| WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. February 6, 2020: In a letter to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Bronx elected officials joined Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and City Council Member Mark Gjonaj to urge city agencies to provide more resources to ease the transition for Puerto Ricans relocating to New York City following the earthquakes that hit the island in early January. “The people of Puerto Rico are filled with anxiety and fearful of what lies ahead for their island,” states the letter. “Their relocation process should be streamlined to provide them with the emotional, spiritual and mental health care that they need as well as the basic resources that are needed to live in our city.” The letter was signed by 27 other city, state and federal elected officials from The Bronx. The letter notes that Puerto Rico has faced multiple natural disasters in the past few years, and that in many ways the island has not yet recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Borough President Diaz was able to see the devastation caused by the earthquakes firsthand during a recent trip to the island with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in January. “The situation is still dire in Puerto Rico and this issue is not occurring in a vacuum,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “There are more than 176 thousand people born in Puerto Rico who currently reside in our city and we are expecting that number to rise with these latest catastrophic incidents. We need to be ready to accommodate Puerto Ricans taking refuge in New York City and make it easy for them to thrive.” The borough president added that it is imperative that New York City agencies move quickly to counteract the negative affect of the Trump administration dragging its feet to help the more than three million Americans that call Puerto Rico their home. “As a city, we must act immediately to help the people of Puerto Rico as they cope with the aftermath of a series of recent natural disasters. New York City and Puerto Rico share a special relationship and it is our moral obligation to stand with and support our fellow Americans as they begin the long and difficult journey of recovery and rebuilding,” said Council Member Mark Gjonaj. Read the full letter here: https://on.nyc.gov/3bhpTVN “The Trump Administration has failed the people of Puerto Rico time and again. New York and Puerto Rico have a strong relationship, especially here in the Bronx, and as such we believe the City is uniquely equipped to help. We can and must do better for our fellow citizens from Puerto Rico and I will continue to stand with them during this difficult time. My thanks to Borough President Diaz Jr. for his commitment and partnership on this critical issue,” said Congressman Eliot L. Engel. “While the current administration continues to show their lack of compassion for our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico throughout numerous natural disasters, New York has continued to welcome displaced people with open arms. I am proud to join my colleagues in this request to provide supportive services to those people who are coming to our great city from Puerto Rico due to the recent earthquakes,” said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. “Even as Puerto Rico attempts to rebuild and recover from Hurricane Maria, this recent string of earthquakes has created even more devastation for the thousands of residents who have been left without shelter and forced out of their homes. New York City must stand by our brothers and sisters by opening our doors to those seeking refuge and assisting in this difficult transition. Our City agencies have the power to expedite this process by streamlining access to essential services like healthcare and basic resources that will not only help in their recovery, but allow them to thrive and continue to have fulfilling lives,” said State Senator Jose M. Serrano. “The recent earthquakes have reminded us that Puerto Rico remains vulnerable to natural disasters – and that we must do all that we can to help our brothers and sisters on the island. The support of our city in creating a streamlined relocation process that helps these people gain access to municipal resources, as well as navigating any FEMA benefits they are entitled to as disaster survivors, would be a crucial step in helping those that have been displaced,” said Council Member Diana Ayala. “We must live up to the spirit that has always defined who we are as New Yorkers and mobilize our collective efforts to ensure the people of Puerto Rico who have been displaced from their homes have the support and resources to live and thrive here,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “Our city has shown great leadership assisting with ongoing earthquake relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico in the wake of recent tragedies, but we need to do more to provide for Puerto Ricans seeking refuge in New York City and support them with the full strength of our community as they navigate this difficult transition and rebuild their lives.” “As many of our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico are still without power and reeling from the devastating effects of the earthquakes, we must continue to offer support in our neighborhoods and at City Hall to Puerto Ricans relocating to New York City. I am proud to join with all of my colleagues in government in calling on the administration to provide greater protections and resources for our neighbors relocating to the City of New York,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “We are calling for urgent action to help the people of Puerto Rico who have endured unmeasurable devastation, financially, mentally, emotionally and health wise. Puerto Rico is an Island that many New Yorkers love, to visit families! Many benefit from the natural resources and beauty of the Island. And so with this is mind, it is time for the Administration to face the reality that you just can’t enjoy the best of what’s to offer and at time of dire need, such as now, ignore the people! Unfortunately The Trump Administration is only working on stagnating the process! We must ALL COME TOGETHER to support the people of Puerto Rico and help those seeking refuge in New York City with the transition! Timing is critical!” said Council Member Andy King. |
The Flu is Out There. Protect Yourself: Westchester Commissioner of Health
WPCNR HEALTH CHECK. From the Westchester Commissioner of Health. February 6, 2020:
The Westchester County Department of Health reminds residents that the best way to avoid influenza is to get a yearly flu vaccine and wash hands frequently.
