News & Events
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May 18, 2021
NYS Coronavirus Update: State to Adopt CDC Mask Guidance Starting Wednesday
Last week, the CDC announced new guidance on mask use and social distancing for fully vaccinated individuals, and beginning Wednesday, May 19, New York State will adopt the new guidance. Until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings will continue to follow State’s existing COVID-19 health guidelines. New Yorkers have worked hard over the past year to keep others safe and that has paid off and we are ecstatic to take this next step in the reopening of our beautiful state. The people of New York and visitors alike should take solace in the lifting of mask requirements, but be respectful of those who may still feel safest wearing their mask in public. Business owners can establish policy within the broad framework as they see best. It’s a great milestone and yet another incentive to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Starting this week, the Coronavirus newsletter will publish only on Mondays and Thursdays. You can still receive the daily updates on the COVID and vaccine numbers on Twitter and ny.gov. We are grateful to all of our daily readers, and we’ll see you again on Thursday.
Photo of the Day: Radio City Music Hall in New York City will reopen again on June 19 for the last night of the Tribeca Film Festival (Photo by Kevin Coughlin)
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 1,581, the lowest since November 9. Of the 101,173 tests reported yesterday, 1,278, or 1.26 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 1.11 percent. There were 387 patients in ICU yesterday, down five from the previous day. Of them, 228 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 11 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 61.8 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 70,722 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 17,626,145 total doses with 52.2 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker.
3. Three new pop-up vaccination sites will open in collaboration with the MTA. Following a successful pilot, the new pop-up sites will be located at the following stations: 125th Street in Manhattan, Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue-JFK Airport in Queens, and the LIRR’s Hicksville train station. (See hours here.) If you get vaccinated at one of these stations, you will get a free 7-day MetroCard or commuter rail tickets. Four other pop-up sites (including Grand Central and Penn Station) will continue to operate.
4. Starting May 22, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will have fully vaccinated fan sections. This will increase capacity at their 2021 NBA home playoff games at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center. Individuals seated in the vaccinated sections will have to show proof of full COVID-19 immunization status, which can be provided through paper form (CDC card), digital application or the State’s Excelsior Pass.
5. The New York City Marathon will return for its 50th running this year on November 7. The NYC Marathon—the world’s biggest—will return with 33,000 runners permitted. Registration for the marathon opens June 8.
6. Radio City Music Hall will open its doors for the first time in over a year to host the Tribeca Festival’s Closing Night film on Saturday, June 19. For this event, Radio City Music Hall will operate at 100 percent capacity with a fully vaccinated audience. The Tribeca Film Festival will be the first in-person film festival to take place in North America since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Additional details about the landmark event and screening for closing night will be announced soon.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A community came together amid beautiful weather to spend the weekend beautifying their city. Over 200 volunteers in Buffalo gathered in the University District to participate in a spring cleanup event. The volunteers from all over the city spent the sunny Saturday weeding, planting flowers, picking up trash and other cleanup-related tasks.
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Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
FOUR OF SIX BEACON COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL NOT RUN … This Article Was Taken From The Highland Current May 14th Edition.
By Chip Rowe, Editor | March 5, 2021
From top, left to right: Molly Rhodes, Justice McCray, Yvette Valdés Smith, George Mansfield, Dan Aymar-Blair, Paloma Wake, Nick Page and Wren Longno
Zernike also plans to vacate Dutchess seat
The Beacon Democratic Committee on Monday (March 1) announced its endorsements for the November election; four of the six members of the City Council, which is all Democratic, do not plan to seek re-election.
City Council members Terry Nelson (Ward 1), Air Rhodes (Ward 2), Jodi McCredo (Ward 3) and Amber Grant (at-large) will not seek new terms. Frits Zernike, whose Dutchess Legislature district includes Ward 4, will also not be on the ballot.
The Democratic committee endorsed Molly Rhodes (who is no relation to Air Rhodes) for the Ward 1 seat, Justice McCray for Ward 2, Wren Longno for Ward 3 and Paloma Wake for one of the two at-large seats. Incumbent Dan Aymar-Blair will seek his second term representing Ward 4 and George Mansfield will run for his seventh term on the council as the second at-large representative. The council seat held by Mayor Lee Kyriacou, also a Democrat, will be on the ballot in 2023.
The Democrats endorsed Yvette Valdés Smith to succeed Zernike; they also backed two-term incumbent Nick Page, whose legislative district includes Beacon Wards 1, 2 and 3.
Pagones and Johnston are candidates for Beacon justice.
In addition, the committee endorsed public defender Greg Johnston to challenge incumbent Timothy Pagones as Beacon city judge, and incumbent Robin Lois for county comptroller.
