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Anthony Scarpiono, Jr., Westchester County Interview held in his office in the County Courthouse, discussing the court system, what lies ahead, and effects of the Corona Virus on the courts in a 19-minute interview with the White Plains Examiner and WPCNR.
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. March 12, 2020:
Today Governor Cuomo in a news conference, outlined what he and his administration expected lay ahead in the state effort to turn around the spread of coronavirus across the state. In addition to announcing closings, he elaborated on the progress of the disease, and assured New Yorkers the state had the hospital resources to treat the number of residents whom he predicted would have to receive hospitalization. Here is the portion of his news conference recorded this afternoon.
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Confirms 109 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State – Bringing Statewide Total to 325; New Cases in 14 Counties
Events OF 500 or More Individuals Cancelled or Postponed
Any Gathering Under 500 Required to Cut Capacity by 50 Percent
Nursing Homes Visits- Only Medically Necessary Visits Allowed
First Public Drive-Through Testing Facility Starts Friday
BROADWAY SHOWS SUSPENDED UNTIL APRIL 12
WPCNR CORONA VIRUS REPORT. From the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. March 12, 2020:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state will institute limits on mass gatherings, directing events with 500 or more individuals in attendance to be cancelled or postponed. Public health experts agree mass gatherings with people making sustained close contact are a place where the novel coronavirus can easily infect many people quickly and continue its spread.
As such, events, gatherings, or places of business with less than 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent, with exceptions being made for spaces where individuals do not make sustained close contact, such as schools, hospitals, public buildings, mass transit, grocery stores and retail stores.
These new regulations will go into effect Friday, March 13th at 5pm, with the exception of Broadway Theaters where the limits will go into effect this evening at 5pm.
In an effort to protect some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers, Governor Cuomo also announced only medically necessary visits will be allowed at nursing homes. This policy will be effective Friday at 5pm.
The state is also asking nursing homes to set up skyping and other online communication capacity so families can tele-visit their loved ones. Additionally, the state will require health screenings for all nursing home workers each day when they enter a facility and require them to wear surgical masks to guard against any potential asymptomatic spread.
In order to increase testing capacity, the State is contracting with BioReference Laboratories to run an additional 5,000 tests per day on top of what the state is already doing. These additional 5,000 tests per day will come online next week.
This additional testing capacity is on top of that of the 28 private labs the Governor announced are partnering with the state in the coming days and weeks. Additionally, the Governor announced the first public drive-through testing facility on the east coast will start testing people tomorrow in New Rochelle. Testing will be done by appointment only. New Rochelle residents who have been quarantined will be tested first.
Finally, the Governor confirmed 109 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 325 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 325 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
Albany County: 1 (1 new)
Broome County: 1 (1 new)
Delaware County: 1 (1 new)
Dutchess County: 1 (1 new)
Herkimer County: 1 (1 new)
Monroe County: 1 (1 new)
Nassau County: 41 (13 new)
New York City: 95 (43 new)
Orange County: 1 (1 new)
Rockland County: 7 (1 new)
Saratoga County: 3 (1 new)
Suffolk County: 20 (14 new)
Ulster County: 4 (3 new)
Westchester County: 148 (27 new)
“The spread of this coronavirus is not going to stop on its own, and we know that mass gatherings have been hotspots for the virus to infect large numbers of people quickly,” Governor Cuomo said. “To help contain it, we are instituting limits on large events as well as new measures to protect our most vulnerable populations — including people in nursing homes — and preparing our healthcare system to be able to deal with any future capacity issues. While the context is key and the anxiety is outpacing the facts of this situation, we will continue taking aggressive action to protect public health and prepare for any future spread of this virus.”
“Our number one priority is protecting the public health and every action the Governor and the State of New York have taken thus far have been in furtherance of that goal,” State Health Department Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said. “Public health experts have been clear that limiting large public gatherings where there is potential for close contact is a critical way to slow the spread of this virus. This regulation will help keep people healthy and safe.”
The Governor also announced that the State is taking measures to create a reserve workforce of health care professionals in the event of a staffing shortage and identify state facilities that can be used as temporary hospitals.
