. Yesterday the positivity rate in New York State was 2.06 percent—the lowest one-day positivity since November 5. Hospitalizations dropped to their lowest level since November 29. Still, we have a lot of work ahead to get New Yorkers vaccinated and to achieve a sufficient level of immunity to defeat this virus once and for all. Help us spread the word and encourage your friends and neighbors to get vaccinated!

Illustration of the Day: “Let’s Help End this Pandemic” by Zachary Mogavero

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:

1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 3,567. Of the 242,432 tests reported yesterday, 4,996, or 2.06 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 2.57 percent. There were 811 patients in ICU yesterday, down six from the previous day. Of them, 499 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 45 New Yorkers to the virus.

2. As of 11am this morning, 43.0 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 177,255 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 13,929,970 total doses with 29.7 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

3. Starting tomorrow morning, New Yorkers age 60 and up are eligible for walk-in vaccine appointments. Walk-in vaccine appointments will be accommodated for these individuals at 16 mass vaccination sites across the state. See the list here.

4. Reminder that public and private employees in NY are granted time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccines. Last month, I signed legislation that grants employees up to four hours of excused leave per vaccine appointment that will not be charged against any other leave the employee has earned or accrued.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A 17-year-old boy from Geneseo, NY, has an important message for all New Yorkers: Get vaccinated. After getting both doses of the vaccine at the Rochester Dome Arena vaccination site, Zachary Mogavero used his talent as an illustrator to express his gratitude for the staff at the site and to encourage all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. His design will be displayed as flyers and given out as stickers at the Rochester vaccination site.

If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

NYS Coronavirus Update: Walk-In Appointments for New Yorkers 60 & Older

April 22, 2021 | by Editor BHA

We know the vaccine works, but only if we all take it. Getting vaccinated isn’t only about you. You are a member of a community and you can make somebody else sick if you opt not to be vaccinated, so I urge everyone who has not yet done so to make an appointment. And to make it even easier, starting this Friday, walk-in appointments will become available to New Yorkers age 60 and older at 16 mass vaccination sites. The only way to defeat COVID is to get the vaccine. It is safe—over 13 million doses have already been administered in the State of New York. And every New Yorker age 16 and up is eligible so roll up your sleeves New York, and let’s get vaccinated.

Photo of the Day: At the Yonkers vaccination site where we have vaccinated 50,000 New Yorkers. Thank you to the National Guard and all workers and staff for your dedication and hard work (Photo by Don Pollard)

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:

1. Starting Friday, April 23, walk-in appointments will be available at 16 mass vaccination sites. Walk-in appointments will only be available to New Yorkers age 60 and up. There may be a wait for those opting to walk-in at some sites depending on demand. All proof of identity and insurance information, if applicable, will be needed.

2. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 3,757. Of the 202,400 tests reported yesterday, 4,326, or 2.14 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 2.69 percent. There were 817 patients in ICU yesterday, down six from the previous day. Of them, 505 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 53 New Yorkers to the virus.

3. As of 11am this morning, 42.6 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 169,746 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 13,852,715 total doses with 29.2 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

4. The South Beach Psychiatric Center on Staten Island discharged their final COVID-19 patient today. The new but unopened Office of Mental Health facility has served as an emergency hospital since last April, providing care for over 1,000 patients. The Center will be closing its overflow center today following the decline in COVID hospitalizations. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and facility staff who were on the front lines, putting themselves at risk, to care for their neighbors and community.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A cat café in Buffalo celebrated its 400th adoption this week. Opened in 2018, the Purrfect Café & Gallery in North Buffalo is helping rescue cats find their forever homes and this week, Buffy was their 400th rescue cat to be adopted. The café works with four rescues to help cats in need find loving homes.

If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

NYS Coronavirus Update: Today’s Update on the Numbers

April 21, 2021 | by Editor BHA

Our vaccine operation continues to make steady progress and we are thankful for the health professionals and the volunteers who are at the helm of this unprecedented effort. The best way to show our appreciation for their service is by getting vaccinated and by continuing to exercise the safety measures that help prevent new infections. We have come a long way, but the virus is still with us and we need to stay strong, united, and New York Tough in order to defeat it.

Vaccine FAQ of the Day: The COVID vaccines are safe and effective and now every New Yorker age 16 and up is eligible. Book your vaccine appointment today.

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations rose to 3,873. Of the 116,483 tests reported yesterday, 3,922, or 3.37 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 2.80 percent. There were 823 patients in ICU yesterday, down 13 from the previous day. Of them, 504 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 45 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 42.1 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 154,049 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 13,582,969 total doses with 28.8 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. See how Excelsior Pass can help you be a part of NY’s safe reopening. To help revitalize New York’s economy safely, the State launched Excelsior Pass—a free and voluntary platform for businesses & individuals that can be used to easily access secure proof of a recent negative COVID test or vaccination. Learn more.
4. Remember, mental health resources are available for New Yorkers who need them. The weather is warming up and New York is gradually reopening but we can’t underestimate the mental and emotional strain of the pandemic. New Yorkers can visit https://headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Today, the legendary singer and songwriter Luther Vandross would have turned 70. To celebrate the late pioneering artist, Google highlighted Vandross’ career and how his music inspired generations through an animated short and featured Vandross on the search engine’s homepage.

Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Free Groceries are coming to Beacon Tomorrow … See Information below

April 20, 2021 | by Editor BHA

NYS Coronavirus Update: Vaccine Eligibility for All New Yorkers Age 16+

April 7, 2021 | by Editor BHA

New York took a big step forward today to bring us closer to beating this pandemic. Today, we expanded eligibility to all New Yorkers aged 16 and older. We expect the vaccine supply will continue to increase, and New York’s vast distribution network is ready to administer doses as quickly as received. More than 1 million New Yorkers have already been fully vaccinated at State and FEMA mass vaccination sites. And with expanded eligibility, our message today is clear: Let’s get everyone vaccinated. The vaccines are safe and effective—but they only work if they’re taken. So book your appointment as soon as you can, roll up your sleeve, and let’s get vaccinated, New York.

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations rose to 4,533. Of the 132,864 tests reported yesterday, 5,748, or 4.33 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 3.57 percent. There were 937 patients in ICU yesterday, up 31 from the previous day. Of them, 591 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 47 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 33.8 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 182,967 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 10,663,122 total doses with 21.2 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. To honor all those who dedicated their lives throughout the COVID crisis, New York will construct an Essential Workers Monument. Today we announced the creation of the Essential Workers Advisory Committee to provide design input and recommendations for a monument in New York City honoring the service and sacrifice of New York’s essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These true heroes continue to aid and inspire us and they have our utmost respect. We will create a monument to honor them in perpetuity.
4. Today, we announced the statewide “Vaccinate NY” ad campaign to encourage all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Ads will run across television, radio, online and print statewide. This effort coincides with universal eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine taking effect.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: First 8-year-old Lilly Bumpus beat cancer, then she beat a national record. Lilly, who lives in San Bernardino, California, surpassed the Girl Scouts national record for most boxes of cookies sold in a single season. Bumpus sold 32,484 boxes of cookies, handily beating the previous record of 26,086 boxes. Her record also includes 5,000 donation boxes that will go to several charity organizations.

Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Virtual Service Fair for Veterans, Military Families and the Community

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