We expected that increased social activity around the holidays would lead to a spike in COVID cases and that the spike would eventually recede. We are in fact seeing that happening in the numbers and the trends now. The rate of transmission—one of the most important numbers—has now declined below one, meaning the virus is no longer spreading as quickly. That’s good news. But as I’ve said before, never get cocky with COVID. We must continue to stay vigilant, wash hands, wear masks and socially distance as we have been. We can stop the spread but each and every New Yorker needs to continue to take steps and do all they can to look out for the health of their community.
Chart of the Day: The estimated rate of transmission has dropped below one in New York.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. Total hospitalizations are at 8,730. Of the 219,538 tests reported yesterday, 12,003, or 5.47 percent were positive. There were 1,522 patients in ICU yesterday, down five from the previous day. Of them, 1,005 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 167 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 1:00pm today, New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 91 percent of first dose vaccinations. 1,180,468 first doses have been administered out of a total allocation of 1,304,050 first doses (this data excludes the federally run Long Term Care Facility program). These sites have administered 71 percent of first and second doses.
3. So far, 72 percent of New York State hospital workers received the COVID vaccine. We will continue encouraging our health care heroes to get the vaccine—which helps ensure the integrity of our entire hospital system.
4. New York is expanding its deployment of community vaccination kits to further strengthen fairness and equity in the vaccine distribution process. Last week, New York successfully piloted the deployment kits to five NYCHA senior housing developments and eight churches and cultural centers where nearly 4,200 seniors and eligible New Yorkers received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Kits are now being redeployed to four additional NYCHA sites and eight other churches to further build on that progress. In total, this initiative is expected to provide first doses of the vaccine to an additional 3,000 seniors and eligible New Yorkers by Tuesday. The sites will be stood up again in three weeks to administer second doses.
5. Beware of COVID vaccine fraud. To help root out vaccination fraud or scams across the State, New York established a hotline that New Yorkers can call to report suspected fraud. It is a red flag if anyone is promising you the vaccine in exchange for payment. To make a report, call 1-833-VAX-SCAM (1-833-829-7226) or email STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov
6. Following the region’s positivity rate decline, elective surgeries can resume in Erie County. The county’s positivity has steadily declined for nearly three weeks, from 8.6 percent in early January to 5.2 percent yesterday (on a 7-day rolling average). Hospitalizations have declined from 427 on December 31 to 323 yesterday. The county’s hospital capacity is at 48 percent.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: The Animal Medical Center in New York City honored two remarkable dogs for their work supporting health care heroes. At their virtual gala, the AMC, the world’s largest non-profit animal hospital, recognized Hunter, a registered therapy dog affiliated with Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, and Dogtor Loki, as “Top Dog Honorees.” Hunter, a 10-year-old Standard Poodle, has worked with recruits at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point since 2013 and at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Montrose, NY. Dogtor Loki, a 3-year-old Rottweiler, works at the University of Maryland Medical Center, providing much-needed comfort to the hospital’s patients and staff during a challenging year. Thank you to these remarkable animals!
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
County Executive Marc Molinaro will host his series of live, countywide Telephone Town Halls tomorrow evening, January 27th starting at 5:30pm. During the call, which will also be streamed live on the County’s Facebook page, County Executive Molinaro will provide an update on the pandemic, including ongoing vaccine distribution, and will then answer questions from residents.
When the Telephone Town Hall meeting begins, an automated system will dial residents’ homes. If you receive a call, you can simply join the Telephone Town Hall by staying on the line. Participants can choose to listen to the meeting, ask questions live, or watch and comment on the Facebook LIVE post.
If you do not receive a call and would like to dial into the Telephone Town Hall meeting, dial the toll-free number (845) 765-7121 between 5:30pm and 7pm on Wednesday, January 27th.