The State is asking former doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to reconnect with their former employers and offer to work on an on-call basis in the cases of a staffing shortage. The State is also identifying National Guard medics for reserved staffing and contacting medical schools to identify possible reserve health care professionals. Additionally, the Department of Health is accelerating regulations to get more health care personnel trained so they can work in other areas.
For all schools in communities with the highest rates of positive cases, the state will be taking proactive steps to implement protocols that limit mass contact. Today the Governor announced SUNY Albany will cancel in person classes for the rest of the semester effective tomorrow after a positive case was confirmed today.
Additionally, any business that cannot accommodate rigorous cleaning standards should contact Empire State Development at (212) 803-3100 for a close order.
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THE EFFECT OF CORONA VIRUS ON THE COURTS
CORONA VIRUS TELEPHONE SCAMS SPREADING ACROSS THE AREA
ISSUES COURT SYSTEM IS CONSIDERING TO PREVENT SPREAD OF THE VIRUS
SEE IT AT 8 COUNTYWIDE ON FIOS CH. 45 AND IN WHITE PLAINS CABLEVISION CH. 76 OR www.wpcommunitymedia.org
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WPCNR CORONA VIRUS REPORT. By John F. Bailey. March 12, 2019: Mayor Noam Bramson of New Rochelle confirmed in a robocall to New Rochelle residents this morning, that quarantined persons could not leave their homes/residences.
The robocall appears to correct the impression on a widely viewed television media reports last night stating there was no quarantine in the New Rochelle Containment Zone, and people were free to leave the zone,
Bramson’s robocall stated: ” Except for individuals subject to quarantine, residents are free to come and go, (Editor’s note: meaning, only non-quarantined residents could leave the 2-mile diameter Containment Zone)
A spokesperson reached by WPCNR on the New York State Corona Virus hotline, 1-888-364-3065, clarified this policy of quarantine stay-in-your-home/ residence policy by telling WPCNR, a quarantined resident cannot leave their home, because this would mean they could spread the virus, if they had it. The spokesman added they could not go out for errands or trips of any kind.
Originally the quarantine of 36 persons, members or associated with the member, who had contracted the virus, of Temple Israel in New Rochelle, were ordered quarantined in their homes by Dr. Sherlita Amler, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health for 15 days beginning March 1. March 15 is coming up, but at this time the Department of Health has no information whether the quarantine on those subject to it will be lifted.
Here is the text of of that Mayor Bramson Robocall that the Mayor shared with WPCNR:
A few moments ago, I (Mayor Bramson) sent the following citywide robocall:
This is Mayor Noam Bramson, with an update on the coronavirus outbreak. Here’s what’s new:
The National Guard has arrived in Westchester and will be working here in New Rochelle beginning today to assist in the delivery of meals, cleaning of public facilities, and the distribution of supplies. The Guard will not be engaged in any military or policing activities, and is operating purely as logistical support.
The containment area in the Wykagyl neighborhood takes effect today, Within this area, large gatherings at large institutions are prohibited. But, contrary to false rumors, there is no change in daily life. Except for individuals subject to quarantine, residents are free to come and go, and businesses are open.
In an effort to support our business community through this period, New Rochelle is offering free parking at all metered spaces citywide for at least the next two weeks. New Rochelle is open for business, and if you are a healthy adult, please continue to patronize our local restaurants and shops.
Now, a reminder on previously reported information:
Nursing homes and assisted facilities will not accept visitors until further notice, as a means of limiting exposure for our most vulnerable population.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor or health care provider for individual guidance on testing. If you do not have a doctor, then call ahead to the emergency room, do not simply show up.
All of us can protect ourselves and our families by following common sense public health guidelines, including reasonable social distancing.
Additional information is available by calling 1-888-364-3065 or 2-1-1 or by visiting newrochelleny.com/coronavirus.
This is a big challenge for New Rochelle, but our community is rising to the occasion by demonstrating strength, resilience, calm, and support for our neighbors.
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2020. From the Jeremiah Frie-Pearson for Assembly Campaign. March 12, 2020:
The Democratic Primary campaign of Jeremiah Frei-Pearson announced this morning that it is officially suspending petitioning, effective immediately, over the ongoing public health crisis created by the Coronavirus Global Pandemic.
