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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORTBy Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor. January 12, 2021:
OVER 50 VOLUNTEERS HAVE SIGNED UP AS COVID VACCINE ANGELS —WILL OUTREACH TO HUNDREDS (possibly thousands) OF GREENBURGH SENIORS IN THE COMING WEEKS HELPING THEM NAVIGATE THROUGH THE COVID VACCINE REGISTRATION PROCESS
COVID VACCINE ANGELS WILL ALSO ASSIST WITH TRANSPORTATION -FOR SENIORS WHO NEED TRANSPORTATION TO A VACCINE SITE
FIRST ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING THIS THURSDAY AT 7 PM TO 8 PM
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said he is swamped with calls, e-mails from seniors who are experiencing a difficult time getting appointments for a Covid 19 vaccine shot.
The town is setting up a Covid 19 vaccine angels program to help seniors navigate the Covid 19 process. We are going to hold our first organizational meeting via zoom for those interested in getting involved in helping seniors this Thursday from 7 PM to 8 PM. We are getting an enormous response from volunteers – over 50 volunteers so far.
Volunteers will reach out to seniors -will make cold calls to them–encouraging them to take the vaccine. If they don’t have computers and if they find the registration process stressful the volunteers will help make the appointments for them.
We also will find out if seniors can’t get to the vaccine sites and will provide them with transportation assistance.
In addition, we will find out what isn’t working and will report experiences to the state. Example: People can’t get through to the state phone number. And, some may give up trying. Husbands and wives have to register separately–making it harder to take the vaccine shot together.
Those wishing to become a Covid Angel can e mail pfeiner@greenburghny.com and you will be invited to the Zoom meeting on Thursday evening.
PAUL FEINER
It is dark early! When walking at night wear reflectors. Wear bright clothing. Bring a flashlight so motorists can see you.
WPCNR COVID RELIEF. From Westchester County Legislator Katherine Parker. January 12, 2021:
In an effort to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund offers reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 to eligible businesses. T
he $3 million program is intended to support full-service restaurants during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to New York State’s COVID-19 safety restrictions and new mandates.
The Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund is a partnership between New York State, Diageo Wine & Spirits, Southern Glazer Wines & Spirits and the National Development Council (NDC). Grant funding will be managed by The National Development Council (NDC).
Restaurants can apply to the Rising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund starting Monday, January 11, 2021.
WPCNR CORONA VIRUS REPORT. By John F. Bailey January 12, 2021 UPDATED 4:35 PM EST:
If anyone was slow to try and get a vaccine appointment through the state website you should act now.
Unless you sign up now, you probably will not be getting the first dose to well into June or July, pending timely shipments of the vaccine. Today Governor Andrew M. Cuomo dropped the age down to 65, meaning even more fast-fill up appointment times.
The vaccine is a becoming an essential “must-have” because as County Executive George Latimer said in his briefing Monday “the covid numbers are climbing very seriously. “
That is an understatement. Take for example the yellow hot spots. They continue “hot” and getting hotter. Just because they are not orange or red does not mean the infection rate in those towns is acceptable. It should not be.
In the most corona active areas here’s the numbers as of Monday:
Yonkers, 455 new cases, 2,696 active cases total.
New Rochelle: 117 new cases 893 ‘active.
Cortlandt, 72 new
Ossining, 69 new cases
White Plains, 68 new cases (highest in months)
Peekskill, 64
Greenburgh, 56
Southern Westchester Active Cases through Monday Northern Westchester Actve cases as of Monday.
More to fear are the daily numbers on a day by day basis.
Let’s go back 7 days:
From Monday January 4 to January 10 (Sunday) in Westchester persons getting covid were: 619, 776, 1,019,913, 853, 789 and sunday the 10th 803.
That adds to 5,772 new infections in 7 days an average 824 a day.
Mr. Latimer yesterday said there were 504 persons hospitalized in westchester hospitals this week with covid; 455 last week and 392 the week before.
On Oct. 31 there were only 51.
Now let us see what the daily infection rate does to hospitalizations to come in three weeks.
