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Healthcare workers

Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials
Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials If you haven’t gotten your flu shot this year, now’s the time to do so. New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald declared that influenza is “now prevalent” in the state on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The declaration requires healthcare workers who have not received this year’s flu vaccine to wear masks in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. "Health care personnel who are not vaccinated against the flu this season need to take extra precautions and wear a mask in health care facilities, as they are exposed to sick patients and come into close contact with those most vulnerab…
'Exhausted, Stressed': Putnam Hospital Workers To March For Better Conditions 'Exhausted, Stressed': Putnam Hospital Workers To March For Better Conditions
'Exhausted, Stressed': Putnam Hospital Workers To March For Better Conditions A group of Hudson Valley healthcare workers is asking for better conditions and the opportunity to negotiate a contract.  As part of their effort to improve circumstances at hospitals in both Dutchess and Putnam counties, a "Dignity March" will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Poughkeepsie starting at Vassar Brothers Hospital at 45 Reade Pl. and ending at the Mid-Hudson Bridge, according to the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East union.  Those organizing the march said that poor working conditions at both Vassar Brothers Hospital and Putnam Hospi…
COVID-19: NY Rolls Back Contact Tracing Requirements For Local Health Departments COVID-19: NY Rolls Back Contact Tracing Requirements For Local Health Departments
Covid-19: NY Rolls Back Contact Tracing Requirements For Local Health Departments New York State will no longer require local health departments to perform contact tracing of positive COVID-19 cases amid the rise of the Omicron variant that has been rapidly spreading in record numbers. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and acting Department of Health Commissioner Mary Bassett announced on Tuesday, Jan. 11 that with the recent unprecedented rise of new infections, it has become impractical for officials to allocate resources toward contact tracing. Previously, New Yorkers who tested positive for COVID-19 were contacted by state or local health officials who questioned them about…
COVID-19: Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney Tests Positive COVID-19: Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney Tests Positive
Covid-19: Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney Tests Positive Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney announced he's infected with the COVID-19 virus. The 55-year-old Democrat said he tested positive on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and is experiencing minor symptoms.  Maloney represents New York's 18th congressional district, which includes Newburgh, Beacon, and Poughkeepsie, Putnam County, as well as parts of Northern Westchester. "While I am experiencing minor cold-like symptoms, I’m grateful to be fully vaccinated and boosted, which is protecting me from more severe illness," Maloney said in a statement.  He added that he is in isolation while recovering…
COVID-19: Omicron Surge Affecting Staffing Levels For Essential Workers COVID-19: Omicron Surge Affecting Staffing Levels For Essential Workers
Covid-19: Omicron Surge Affecting Staffing Levels For Essential Workers The spread of the more-transmissible Omicron COVID-19 variant is leading to staffing shortages for some essential employers who have been hit hardest by the winter surge of the virus. Essential employees have been forced to call out of work en masse in recent weeks due to positive Omicron infections that have led to staffing shortages for first responders, healthcare workers, supermarket workers, flight crews, and other key professions. The shortages have led to hundreds of canceled flights, closed restaurants, and short-staffed retail stores, leaving workers frustrated and fatigued af…
COVID-19: New Research Reveals Percentage Of Cases That Occur Without Symptoms COVID-19: New Research Reveals Percentage Of Cases That Occur Without Symptoms
Covid-19: New Research Reveals Percentage Of Cases That Occur Without Symptoms Health officials have released a new study confirming that nearly half of all those who contract COVID-19 infections remain asymptomatic, confirming a long-held belief. New research found that more than 40 percent of those who tested positive for the virus have not shown symptoms, according to a new study published this week in JAMA Network Open. In the study, researchers examined nearly 100 studies between January 2020 and February 2021 of nearly 30 million people in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Africa. Of those millions, approximately 60 percent of confirmed COVID…
COVID-19: NY Hospital To Stop Delivering Babies After Unvaccinated Employees Quit, Report Says COVID-19: NY Hospital To Stop Delivering Babies After Unvaccinated Employees Quit, Report Says
