WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR CORONA VIRUS REPORT (REVISED). From the NYS Covid Tracker with analysis by John F. Bailey. August 9, 2021 UPDATED 6:11 pm EDT:

The New York State Covid Tracker figures for Sunday August 8 are in. The seven days from Sunday August 1 to Sunday Aug 8, report 1,209 persons tested of 48389 tested tested positive for Covid,

That computes to a new infection rate of 2.5%. In 10 to 14 days, using the Johns Hopkins infection model that shows 1 newly infected covid person spreads the disease to 7 persons this could mean that those unfortunate 1,209 persons could infect 8,463 other persons in the county.

The County Executive George Latimer today reported there were 51 new hospitalizations Monday, as opposed to 25 last week. County Commissioner of Health Dr. Sherlita Amler made a brief statement that all of the new hospitalizations the week of July 25-31 “are among the unvaccinated. “

Dr. Amler said largest number of persons coming down with the disease are aged 30 50 and the second largest were aged 16-25. She said the surest way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated.

Editor’s Note: This is an updated edition of an earlier report, that contained a mathematical error.

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 A heat wave is expected to hit Westchester County Tuesday through Friday, with temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to 105, and humidity making it feel even hotter than the thermometer reads.

These heat wave conditions could last into Saturday.

With such high temperatures expected, the Westchester County Health Department is issuing a heat advisory. As humidity and temperatures rise, residents should avoid strenuous activity, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine and cool off to prevent heat-related illness.

“Pace yourself — don’t overdo it in the heat,” said County Executive George Latimer. “If you spend a lot of time outdoors, take breaks in an air-conditioned place and drink lots of water. And during a heat wave, remember to always check in on your elderly or ailing neighbors.”

Sherlita Amler, MD, Westchester County Commissioner of Health, said people who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions.

“By now we should all know what to do, but heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” Amler said. “High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”

Heat stroke

is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

Amler reminded residents never to leave children, pets or people in a car. Temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels, so motorists should always look before they lock their vehicles.

“To avoid tragedy, it’s also vital to never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time,” Amler said. “Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”

Heat exhaustion.

Seniors, young children, people who are overweight or who have high blood pressure, people who work outside or in other hot environments are most at risk. Frequent breaks and drinking lots of water can help prevent heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.

“During a heat wave, seniors, young children and people with compromised immunity especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, seek the shade, spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day,” Amler said. “Especially when they’re swimming and playing in the water, children often forget to drink, so parents and caregivers should prompt children to take breaks to hydrate.”

Those who plan to travel by car should prepare their vehicle before hitting the road. Always travel with a spare battery, and avoid leaving radios, phone chargers and other accessories running when the engine is not. Check to make sure your air conditioning is properly functioning and coolant is at the proper level. If you plan to travel in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the car. Always keep air flowing throughout the vehicle, and try to park in the shade. 

For tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health. 

Residents who need a place to cool off can go to an indoor mall. Senior centers, libraries and community centers often serve as cooling centers, but call before you go.

Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy levels of ozone, a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from auto exhaust and other sources.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions at (http://www.dec.ny.gov), or call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

The County’s Department of Emergency Services is monitoring the weather forecast, tracking the opening of local Cooling Centers and is in contact with Con Edison and NYSEG concerning the potential for power outages. 

For tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health. 

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WPCNR COVID VIRUS REPORT. By John F. Bailey (Analysis of the New York State Covid Tracker.) August 5, 2021:

Westchester County Covid infection rate Wedneday continued rising at an over 2% rate (2.6% of those tested) as are the New York State covid numbers

Official figures on the number of new cases in Westchester County have not reported a breakdown how many are suffering from the Delta variant , now officially being blamed by the county for the Third Covid Wave that washed over Westchester in the last 11 days.

As the Delta variant of Covid continues it was reported by the Center for Disease Control today that as of July 31 5 days ago, the Delta variant has infected 93% of all new covid cases nationwide.

The CDC notes today that 99% of the Delta Variant cases were persons who had not been vaccinated.

The CDC reported that the Covid Delta variant has caused 97% of hospitalizations from covid.

In a related matter, today Dr. Howard Zucker, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health said under the lifting of the State of Emergency in New York decisions on how to open schools were now solely in the hands of the school districts across the state.

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WPCNR CUOMO CRISIS UPDATE. From wire reports. August 5, 2021:

The New York Times reported Thursday morning the New York State Assembly may not officially take a vote on whether or not to impeach Governor Andrew M. Cuomo until after it completes its Senate Judiciary Committee investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment on the part of the Governor, supported by State Attorney General Letitia James Tuesday.

The newspaper report this morning reported a projected timetable that would not start a State Senate trial of the Governor should the assembly vote to impeach him in early September until possibly October. The State Senate has 30 to 60 days to act and begin the trial of Governor Cuomo if impeached, which would place the start of the proceedings to try him that could begin as late as the week before elections.

The Times also reported that no lawsuits by any of the 11 women named in the state investigation report released Tuesday, conducted by State Attorney General Letitia James into the Governor’s alleged actions, have yet to be filed with District Attorneys, though the Albany County District Attorney is quoted by the Times as saying his office has attempted to reach the women who have accused the governor to see if they are willing to file lawsuits with no positive responses.

The Times reports Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to accuse the Governor, plans to sue for the Governor’s alleged “retaliatory actions,” according to Ms. Boylan’s lawyer, Jill Basinger.

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Westchester County has re-established a mandatory mask mandate for most County facilities and County Executive George Latimer is making sure the message reaches the Spanish-speaking community.

                                                You can view the full message here

Latimer said: “We have a large population in Westchester County that does not speak English and we want everyone in our communities to know and understand these requirements, so we can continue to stay safe and healthy. I am proud the County has reached an 80% vaccination rate and we want everyone living here and visiting here to know when they should mask up.”

At all Westchester County office buildings, unvaccinated employees and those who visit will be required to be masked at all times. Those who are vaccinated, will need to be masked in all common areas.

At all County beaches and County pools, masks will be required when patrons go to concession stands, locker rooms, bathrooms and other locations regardless of vaccination status.