The hospitalization rate for westchester is 5%.
At 5% rate of hospitalization, the number of 5,772 hospitalizations last week, if 5% of the 5,772 were to be hospitalized within the next two weeks that would put 288 persons into hospitals .
If another 5,772 are infected this week 288 more could be hospitalized in three weeks.
If 5, 772 were infected the week of January 18 to 25 we could have 288 more hospitalizations by February generating a total of 865 new hospitalizations by February 1.
That assumes a stable 7.1% infection rate. If the 7.1% ininfection rate continues to go up you can take 1,000 plus the present 594 of the 2,500 bed capacity and really start stretching hospital caregivers.,4 to 5 weeks from now.
THE latest infection rate released today: 7.9% of 11,069 tested in Westchester Monday, tested positive (872)Number Positives April 15, 2020 Number of positives Monday January 11: 872 . just where we were on growth of Covid on April 15, 2020. The Second Wave keeps coming.
The takeaway: Westchester must be more responsible.
Robert Janowitz was appointed Acting Principal at Mamaroneck Avenue School in White Plains on Monday, January 11th, at a Zoom meeting of the White Plains Board of Education, held under the COVID-19 Executive Order 202.87. He will serve from February 1 to June 30, 2021.
Mr. Janowitz has been Assistant Principal at the school for the last 14 years and temporarily replaces Eileen McGuire, current Principal, who will retire on January 31st. He began his administrative career in White Plains in 2004, as Assistant Principal at Ridgeway School.
Mr. Janowitz has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Mercy College and a Master’s Degree in Education, also from Mercy College. He first worked in a residential facility for children and then began his teaching career in the New York City Board of Education. He went on to teach third grade in the Lakeland Central School District before moving into administration.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph L. Ricca said, “I am pleased to recommend Mr. Janowitz for this position and I have every confidence in his ability to successfully and collaboratively lead Mamaroneck Avenue School while the district conducts a broad search for a permanent Principal. Mr. Janowitz is well respected by his students, colleagues, parents/guardians and the greater educational community and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the MAS community throughout his years of service.”
Board President Rosemarie Eller added, “We know Mr. Janowitz will maintain the continuity of the school.”
WPCNR VacciNatioNews. By John F. Bailey. January 12, 2020UPDATED 1:10 pm EST :
(Editor’s Note: WPCNR invites comments by email –wpcnr@aol.com on others’ using the appointment systemand your experience with it. )
Coronavirus vaccinations are now being scheduled. By computer only.
So far the system for one-day is a marvel of Government achievement. It works. But at this point only by computer. And the sooner you apply for an appointment the better.
As County Executive George Latimer announced yesterday, scheduling of vaccines is now under way.
As of yesterday afternoon, the dates I reckon are now probably scheduled deep into February. As of early afternoon yesterday appointments were signed through January 27.
I was informed this afternoon that the earliest Westchester County Center appointment as of today in April 1.
Persons I know were having some trouble navigating the scheduling, but figured it out and were able to get schedule dates before noon early Monday morning
If you were not internet and computer fluent, Paul Feiner Greenburgh Town Supervisor has asked for volunteers to aid persons through the process.
Had it not been for my wife I would have been at sea to understand it. She registered me by filling out the registration form. That was quickly confirmed by the state and I had my appointment. Impressive!
Monday morning my wife went on to the website and printed out the list of places where vaccines were being given. She suggested I call some of the places.
See the blue type “Schedule your vaccine appointment” ? ( above the County Center phone number — which just gets you County Center department selections if you call it) CLICK ON “Schedule your vaccine appointment”TO PROCEED TO FILL OUT THE FORM THAT SCHEDULES YOU.
I got frustrated when I called the County Center number and simply got the County Center normal public answering message (no mention of any coronavirus vaccine), that immediately causes anxiety on the part of a caller. I called Sloane Kettering, same thing a canned message
Then, I got it, maybe they did not have the vaccine so were not “telephone live.”
Mr. Latimer noted in yesterday’s Covid Briefing, that not
all places listed on the list of places as giving the vaccine might have the
vaccine yet.
