GOVERNOR CUOMO WANTS YOU TO TRAIN AS A VACCINATOR

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 WPCNR GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO CORONAVIRUS REPORT. February 25, 2021:

New York State is encouraging eligible New Yorkers to train to become vaccinators. If you are a licensed practical nurse, a dentist, an EMT, a medical nursing student with at least a year of clinical experience, and more—then you may be eligible to take training to become a vaccinator and help New York administer COVID vaccines over the coming months. See how you can get involved.  

As of today, more than 2.5 million New Yorkers have received a first vaccine dose—about 12.8 percent of the state’s population. This is a promising step in our vaccination efforts. We’re doing everything we can to further build our vaccination distribution network and to ensure the vaccine is being administered equitably, but one of our biggest obstacles to getting every single New Yorker vaccinated remains a lack of supply.

The number of doses we receive from the federal government has been increasing each week and in turn, we’ve been able to expand eligibility to even more New Yorkers. Now with the news of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the prospect of even greater vaccine supply is on the horizon. As vaccine appointments remain scarce at the moment, I urge New Yorkers to be patient and continue to exercise caution about the virus.  

Photo of the Day: Remember that wearing a mask is required on all public transportation Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 

1. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 5,703. Of the 278,942 tests reported yesterday, 8,746, or 3.34 percent, were positive. There were 1,124 patients in ICU yesterday, down 30 from the previous day. Of them, 774 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 89 New Yorkers to the virus. 

 2. As of 11am Thursday, 91 percent of first doses allocated to the state have been administered. This represents 2,562,274 first doses administered of the 2,812,900 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 3,985,558 total doses have been administered out of the 4,530,640 total doses received. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker. 

3. Twelve community-based pop-up vaccination sites will come online this week. The sites will be set up at community centers, public housing complexes and cultural centers and will vaccinate more than 3,700 New Yorkers.

Since January 15, more than 100 community-based pop-up sites administered over 46,000 first doses to eligible New Yorkers. These sites are a key component to New York’s effort to fair and equitable vaccine distribution and we will continue to work with our local partners to help the communities hit hardest by the pandemic. 

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Celebrating 40 years, a Long Island non-profit organization continues to help kids see a brighter future despite the pandemic. The North Shore Youth Council in Rocky Point, NY, helps children and teenagers develop life skills to help them grow into responsible, successful adults through summer camps, mentoring, recreation and more. When the virus hit, they continued to offer support with virtual programming, including free tele-therapy, virtual talent shows, and more. They have since restarted much of their in-person programming. “Families, children especially, have been in desperate need of stability, socialization, and mental health support, so it was important that we found every way possible to continue to be that system in place,” said Robert Woods, NSYC’s Executive Director. To learn more about NSYC’s programs and services, visit www.nsyc.com.  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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CRYSTAL HAWKINS-SYSKA PRESIDENT, HUDSON GATEWAY REALTORS ON WESTCHESTER REAL ESTATE SATURDAY AT 7 ON “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD” with JOHN BAILEY. FIOS 45, OPT 76 & wpcommunitymedia.org

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CRYSTAL HAWKINS-SYSKA
KELLER WILLIAMS WHITE PLAINS ON THE
WESTCHESTER SPRING MARKET,

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SHOULD YOU GO ON THE MARKET NOW?

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HOW TO GET A STARTER HOUSE?

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MOST POPULAR WAY TO GET THAT STARTER HOME

REALTY REALITY

FROM A BROKER SELLING REAL ESTATE IN WHITE PLAINS NY USA FOR 20 YEARS
John Bailey
Host of People to Be Heard with Ms. Syska on Zoom

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Return to School in March. White Plains Superintendent of Schools on Progress of Teacher-Staff Vaccinations–Rate of Infections Among Students, Teachers Staff –and the New End of Year Testing Federal Government Requirement. Says “Phased-in return for all children will begin in March.”

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WPCNR asked Dr. Joseph Ricca, Superintendent of Schools in White Plains , on the up-to-date status of Teacher and Staff Covid-19 Vaccinations, the School Infection Rate, and the new end of year testing policy of the federal government. He begins with the testing policy announced this week and what it means. He prepared this statement. (Click on the white arrow to view)

UPDATE: After this statement, Dr. Ricca told WPCNR, ” we plan to begin our phased in return for all children in March. More to come on that in the coming weeks.”

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8.5% of Westchester County Population “Fully Vaccinated.” Wednesday Lowest Statewide Covid infection Rate in State: 2.5%

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 WPCNR Governor Cuomo Coronavirus Report with Editor’s Notes from WPCNR . February 25, 2021:

Editor’s Note: In the New York State Vaccine Tracker introduced yesterday, Westchester County is reported having fully vaccinated 82,573 residents 8.5% of its 967,612 residents fully vaccinated.

