January 28, 2021
January 27, 2021
| Released on January 26, 2021. To ultimately be successful in winning this war against COVID we need greater supply of the vaccine and we need all New Yorkers to continue practicing COVID safe behavior. Earlier this evening, President Biden announced allocations to states will go up 16 percent and that we can count on that allocation for the next three weeks. So far, we’ve been going week to week and now with advance notice we can plan better and that is good news. New York stands ready to administer more vaccinations the moment we receive more supply. However, even with this increased allocation, supply is likely to continue to be extremely limited in the near term. Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 1. Total hospitalizations rose to 8,831. Of the 162,938 tests reported yesterday, 11,064, or 6.79 percent were positive. There were 1,544 patients in ICU yesterday, up 22 from the previous day. Of them, 1,006 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 162 New Yorkers to the virus. 2. The Biden administration also announced that it would “soon be able to confirm” the purchase of an additional 200 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. These additional doses, if secured by the federal government, would not arrive until the summer and will not solve the immediate supply crunch. We are in communication with the Biden team about this and other supply issues. 3. As of 11:00am today, New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 93 percent of first dose vaccinations. We administered 1,210,339 first doses 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 74 percent of first and second doses. New Yorkers can track the State’s vaccination progress through the NYS Vaccine Dashboard. 4. The application deadline for COVID Rent Relief is February 1, 2021. Last month, I signed an Executive Order expanding eligibility for New York State’s COVID Rent Relief Program so more rent relief can be provided to New Yorkers. Learn more about the program. 5. Remember, mental health resources are available for New Yorkers who need them. As we continue through the winter we can’t underestimate the mental and emotional strain of the pandemic. New Yorkers can visit headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314. Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Inspired by a woman in Michigan, Mary Kate Tischler and her 6-year-old daughter of Seaford, NY, set up a “Sharing Table” to help give back to their community. The two collected non-perishable goods from their home and set up a table outside their home with a sign to share that anyone passing by could take what they needed—or drop off their own pantry items. This community-minded spirit is what New York is all about. If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
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Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced the County’s Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has confirmed this week’s COVID-19 allocation from New York State and has opened new appointment slots for eligible individuals in Phase 1a and 1b as determined by New York State’s Phased Distribution Plan. Dutchess County will again receive 600 doses of COVID-19 vaccine this week from New York State, well below the County’s distribution capacity.
DBCH will operate one Point of Dispensing (POD) Vaccination Center, by appointment only, this week and appointments must be made online at the link below:
Thursday, January 28th
Noon to 8pm
Former JCPenney store
Poughkeepsie Galleria
2001 South Road, Poughkeepsie
JCPenney Appointment Registration Link
There will only be one location this week to allow the Poughkeepsie site to test higher throughput capacity in preparation for larger vaccine allocations in the future.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Our POD vaccination sites have been exceptionally efficient thanks to our dedicated Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers, public health staff, Public Works and Dutchess County Sheriff Deputies and others. We have the capacity to vaccinate thousands of people every week, but supply remains the issue. We will continue to push for more supply because we have the capacity to put a lot more shots in arms. But until greater supply is available, we urge everyone to try to remain patient and keep up the safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Please note, appointments CANNOT be made by calling Dutchess County’s Coronavirus Information Call Center or the Department of Behavioral & Community Health as appointments must currently be made online through the State-operated online registration system.
Registered individuals should be prepared to show identification (i.e. driver’s license, pay stub, work ID) to verify eligibility for Phase 1a and 1b classification. Scheduling for second dose appointments will occur at the vaccination site as vaccine requires two doses for effectiveness. Vaccine supply remains very limited from the state and federal government and supply allocations are not guaranteed. All appointments should be considered tentative and are subject to cancellation if Dutchess County does not receive expected allocation.
Governor Cuomo last week noted it will take up to seven months to vaccinate all who are now eligible in Phase 1a and 1b based on current projected vaccine availability. Eligible residents should anticipate it may be several weeks, or even months, before they can get an appointment as demand far exceeds supply.
Last week, New York State provided new guidance for facilities currently receiving vaccine allocations to prioritize specific subgroups in the Phase 1a and 1b eligible population. Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order outlining prioritization as follows:
Dutchess County continues to provide updated information about COVID-19 vaccine availability on its webpage www.DutchessNY.gov/COVIDvaccine. This webpage includes status updates, as the County receives information from New York State, about allocations for the week and current appointment availability.
As vaccinations continue, all residents are reminded to continue with coronavirus safety measures – wearing a face mask, frequent hand washing and physical distancing – to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Residents can register to receive notification when new vaccination appointments are open for scheduling at the County’s COVID-19 vaccine information webpage: www.dutchessny.gov/covidvaccine.
January 26, 2021
January 25, 2021.
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.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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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.
January 22, 2021
| 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. Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |
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.
For more information about the event, visit:https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/events/730206594560389/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2da7V2cCKvRMdTPPneqArH
January 21, 2021
| Sent out on January 20, 2021. 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 |