The footrace continues between our ability to quickly distribute the vaccine and the new strains and new cases. Our large network of distribution sites is ready, willing and able to get more vaccines to New Yorkers, faster—the problem is supply from the federal government. So we need all New Yorkers to stay vigilant as we enter the worst phase of the winter. We all need to wash hands, wear masks and social distance. The extent of community spread is a function of our actions, and we can slow it down. New Yorkers have already been brave and resilient through the enormous hardship that we’ve faced over the last year, saving countless lives. Now we need to get through to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. In the past 24 hours, New York administered 96,000 doses. As of 11am today, New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 93 percent of first doses received from the federal government, and 91 percent of first and second doses. But while we have the operational capacity to do more, our supply is scarce, and first dose supply could run out as soon as tomorrow. But I want to stress one important point: New Yorkers who have already received their first dose do not have to worry that they will not be able to get a second dose—we always ensure there are enough vaccine doses to complete the vaccination for those who got their first dose already.
2. Total hospitalizations dropped to 9,055. Of the 224,569 tests reported yesterday, 13,886, or 6.18 percent were positive. There were 1,560 patients in ICU yesterday, down 60 from the previous day. Of them, 1,011 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 174 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. Open enrollment for uninsured New Yorkers is extended through March 31. As part of the State’s ongoing response to the pandemic, the open enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers is extended through March 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health, New York’s Official Health Plan Marketplace, or directly through insurers. Learn more here.
4. New York State will investigate prescription drug price hikes connected to the pandemic. We’ve seen too many instances of pharmaceutical companies take advantage of those in need. The Department of Financial Services’ newly formed Office of Pharmacy Benefits announced an investigation today into significant price spikes for six drugs that were connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Having experienced COVID himself, New York City blues artist Dave Keyes wrote an original song to thank frontline heroes. His son “7 O’clock Somewhere” pays tribute to all those working to keep us safe throughout the pandemic. Listen to it here.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
There will be a virtual Zoom Fixit Clinic on Saturday January 23rd, 2021.
The event will be held at 1:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time. Feel free to log in up to 15 minutes early to chat with other attendees.
Virtual Fixit Clinics bring the world’s greatest troubleshooting talent together to address whatever’s presented using teleconferencing (Zoom.)
Here’s how it works: show your broken item to the global assembly of community repairers and get suggestions for things to try. After all items are presented we assign items/participants and repairers to Zoom breakout rooms to implement the suggestions and, hopefully, fix the items.
GOT SOMETHING BROKEN? In addition to “carry-in items” we can look at big things like dishwashers, TVs and furniture now. Sign up with things to fix at http://bit.ly/fixitcheckin.
Today is Inauguration Day—it was also one year ago today that the first COVID case was identified in the U.S. in Seattle, Washington. On this Inauguration Day, we look forward to working with the new administration in partnership to fight the virus. One of our biggest challenges is limited vaccine supply and I urge President Biden to increase the supply to states as soon as possible.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. Total hospitalizations rose to 9,273. Of the 195,409 tests reported yesterday, 13,364, or 6.84 percent, were positive. There were 1,621 patients in ICU yesterday, up seven from the previous day. Of them, 1,0444 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 185 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. The pace of first-dose vaccine administration is accelerating. New York State is now averaging approximately 65,000 shots per day and we have administered 86 percent of the state’s first-dose vaccine allocation from the federal government (excludes the federal Long Term Care Facility program). 3. A new state-run vaccination site opened at the Dome Arena in Henrietta, New York. As with other state-run vaccination sites, vaccinations are by appointment only. New Yorkers can utilize the State’s “Am I Eligible” app or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829) to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment, if available. Appointments to receive the second dose at these sites are scheduled in-person after receiving the first dose. New Yorkers should not attempt to book their second appointment online. 4. Four new cases of the UK variant have been reported in New York State. Two of the cases were identified in Saratoga County and two in Suffolk County. To date, there are 22 known cases of the variant in New York State. The Wadsworth Lab is also continuously testing for other COVID-19 virus strains and so far, no other variants besides the UK strain have been found in New York. 5. I announced a new proposal to help small businesses impacted by COVID as part of my Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget. The Pandemic Recovery and Restart Program is a $130 million proposal to help small businesses that were most impacted by COVID recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program would establish three new tax credits and expand a fourth tax credit to help small businesses, arts and theatrical industries, restaurants, and other businesses to bring back jobs and help the economy recover faster.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: While we don’t yet know which two teams will face off in Super Bowl LV on February 7th, we do know that history will be made when Sarah Thomas becomes the first woman to officiate the game. Sarah Thomas, who joined the NFL as an on-field official in 2015, will serve as a down judge at Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida. Congratulations! If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Dutchess County, NY sent this bulletin at 01/20/2021 05:35 PM EST
Vaccine distribution, County response among topics discussed
Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro hosted his most recent online Town Hall Forum regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Joined by Dr. Jeffrey Nicastro from Nuvance Health, the County Executive provided residents updates about the County’s response, vaccine distribution and other topics, while answering their questions.