A total of 141,359 Westchesterites have already received their first vaccine (14.6% with one vaccine shot). As second shots are administered, it appears Westchester could be 23% fully vaccinated within a month, supply permitting.

For this 20% Fully Vaccinated level to happen: This takes into account the 265,525 second dose supply of vaccines that arrived from February 15 to February 21st that could cover 141,359 still needing a second shot, providing Westchester gets enough shots. There are 35 days until March 31, that means to get to the 23% fully vaccinated level countywide, approximatley 4,038 persons a day will have to be getting their second shot. (End Editor’s Note)

Wednesday, New York recorded the lowest single-day positivity rate since November 21—2.85 percent.

New Yorkers have shown courage and fortitude in the face of this unprecedented pandemic, and it’s thanks to them that we’re seeing a decline in hospitalizations and COVID positivity.

We continue to make strides in our vaccination progress, too, with today’s opening of two “mega” vaccination sites at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn and York College in Queens. Not only are these sites located directly in traditionally underserved communities of color that were hit hardest by the pandemic, but thanks to enhanced MTA bus service, we’re making it even easier to access this life-saving vaccine. As we move forward, we will continue to prioritize social equity and fairness and do everything we can to ensure every New Yorker, regardless of race, background or where they live, gets vaccinated.  

Photo of the Day: Vaccinations are underway at the York College NYS/FEMA mass vaccination site in Queens (Photo by Don Pollard) Here’s what else you need to know tonight: 

1. COVID hospitalizations dropped slightly to 5,876. Of the 216,813 tests reported yesterday, 6,189, or 2.85 percent, were positive. There were 1,154 patients in ICU yesterday, down 22 from the previous day. Of them, 800 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 99 New Yorkers to the virus. 

 2. As of 12pm Wednesday, 89 percent of first doses allocated to the state have been administered. This represents 2,517,003 first doses administered of the 2,812,900 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 3,907,040 total doses have been administered out of the 4,530,640 total doses received. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.  

3. Eligible New Yorkers can start making appointments at New York/FEMA mass vaccination sites in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Yonkers. These four sites open (for actual vaccinations) March 3 and appointments are initially reserved for eligible New Yorkers in qualifying ZIP codes.

After a week, appointments will then open to all residents of counties (or other geographical areas) served by each site. Find all the details here.

 4. Beginning March 1, the MTA will launch a pilot program to enhance bus services to help get New Yorkers to our mass vaccination sites in Brooklyn and Queens. The bus service route will go from Edgemere Houses in Queens and Pink Houses in Brooklyn to the vaccination sites from 6:30 a..m. to 9 p.m. and add new bus stops adjacent to the vaccination site at York College.  

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: American space exploration efforts are reaching new bounds with the landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars. The rover landed on the red planet on February 18 and during its first week, recorded the sounds of Martian wind. Perseverance’s exploration of our neighboring planet is part of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission to expand our understanding of our solar system and space.  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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Two Die in Saw Mill Parkway Crash. Witnesses Sought

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the Westchester County Police. February 25, 2021:

Westchester County Police are investigating a crash that killed two people this morning on the Saw Mill River Parkway in Yonkers.

County Police received several 911 calls about 12:45 a.m. reporting that a vehicle had gone off the road and rolled over on the southbound Saw Mill near Rumsey Road. One person was found outside the car and pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other persons were extricated from the vehicle and taken by ambulance to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. One of them subsequently died of injuries sustained in the crash.

The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification to family members.

The crash remains under investigation by members of the Accident Investigation/Reconstruction Team. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact County Police at 914-864-7701.

The Yonkers Police Department, Yonkers Fire Department and Empress EMS assisted at the scene.

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Confirmed: Innoculations to begin at Yonkers Armory on Wednesday, March 3, Tubiolo Says

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County Legislator David Tubiolo has confirmed that after Yonkers and Mount Vernon residents (only) apply for appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations today at the Yonkers Armory, (by calling the State Appointments number, 1-833-697-4829 ) that actual administration of first shots will begin Wednesday March 3, depending on the pace and availability of next week’s vaccine distribution to the new facility.

This morning the telephone line had a half hour delay after only a half hour after it opened at 8 AM, according to a report from a Yonkers resident. How many vaccinations will be able to be administered after March 3 depends on the amount of vaccine does allotted to the Yonkers Armory facility that began accepting requests for appointments today. Majority of shot appointments were being made by telephone, not computer.

Mr. Tubiolo’s announcement:

A COVID-19 vaccination site, set up by federal and state officials, will open at the New York National Guard Armory in Yonkers at 2 Quincy Place, on March 3.

