While COVID-19 numbers at large in New York are still “low” compared to the height of the pandemic, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has reported an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions.

The latest data, from August 2, shows hospital admissions increased by 22% compared to the previous week and are now at 0.6 per 100,000 residents on average. This data translates to more than 100 admissions per day. Subsequently, reported cases are also 55% higher than the previous week, for an average of 824 reported cases per day across the state. Of note, there are currently no concerns of the department regarding hospital bed capacity.

DOH also reiterated possible COVID-19 symptoms and urged New Yorkers to test if they think they are sick and to follow proper state guidelines. More information can be found here.

Governor Announces Funding Awarded Through Round XII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced more than $27 million has been awarded to support 40 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. His round included capital grant and tax credit funding from Empire State Development (ESD).

This fourth batch of projects was recommended by each Regional Council because of their project readiness and alignment with each region’s strategic plan. Highlights include the following:

• G&G Industrial Lighting Project (Capital Region) – $900,000 ESD Grant;
• Lowville Producers Dairy Cooperative (Central New York) – $1.3 Million ESD Grant, $500,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit;
• Enercon Systems, Inc. (Finger Lakes) – $100,000 ESD Grant, $180,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit;
• Red Ironworks, Inc. (Long Island) – $70,000 ESD Grant;
• Electric Owl Studios (Mid-Hudson) – $1.5 million ESD Grant;
• Stark Truss Company, Inc. (Mohawk Valley) – $100,000 ESD Grant, $200,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit;
• The New York Immigration Coalition, Inc. (New York City) – $1.5 Million ESD Grant;
• The Treehouse Hourly Child Care, LLC (North Country) – $170,000 ESD Grant; and
• Rugo Holdings Inc. (Western New York) – $802,970 ESD Grant.

Governor Hochul said:

The full list of Round XII awardees can be accessed here. More information on the award and the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative can be found here.  

Governor Announces Additional Funding for Schools to Address Pandemic Learning Loss and Support Mental Health

Yesterday, Governor Hochul announced $108 million in available funding for school districts throughout the state to support well-being through expanding mental health supports. $100 million will specifically be allocated to create or expand programs to help students address trauma due to the COVID-19 pandemic; a portion of that will be available to help address student learning loss exacerbated by the pandemic. This initiative builds on the Governor’s State of the State priority to expand mental health support.

The Mental Health RECOVS Grant objectives charge school districts and BOCES applicants to:

• Expand student access to academic recovery professionals, evidence-based and evidence-informed interventions, programming, services, supports and promising practices that counter learning loss;
• Improve capacity for school staff and students to identify learning loss, and increase student and staff resourcefulness and skills in seeking, receiving, and providing academic recovery supports;
• Implement a variety of evidence-based and evidence-informed school-based learning loss and academic recovery practices that are culturally, linguistically, and trauma responsive while promoting student diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Ensure financial stability and continuation of evidence-based and evidence-informed school-based academic recovery opportunities for students continuing to experience learning loss beyond the second and final year of the RECOVS Learning Loss Grant Program.

The Learning Loss RECOVS Grant objectives charge school districts and BOCES applicants to:

• Expand student access to academic recovery professionals, evidence-based and evidence-informed interventions, programming, services, supports and promising practices that counter learning loss;
• Improve capacity for school staff and students to identify learning loss, and increase student and staff resourcefulness and skills in seeking, receiving, and providing academic recovery supports;
• Implement a variety of evidence-based and evidence-informed school-based learning loss and academic recovery practices that are culturally, linguistically, and trauma responsive while promoting student diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Ensure financial stability and continuation of evidence-based and evidence-informed school-based academic recovery opportunities for students continuing to experience learning loss beyond the second and final year of the RECOVS Learning Loss Grant Program.

Governor Hochul said:

Governor Announces $30 million to Support New York City’s Fight Against Gun Violence

In a continued effort to combat gun violence throughout New York State, Governor Hochul has announced $30 million to support New York City’s fight against gun violence. The funding includes $6 million for the New York City Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Blueprint for Community Safety, which will help the City hire additional public safety personnel and deploy more resources to support the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Governor Hochul said:

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said: