Good Morning, Brooklyn: Tuesday, August 24, 2021

August 24, 2021 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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FDA APPROVES PFIZER’S VACCINE: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration on Monday gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, potentially boosting public confidence in the shots and instantly opening the way for more universities, companies and local governments to mandate vaccinations. More than 200 million Pfizer doses have been administered in the U.S. under special emergency provisions. In taking the next step and granting full approval, the FDA cited months of real-world evidence that serious side effects are extremely rare.

President Joe Biden told those who hesitated to get the vaccine until it received what he dubbed the “gold standard” of FDA approval, “the moment you’ve been waiting for is here.”

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NEW VACCINE FOR NYC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES: On the same day that the FDA gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner (DOHMH) Dr. Dave A. Chokshi also announced a new healthcare mandate that requires all New York City Department of Education employees to provide proof of first dose of vaccination by September 27. This mandate is in alignment with recommendations from the CDC, which has advised that schoolteachers and staff be vaccinated as soon as possible on the grounds that vaccination is the most critical strategy to help schools safely resume fully in the fall.

The mandate will apply to all 148,000 Department of Education (DOE) employees, including school-based and central staff, as well as Department of Education contractors who work in school-based settings.

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CONSUMER ALERT AGAINST PRICE GOUGING: New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday issued a consumer alert, warning consumers and businesses alike to be on alert for potential price gouging of essential items and services both during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Henri. New York state’s price gouging law (General Business Law §396-r) prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services for an “unconscionably excessive” price during an “abnormal disruption of the market” or a declared state of emergency. An excessive price would be represented by a gross disparity between the price of the product immediately prior to and after such an occurrence.

The price gouging law covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are vital and necessary for health and safety, such as food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation services. Contract services for storm-related damage, both during and after a natural disaster, are covered by the state’s price gouging law as well.

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GUILTY PLEA FOR RACKETEERING: Former president of the El Salvadorean soccer federation Reynaldo Vasquez pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Brooklyn to racketeering conspiracy in connection with his participation in schemes to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks. Part of the money Vasquez received was wired through a U.S. bank account. The plea proceeding took place via videoconference before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen.

As part of his plea Vasquez also agreed to forfeit $360,000 and multiple bank accounts. When he is sentenced, Vasquez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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Petty Officer 1st Class Vincent Minan. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy.

NAVY TECHNICIAN HAILS FROM BROOKLYN: Petty Officer 1st Class Vincent Minan, a Brooklyn native, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships. Minan, from East New York, joined the Navy 16 years ago and today serves as a hull technician aboard USS Indianapolis based in Mayport, Florida.

“I’m a first-generation American,” said Minan. “My father is from Mexico and my mother is from Colombia. I wanted to see the world and build a legacy of service for future generations to follow.”

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COVID-19 VACCINES AT CADMAN PLAZA: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will once again host a mobile vaccine van in partnership with the NYC Health+Hospitals Test+Trace Corps on Cadman Plaza this Wednesday, August 25. Moreover, he announced that organizations can now receive $100 for every person referred who gets their first vaccination shot at a City-owned site.

Organizations will be able to earn up to $20,000 (i.e. 200 referrals). Payment will be made to organizations after the program concludes.

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ZOOM INFO SESSION ON ARTS GRANTS: Brooklyn Arts Council is hosting a live Zoom Grants Information Session this week in collaboration with its community partner organization, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy. The session is part of a concerted effort to reach applicants boroughwide and provide insight into the 2022 Community Arts Grants and Creative Equations Fund application process. Registration for the Zoom session, which runs this Friday, August 27 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., is available via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-grants-information-session-tickets-168116179017

Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy empowers youth and families of African descent to achieve high levels of educational, professional and artistic excellence, and to become leaders who transform social inequity

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MOSQUITO SPRAYING Parts of Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus, Greenwood Heights, Park Slope, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sunset Park, and Windsor Terrace will be sprayed this Thursday, August 26 to control adult mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus. The Health Department will use very low concentrations of Anvil®, Duet®, or DeltaGard®. Though the health risks to humans is low, people who are sensitive to ingredients are advised to stay indoors whenever possible, and wash affected garments.

Trucks will spray pesticides between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather or equipment malfunctions, application will be delayed until Monday, August 30.