The scheduling of appointments at the site will begin on Wednesday, February 24, at 8 a.m. 

Those eligible for shots at the site during its first week of operation must live in one of the seven following zip codes in Yonkers and Mount Vernon: 10701, 10703, 10704, 10705, 10550, 10552 and 10553. And, of course, they must meet all the current State criteria for eligibility.

To check your eligibility and to make an appointment, you must use the State’s Am I Eligible website at https://am-i-eligible. covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or call the State’s COVID-19 vaccination hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

After one week, appointments at the location will be made available for all eligible Westchester residents.

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Department of Education: No Child Should Be Forced to Go to School to Take an Assessment Test: Regents Exams Not Required for Graduation.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Dr. Joseph Ricca, the White Plains Superintendent of Schools. February 24, 2021:

In a message on the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Ricca’s Twitter account page this morning, he posted a statement from the Department of Education indicating that assessments and regents exams would not be allowed to be required for graduation, or that children would be required to come to a school exclusively to take them. The State Department is formulating policy reflecting this announcement and will present it at the March Regents meeting.

The Statement below:

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NEW YORK STATE SENATE PASSES UTILITY RESTRICTIONS AND PROTOCOLS TO IMPROVE CONSUMER RIGHTS DURING OUTAGES.

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the New York State Senate Majority. February 24, 2021:


The Senate Democratic Majority passed legislation to ensure the utility services New Yorkers depend on meet added criteria for safety and regulation.

This package will extend the COVID-19 moratorium for utility service disconnections, hold utilities accountable for failures in restoring service, ensure that utility companies do not pass on the cost of legislative lobbying to customers, and clarify the medical equipment that qualifies for essential electric service.

These bills will also assure customers are compensated for service interruptions, provide a voice for consumer advocacy within the Public Service Commission and strengthen the standards for utility service provider’s emergency response plans. In addition to these measures, this package will require new gas infrastructure projects to be approved by a professional engineer and add public oversight to the pay rates of top utility executives. 

“New Yorkers deserve to be able to depend on the utility services that they are paying for,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “Across New York State, we have seen serious issues with the services being provided by utility companies, especially following major weather events that have become increasingly common. I commend the sponsors for these bills.”

The legislation being passed by the Senate Majority, includes:

  • Utility Moratorium: This bill, S.1453A sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, will extend the moratorium on utility shut-offs until December 31st, 2021, or the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or expires.
  • Protecting Customers Lobbying Costs: This bill, S.1556 sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, will protect utility customers from unknowingly paying for lobbying activity, including for political activity that may influence policies that go against the best interest of the customers.
  • Electricity Plan for Essential Medical Needs: This bill, S.931A sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan, identifies the specific medical equipment that qualifies for essential electricity and additional utility outreach during outages. 
  • Utility Reimbursement: This bill, S.929B sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan, will provide consumers with a bill discount when a contracted service provider fails to provide the agreed upon service.
  • Utility Consumer Advocacy in the Public Service Commission : This bill, S.1199 sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris, will require at least one commissioner of the public service commission to have experience in advocating in the interests of utility consumers.
  • Emergency Response Plan Requirement: This bill, S.968 sponsored by Senator James Gaughran, will establish the criteria for the Long Island Power Authority and its service provider’s emergency response plans, and subject them to review, approval and enforcement by the Public Service Commission.
  • Stronger Utility Storm Response: This bill, S.4960 sponsored by Senator Shelley Mayer, will remove restrictions on the Public Service Commission’s ability to penalize utility company violations and will enhance oversight of utilities to ensure improved storm planning and response.
  • Professional Engineer Approval Requirement: This bill, S.544 sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky, will require a professional engineer to review and approve a gas infrastructure project to prevent public utility accidents from occurring in New York.
  • Public Statements of Compensation: This bill, S.1544A sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky, will require large utility companies to publicly report the annual pay of their top employees. 
  • Reimbursement for Lost Food or Medicine: This bill, S.3784A, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie, will provide a customer reimbursement for lost food or medicine due to an extended power outage.
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Governor: 91% of First Doses of Vaccines Innoculated. Hospitalizations UP. (Today residents of Yonkers and Mount Vernon in Zip Codes 10701, 10550, 10553, 10704, 10703, 10552 can Apply for Appointments for vaccinations at New Yonkers Armory Vaccination Center– 2 Quincy Street, Yonkers–apply by calling 1-833-967-4829.)

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WPCNR GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO CORONAVIRUS REPORT. February 24, 2021:

 We know the vaccine is the weapon that will win the war against COVID, but there are three obstacles to getting every New Yorker vaccinated—supply, accessibility and hesitancy.

While the supply from the federal government is increasing steadily every week, demand still far outweighs supply.