Covid-19: NY Hospital To Stop Delivering Babies After Unvaccinated Employees Quit, Report Says A hospital in upstate New York announced that it will have to stop delivering babies after a number of employees in the maternity department quit due to a COVID-19 vaccine requirement, according to a new report. The Watertown Daily Times reported that in the past week, six staff members in the maternity department at Lewis County General Hospital resigned, and seven more unvaccinated employees could join them. Chief Executive Officer Gerald Cayer said the number of resignations has left the Lewis County Health System no other choice but to pause the service at the hospital, the news ou…
COVID-19: Here's Latest Hudson Valley Infection Rate, Rundown Of New Cases By County COVID-19: Here's Latest Hudson Valley Infection Rate, Rundown Of New Cases By County
Covid-19: Here's Latest Hudson Valley Infection Rate, Rundown Of New Cases By County A new COVID-19-related death was reported in the Hudson Valley as the region's positive infection rate dipped slightly for the first time in days, though new cases are still surging. According to the Department of Health, the average seven-day positive COVID-19 infection rate in the Hudson Valley dropped to 1.72 percent on Tuesday, July 27, down slightly from 1.74 percent the previous day.  The numbers been below 1 percent for most of the spring and early summer until the recent surge in cases. Statewide, the positive infection rate jumped from 1.97 percent on Monday, July 26 to 2.04 …
COVID-19: State Workers In NY, Hospital Employees To Be Required To Get Vaccinated COVID-19: State Workers In NY, Hospital Employees To Be Required To Get Vaccinated
Covid-19: State Workers In NY, Hospital Employees To Be Required To Get Vaccinated New York will require state workers to be vaccinated by Labor Day, or else face weekly testing for COVID-19 as the country faces off against variants of the virus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. During a briefing on Wednesday, July 28, Cuomo announced that state employees would be required to get the vaccine while encouraging local governments to take similar steps across New York, specifically citing areas with high COVID-19 rates. Cuomo said that all patient-facing health care workers at state hospitals will also be required to be vaccinated. “We want to make sure health care workers ar…
COVID-19: New Vaccine Clinic Scheduled For Putnam County COVID-19: New Vaccine Clinic Scheduled For Putnam County
Covid-19: New Vaccine Clinic Scheduled For Putnam County Putnam County will be hosting a special vaccination clinic for those eligible in New York to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. County health officials will be providing both the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and the two-dose Moderna vaccine from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4 at Lakeview Plaza in Brewster. Eligible priority groups include:
 Putnam residents who are 18 years of age and older; Putnam residents with comorbidities; Essential workers who live or work in Putnam; Healthcare workers who live or are employed in Putnam. Officials noted that walk-ins are welcom…
COVID-19: Single-Dose Vaccine Clinic Scheduled In Putnam County COVID-19: Single-Dose Vaccine Clinic Scheduled In Putnam County
Covid-19: Single-Dose Vaccine Clinic Scheduled In Putnam County Putnam County will be hosting a special vaccination clinic for those eligible in New York to receive the COVID-19 vaccine this week With concerns surrounding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine having subsided, Putnam announced that there will be a vaccination clinic for the one-dose shot held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 29 at Lakeview Plaza in Brewster.  Eligible priority groups include:
 Putnam residents who are 18 years of age and older; Putnam residents with comorbidities; Essential workers who live or work in Putnam; Healthcare workers who live or are employed …
COVID-19: Moderna Vaccination Clinic Scheduled In Putnam COVID-19: Moderna Vaccination Clinic Scheduled In Putnam
Covid-19: Moderna Vaccination Clinic Scheduled In Putnam Putnam County will be hosting a special vaccination clinic for those eligible in New York to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. County health officials announced that a first-dose Moderna COVID-19 clinic has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 30 for all eligible priority groups at the Philipstown Recreation Center in Garrison. Anyone who utilized the vaccination center must be available to receive their second dose on Tuesday, April 27. Eligible priority groups include:
 Putnam residents 50 and older; Putnam residents with comorbidities; Essential workers who live or work in Putnam; Healthcar…
COVID-19: Here's List Of Vaccine Providers In Putnam COVID-19: Here's List Of Vaccine Providers In Putnam