With flu activity now widespread throughout New York State and Westchester County, the risk of flu remains high, while the risk to the general public from 2019 Novel Coronavirus remains low.
People who forego an annual flu vaccine and catch the flu are more likely to experience serious illness and hospitalization than those who have had their annual flu shot. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. The vaccine remains beneficial throughout flu season, which can last until May.
Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “I urge anyone still not vaccinated to get a flu shot right away — better late than never. Flu season typically peaks around this time, and we have seen an expected increase in lab-confirmed flu cases statewide. Flu vaccine is still widely available and it remains our best protection against the flu.”
Residents can get flu shots at medical offices and many pharmacies. The County Health Department also offers free flu vaccines by appointment. County clinics are open to all, especially those without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines. Call 914-995-5800 to register for a free flu vaccine at the County Clinics, 134 Court St., White Plains or 20 South Broadway, Yonkers.
Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Flu can be deadly, and the flu vaccine is very safe and the best protection we have. By getting an annual flu shot, you help protect infants too young to be vaccinated, as well as seniors and people with chronic health conditions who are more vulnerable to flu complications.”
Other ways to keep healthy include:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick with fever and a cough.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
- If someone in your home is sick, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door knobs and faucet handles with a bleach solution. Avoid using eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Stay home when you are ill and keep your ill children home from school. Don’t return to work or school until you or they are fully recovered and fever-free for at least 24 hours.
For more information about flu or 2019 Novel Coronavirus, go towestchestergov.com/health. Residents with questions about 2019 Novel Coronavirus may also call a New York State hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
WATCH ON THE POTOMAC
WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. February 5, 2020:
Watch on the Potomac.
Are there 6—10 brave men and women left to throw the bum out.
Washington, the nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The Republican Senators leisurely having coffee out of silver pots before going to today’s Senate session, still have time.
Time for just six of them (to prevent Pencie from breaking the tie) to change their minds and vote to remove Little Adolf from office.
Oh, I know, they all said they would vote to acquit the President because he was acting in the public interest.
However, they are politicians.
They only said they would acquit him.
They have a public interest in lying.
They do it for their living.
There will be no SS men holding Lugers at their backs when they go into that chamber today, yet.
No trains waiting to take them to workcamps. No gas chambers waiting. Yet.
You are not the members of the first American Reichstag yet.
There is no pressure.
When the White Rat calls the roll on Capitol Hill today, he calls for thee Republicans.
Now is the time for all good men and women to save the country’s future.
Ask not what you can do for yourself, Republican Senators, ask what you have to do to save the country.
That is to change your mind and vote “Yes” to throw the bum out.
Your changing your mind to vote “YES” to remove the little king, is one chance in your lifetime to do something that will remembered and thanked for all time by the American people.
Do one thing for me. Each Republican before voting should visit the Lincoln Memorial and look up at the great man looking down on you. Then go vote.
Remember, a “NO” to acquit dooms democracy. It dooms justice for all in favor of justice for the white and rich and profane in power. That is what your “NO” vote means.
Or better yet, don’t show up.
It’s not unknown for you to duck tough decisions. Let the Democrats left to outvote the short-handed Republicans without a full compliment.
You could call in sick.
Make no mistake:
Once you vote “NO” not to remove him, the American Reichstag has voted the man who would be king, Chancellor Trump with unlimited power. The First American Reich will begin. Because he will not need any of you any more.
Then it is up to the American People to Watch the Potomac.
County on Coronavirus
| Dear Friends and Neighbors, Responding to questions from the public and media, the Westchester County Department of Health wants to reassure residents that there are no known cases of the novel coronavirus in Westchester and the risk to the general public remains low. There are seven types of coronaviruses. Most cause respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold, with mild to moderate illness, such as coronaviruses 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1. These four types of coronavirus are quite common and not worrisome. Only SARS, MERS and novel coronavirus frequently cause severe illness. It is important to know that if there were a case, residents would hear about it from the County Health Department. Testing for this new type of coronavirus cannot be performed without the cooperation of both the County and State Department of Health, and both departments would be involved in notifying the public and limiting the spread of the illness. With this new coronavirus now declared a public health emergency of international concern, it is understandable that residents may be wary. However, there is no reason for people without symptoms to stay home from work or school, or to cancel events.As always, the best way to avoid viruses during cold and flu season is:Avoid exposure – Avoid close contact with people who are sick with fever and cough. Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.If someone in your home is sick, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door knobs and faucet handles with a bleach solution. This is especially helpful during flu season, and any time.And of course, get a flu shot if you have not already done so. Stay home when you are ill to avoid exposing others.For more information about novel coronavirus, go to www.westchestergov.com/health.Sincerely, |