It’s important that we keep up our fight against the virus even as vaccination distribution accelerates. The light at the end of the tunnel is brighter and brighter each day, but we’re not there yet. I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant until the war is won: Wear a mask, socially distance and wash your hands. 

COVID hospitalizations rose to 5,977. Of the 157,333 tests reported yesterday, 6,654, or 4.23 percent, were positive. There were 1,176 patients in ICU yesterday, up 28 from the previous day. Of them, 799 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 86 New Yorkers to the virus.  

(Editor’s Note: Through the 6 days ending Sunday, the Westchester had 2,961 persons test positive for covid, an infection rate of 4.2%. On George Washington’s Birthday Westchester added 391 new persons coming down with Covid an infection rate of 5%)

Urgent for YONKERS and MOUNT VERNON residents can apply for first vaccinations today that will be administered at the new Armory facility at 2 Quincy Street, but you cannot walk in to apply. Starting today, only eligible residents of Yonkers and Mount Vernon, cities with the hightest number of active cases in the county, living in zip codes 10701, 10550, 10553, 10704, 10703, 10552 may call the state at 1-833-967-4829 to schedule an appointment at the Yonkers Armory, 2 Quincy Street, Yonkers New York.

The first innoculations will begin there March 3.

You must call for an appointment you cannot not just go to the Armory for a shot appointment, or just show up for a shot.

Photo of the Day: Today, a mass vaccination site at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn opens to eligible New Yorkers of specific ZIP codes. Check your eligibility and schedule an appointment. (Photo by Kevin Coughlin) 

Here’s what else you need to know this morning: 

1. As of 11am Tuesday morning, 91 percent of first doses allocated to the state have been administered. This represents 2,252,945 first doses administered of the 2,477,825 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 1,183,999 second doses have been administered out of the 1,390,250 second doses received.

See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.  

2. Medgar Evers College and York College vaccination centers open tomorrow by appointment. Both these sites, established in partnership with FEMA, will vaccinate 3,000 New Yorkers a day, seven days a week.

For the Medgar Evers College vaccination center, eligible New Yorkers who live in the following ZIP codes can book an appointment today: 11207, 11212, 11208, 11206, 11233, 11213, 11221, 11226, 11236, 11216, 11225, 11210, 11203, 11238. For the York College vaccination center, eligible residents in these ZIP codes can book today: 11436, 11434, 11433, 11419, 11413, 11412, 11422, 11429, 11420, 11411, 11418, 11435, 11428, 11423, 11432, 11427, 11439, 11691, 11692, 11693. On Saturday, scheduling opens to any eligible resident of Queens or Brooklyn. If you’re eligible, schedule your appointment HERE or by calling 1-833-967-4829. Starting tomorrow, you can also head over to either site in person to schedule an appointment if you are eligible.  

4. To date, New York has conducted over 36 million tests. New York continues to lead in testing and in less than a week we’ve conducted one million tests. Getting tested for COVID regularly is a great way to ensure your health and the health of those around you. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, get tested. Find a testing site near you. You can also call 1-888-364-3065 to make a free appointment at a New York State-run testing location. 

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 https://headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314. 

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Transportation patrols can lead to unexpected surprises. This morning, NYS Department of Transportation maintenance supervisor Jim Williamson had an unexpected run-in with a small eastern screech-owl that collided with his windshield while he was on patrol in Schuyler County. Williamson tended to the small stunned bird until it was ready to fly on its own and then was safely released back into the wild. Great work by our DOT staff on this animal rescue.  

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

Ever Upward, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

WP Library Suspends Grab & Go Pickup due to Covid-19 Infection Until March 8

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On February 23rd, we learned that a library staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. We are being as cautious as possible, and because of this, we are suspending our Grab & Go service until March 8th.

The Library is still available for telephone reference services, and all of our online programs will continue as scheduled. Our book drop will not be available until March 8th. There are no fines for late materials at this time.

Any questions about holds and hold pickups? Call the Library at (914) 422-1400.

Take care,

Brian Kenney
Library Director
bkenney@whiteplainslibrary.org
AARP Tax-Aide Program
We’ve always been happy to host the AARP Tax-Aide at the Library. But tax aide this year–like so many things–will be different.

The White Plains AARP Tax-Aide program will not be able to offer the kind of in-person service taxpayers have become used to for so many years. The primary concerns remain the health and safety of taxpayers and preparers, and the protection of confidential taxpayer information.

Instead, AARP will operate a no-contact, electronic service, which involves the transmittal of instructions, forms, permissions, and scans of tax documents using email, and consultations between volunteers and tax payers via Google Meet, which is similar to Zoom.

Go here for all the information about how the program works, as well as contact information.
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