Petitioning requires close, personal contact between strangers and runs directly counter to the recommendations of medical professionals about the need for “social distancing” to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
Frei-Pearson also called on New York State to immediately pass legislation, proposed in the State Assembly, to reduce signature requirements for candidates in this year’s elections.
“Our top priority as a community has to be fighting this disease. A small, common-sense, reduction in ballot access requirements might save lives – including, potentially, those of other candidates or volunteers who are members of high-risk groups. Putting public safety over political campaigning is a no-brainer to me.”
Frei-Pearson also forwarded the entirety of his statement to supporters announcing the decision:
“First and foremost, I hope you and your family are well. We are obviously in an uncharted situation with Covid-19 and I urge you to follow guidance from medical professionals, Governor Cuomo, County Executive Latimer, and your local leaders. Wash your hands frequently and if you believe you may be infected call the New York State Covid-19 hotline at 888-364-3605; you can also call the White Plains Hospital’s hotline at 914-681-2900.
“In times like these, state and local political campaigning take a distant backseat to public health. You should know that I, and all volunteers I have heard from, feel fine. At the same time, out of an abundance of caution, my campaign effectively suspended petitioning earlier this week and I am now officially suspending it. I am reaching out to my competitors to encourage them to do the same, and will urge New York State to pass the pending legislation to reduce signature requirements for candidates for public office this year. I love meeting with community members (and I will particularly miss the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day parades I was supposed to march in), but the safety of our community is far more important than a handshake.
“Again, I hope you and your family are doing well. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at any time. These are challenging times, but I know that we in Westchester County will band together, be smart, and ultimately emerge stronger and safer.”
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| Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf’s Statement on Presidential Proclamation To Protect the Homeland from Travel-Related Coronavirus Spread |
| (WASHINGTON) Today President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation, which suspends the entry of most foreign nationals who have been in certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. These countries, known as the Schengen Area, include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This does not apply to legal permanent residents, (generally) immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. Statement from DHS Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf: “Protecting the American people from threats to their safety is the most important job of the President of the United States. The actions President Trump is taking to deny entry to foreign nationals who have been in affected areas will keep Americans safe and save American lives. I applaud the president for making this tough but necessary decision. While these new travel restrictions will be disruptive to some travelers, this decisive action is needed to protect the American public from further exposure to the potentially deadly coronavirus. “In January and February, the Administration issued similar travel restrictions on individuals who had been in China and Iran. That action proved to be effective in slowing the spread of the virus to the U.S., while public health officials prepared. In the next 48 hours, in the interest of public health, I intend to issue a supplemental Notice of Arrivals Restriction requiring U.S. passengers that have been in the Schengen Area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures.” |
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WPCNR CORONAVIRUS WHITE PLAINS REPORT. From the Mayor’s Office. March 11, 2020 :
The Governor today confirmed 39 additional cases in New York State, bringing the total to 212. 121 of those cases (13 new cases) are in Westchester County. The state is expecting the number of cases to continue to rise in the foreseeable future.
Westchester County has now received permission from the State Health Department to inform mayors and supervisors of the number of individuals in their municipality who test positive for Coronavirus.
As we have said in prior posts, this information had not previously been provided and thus we could not share what we did not have. White Plains, along with other municipalities, has been advocating for the provision of this information.
We have been informed that as of today, 3 individuals in White Plains are positive for coronavirus. We have been informed that these individuals are abiding by all the required quarantine measures. We will continue to share all statistics provided to us by the State and County Health Departments.
The Governor today announced that the State will be contracting with approximately 28 private labs in the state to do additional coronavirus testing. The Governor is moving ahead with this as a means of trying to break through the widely reported bottleneck in testing. The CDC has assented to the state’s plan.
The state is advising business leaders around the state to think about ways in which they can “reduce density” through options such as telecommuting and shift changes if possible.
Reducing density (that is, reducing the number and type of situations that bring a large number of people together in close quarters), along with increasing testing capacity, is a top priority of the state as a means of stopping the spread of the virus.
Program and Event Cancellations & Postponements
The White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, has been canceled.
The St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the White Plains Community Center scheduled for Thursday, March 12th, has been canceled.
