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WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the Mayor’s Office. March 23, 2020:
In Mayor Tom Roach’s nightly telephone report to White Plains at 6:50 this evening, the Mayor says there are now 2,894 coronavirus-infected patients in Westchester, up 1,021 from yesterday, and 55 coronavirus cases in White Plains. The Mayor said 15,000 have been tested in Westchester and the number of cases of coronavirus positives will continue to grow as tests continue.
He said the County Center was being analyzed by Army Corps of Engineers personnel and on its way to becoming a backup hospital for the county.
He praised employees of police, fire, and city employees who continue to provide services to the city which have not been interrupted. He praised doctors and nurses working around the clock. “They are the true heroes, and all they ask is for you (the residents of the city) to stay home.”
WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. March 23, 2020:
Opinions expressed the last two days on a “news ‘network” astound me.
I cannot let this go.
The network in some of their programs promoted the idea that the nation should not “socially distance” themselves to prevent spread of the coronavirus is the single most irresponsible series of statements by a news organization I have ever heard.
The comments made set a new low in ignoring facts and reporting uninformed opinion as intelligent thinking. It’s stupid thinking. It’s Goebbelsesque
The figures on the spread of the coronavirus in New York in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s news conference today betray the mantra that the cure (social distancing) can’t be worse than the disease.
The facts released today by Governor Cuomo show social distancing has limited the death tolls from the disease in New York state, lowered the rate at which persons with the coronavirus have had to be hospitalized in a week. Had the governor not done this at the beginning of last week we’d be more infected by now. More so, hospitals would be jammed with persons wanting to be tested. We’d be in chaos today.
What would the geniuses at this network have done? They’d just criticize Mr. Cuomo for not doing anything.
At last look:
China stopped the spread of the virus in China by exactly social distancing and shutting down the vast area in Wuhan that was the epicenter of the disease. So did South Korea.
For a national “news” organization to say social distancing should be stopped to save the economy, with thousands returning to their homes from spring break. With teachers afraid to teach. Does Fox want to open the nation’s schools? The lack of thinking on this network is breathtaking.
In New York, the Governor’s distancing request has worked in
Westchester County if we suspended it now, New York City would let everyone
back out on the streets, open traffic, open theatres movies, and the
exponentially fierce spread of this disease would rally. Had the governor not
invoked social distancing, closing businesses, New York would be in worse
condition than it is right now.
Every school of journalism, every other news organization in the country should condemn this behavior by this charade of a news organization. They have every right to broadcast it.
But they have to, at long last look at the facts, instead of following their tradition that the facts are wrong.
Corporations who advertise on this “news” network that sponsor the programs where this poppycock was spewed out, should pull their ads.
Taking away money is the only message media corporate barons in their carpeted crags in concrete canyons feasting on gullible citizens who believe them, understand. Oh they understand that, all right.
Governors trying to save the citizens of their states should condemn this reckless highly partisan sabotage of progressive response. Struggling to get people to social distance, not congregate in groups, and not touch, should condemn this as a group. Will they?
Commentators and news anchors with any sense of what is right should report on this propaganda gaffe, no, outrage! Passing for responsible editorializing.
I compare this Mickey Mouse commentary put forth, to the vast members of the liberal press in the 1930s opposing America’s entry into World War II, who ignored the anti-semitism in Germany, and the State Department that ignored warnings of Adolf Hitler’s plans for the Jews. Only Walter Winchell wrote consistently about this threat.
Perhaps Fox would like to run video of hospitals jammed with patients, strong young people dying because they played basketball in parks, schools without teachers because children they teach carried the coronavirus to school.
Perhaps they might show how really awful getting coronavirus is like this video from the woman in England who put this out on her facebook page.
It is an irresponsible act by that network that if listened
to and taken even the least seriously is seditious, “incitement of resistance
to or insurrection against lawful authority.”
The corona virus is headed across the country if social distancing is not followed. The highly paid talking heads can’t see that on the stories they carry from around the world: Italy, Iran, France, England, Spain? Please.
Of course let the persons who made these comments throw away their masks, hug colleagues go to parties and conventions. I want to see that if social distancing is lifted by the President. The very least is he should give states the choice on the policy. A Pontius Pilate decision.
That network has done a seriously stupid thing.
President Trump, do not listen to them, they know not what they say.
PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS STATED IMMIGRANTS FEARING THEY WILL BE RUNNING INTO ICE AGENTS at CORONAVIRUS TESTING AND TREATMENT SITES NEED NOT BE AFRAID. ICE AGENTS WILL NOT HAUNT TESTING SITES FOR UNDOCUMENTED ILLEGALS.
In his daily Coronovirus report this morning, Governor Cuomo announced the Coronavirus cases for New York State was 20,875, up 5,707 cases across the state. In a positive, the hospitalization rate remained the same for those infected: 13% as shown below. ‘ However, 621 of the 2,635 hospitalized are in Intensive Care Units, which is an I.C.U. rate need of 24%, demonstrating how quickly intensive care units need to be added
WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the New York State Education Department. March 23, 2020 (Edited):
In his Presidential News Conference Saturday, President Trump announced due to the widespread closing of schools, national education assessment tests would be suspended.
