WESTCHESTER: LOWEST NEW COVID CASES IN COUNTY IN A WEEK SINCE DECEMBER 24.
WPCNR CORONA VIRUS MONITOR. From the New York State Covid Tracker. Analysis by John F. Bailey February 14, 2022:
From Sunday through Saturday, February 6 to 12, Westchester averaged 172 new cases each day matching the average daily positives in the 6 weeks leading up to Christmas which started the explosive spread of covid that started averaging over 300 cases a day on December 31; went up to over 400 a day by December 11, and soared to 1,000 positives a day a week later ending December 18.
Then came the deluge. The new cases averaged 2,000 a day up to Christmas December 25.
In the last three weeks the staggering 68,078 cases we saw the first three weeks in January declined to 6,327 the third week in January; 3,423 the fourth week and in the first two weeks of February through February 12, the new cases have declined to 1,208 cases through Saturday.
This is a stunning turnaround.
It is attributed to the effectiveness of the vaccines preventing vaccinated people from getting sick due to the overwhelming spread the first 3 weeks in January. The state reports 90% of new cases were suffered by persons who have not been vaccinated. Hospitalizations from the disease were down to the mid-200s last week.
Last week with average tests conducted numbering 6,200 a day, the infection rate lowered to 1,208 new cases last week, 3.1% a day average infection rate of those tested.
The Mid-Hudson region consisting of Westchester, Rockland Putnam, Orange Ulster and Sullivan Counties reported a total 233 new cases for all 7 counties their lowest total since November 14, when the 7 counties reported 279 cases, and officials were feeling confident before Thanksgiving, but even then infections were showing regular signs of strengthening.
Now thanks to the vaccines and behavior, the covid is at lowtide. However, it is up to how we behave the next two weeks as to whether our behavior starts the covid tide coming back in.
NEW YORK BETS OVER ITS HEAD NOT UNDER IT: $2 BILLION IN ONLINE BETTING IN A MONTH–$70 MILLION IN TAX REVENUES. LEGISLATURE’S BET ON HUMAN FRAILTY PAYS OFF. ALL FOR EDUCATION. IF YOU HAD THE BENGALS YOU LOST! RAMS WERE FAVORED BY 4. (PROJECTS AT A TOTAL REVENUE ‘HANDLE’ OF $1 BILLION FOR THE YEAR ALL FOR NEW YORKERS)
WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Press Office. FEBRUARY 14, 2022:
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the successful launch of mobile sports wagering in New York State, with nearly $2 billion in wagers taken during the first 30 days of operation.
This record-breaking success, more than any other state has ever reported, will generate more than $70 million in tax revenue for New York State, providing funds to be allocated toward programs that support education, youth sports, and more.
“Over the past month, we’ve seen how mobile sports wagering can be an economic engine for New York, driving significant funding to our schools, youth sports, and so much more,” Governor Hochul said. “As this new industry continues to grow, New York will make sure we have the resources and guidelines in place to make it a success for all.”
Mobile sports wagering began in New York State on January 8, 2022; since then, more than $1.98 billion in wagers has been taken in New York. The total Gross Gaming Revenue was over $138 million and, at a 51% tax rate for the State, these wagers brought more than $70.6 million in tax revenue. According to State law, tax revenue generated by the mobile sports wagering industry is required to go toward elementary and secondary education, grants for youth sports programming, property tax relief, and problem gambling prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Last year, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Gaming Commission to prepare for the launch of mobile sports wagering, which had previously been authorized by the legislature, by engaging licensed companies to complete the regulatory requirements needed to begin operations in New York State. This approach will keep New York bettors in New York, rather than having State residents travel to neighboring states to wager.
Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said, “With Governor Hochul kicking off mobile sports wagering on January 8th, there is no doubt there is strong interest in online sports betting in the Empire State, which has just set a national record for monthly tax revenue.”
Photographs of the Day