White Plains Library Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala scheduled for March 14th, has been postponed.
AARP has decided to suspend the AARP Tax Aide program at the White Plains Public Library for the weeks of 3/16 and 3/24. They will re-evaluate after the 24th. Please check the Library website, https://whiteplainslibrary.org/, for updates.
The Youth Bureau’s Women in STEM Forum scheduled for Sunday, March 29th will be moved to the fall.
The Youth Bureau’s Grandpas United Sports Talk scheduled for Monday, March 30th has been canceled.
The Youth Bureau Arts Show: Soulful Homecoming scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd.
The STEAM Fair/Youth Bureau Open House scheduled for Saturday, April 25th has been canceled. The Open House will be rescheduled for the fall. The STEAM Fair will not be rescheduled.
Prevention Information
City buildings and facilities continue to be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day. We continue to make this a priority.
Residents who are concerned and/or have questions about coronavirus should call the NYS DOH hotline at: 1-888-364-3065. This hotline is staffed 24/7. We urge everyone to continue to practice common sense preventive measures. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
In addition to general guidance provided to the public, NYS has been providing sector-specific guidance to groups such as health care workers and nursing homes. We expect more of this in the coming days. We continue to work with state, county, and local officials to ensure a coordinated response and will continue to update residents on a regular basis. For more information access these trustworthy resources:
NYS DOH:
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Westchester County DOH:
https://health.westchestergov.com/
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SUNY and CUNY Will Prepare Plans for Distance Learning
State Will Provide Two Weeks Paid Leave for State Workers Quarantined
New Cases:13 in Westchester, 16 NYC, 9 Nassau 5 in Suffolk County
Business Leaders Implement Different Work Shifts and Telecommuting
$200,000 to Local Food Bank in New Rochelle
WPCNR CORONA VIRUS REPORT. From the Office of the Governor. March 11, 2020:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State will contract with 28 private labs to increase testing capacity for the novel coronavirus. Following a call with the 28 labs, the Governor announced that he has instructed the labs to begin testing immediately as soon as they are ready. The 28 labs are specialized in virology and are routine partners with the New York State Department of Health.
The Governor also announced the State University of New York and the City University of New York will implement plans to maximize distance learning and reduce in-person classes, beginning March 19th, for the remainder of the Spring semester in light of the evolving novel coronavirus situation in New York.
All campuses will develop plans catered to the campus and curriculum-specific needs while reducing density in the campus environment to help slow possibility for exposures to novel coronavirus. Distance learning and other options will be developed by campuses.
Governor Cuomo announced the state will guarantee two full weeks of paid leave for all state workers who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus. Employees will not have to charge accruals during the time taken off work for quarantine. This will apply to all state employees, regardless of civil service classification, bargaining unit, and regardless of part time or accrual status.
Finally, the Governor also confirmed 43 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 216 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 216 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
Westchester: 121 (13 new)
New York City: 52 (16 new)
Nassau: 28 (9 new)
Suffolk: 6 (5 new)
Rockland: 6
Saratoga: 2
Ulster: 1
“While the risk to New Yorkers remains low, we are taking a number of steps out of an abundance of caution to protect public health including asking SUNY and CUNY to implement strategies to reduce density on campuses for the remainder of the semester,” Governor Cuomo said.
“At the same time, we’re continuing to prioritize ramping up testing capacity because the more people you identify as having the virus, the better you can contain it. We’re also leading by example and providing paid leave to all state workers who are quarantined as a result of the virus – and we encourage businesses to voluntarily do telecommuting to the extent possible.
Again I want to remind people to keep this in perspective: the facts do not justify the fear in this situation and the facts here should actually reduce anxiety.”
After speaking with business leaders today, Governor Cuomo also announced a new cooperative effort with New York business leaders to voluntarily implement different work shifts and telecommuting in an effort to reduce density.
Additionally, the Governor announced that the New York State Department of Health will grant $200,000 to a local food bank in New Rochelle to help the community as it faces a cluster of positive cases of the novel coronavirus. Nine schools in New Rochelle are currently closed as a result of the containment zone set yesterday, and this funding will help ensure any student or family who relies on free school lunches can continue to access it during this containment effort.