Covid-19: Here's List Of Vaccine Providers In Putnam The Putnam County Department of Health has released a new list of COVID-19 vaccine providers for week eight of its vaccination program. Vaccinations for Putnam County residents who are eligible can be scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 11, with a list of providers - which can be located here - that will be updated weekly by the Department of Health. Currently, healthcare workers, police, fire, schools, daycare, grocery, corrections officers, restaurant workers, delivery drivers, and for-hire drivers are eligible. The Department of Health noted that vaccine clinics and appointments from providers…
COVID-19: Here's The Progress Being Made In Vaccinating Hudson Valley Nursing Facilities COVID-19: Here's The Progress Being Made In Vaccinating Hudson Valley Nursing Facilities
Covid-19: Here's The Progress Being Made In Vaccinating Hudson Valley Nursing Facilities New York is making progress in working on its federal long term care facility COVID-19 vaccination program as it looks to get “needles in the arms” of all residents and employees as expeditiously as possible. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that as part of the state’s LTCF program administration, all nursing home residents have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine, with 72 percent accepting the vaccine as of Thursday, Jan. 28. Cuomo said that the plan includes skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, continuing care communities, low-income housing for seniors, care facilities for those w…
COVID-19: New York Sees Number Of Vaccinations Administered Triple COVID-19: New York Sees Number Of Vaccinations Administered Triple
Covid-19: New York Sees Number Of Vaccinations Administered Triple The number of COVID-19 vaccinations being administered across New York has nearly tripled this week after a slow initial roll out over the first month the vaccine was available. This past week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressed frustration that some hospitals had been slow to begin administering the vaccine to healthcare workers, employees, and residents in nursing homes. In the first three weeks the vaccine was made available, New York hospitals used less than half of their allotment of initial doses, with 10,809 vaccines being administered daily. Related story - COVID-19: NY Set…
COVID-19: Vaccinations Administered In Putnam County Shortly After First Shipment Arrives COVID-19: Vaccinations Administered In Putnam County Shortly After First Shipment Arrives
Covid-19: Vaccinations Administered In Putnam County Shortly After First Shipment Arrives The long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine has made its way to Putnam, where some frontline healthcare workers have already started to receive their initial doses of the vaccination. This week, the Putnam County Department of Health administered 600 doses of the vaccine that were received from New York State on Tuesday, Jan. 5, with 251 doses administered on Thursday, Jan. 7 to some essential employees and healthcare workers. After receiving the first dose, employees will receive their second dose on Thursday, Feb. 4 to complete the vaccination. Next week, on Monday, Jan. 11, more vaccines are expe…
COVID-19: Here Are Number Of Sites Enrolled To Administer Vaccine In Hudson Valley COVID-19: Here Are Number Of Sites Enrolled To Administer Vaccine In Hudson Valley
Covid-19: Here Are Number Of Sites Enrolled To Administer Vaccine In Hudson Valley More than 100 COVID-19 vaccination sites have already been set up in the Hudson Valley, with hundreds more expected to be activated in the region as New York prepares to roll out the vaccine for the general public. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that there are currently 105 vaccination sites active on Long Island, with a total of 713 expected by the time the vaccine is ready for wide dissemination. To date, 3,762 providers have applied and been approved by the state to serve as vaccination sites with 636 locations are now activated and permitted to begin vaccinating eligible New Yorkers, w…
COVID-19: Cuomo Lays Out Plans For Phase II Of Vaccination COVID-19: Cuomo Lays Out Plans For Phase II Of Vaccination
Covid-19: Cuomo Lays Out Plans For Phase II Of Vaccination New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo laid out the state’s plans for the second phase of administering COVID-19 vaccines to essential workers and the general public most at-risk of catching the virus. This week, Phase I of the state’s vaccination plan began, as the first frontline healthcare worker in Queens was given New York’s first dose, with other allocations shipped to hospitals across the state. Earlier story - COVID-19: First NY Vaccine Administered To Critical Care Nurse Phase I of the plan, as dictated by the state, is earmarked for healthcare workers, nursing home residents, and employ…
COVID-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY COVID-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY
Covid-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY The New York State Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have made some revisions to guidance for certain businesses as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations keep increasing. With hospitalizations up to 5,159, the highest since mid-May, and the positivity rate statewide rapidly climbing, Cuomo announced on Friday, Dec. 11 that some businesses will be rolled back to help curtail the spread of the virus. As of Monday, Dec. 14, indoor dining in New York City will be closed, though outdoor dining and takeout will still be permitted.  Cuomo also said that health officials are evaluating…
