WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.
WPCNR CORONAVIRUS MONITOR. Based on the New York State Covid-19 Tracker. December 29, 2021:
The daily State-supplied covid new infections in Westchester County Sunday, the 26, out this evening were 3,108, setting a new daily high for the county.
With 2,049 infections Saturday Christmas Day and 3,108 the next day with more Westchester residents being tested, the 5,157 new infections were confirmation of the Covid Omicron Variant contagious power.
Westchester tested 14,415 Sunday and 3,108 tested positive, matching the 21% infection rate the county posted Saturday when 9,536 were tested and 2,049 tested positive.
Every other county in the Mid-Hudson Region experience sharp spikes in new infections.
Orange County showed 1,512 new infections four times the Saturday total of 461.
Rockland more than doubled its positives from 679 Saturday to 1,426.
Dutchess doubled positives from 278 Saturday to 799.
ULSTER doubled from 111 to 236.
Putnam with a most recent high total of 205 in the last two weeks showed 630 positive Sunday a tripling of positives from a previous high infection mark.
Sullivan quadrupled new positive infections Sunday from 61 Saturday to 284.
Long Island continued to spread red. reaching 10,545 infections total for the two counties, Nassau and Suffolk. Saturday the counties showed 6,334 infections.
The combined new infections in the 9 counties surrounding New York City Sunday was 17,940.
The one satisfaction is that Omicron does not appear to deliver as serious an illness as the Delta or original covid. However, there is no breakdown available of the impact on the unvaccinated persons getting the Omicron variant, yet.
JOHN BAILEY’S DAILY COVID JOURNAL ON LEFT NOTING DAY BY DAY PULSE OF POSITIVES COUNTY BY COUNTY IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA. (COUNTS ARE FROM THE STATE COVID TRACKER WHICH ARE TWO DAYS DELAYED.)
WPCNR CORONA VIRUS MONITOR.From the New York State Covid Tracker. Observations by John F. Bailey. UPDATED 9:25 A.M. E.S.T:
In the week before Christmas, positive cases from two weeks ago resulted in an “explosion” of new positive cases December 19 through December 25. Based on the WPCNR daily logbook of infections, the 2,788 persons testing positive two weeks ago in the week December 5 to 12 resulted in part to spreading the disease to 11,450 persons during Christmas week.
Those persons infected with covid two weeks ago resulted in passing the disease to 3.6 other persons who were not infected.
Governor Kathy Hochul in her analysis of the state of rapidly escalating covid infections Monday said that 65% of new cases of covid statewide had been identified to be the Omicron Covid strain.
The 10,050 persons testing positive through Christmas Day if they spread the disease to 3.6 persons at various times before being tested positive could result in 36,230 persons infected with covid in two weeks.
That 3.6 persons infected by new covid positives 2 weeks ago reflected in last week 11,450 positives is a rate of spread of 1 new infectee spreading to 2.5 persons from the two weeks before December 5, beginning November 21, when 1,086 were newly infected that week.. The highly contagious omicron variant has increased new infections in the tri-state area to new positive rates of up to 20%.
Of those tested in the Mid-Hudson Valley region, of 18,874 tests Saturday, 3,659 residents of Mid-Hudson tested positive, an average of 18.4% Westchester tested 9,536 and 2,049 were positive for covid, 21.5% Infection Rate
Hospitalizations of covid patients in Westchester rose to 214 as of Friday, December 24, County Executive George Latimer reported in his Tuesday WVOX broadcast, up from 50 one month ago.
It would appear those infected with covid, Omicron or Delta varients are getting less sick. The 214 hospitalizations last Friday indicate only 8% of the 2,788 infections two weeks ago have been sick enough to be hospitalized.
In the Mid-Hudson Valley region, Westchester County had the most cases Saturday, 2,049. Rockland reported 679; Orange County, 461; Dutchess, 278; Ulster, 111; Sullivan, 61; and Putnam 20. The total Mid-Hudson region cases last week was 3,659.
Nassau and Suffolk counties Saturday surged back to 6,334 new covid infections between the two counties, with infection rate of 21% of those tested in those two counties.
New York City new cases outpace the 9 surrounding counties with 3 times the number of new covid cases.
WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL.From the Office of the Westchester District Attorney. December28, 2021:
The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office conducted a thorough investigation into allegations reported by two women against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Specifically, the alleged conduct, of which we are aware, that occurred in Westchester County is as follows:
1- A woman, identified as Trooper 1 in the Attorney General’s Report, alleged that, when Cuomo was the Governor and Trooper 1 was a member of his detail and on duty at his home in Mount Kisco, she asked the Governor if he needed anything and he responded by asking her if he could kiss her. She further indicated that she was concerned about the ramifications of denying the Governor’s request and so she said “sure.” The Governor then kissed her on the cheek and, as indicated in the Attorney General’s report, “said something to the effect of, ‘oh, I’m not supposed to do that’ or ‘unless that’s against the rules.’”
2- A second woman has alleged (publicly and to our investigators) that Cuomo grabbed her arm, pulled her toward him and kissed her on the cheek without seeking permission for such a greeting while the two were at an event at White Plains High School.
Our investigation found credible evidence to conclude that the alleged conduct in both instances described above did occur. However, in both instances, my Office has determined that, although the allegations and witnesses were credible, and the conduct concerning, we cannot pursue criminal charges due to the statutory requirements of the criminal laws of New York. This conclusion is unrelated to any possible civil liability which is beyond the scope of a District Attorney’s jurisdiction, which focuses solely on criminal laws.
We continue to recognize the bravery of the women and witnesses who have cooperated with law enforcement and we remain committed to supporting them and all survivors. As in all cases of alleged misconduct, my Office will investigate such claims irrespective of the position or status of the accusers or the accused. We thank the Attorney General, the State Assembly and our sister DA Offices for their collaboration and cooperation.
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers Monday on the state’s progress combating COVID-19.
“As we come home from holiday gatherings, it is as important as ever to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 this season,” Governor Hochul said. “Wear your mask, wash your hands, and if you haven’t yet, get vaccinated and boosted. The vaccine is the best tool we have to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe as we head into the new year. Take advantage of having it readily available and get yours today.”
Data this morning in the GISAID database, the largest repository of SARS-CoV-2 sequences in the world, show the Omicron variant comprised 64.1% of uploaded sequences from NYS between 12/12/21 and 12/25/21. This increase compared to the result announced on Friday, which covered 12/10/2021 to 12/23/2021, and slightly higher than all previous levels, is indicative of the ongoing spread of Omicron in NYS.
Today’s data is summarized briefly below:
* Numbers with an asterisk were last updated as of Dec. 24 as the HERDS system was down in observance of the holiday.
** Vaccination numbers compiled by the CDC as of Dec. 24.
*** Due to the Holiday, today’s report has data fromDec. 24and Dec. 25, where available.
Test Results Reported – Dec.24:400,030/Dec. 25: 257,325***
Total Positive – Dec. 24: 49,708/Dec. 25: 36,454***
Percent Positive – 14.17%
7-Day Average Percent Positive – 11.70%
Patient Hospitalization – 4,891*
Patients Newly Admitted – 839*
Patients in ICU – 880 (-4)*
Patients in ICU with Intubation – 501 (+6)*
Total Discharges – 226,474 (+676)*
New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 60*
Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 47,929* The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC – 60,751 This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.
Total vaccine doses administered – 33,105,549
Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 29,046
Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 732,953
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 88.6%
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 80.3%
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 95.0%**
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 82.6%**
Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 77.4%
Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 69.4%
Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 82.9%**
Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 71.3**
Each region’s 7-day average of cases per 100K population is as follows:
REGION
Dec. 23
Dec. 24
Dec. 25
Capital Region
73.13
73.88
72.5
Central New York
76.38
75.36
73.28
Finger Lakes
59.28
57.42
54.51
Long Island
173.85
201.92
216.1
Mid-Hudson
116.99
134.3
140.16
Mohawk Valley
75.8
70.47
64.44
New York City
204.25
237.31
256.7
North Country
51.01
50.23
46.44
Southern Tier
91.26
86.18
70.34
Western New York
59.65
65.41
68.37
Statewide
147.83
168.15
178.37
Each region’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:
Region
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Friday, December 24, 2021
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Capital Region
8.61%
9.03%
9.23%
Central New York
8.77%
8.69%
9.05%
Finger Lakes
8.38%
8.52%
8.85%
Long Island
13.05%
13.98%
14.79%
Mid-Hudson
9.43%
10.35%
11.04%
Mohawk Valley
8.79%
9.21%
9.40%
New York City
10.20%
11.00%
11.76%
North Country
6.96%
7.08%
7.07%
Southern Tier
7.34%
7.91%
7.89%
Western New York
8.88%
9.31%
9.69%
Statewide
10.18%
10.98%
11.70%
Each New York City borough’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:
Borough in NYC
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Friday, December 24, 2021
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Bronx
10.73%
12.37%
13.78%
Kings
10.15%
10.86%
11.47%
New York
9.70%
9.99%
10.50%
Queens
10.69%
11.78%
12.70%
Richmond
10.24%
11.46%
12.34%
Yesterday, 36,454 New Yorkers tested positive for COVID-19 in New York State, bringing the total compiled to 3,184,195. A geographic breakdown is as follows:
County
Total Positive
New Positive
Albany
39,158
206
Allegany
6,861
7
Broome
32,356
134
Cattaraugus
11,289
6
Cayuga
11,035
18
Chautauqua
17,235
32
Chemung
14,609
36
Chenango
6,533
18
Clinton
9,519
48
Columbia
6,677
22
Cortland
6,999
40
Delaware
5,322
8
Dutchess
42,998
246
Erie
141,578
750
Essex
3,527
9
Franklin
6,273
19
Fulton
8,853
16
Genesee
9,903
14
Greene
5,831
20
Hamilton
584
0
Herkimer
9,779
24
Jefferson
12,884
21
Lewis
4,685
0
Livingston
8,284
13
Madison
8,702
10
Monroe
109,437
320
Montgomery
8,141
5
Nassau
268,422
3,438
Niagara
33,017
128
NYC
1,372,105
23,804
Oneida
37,742
44
Onondaga
67,800
307
Ontario
13,619
18
Orange
70,609
347
Orleans
6,322
7
Oswego
16,565
19
Otsego
6,438
13
Putnam
15,093
17
Rensselaer
20,247
99
Rockland
61,500
386
Saratoga
29,297
152
Schenectady
21,589
22
Schoharie
3,302
4
Schuyler
2,347
13
Seneca
3,812
4
St. Lawrence
14,848
20
Steuben
14,343
17
Suffolk
298,430
3,353
Sullivan
11,352
82
Tioga
7,398
13
Tompkins
10,997
70
Ulster
21,494
93
Warren
8,726
40
Washington
8,019
16
Wayne
11,980
11
Westchester
169,325
1,869
Wyoming
6,088
4
Yates
2,317
2
Grand Total
3,184,195
36,454
Given the extent of spread of Omicron, it is more meaningful to report the percentage of Omicron variants as reported to the public COVID-19 sequence databases, than to report counts of individual cases. This percentage can then be related to the total positive COVID case count in the state. This process is consistent with how the New York State Department of Health has reported on all other variants online: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-variant-data.
It should be noted that similar data reported from the CDC, updated this week, uses a statistical model to project the variant percentages for a more recent timeframe. This projection approach partly explains a higher percentage for the Omicron variant reported by the CDC.
As of Dec. 24, 60 New Yorkers died due to COVID-19, bringing the total compiled by HERDS to 47,929. Death numbers were not compiled on Dec. 25 in observance of the holiday. A geographic breakdown is as follows, by county of residence:
Deaths by County of Residence
County
New Deaths
Albany
1
Bronx
1
Broome
2
Cattaraugus
2
Chautauqua
2
Chemung
1
Erie
5
Genesee
1
Herkimer
1
Kings
3
Livingston
2
Manhattan
2
Monroe
2
Nassau
3
Niagara
1
Oneida
4
Onondaga
2
Orange
1
Putnam
1
Queens
8
Richmond
2
Rockland
2
Saratoga
1
Schenectady
1
Seneca
1
Suffolk
3
Ulster
1
Washington
1
Wayne
1
Westchester
2
Grand Total
60
All New York State mass vaccination sites are open to eligible New Yorkers aged 5 and older, with walk-in vaccination available at all sites on a first-come, first-serve basis for people aged 12 and older. Information on which sites require appointments for children in the 5-11 age group is available on our website. People who prefer to make an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.
New Yorkers looking to schedule vaccine appointments for 5-11-year-old children are encouraged to contact their child’s pediatrician, family physician, county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health centers, or pharmacies that may be administering the vaccine for this age group. Parents and guardians can visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. Make sure that the provider offers the Pfizer-BioNTechCOVID-19 vaccine, as the other COVID-19 vaccines are not yet authorized for this age group.