The New York State Education Department said in a press release dated Friday, the following assessments would be suspended for the remainder of the school year:
New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test; (Scheduled this week, now suspended)
New York State Grades 3-8 Mathematics Test;
New York State Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test;
New York State Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test;
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test
New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school.
This was the year when all test takers were to take the tests on computer in New York State. But that is not going to happen.
In an announcement from the Board of Regents on the NYSED (without a Commissioner of Education since the Commissioner abruptly resigned last summer after dismal results on last year’s assessments), the Board announced:
This was the week New York State Schools were to have taken the controversial State Assessments in ELA. In a news release dated Friday the New York State Education Department announced the tests were off for the year. The news release said:
“The school closures caused by Novel Coronavirus are unprecedented and so, we have to make unprecedented decisions for our students. The administrations of the 2020 elementary- and intermediate-level State assessments have been suspended for the remainder of this school year.
It is most important that during the time of closure, schools are able to continue to focus their efforts toward local school and community needs, as they have been doing, and not be concerned about State assessments. NYSED has applied for federal waivers for testing, accountability, and reporting requirements.
“The priority for the Board of Regents and the Department is to ensure that districts provide continuity of instruction for students to the greatest extent possible. It is a critical component of school emergency management, as it promotes the continuation of teaching and learning and prevents learning loss while schools are closed. However, many considerations play a role in developing continuity of learning programs such as access and availability, type and quality of materials and the length of time that the various types of learning will require. We are working with districts now to receive and review their plans.
We are incredibly grateful to the educators who are devoted to developing these plans in the most equitable way possible and who have provided resources for parents and children.
NYSED continues to work with the Governor’s Office, the state Department of Health, the Division of Homeland Security and the Office of Children and Family Services to ensure that we are up to date on all guidance and all of our resources for schools related to COVID-19 can be found on NYSED’s dedicated website.
Most of all, we hope that our students and educators are well. We are thankful for the devotion and ongoing leadership of our teachers, administrators, school board members and parents who have gone above and beyond so that students are safe and impacted as little as possible.
WPCNR MAYOR’S CORONAVIRUS REPORT.Telephone Advisory from Mayor Thomas Roach 8 P.M. March 22, 2020:
In the Mayor Thomas Roach nightly update to the citizens of White Plains, he reported White Plains now has 35 persons who have tested positive for the coronavirus., UP from 19 White Plains residents with coronavirus yesterday.
He observed that some citizens were seen playing ball on a White Plains park field today. Police were called and disbursed them.
The Mayor urged citizens who observe persons playing any form of of sports games on fields, basketball courts or tennis courts to report the violation to White Plains Police at 422-6111. This is a violation of the city enforcent of a social distancing practice (6 feet or more apart from other persons).
The said city parks were only opemn for solitary recreation such as walking running.
The Mayor’s report confirmed what Governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily news conference reported earlier today, 1,873 Westchester Residents now have the coronavirus and 486 of the cases were new. He observed the growth is reflective of more tests being administered in the county.
IN HIS NEWS CONFERENCE THIS MORNING GOVERNOR CUOMO TALKED ABOUT HOW WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO OURSELVES AND THE ISSUES THEY ARE DEALING WITH EVERY DAY. HE COVERS SOME VERY HEAVY STUFF THAT WILL HELP US ALL COPE BETTER AND RISE TO THE OCCASION.
THE NY STATE COUNTY CASE NUMBERS AS OF 11 AM EDT SUNDAY. Percentage of persons testing positive for the coronavirus who have been hospitalized is down today below 15%. NEW YORK STATE HAS TESTED 61,401 PERSONS FOR CORONAVIRUS, MORE PERSONS FOR THAN ANY STATE. OF THAT TOTAL 15,915 AS OF 3/21 HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE VIRUS (26%) . OF THE 15,915 who tested positive 13% have required hospitalization. This 13% rate of hospitalization in statewide coronavirus positive persons because it lowers the number of ICUVentilators needed. The Governor said the state is still short ventilators and the state is acting to get them.THE GOVERNOR ADVISED CONGRESS THIS MORNING NOT TO REPEAT THE “BAILOUTS” OF 2008 AND TURN THE RELIEF LEGISLATION INTO A “PORK BARREL.” HE URGED THE NATION TO INVOKE THE RIGHT TO CONTROL CORPORATIONS IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID PROFITEERING. HE SAID IN THE NEWS CONFERENCE “Q& A” NEW YORK STATE USED TO PAY 75 CENTS FOR A N19 MASK, NOW THE STATE IS PAYING $7 A MASK. SEE HIS RECOMMENDATION ON HOW TO EXPEDITE SUPPLIES IN THE ABOVE VIDEO.
WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT 3 PM E.D.T. From the Governor’s Press Office. March 22, 2020 2:15 P.M.:
Calls on Federal Government to Immediately Implement Defense Production Act — Nationalize Medical Supply Chain
Acquires 70,000 Doses of Hydroxychloroquine, 10,000 doses of Zithromax and 750,000 Doses of Chloroquine to Implement Drug Trials – Trials Will Start Tuesday
Urges FDA to Immediately Approve Serological Testing for COVID-19 Antibodieswhich if present in the individual will enable the state to determine if those tested can return to work .