Violinist Performs Daily For First Responders, Neighbors In Hudson Valley Violinist Performs Daily For First Responders, Neighbors In Hudson Valley
Violinist Performs Daily For First Responders, Neighbors In Hudson Valley During these times of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been at least one positive change. Many people are showing how much they care about each other.  They're doing it by clapping and banging pans each night at 7 p.m. to honor first responders, healthcare workers, and each other. One Westchester resident is doing her part -- and then some. Meet Rosemarie Castellano of New Rochelle.  Every night, she joins in the 7 p.m. cheer and pot banging and then pulls out a violin and stands on her balcony near Glen Island and plays a beautiful piece of music for all who want to…
COVID-19: Healthcare Workers Not Showing Higher Rate Of Infection Than Public, Data Shows COVID-19: Healthcare Workers Not Showing Higher Rate Of Infection Than Public, Data Shows
Covid-19: Healthcare Workers Not Showing Higher Rate Of Infection Than Public, Data Shows Frontline healthcare workers in downstate New York are not being infected by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at a higher rate than the general public, according to new data. State officials tested more than 27,000 healthcare workers in 25 downstate hospitals to see how many workers had the antibodies indicating that they had tested positive for COVID-19 and then compared those numbers to the data from the general public. The survey found that 6.8 percent of Westchester healthcare workers tested positive for the antibodies, compared to 13.8 percent of the general population. On Long Island, 11.…
COVID-19: Northern Westchester Car Wash Offers Free Service To Healthcare Workers, Responders COVID-19: Northern Westchester Car Wash Offers Free Service To Healthcare Workers, Responders
Covid-19: Northern Westchester Car Wash Offers Free Service To Healthcare Workers, Responders As support for front-line health workers and first responders during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, is coming in all forms, an area business is doing its part by offering free car washes. Bedford Hills’ Russell Speeders Car Wash, at 527 Bedford Road/Route 117, has been able to reopen under a state directive after closing in late March. The reopening comes with the requirement that service is currently limited to exterior car washing only, and disallows any personal contact with the car wash staff, nor the use of self-serve vacuums, mat washers, etc. until the enti…
COVID-19: BJ's Offers Special Shopping Hours For First Responders, Medical Workers COVID-19: BJ's Offers Special Shopping Hours For First Responders, Medical Workers
Covid-19: BJ's Offers Special Shopping Hours For First Responders, Medical Workers BJ’s Wholesale Club is paying it forward to the essential workers on the frontlines battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The wholesale giant is showing its appreciation for first responders and healthcare workers by providing a free four-month Inner Circle membership to the warehouse club, including a special “appreciation hour” on Sundays. From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sundays, BJ’s will have an “appreciation hour” when those workers can shop at BJ’s outlets without any membership, as of Sunday, April 19. First responders and healthcare workers can sign up for their complimenta…
COVID-19: Northwell Front-Line Workers Will Get $2.5K Bonus, One Week Of Paid Time Off COVID-19: Northwell Front-Line Workers Will Get $2.5K Bonus, One Week Of Paid Time Off
Covid-19: Northwell Front-Line Workers Will Get $2.5K Bonus, One Week Of Paid Time Off New York’s largest hospital system will be rewarding its employees on the front line battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak with bonuses and time off. Northwell Health announced that it will be awarding employees a lump-sum payment of up to $2,500 and a week of paid time off that can be used during their time working for the company. “Our dedicated staff’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of heroic. Thanks to the courage and commitment of our front-line caregivers, we answered the call-in service to the patients and communities who entrust us with their c…
COVID-19: Restaurants' Feed Frontlines Initiative Pledges $250K For Hospital Staff Daily Meals COVID-19: Restaurants' Feed Frontlines Initiative Pledges $250K For Hospital Staff Daily Meals