Visit our websitefor parents and guardians for new information, frequently asked questions and answers, and resources specifically designed for parents and guardians of this age group.
Yesterday, 6,163 New Yorkers received their first vaccine dose, and 3,407 completed their vaccine series. A geographic breakdown of New Yorkers who have been vaccinated by region is as follows:
People with at least one vaccine dose
People with complete vaccine series
Region
Cumulative Total
Increase over past 24 hours
Cumulative Total
Increase over past 24 hours
Capital Region
934,480
71
852,482
98
Central New York
626,785
-6
579,120
68
Finger Lakes
833,858
16
769,405
35
Long Island
2,072,264
-1,016
1,835,767
-4
Mid-Hudson
1,621,838
-387
1,418,544
92
Mohawk Valley
315,417
0
291,684
44
New York City
7,558,213
7,456
6,649,556
2,950
North Country
293,116
3
264,119
6
Southern Tier
424,519
-42
388,200
7
Western New York
919,188
68
839,426
111
Statewide
15,599,678
6,163
13,888,303
3,407
The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard is available to update New Yorkers on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The New York State Department of Health requires vaccinating facilities to report all COVID-19 vaccine administration data within 24 hours; the vaccine administration data on the dashboard is updated daily to reflect the most up-to-date metrics in the state’s vaccination effort. New York State Department of Health-reported data from NYSIIS and CIR differs slightly from federally-reported data, which is inclusive of federally-administered doses and other minor differences. Both numbers are included in the release above.
Westchester County has partnered with Quadrant Bio Sciences to offer FREE PCR COVID-19 testing at the Westchester County Center starting Wednesday, December 29.
This testing is APPOINTMENT ONLY – walk ins will not be accepted. Appointments will only be available 3 days in advance. Testing is for anyone experiencing symptoms or anyone who has been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The testing is not for travel. Testing is available for all ages, including children and infants.
JOHN BAILEY THE CITIZENETREPORTER BROADCASTS LIVE ON WVOX 1460 TUESDAYS, 7:50 A.M. A REGULAR COMMENTATOR ON WVOX FOR 8 YEARS
THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR I’M PUTTING TOGETHER MY STORIES OF THE YEAR REPORT ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK AND THERE WERE A LOT OF THEM. WHITE PLAINS AND EVERY TOWN AND CITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD WAS CHANGED — IN ATTITUDES, WHAT WE DID. HOW WE LIVE TOGETHER IN THE TIME OF COVID
OUR LIFESTYLES CHANGED. WHAT WE WERE ABLE TO DO CHANGED. MANY OF US DID NOT WORK BECAUSE OF COVID. OUR PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE CHANGED.
IN WHITE PLAINS, MACY’S AND SEARS CLOSED THE RIDGEWAY COUNTRY CLUB WAS SOLD BY THE FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL TO A LUXURY HOUSING DEVELOPER BRINGING THAT 11 YEAR BATTLE TO A CLOSE—BUT THERE IS A CONTINGENT OF GEDNEY ASSOCIATION THAT STILL WANTS THE APELLATE COURT TO DECIDE WHETHER A MANDATE SHOULD GO WITH A PROPERTY INTO PERPETUITY SO IT STILL GOES ON EVEN THOUGH THE PROJECT IS GONE. IT IS THE ISSUE THAT NEVER ENDS.
WHITE PLAINS HAS OPTED IN TO MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES AND CANNIBIS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES APPROVED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE BY DEFAULT BY NOT TAKING UP THE ISSUE. WE AWAIT REGULATIONS ON HOW CANNIBIS FACILITIES WILL BE RUN. THERE ARE NONE YET.
LOUIS CAPPELLI TOOK OVER AND FINISHED 55 BANK STREET AND IS NOW FINISHING THE MITCHELL. THE CITY HAS YET TO ANNOUNCE WHAT IT IS GOING TO DO TO FINISH THE TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT THE RAILROAD STATION RENOVATION.
THE CITY AWAITS START UP OF THE WP PAVILLION PROJECT AND CONTINUES TO EXTEND SITE PLANS ON PROJECTS STALLED FOR LACK OF FINANCING.
THOSE WERE THE PHYSICAL CHANGES.
