September 19, 2023
There is a new Siena College Poll out this morning, which says thata 34 percent of New York State residents don’t want either President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump to run again. The poll also shows that Biden does better than Trump, here in New York State.
The poll has Governor hochul’s popularity 40 percent.
Senator Schumer’s popularity was at 47 percent.
Senator Gillibrand is at 41 percent.
August 29, 2023
FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL: The Department of Health remains vigilant for changes to the virus that could further threaten our public health. We continue to monitor as new strains have emerged, with a particular focus on BA.2.86, the most genetically different strain we have seen since the original Omicron variant. These significant changes are important to note as mutations may allow the virus to evade prior immunity. Remember, COVID is now a treatable disease and tests are both easy and highly accurate. Antivirals such as Paxlovid are most effective when started within five days of the onset of symptoms.
As students begin to return to school for the next academic year, Governor Hochul and DOH recommend that schools review current CDC school guidance for COVID-19 prevention and work with their local health department to implement effective and feasible public health measures.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends schools:
Promote vaccination and testing;
Encourage students, teachers, and faculty to stay home if they are sick and exhibiting symptoms;
Optimize ventilation and maintain improvements to indoor air quality to reduce the risk of germs and contaminants spreading through the air; and
Teach and reinforce proper handwashing and hygiene practices.
All individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately get tested. If a test is positive, consult a health care provider about treatment, as it’s important to begin treatment soon after the onset of symptoms to ensure the utmost effectiveness. Individuals who do not have a regular health care provider can find locations for treatment here. Those with COVID-19 should follow CDC guidance to avoid transmitting it to others, including isolating for 5 days after the onset of symptoms, as well as masking and avoiding contact with those who may be at higher risk of negative outcomes.
At-home tests are available at many local pharmacies statewide, and New York continues to make high-quality N-95 masks and test kits available to state and county officials by request. New Yorkers should contact their respective county health department or local emergency management office for more information.
The New York State Department of Health recently contacted nursing home providers statewide to alert them of the increase in COVID-19 infections reported over the past several weeks, and to remind facilities of measures that can be taken to help reduce transmission among vulnerable populations.
August 28, 2023
“Today we mark sixty years since the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, a March that would change the course of our nation’s history. Hundreds of thousands of Americans came together to demand civil rights, equality, and an end to segregation – ultimately leading to necessary change and meaningful federal legislation.
“Like most social movements that have transformed America, the March on Washington had its roots in New York. Throughout much of the summer of 1963, a townhouse at 170 West 130th Street in Harlem served as headquarters for the planning of the March. New Yorkers like Bayard Rustin, Harry Belafonte and A. Philip Randolph played critical roles in coordinating the work that led to this significant day. Thanks to the careful planning that took place in that Harlem townhouse and across the country, a national movement inspired Congress to move forward with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“Yet as we mark this anniversary, it’s clear there is more work to do. The legislative victories of the 1960s have been diminished by an extremist Supreme Court. The demands for economic equality have not yet been fully realized. And as we saw this past weekend in Jacksonville – and last May in my hometown of Buffalo – racist violence continues.
“From signing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to establishing the New York State Commission on African American History, my administration has made it a priority to make New York a more equitable and just state. Guided by the memories of those iconic New Yorkers, and by the sage wisdom of living legends like Dr. Hazel Dukes, I am committed to keeping up that fight.”