Then my wife said why not click on the blue line listed just above the County Center telephone number,it read (in blue) “Schedule your vaccine appointment ”
(CLICK ON THAT AND IT TAKESYOU TO THE FORM, TRUST ME) that worked!
Perhaps there is someone in New York State who does not know that when filling out a form on a computer, that a blue phrase is what you CLICK on to do something.
Taking a leave from my old direct response career a huge ARROW should point to the blue type you press to yield the form and the words CLICK HERE. But that was the only quibble I have about the list of sites, that and getting standard voice mail choices on a phone call.) Telephone scheduling since it was not working yesterday remains to be seen how that will perform.
(Men, do not attempt this alone).
My wife, whom I affectionately refer to as Brenda Starr for her red hair and brains, and creative intuition then was able to pull up the extensive application for the vaccination and took me through it. Do not attempt to do this without your own “Brenda Starr” or Paul Feiner.
We sent it in electronically.
An appointment for the vaccine was made and a “CDMS Registration Ticket” was printed out to take with you to the vaccination site. You must turn in the Registration Ticket to receive your shot. The copy will have your name, time and date of when you are supposed to get your shot. You will also get a printout of the information you furnished on the registration form.
Obviously if you are given appointments as early as two weeks from now, has the vaccine. But, maybe not so obviously they may call you if they run out.
Good luck.
I must say I was surprised that Westmed one of the premier providers of health care throughout the county, as well as many others, was not on the list of vaccinating places. This surprised me because Westmed has records of their patients, can generate a medical history like that and organize appointments routinely. They know how to do that. Why wouldn’t you pick places like that instead of pharmacies with limited parking, limited staff.
A place where there is no parking is Westchester County Center- which as only paid commuter lots. In fact considering how limited parking is at the County Center and that it is paid parking, you have to plan your parking in advance. (Like where to park.)
Perhaps the parking lot at the County Center will waive fees. As the program revs up I would advise planning your parking. And another thing when vaccinating over 75s, if you have mobility issues or use a special vehicle, take that into consideration. There should be advisories out soon on where to park if you are partially disabled or walking challenged. A long walk to the vaccination alcove is not good for many over-75s.
WPCNR STREETWISE. By John F. Bailey. January 12, 2020:
The White Plains economy will suffer another blow to its economy coming up in the final six months of the coronavirus afflicted city economy.
Federated Department Stores has announced it will join Sears in departing The Galleria, closing its Macy’s store. Departure date of Macy’s is unknown. Sears will close January 24, according to Wikipedia.
The Macy’s shutdown will not help the White Plains sales tax receipts now 14% down from last year after the first five months of the city fiscal year, though the store is expected to stay open six months. The December sales tax handle has not yet been announced by the Department of Taxation and Finance, and is due to be reported January 19.
Target in the City Center, Nordstroms and Nieman-Marcus in The Westchester Mall and Bloomingdale’s are the remaining big box retailers in the city.
The City of White Plains has been eager to see how The Galleria will “reinvent itself,” as part of the new White Plains Transit District. That stretch along Main Street is currently awaiting the city to make clear their choices for developments on 4 city-owned parcels adjacent the Metro-North station and the start of construction on the White Plains Mall which has yet to begin.
WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From New York State and Westchester County Department of Communications. January 11, 2021:
We are eager to help you get the vaccine. However, this is a fluid time, and I do ask for your patience as we navigate these uncharted waters.
First, let me be clear, New York State will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in phases based on need and risk. The State develops the program for distribution and authorizes the vaccination sites.
The County receives this information and passes it along for your use and information.
We are currently in Phase 1a and Phase 1b, which is the below list. However, this is fluid please check the New York State webpage to determine eligibility and find a vaccination location at https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.
· Teachers and education workers
· First responders
· Public safety workers
· Public transit workers
· People 75 and older
· High-risk hospital workers (emergency room workers, ICU staff and Pulmonary Department staff)
· Residents and staff at nursing homes and other congregate care facilities
· Federally Qualified Health Center employees
· EMS workers
· Coroners, medical examiners and certain funeral workers
· Staff and residents at OPWDD, OMH and OASAS facilities
· Urgent Care providers
· Individuals administering COVID-19 vaccines, including local health department staff
· All Outpatient/Ambulatory front-line, high-risk health care workers of any age who provide direct in-person patient care
· All staff who are in direct contact with patients (i.e., intake staff)
· All front-line, high-risk public health workers who have direct contact with patients, including those conducting COVID-19 tests, handling COVID-19 specimens and COVID-19 vaccinations
· Doctors who work in private medical practices and their staff
· Doctors who work in hospital-affiliated medical practices and their staff
· Doctors who work in public health clinics and their staff
· Registered Nurses
· Specialty medical practices of all types
· Dentists and Orthodontists and their staff
· Psychiatrists and Psychologists and their staff
· Physical Therapists and their staff
· Optometrists and their staff
· Pharmacists and Pharmacy Aides
· Home care workers
· Hospice workers
· Staff of nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities who did not receive COVID vaccination through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program
Beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 11, the State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline will open for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
Prior to receiving the vaccination, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form can be completed online at https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine you will receive a submission ID.
WPCNR CORONAVIRUS BULLETIN. By Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor. January 10, 2021:
GREENBURGH SETTING UP A COVID ANGELS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM TO HELP SENIORS NAVIGATE COVID VACCINE PROCESSIT’S CONFUSING FOR MANY SENIORS — SOME DON’T HAVE COMPUTERS AND CAN’T REGISTER ON LINEVOLUNTEERS WILL REACH OUT TO SENIORS, HELP THEM REGISTER, REPORT PROBLEMS TO STATE/COUNTY MAILpfeiner@greenburghny.comto volunteer
I’d like to set up a COVID Vaccine angels program for Greenburgh residents and am looking for volunteers.
Currently, New York State requires seniors to register for the COVID vaccine test.
Although registration on line is not complicated for most people – for the elderly it is very confusing and stressful. Not everyone has a computer or knows how to use one.
The Covid angel volunteers will reach out to seniors, offer to help them navigate the vaccine process and will try to get answers to questions they may have from the state or county.
Although seniors over the age of 75 are eligible for the vaccines starting 1/11 –they can’t just walk into a clinic. for a vaccine. They need to register.
I am looking for volunteers who would be interested in working with seniors, the Greenburgh town staff and myself –helping to maximize the number of seniors who will take the vaccine.
Please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if interested in volunteering. I expect that COVID vaccine angels will also meet on zoom periodically to discuss the outreach efforts we’re conducting, to review problems residents are experiencing and to make recommendations to the state and county governments.
WPCNR VACCINE WATCH. From News Reports. January 8, 2020 8 PM.
Governor Andrew Cuomo expaned what New Yorkers can now get the covid-19 vaccine and expanded faclities to administer the vaccine ad hospitals have failed significantly in efficently vaccinating their employees and staffs.
New Yorkers now “shot ready expands from the 1Aeligible will expand from the 1A category to 1B extending vaccine availability to New Yorkers 75 and older, education workers, first responders and transit workers beginning Monday.
Click arrow to see the program nowJOHN BAILEY OF WHITE PLAINS WEEK ONJANUARY 6, VACCINATIONS , THE COVID SECOND WAVE IN WESTCHESTER HITS THE BEACHCALLS FOR NEW NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE HOLIDAY EVERY JANUARY 6GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO ON HOSPITALS’ SHOCKING SLOW PACE OFVACCINATIONS THE LIFT-YOU-OUT-OF-YOUR-CHAIR CLIP HOSPITALS DON’T WANT YOU TO SEETHE TIDE IS HIGH THE SECOND WAVE CATCHES UP THE FIRSTWHITE PLAINS VETERAN REPORTER, ALEX PHILIPPIDIS NATIONAL BIOTECH EXPERT ON HOW THE VACCINES CAN STOP COVID–WHAT MUST HAPPEN
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