Among the highlights of today’s discussion:
• Following today’s inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, County Executive Molinaro offered congratulation and welcome, saying “There is much to be done as we respond to this pandemic, rebuild our economy, restore our communities and seek to heal our country. You have been elected to serve all Americans and the hopes of our nation are with you both. May God give you the strength, wisdom, and compassion to serve well. And, may we achieve success together as one.”
o 420,935 tests completed to date o 16757 confirmed cases to date o 2,335 current active cases o 147 current hospitalizations o 319 deaths to date o 14,103 recovered to date o Positivity Rate Dutchess County (7-day rolling avg.): 8.01%, as of Jan. 18th
• County Executive Molinaro implored residents to remain patient during the state-operated COVID-19 vaccination process, as there are more 7 million residents currently eligible for vaccination under the New York State Phased Distribution Plan. With the State currently receiving approximately only 250,000 to 300,000 doses per week, demand for vaccine far exceeds supply.
– Dutchess County Government has two Points of Dispensing (PODs) to vaccinate eligible Dutchess County residents as supply is available. These PODs operate by appointment only. This week’s 600 appointments, based on the 600 doses the County was allocated, booked with moments of the County’s announcement of new appointment availability. County Executive Molinaro reminded residents to:
• Check www.dutchessny.gov/covidvaccine for the latest vaccine information and updates about new appointment availability at the County-run PODs, when additional vaccine doses become available from New York State;
• Sign up to receive updates about COVID-19 and vaccine through the County’s free Dutchess Delivery system, which emails updates direct to residents’ inboxes – information including how to make an appointment at the County’s PODs, when more vaccine is available from the state;
• Please do not call the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) for vaccine appointments. DBCH cannot make appointments for residents;
• Call the New York State’s COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline (1-833-697-4829), which is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., for scheduling vaccination appointments at New York State-run vaccination sites (the nearest state-run locations include Westchester County Center, the Javits Center in NYC, and SUNY Albany); and
• Utilize the State’s “Am I Eligible?” online tool to check their eligibility for vaccination and make appointments at the state-run vaccination sites.
– In addition to the County’s PODs and the New York State vaccination sites, pharmacies across the State have begun receiving very limited doses of vaccines. As directed by New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidance, pharmacies are vaccinating only those 65 years of age and older.
– Dr. Jeffrey Nicastro, Chief Medical Officer at Nuvance Health, joined County Executive Molinaro to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccination, and answer residents’ questions. Dr. Nicastro explained that the vaccine is safe and very effective and answered several questions including:
• How effective are the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? Both vaccines have an efficacy above 50% after the first vaccine shot, and 94-95% after the second vaccine dose.
• How does this particular vaccine work? Unlike other vaccines, COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t use weakened, or dead versions of the virus to immunize individuals. These vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) to help the body create anti-bodies to fight COVID-19.
• Are there microchips being utilized in the administration this vaccine? Despite rumors appearing online, there is no technology being injected into anyone’s body.