CITY GOVERNMENT REMAINS THE SAME. MAYOR TOM ROACH WAS ELECTED UNOPPOSED. RICHARD PAYNE WAS ELECTED TO HIS FIRST TERM ON THE COMMON COUNCIL. JOHN MARTIN WAS ELECTED TO HIS THIRD TERM ON THE COMMON COUNCIL AND JUSTIN BRASCH TO HIS SECOND.
PERSONAL CHANGES WERE MORE COMPLEX IT IS A CITY OF FEAR. OF REMOTE LEARNING AT HOME IN THE WHITE PLAINS SCHOOLS…WHICH REOPENED FULLY LAST MAY AND HAD A TERRIFIC COOPERATION BETWEEN PARENTS CHILDREN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO REOPEN LAST MAY.THE WHITE PLAINS SCHOOLS CONTINUE WITH AN UNDER 1% NEW POSITIVE RATE
MORE PROFOUND WERE THE PERSONAL CHANGES… I HAVE WATCHED MORE MOVIES ON NETFLIX GOTTEN INTO MORE ARGUMENTS WITH BRENDA STARR ON DELAYING STARTS OF MOVIES AND BEEN INFURIATED BY HORRIBLE TUNING IN INCONSISTENCIES ON THE STREAMING CHANNELS. I HAVE REALIZED HOW I MISS SOCIALIZING AND DO NOT LIKE THE FEAR OF BEING WITH PEOPLE. THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR US MENTALLY HOW HAVE YOU HANDLED THE PERSONAL SIDE OF COVID DENNIS?
DENNIS NARDONE: I COME IN AND DO THE SHOW, TRY AND GIVE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE. I COME HERE 7 DAYS A WEEK.
JOHN: WE HAD TO STAY AT HOME. WE HAD TO WORK FROM HOME. CHILDREN HAD TO LEARN FROM HOME. WE HAD TO DEAL WITH WHETHER TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK. THERE WAS ANXIETY ABOUT WHETHER TO BE VACCINATED. INFORMATION CHANGED AND CHANGED AND CHANGED AGAIN. VACCINATIONS WERE ATTACKED BY IRRESPONSIBLE MEDIA. AFTER THE FIRST WAVE OF COVID THIS YEAR WAS STOPPED IN APRIL, RESTRICTIONS WERE LOOSENED. SOCIALIZING RETURNED AND BEGINNING IN JULY CASES GREW CREATING A SECOND WAVE WHICH AFTER LABOR DAY TURNED INTO A THIRD WAVE UNTIL NOW DECEMBER WE HAVE A SHARP SPIKE THAT HAS EXPLODED.
WPCNR CORONAVIRUSJOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. December 27, 2021. UPDATED DECEMBER 28. 2021:
CountyExecutive George Latimer announced this morning on WVOX Radio that 214 people in Westchester suffering from covid hospitlizations were hospitalized Friday as of December 24. Based on the number of covid positives two weeks ago on Friday, December 10 this means that of the 459, 53% were hospitalized. Not all of course contracted covid at the same time, Mr. Latimer said a month ago, the county had only 50 persons hospitalized.
The Westchester Covid Tracker reports unofficially that Christmas Eve Covid positive Infections hit 1,900 new infections and Christmas Day setting an all time record infections for the county, 2,900. Previously the highest was 1,300 March 25, 2020. The Westchester infection rate was 15.7% on Friday’s positives of the 7,595 tested
Mr. Latimer also said on his Tuesday morning broadcast, the county asked the state to open the Westchester County Center for testing tomorrow and that persons had to call for an appointment to take a covid test. He said the county did this to meet the overwhelming demand for tests by the public that were creating long lines at pharmacies as well as a shortage of tests.
The New York State Covid Tracker did not post Friday and Saturday results because of the Christmas Day holiday. Friday tthere were 1,189 Westchester new covid positives of 7,595 tested.
On last Thursday, December 23 the last day of New York Covid Tracker testing results, Westchester reported 1,869 new cases of 13,655 tested persons. That is a positive rate of 13.7% –A Westchester high.
In WPCNR’s Daily Mid-Hudson Journal of covid trends, Westchester County broke its all-time highest day record December 21 reporting 1,755 new sufferers positive with Covid. The prior record was reached January 14, 2021. December 22, Wednesday the count set a new record, 2,363 infections and Thursday December 23 another 1,869 cases,
The sweep of the Red Plague is sobering.