Pagones, a former county assistant district attorney and lawyer in private practice, announced his own bid on Thursday for re-election to his full-time term after running unopposed in 2011. Beacon has one full-time justice who serves for 10 years and one part-time justice who serves for six years.
The outgoing Beacon council members said that time, stress and the COVID-19 shutdown contributed to their decisions not to run.
Nelson, the founder of the Beacon Independent Film Festival, who is now working on a novel, said he needs a break after a decade spent on the council or working with community organizations. “My mental health and well-being — I need to look out for that,” he said. “I also want to focus on the career path I’m trying to take now.”
McCredo, a small business owner, said that “like so many others, this year pretty much turned my life upside down. I’ve been working crazy hours and doing my best to help my kids and it’s been increasingly difficult to give my position on the council the time and attention that it deserves.”
Grant declined to comment, while Rhodes indicated that the desire to spend more time with family was a factor.
Like the others, Zernike attributed his decision to a number of reasons.
Despite being in the minority, the Democratic members of the Dutchess County Legislature “managed to make our voice heard and actually get some things done,” he said. But after two terms, “it’s time to let some fresh talent join the effort. I’m confident that this seat can and should get filled by another Democrat, and it’s my sincere hope that they’ll be part of a Democratic majority after the next election.”
The Beacon GOP did not respond to requests for its endorsements made through its Facebook page and in an email to its most recently identified chair, Michael Justice.
According to the Democratic Committee, Molly Rhodes works for the nonprofit Teach for America and served on the police chief search committee; McCray has worked at the Howland Public Library and is an organizer of Beacon 4 Black Lives; Longno is a nonprofit professional who has worked at Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley; and Wake works at Flora Good Times and is vice chair of the city’s Human Relations Commission and an organizer of Beacon 4 Black Lives.
Smith is a former teacher and member of the county Environmental Management Council who is a board member of the Stonykill Foundation.
Jeff Simms contributed reporting.
NYS Coronavirus Update: Pfizer Vaccine Expansion for 12-15 Year Olds
The New York State Clinical Advisory Task Force approved the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 12 – 15-year-olds. This approval allowed us to begin administering the vaccine to this newly eligible age group today. Reminder: All New York State vaccination sites are open for walk-in appointments to all eligible individuals. You can also make an appointment online through the Am I Eligible tool or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Let’s get vaccinated, New York.  Video of the Day: Watch the second video of our “Reimagine New York” campaign featuring the voice of Whoopi Goldberg. Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 1,852. Of the 204,531 tests reported yesterday, 2,216, or 1.08 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 1.25 percent. There were 433 patients in ICU yesterday, down 30 from the previous day. Of them, 258 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 22 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. As of 11am this morning, 60.9 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 111,885 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 17,166,220 total doses with 50.4 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker. 3. The moratorium on disconnecting utilities is extended until the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or December 31, 2021. This week, I signed legislation extending a moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting utilities to residential households and small businesses that are struggling with their bills due to pandemic-related hardship. The moratorium is extended for a period of 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. 4. I signed legislation protecting New Yorkers’ COVID stimulus payments from debt collectors. All relief payments to New Yorkers under these federal acts, including stimulus payments, tax refunds, rebates, and tax credits to support individuals and children qualified for or received prior to the effective date, will be protected. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A 10-year-old boy earned the title of National Chess Master, becoming the 28th youngest person to do so. Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi, a refugee from Nigeria, won the New York state chess championship in 2019 and has continued to hone his skills to win the national title on May 1. Next up in Tani’s chess ambitions is to become the world’s youngest grandmaster. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
Attention Residents of BHA – Green Teen’s Summer Program is hiring !
May 13, 2021
Applications for Green Teen’s summer program are now live!