• What kind of reactions or side effects can be expected? The most common reaction to the administration of this vaccine is localized soreness at the injection site. Discomfort in one’s arm should go away in a day or so. Some people get a low-grade fever after receiving an injection. Dr. Nicastro noted that he, himself, suffered from a fever and lethargy after receiving his second dose of the vaccine.
• Is there evidence that this vaccine can lead to infertility? There is currently no data to support the idea that COVID-19 vaccination leads to infertility.
• Do we still have to wear masks after receiving a vaccine? Yes. People will need continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene even after being vaccinated because we just don’t know the extent to which we may be able to spread COVID-19 even after being vaccinated.
– County Executive Molinaro reminded viewers that while vaccination has begun, albeit on a limited scale, active cases of COVID-19 are still on the rise. Residents are reminded to continue the precautions to prevent COVID-19: wearing masks, washing hands frequently, practice social distancing, and not engaging in social gatherings.
Other Important Information:
• Residents who test positive for COVID-19 must follow health protocols to prevent further spread of COVID-19. To ensure those who test positive receive important guidance, residents whose case is reported to the County’s Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) will receive a text message, providing them with important information about how to properly isolate and notify close contacts to prevent the spread of the virus, as well as other resources and information. The new texting program, which is available to residents who provide their cell phone number to providers at the time they are tested for COVID-19, allows DBCH to concurrently alert multitudes of residents of their positive test results and offer them follow-up instructions regarding quarantining — alleviating the already-overwhelmed contact tracing and case investigation apparatus.
• County Executive Molinaro highlighted his executive order supporting local restaurants by temporarily capping service fees charged by third-party food delivery app companies to no more than 15% of the cost of a food order. The services these food delivery apps offer have become vital during the COVID-19 pandemic as both restaurants and customers have come to rely on takeout and delivery orders. However, fee structures used by some apps can be as much as 30% on delivery orders and are cutting too deeply into restaurants’ profits during these hard times.
• Dutchess County Public Transit is hosting a virtual public outreach meeting on Tuesday, January 26th at 5:30 p.m. to gather feedback on proposed changes to the County’s public transit system as part of the countywide Bus Stop/Shelter Study. Registration is required and residents are encouraged to sign up at dutchessNY.gov/publictransit.
County Executive Molinaro has hosted more than 50 such virtual discussions since March 2020, and an archive of all such forums, including today’s conversation, is available on the County’s YouTube page.
County Executive Molinaro’s next virtual discussion will take place on Wednesday, January 27th at 5:30pm, when he hosts a countywide Tele-Town Hall. Residents can call (845) 765-7121 to listen to the dialogue and ask their questions. This event will also be broadcast live on the County’s Facebook page. As with the County Executive’s virtual forums, American Sign Language interpreters will translate the conversation on Facebook.
Did you forget to register?Join Wealth Management at HVCU as they host a webinar discussion on the 2021 Market Outlook presented by Ryan Detrick, Senior Vice President and Chief Market Strategist of LPL Financial LLC. Ryan is a common guest on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg Television and has been quoted in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, USA Today, Reuters, the Associated Press, and others. Ryan is a member of the LPL Financial Research tactical asset allocation committee, responsible for directly impacting the portfolio decision-making process, as well as a member of the market insights team, developing and articulating equity and general market strategy. In this role, he is a frequent presenter to clients, industry peers, and the national media on emerging and developing market trends. Read Ryan Detrick’s Full Bio Here.
Register Today!This event will fill up quickly.January 27th12pm-1pm EDT
You do not have to be a Hudson Valley Credit Union member to attend, we encourage you to extend this invitation to family or friends that could also benefit from this topic.
Wealth Management at Hudson Valley Credit Union 1810 South Road, Suite 121 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Phone: 845.463.3366Fax: 845.463.4172
The BHA office does close due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. We recommend that you call ahead if you have an appointment and the weather is questionable.
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