The testing results after this past Christmas weekend show the new covid pace of self-infection through socializing and refusal to vaccinate may cause this 2,000 a day rate to soar. A grim spectre of infections in January the likes of which the county has not seen is a distinct possibility.
The 7-county Mid-Hudson region reported 3,040 new covid cases last Thursday. Westchester accounted for 2/3 of the new persons positive with Covid among the seven counties.
Nassau and Suffolk County are each averaging 16.7 per cent positives a day of those tested. Nassau reported 3,438 cases Thursday; Suffolk, 3,553. Those counties are in “Free Rise.” (Friday, Nassau and Suffolk counties reported 4,628 positives–positive infection rates of 18% of all tested. the lowest Nassau amd Suffolk have recorded in 5 days.)
New York City suffered 23,804 new cases Thursday double that of the 7-counties plus Nassau and Suffolk Counties totl, which accounted for 10,041 new positives in the 9 counties surrounding New York City. (Friday New York City reported 18,168 positives in all 5 boroughs compared to the Mid-Hudson and Nassau Suffolk Counties total of 6,639. New York City is infecting three times more people than the 9 counties surrounding it.)
The 1,869 Westchester infections Thursday the 23rd, paint a spectre of thousands of cases. Since the disease infects within 10 to 14 days. We go back to December 9 when 497 persons were tested covid positive. The 497 persons then, divided into the 1,869 infections found last Thursday means each of the 497 infected 3.76 persons.
In two weeks the 2,000 persons a day infections at that rate would deliver 8,000 new infections a day the second week in January. If Westchester covid positive persons continue at the 2,000 infections a day rate, infecting 3.76 persons each , the county will see over 50,000 infections the third week. Based on last week hospitalizations 50% may require hospitalization, (25,000 in three weeks). if the hospitalizations are lower this week say 25%, we will still see 12,000 hospitalizations of this 2,000 a day of new infections continues the next week.
(The number of hospitalizations Friday demonstrate a hospitalization rate of 50% of persons infected two weeks ago, that would meanthe new Friday 1,189 new positives would produce 600 hospitalizations within a day or two of January 8. it would also show that they are getting sicker, primarily because Mr. Latimer said the majority of patients needing hospitalization are not vaccinated. At this 1,000 infections a day pace, and the spread rate of 1 infected person infecting 3 others, projects 4,200 persons needing hospital care in Westchester for their covid the week of January 8)
This is not to panic anyone but it should. It is simple math.
We now have 11,000 new infections since last Monday through Christmas Day in Westchester County. They are infecting 3 to 3.76 persons for every one of them infected. You do the math:
41,360 infections in two weeks. If only 10% of 40,000 infected need hospitalization, you still have 4,000 hospitalizations. Westchester only has 2,700 beds. If the cases are worse because they are unvaccinated, you may have a 50% hospitalization rate creating 20,000 persons needing hospitalizations.The cumulative effect of compounding infections skyrockets hospitalizations, quadrupling hospitalizations rapidly.
Such a rate of hospitalization will blow past Westchester County ability to handle hospitalizations.
This is incentive to get the vaccine, I believe. And vaccinate your children 5 to 18.
Why? The Netherlands is in lockdown right now.
The Netherlands reports that part of the reason is the large number of children in school being infected. The Netherlands article on the Op-Ed page of The New York Times this morning by Senay Boztas in Amsterdam is must reading to see how The Netherlands got to another lockdown.
I wanted to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I know the pandemic has been difficult for every New Yorker, and as we continue to navigate COVID and its variants, there’s fatigue, uncertainty, and fear. I understand, and that’s why we’re working so diligently to help everyone stay safe.
Despite the challenges we face, this holiday season, I’m also filled with hope and optimism.
Every single day, I’m reminded of the strength, compassion, and resilience of the people living in this state. You’ve endured so much — and you keep moving forward.
From the essential workers who put their health on the line to keep us safe, to the small business owners, to the parents and teachers who worked so hard to give our kids a great education in exceptional circumstances, and to so many others, I am so grateful for each and every one of you this holiday season.
We’ve learned throughout this crisis that we truly are all in this together. There’s so much more that unites us than divides us.
I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that New York is going to come back stronger than ever. There is no better time to reflect on this moment of great opportunity than on Christmas. At the end of the day, this holiday is all about love, and family, and the beginning of a time when the world began to rethink what was possible.