Covid-19: Restaurants' Feed Frontlines Initiative Pledges $250K For Hospital Staff Daily Meals Those on the front lines are giving everything they have to help save lives during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic two restaurant companies have organized an effort to provide healthy meals while they are working. Chopt Creative Salad Co. and Dos Toros, have organized their “Feed the Frontline” initiative, a program created to provide medical professionals with healthy meals every day while they’re at work.  As a part of this initiative, both companies, as well as the participating sponsors, have raised over $250,000 to launch and support the program, in which they will be provid…
COVID-19: State Launches 'I Stay Home For' Campaign, Using Celebrities, Social Media COVID-19: State Launches 'I Stay Home For' Campaign, Using Celebrities, Social Media
Covid-19: State Launches 'I Stay Home For' Campaign, Using Celebrities, Social Media New York State has launched a campaign to encourage residents to stay home and help combat the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday, April 8 that the state was launching the “I Stay Home For” social media campaign, which is designed to encourage New Yorkers to stay at home and practice proper social distance protocols. “This is about who you are staying home for. This is not about staying home for yourself,” Cuomo said. “You stay at home for others, for the vulnerable people, who if they get this, they are in a very scary state. You’re doing it fo…
COVID-19: Wearing A Face Mask? Here Are Some Important Safety Steps To Remember COVID-19: Wearing A Face Mask? Here Are Some Important Safety Steps To Remember
Covid-19: Wearing A Face Mask? Here Are Some Important Safety Steps To Remember With protective face masks becoming a new safety statement amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control is offering advice to ensure they are used most effectively. The CDC recently changed its stance and said that those venturing into the community during the COVID-19 outbreak, after initially saying it was only key for healthcare workers. “CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. 
“CDC a…
COVID-19: CDC Issues New Guidelines For Essential Workers COVID-19: CDC Issues New Guidelines For Essential Workers
Covid-19: CDC Issues New Guidelines For Essential Workers The federal government has provided new guidelines for essential employees battling novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that will make it easier for them to return to work after being exposed to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week that essential workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 can go back to work if they are asymptomatic without having to wait out the originally mandated 14-day self-quarantine. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC, said that employees such as healthcare and food supply workers will be permitted to return back to work under ce…
COVID-19: Area HS Baseball Team Raises Money For Hospital Workers COVID-19: Area HS Baseball Team Raises Money For Hospital Workers
Covid-19: Area HS Baseball Team Raises Money For Hospital Workers A Hudson Valley high school baseball team has created a fundraising campaign to raise money for healthcare workers in the region on the front lines combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The John Jay High School baseball team in East Fishkill has launched a viral video alongside a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to raise money for the crews at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie who have been working around the clock. Varsity baseball coach Eric Frink said they are looking to raise at least $10,000, which would be used to provide supplies, food, and other necessary it…
COVID-19: Stop & Shop Donating 5,000 Meals Daily To Metro NY, Boston Hospitals COVID-19: Stop & Shop Donating 5,000 Meals Daily To Metro NY, Boston Hospitals
Covid-19: Stop & Shop Donating 5,000 Meals Daily To Metro NY, Boston Hospitals Stop & Shop is entering the fight against novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and will provide thousands of fresh meals to frontline healthcare workers in metro New York and Boston hospitals. The grocery store-giant announced this week that it plans to donate 5,000 meals daily to first responders at hospitals caring for COVID-19 patients. The donations were expected to start immediately as of Friday, April 3. In New York, meals will be provided to Mount Sinai Hospital in East Harlem, Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, and Long Island Community Hospital in Suffolk County. “Medic…
COVID-19: 253 New Deaths Reported In New York As Statewide Cases Hit 66,497 COVID-19: 253 New Deaths Reported In New York As Statewide Cases Hit 66,497
Covid-19: 253 New Deaths Reported In New York As Statewide Cases Hit 66,497 There has been 253 new novel coronavirus (COVID-19)-related deaths in New York as the number of confirmed cases climbed to 66,497 statewide. At his daily news briefing on Monday, March 30, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that there have now been 1,218 deaths in New York tied to COVID-19, with 9,517 currently hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 2,325 are in the ICU. Since the outbreak began, 4,204 patients have been hospitalized and have been discharged. New York’s 66,497 COVID-19 cases remain the most in the nation, ahead of New Jersey (13,386 cases), California (6,266), Michigan (5,4…