Announces Department of Health Emergency Order for All Hospitals to Come Up with a Plan to Expand Capacity by a Minimum of 50 Percent with a Goal of 100 Percent
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today accepted the recommendation of the Army Corps of Engineers for four temporary hospital sites in New York State in an effort to address imminent capacity issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor visited the four sites – the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and locations at SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY Old Westbury and the Westchester Convention Center — yesterday, and New York State is ready for the Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction immediately.
Hospitals at the SUNY campus sites will be constructed indoors with outdoor tent support and the dormitories on the campuses will be used for healthcare staff to stay while working at the sites.
Governor Cuomo also announced that FEMA will erect four additional federal hospital facilities within the Javits Center, in addition to the temporary hospital to be constructed by the Army Corps. Each of the four federal hospitals will have 250 beds and come fully equipped and fully staffed by the federal government.
The Governor also announced that the state is continuing to quickly identify sites to repurpose existing healthcare facilities to be used as temporary hospitals. The state on Saturday leased the Brooklyn Health Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare to serve as a temporary hospital with capacity up to 600 beds.
Additionally, Governor Cuomo called on the federal government to immediately implement the Defense Production Act and nationalize the contracting and acquisition of medical supplies.
New York State is already seeing a shortage in medical supplies and personal protective equipment – or PPE – including masks, gloves, gowns and ventilators. This shortage is also impacting other states, leading to price gouging by companies, hospitals competing with one another and states competing with other states and even other countries for supplies. Implementing the Defense Production Act would give the federal government legal authority to mandate private companies to manufacture these critical supplies for all states.
The Governor also called on the federal government to prioritize sending stimulus funding to individuals, state and local governments and businesses. As part of his call, the Governor made it clear that funding to corporations should not be a gift at the expense of taxpayers, and that taxpayers must share in the success of corporations.
The Governor also announced that the state will begin to implement drug trials and has acquired 70,000 doses of Hydroxychloroquine, 10,000 doses of Zithromax and 750,000 doses of Chloroquine. The trials will start Tuesday.
Governor Cuomo also urged the FDA to immediately approve serological testing for COVID-19 antibodies, which will help determine which individuals already had the virus and resolved. This will allow more individuals to return to work, including healthcare workers to help address the shortage of medical staff in hospitals.
Governor Cuomo also announced a new State Department of Health Emergency Order requiring all hospitals to develop plans to expand capacity within hospitals. The plan must expand capacity by a minimum of 50 percent with a goal of expanding capacity by 100 percent.
The Governor also announced that the state will mandate that all hospitals must cancel all elective, non-critical surgeries to help expand hospital capacity – effective Wednesday, March 25th.
After visiting New York City yesterday, and seeing “people were all over the place” the Governor is also directing New York City to come up with a plan for review by the state in the next 24 hours to address the lack of adherence to social distancing protocols in the area, including at parks and other public spaces.
“To get through this crisis we need to be sure our hospitals and healthcare system have the equipment, facilities and staff they need to treat patients and save lives, and we also need to make sure that New Yorkers whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus are getting financial relief to help cope with this crisis,” Governor Cuomo said. “In New York we have a plan in place to increase our hospital capacity and supplies and lessen the financial burden on New Yorkers. We are doing everything we possibly can as a state, but we can’t do it alone — we need the help of the federal government.
I am asking the President for expeditious approval and execution of these hospital facilities, to nationalize the acquisition of medical supplies and to prioritize sending stimulus money to individuals. Time matters and minutes count because there are lives at stake. We are a nation capable of overcoming any challenge — we will overcome this challenge and America will be greater for it, and my hope is that New York will lead the way forward.”
Finally, the Governor confirmed 4,812 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 15,168 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 15,168 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
County
Total Positive
New Positive
Albany
123
35
Allegany
2
0
Broome
3
1
Chenango
3
1
Clinton
4
0
Columbia
5
3
Cortland
1
1
Delaware
3
2
Dutchess
82
33
Erie
54
16
Essex
3
1
Fulton
1
0
Genesee
1
0
Greene
2
0
Hamilton
2
0
Herkimer
4
1
Jefferson
1
0
Livingston
2
0
Madison
1
1
Monroe
57
15
Montgomery
3
0
Nassau
1,900
667
Niagara
6
2
New York City
9,045
2,832
Oneida
5
1
Onondaga
29
12
Ontario
6
2
Orange
247
84
Putnam
37
15
Rensselaer
26
6
Rockland
455
193
Saratoga
41
6
Schenectady
39
7
Schoharie
1
0
St. Lawrence
1
1
Steuben
3
1
Suffolk
1,034
373
Sullivan
16
4
Tioga
1
0
Tompkins
13
2
Ulster
26
8
Warren
1
0
Washington
1
0
Wayne
3
0
Westchester
1,873
486
Wyoming
2
0
Editor’s note: In the first edition of this article, the top cost of a mask, the Governor was reported as saying was erroneously reported as $70 a mask. This was incorrect, the Governor said Monday it is $7 a mask