You can go to this link to apply:
https://forms.gle/4GRGaBSuHYkhHfr88
CCEDC’s Green Teen program is hiring for the Summer 2021 Crew. We will be working from the beginning of July through August, around 8- 10 hours a week. Most weeks we will be working Monday-Thursday, with an occasional Friday. Positions Pay minimum wage with the Next Step positions paying slightly more. Please fill out this application as soon as possible. (We’re sorry but we cannot guarantee everyone who applies an interview.) All applications are due on WEDNESDAY, June 2nd by 5pm. For more information please email hgb4@cornell.edu
NYS Coronavirus Update: Pop-Up Vaccine Sites in Buffalo — Positivity Rate Drops
The COVID numbers continue to trend in the right direction. For the first time since November 15, COVID hospitalizations have dropped below 2,000. Our statewide positivity rate dropped to 1.10 percent—the lowest since October 17. On top of that, 50 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed their vaccine series. We are hitting critical milestones but we must keep up this progress in our fight against the virus.  Photo of the Day: The Medgar Evers College vaccination site in Brooklyn has now administered over 200,000 doses (Photo courtesy of FEMA) Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 1,928. Of the 165,892 tests reported yesterday, 1,830, or 1.10 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 1.28 percent. There were 463 patients in ICU yesterday, down 28 from the previous day. Of them, 270 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 26 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. As of 11am this morning, 60.7 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 116,093 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 17,054,335 total doses with 50.0 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker. 3. In anticipation of Memorial Day, beaches and pools will operate with six-foot social distancing. That means more capacity for beachgoers and swimmers as we approach the summer. New York State’s goal is to reopen them to 100 percent capacity by July 4. 4. Five new pop-up vaccination sites will open soon at public transit stations in the Buffalo and Niagara areas. The sites will welcome walk-ins on a first-come-first-serve basis and administer the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The NFTA will provide a free seven-day transit pass to people who get vaccinated at these sites. More details to come soon. 5. For the first time in 105 years, fans can watch Major League Baseball in Buffalo. On June 1, the Toronto Blue Jays will play opening day at Sahlen Field (their temporary home) with a fully vaccinated fan section. Approximately 50 percent of the stadium’s available seating will be used for fully vaccinated fans (who will be seated normally), with the remainder of seats designated for unvaccinated fans (who will be socially distanced). This model will allow 2,000 additional fans to enjoy games in Buffalo. Sahlen Field will also serve as a free vaccination site for anyone going to the game who wants to get the vaccine. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Artist Maya Lin has set up a new art installation in New York City to raise awareness about climate change. This “Ghost Forest” installation in Madison Square Park uses barren Atlantic White Cedar trees from the Pine Barrens to demonstrate how rising sea levels affect our forests. The otherworldly exhibit will be on display until November 14. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
NYS Coronavirus Update: Back in the New York Groove — FDA Expands Authorization of Pfizer Vaccine
May 12, 2021
As New Yorkers continue to get vaccinated each day, we are focused on rebuilding our state’s economy and look forward to a new economic future for New York. Today we announced the launch of “Reimagine, Rebuild, Renew,” a multimedia campaign designed to support the state’s reopening and to drive economic recovery. This campaign will promote our commitment to growing the economy, improving our infrastructure and helping small businesses as we build back from this pandemic. I hope you’ll join us in ushering in a reimagined New York.  Video of the Day: Watch the first “Reimagine” ad, featuring Robert De Niro. Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. COVID hospitalizations rose slightly to 2,026. Of the 99,656 tests reported yesterday, 1,516, or 1.52 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 1.34 percent. There were 491 patients in ICU yesterday, down two from the previous day. Of them, 290 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 32 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. As of 11am this morning, 60.4 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 111,833 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 16,938,242 total doses with 49.4 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker. 3. The FDA expanded the emergency use authorization of the Pfizer vaccine to include people ages 12-15. Tomorrow, the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), will meet publicly to review data and discuss whether to recommend the vaccine for this age group to the CDC director. Following the review, State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker will meet with New York State’s Clinical Advisory Task Force and make a final recommendation, which means we could have full authorization for vaccinations to begin for 12- to 15-year-olds here in New York as early as Thursday. 4. New York will participate in the federal partnership with Uber and Lyft to help vaccinate New Yorkers. Today, the White House announced a new partnership with ridesharing companies Uber and Lyft, which will offer free rides to and from vaccination sites from May 24 to July 4. More details will be forthcoming. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: With baseball back, a Syracuse Mets fan was able to attend his 50th consecutive opening day game. Fairmont resident David Smolnycki has been attending opening day since he was sixteen. Although the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic, Smolnycki was able to reunite with his baseball family after 614 days, returning to MacArthur Stadium to resume his streak. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
Governor Cuomo announced eight new pop-up vaccination sites at MTA station in New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions.
May 11, 2021
Governor Cuomo Announces Eight New Pop-Up Vaccination Sites at MTA Stations
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
NAMI Mid-Hudson recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This year, United Way of Dutchess and Orange Counties, in partnership with NAMI Mid-Hudson, is proud to recognize May as “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.
During May, NAMI Mid-Hudson joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with a mental health condition and their families. This year it is needed more than ever due to the impact the Pandemic has had on Mental Health.
Unfortunately, since there is a stigma that is often attached to mental health needs, we need to take this opportunity to promote wellness and resilience. May opens the doors to talking about it and sharing news with family members, friends and neighbors.
NAMI Mid-Hudson continues to play a leadership role with support from our community in providing awareness, education and family support to individuals and family members. Mental health wellness is for everyone, and there is support and practical evidence based tools that one can use to improve mental health. There is no physical health without mental health.
NAMI Mid-Hudson is asking for your support and to join our activities to promote family stability and community wellness. Please follow the events on our website as well as the live links on the flyer to our social media accounts for updates.
Keep informed with NAMI Mid-Hudson updates on:
- namimidhudson.org * Facebook * Instagram