So today, I want to thank you for all that you’ve done and will do to keep each other safe this holiday season. Get vaccinated and boosted. Talk to that loved one who hasn’t been vaccinated yet and make sure they do. Wear your mask and get tested.
The collective spirit of New Yorkers is the reason our state’s future is so bright. That’s why I am honored and so humbled to be your governor. From my family to yours, and on behalf of New York State, Merry Christmas.
WPCNR NEWS AND COMMENT.By John F. Bailey. December 24, 2021:
WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. December 25, 2020:
It has been approximately 2,021 years since a confluence of bright stars guided three kings to the town of Bethlehem to pay respects to a “newborn king.”
This antique set which has been in my family for 75 years or so, commemorates that night (tonight) this day.
Since the day the baby, Jesus, was born in a stable, which was provided as a charity by the owner of the inn in Bethlehem, the baby’s deeds He was to achieve and His philosophy of loving your fellow man and woman that took root in a hostile world that was a world of subjugation, genocide, enslavement, and oppression — with violence.
A lot like today.
Religious beliefs aside.
Jesus may be the most influential man of all time, considering how his message of concern, respect, and kindness towards your fellow man and woman was unique at the time he lived and spread throughout the world without violence.
We would all do well, if when considering how to treat each other, make a decision, what would Jesus do?
I daresay the world would be a much better place. I also should like to point out that Jesus’s message was not follow me and you will have eternal life, though he did say that–his main message was to love one another and be compassionate, helpful, and respectful towards those less fortunate than you.
It made so much sense.
I set it up the display this year because I missed it over the years. Remember it is not what Jesus offered…it was what He did that spread his message around the world without violence
There was no CNN, No Fox News, showing live coverage, no internet, no newspapers,radio or television. No Twitter or Facebook. No Instagram,Skype, or Google.
Nevertheless the message of the man who died on Calvary (The Place of the Skull) spread around the world without mass communication.
His followers, twelve of them were so devoted to His message of love and code of behavior they became the first pacifist activists who spread a message the man they called their Lord had preached to them.
He was Jesus of Nazareth. He had no last name.
Today He is now known all over the world for the message he delivered.
Whether you believe He is the Son of God, or not, He ranks as one of the foremost influences on mankind. More than Plato, more than Socrates, more than any leader or politician, or entertainer whoever lived.
His selfless acts of embracing lepers, the poor, those who sinned were unique.
Such compassion for the downtrodden was unheard of during the time He lived.
It was a time of slavery. No human rights. No care for the sick. When cities were razed and populations slaughtered or enslaved much like the genocides of the twentieth century.
Jesus of Nazareth introduced a new philosophy that spread throughout the world after because the community leaders of his own people thought him a threat to their power. And that fear that this simple man was a threat should be a lesson to us all.
If you live by His philosophy of forgiveness you are a person at peace with yourself. If you accept those who are different from you without fear or prejudice, you are a force for spreading His message of peace towards others and good will.
If you help the poor and the sick because you sympathize with them, you are following His way.
If you stand up for truth, point out what is wrong as He did with the Pharisees. You are doing his will.
If you go about doing good for the sake of doing good, you are following His virtue of selflessness.
Jesus of Nazareth’s message whether divine or a code of how we conduct our lives resonated with millions and it spread.
There is no denying He is one of the great philosophers of the human experience, kin to Socrates, the other giant of antiquity thought.
Jesus of Nazareth was a human being who affects us to this day.
One of the great gifts of this man, Jesus of Nazareth, is the celebration of humanity and capacity to care and feel for others that aids persons whether they believe He was the Son of God or not. Or that you will have eternal life if you believe in him.
His philosophies of care, courage, compassion and benevolent action serve their practioners well because they leave a great personal satisfaction in the heart, the mind, and the spirit.
You do not have to second guess yourself, when you do what is right, humane, merciful, and serves the less fortunate without superiority with nothing to gain for yourself. And if you do not do what is right, if you weaken, you always regret it and remember when you failed to do right.
The peace of mind of action is the least of the great gifts of Jesus of Nazareth whose birth is recognized worldwide this night.
If you act as Jesus did, you will be remembered by all you meet fondly and lovingly, and be comforted that you will live in memories of those you have touched with your love and kindness and caring for eternity to the end of the age.
His simple teachings have great power. Use them. Implement them.
They give meaning to our mystery of life.
They give meaning and purpose to anyone’s life.
For 2,021 years He in his sweet, short life made a violent world a better place.
