Please take a moment to help inform the strategic planning process for Essex County's farming and food system work. The surveys are tailored for three different Essex County audiences:
Farmers and farmland owners: the goal is to reach every farmer and farmland owner in the county. If you own farmland, even if you are not leasing to a farmer or farming yourself, your perspective is needed. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Start the survey here: https://forms.gle/dxpPyxWfz6mmde6b6
Restaurant, catering, and food service chefs, managers & owners: This survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Start the survey here: https://forms.gle/5D9RxK2LSN2cSWde6
Residents: All Essex County residents are invited to take the survey, including farmers, farmland owners and food service affiliates who also take the other surveys. This survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Start the survey here: https://forms.gle/P8HhERqLUD6maTjT6
If you are part of the food system and not included in the surveys above, for instance, a value-added producer, co-op or grocery affiliate: we would like to interview you. Please contact CCE Essex to set up a time.
Agriculture and the food system was one of the only growing sectors in the North Country economy over the past 10 years, according to the North Country Regional Economic Development Council 2018 report. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in local food production and awareness of the need for resilience in our food supply. Essex County’s last strategic plan for agriculture was written in 1997 and can be found at the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Essex County’s Farmland Protection page: http://essex.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/farmland-protection
The strategic planning process is supported by a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets farmland protection grant and by the Essex County Board of Supervisors. The process is a collaboration among various organizations, led by CCE Essex, Essex County Community Resources, and Adirondack Land Trust. If you have questions, comments, ideas, or would be interested in being interviewed, please contact Carly Summers, Cornell Cooperative Extension, at cfs82@cornell.edu or (518) 962-4810.
Essex Swcd
Adirondack Land Trust
Essex County Farm Bureau
The Hub on the Hill
Farmers and farmland owners: the goal is to reach every farmer and farmland owner in the county. If you own farmland, even if you are not leasing to a farmer or farming yourself, your perspective is needed. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Start the survey here: https://forms.gle/dxpPyxWfz6mmde6b6
Restaurant, catering, and food service chefs, managers & owners: This survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Start the survey here: https://forms.gle/5D9RxK2LSN2cSWde6
Residents: All Essex County residents are invited to take the survey, including farmers, farmland owners and food service affiliates who also take the other surveys. This survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Start the survey here: https://forms.gle/P8HhERqLUD6maTjT6
If you are part of the food system and not included in the surveys above, for instance, a value-added producer, co-op or grocery affiliate: we would like to interview you. Please contact CCE Essex to set up a time.
Agriculture and the food system was one of the only growing sectors in the North Country economy over the past 10 years, according to the North Country Regional Economic Development Council 2018 report. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in local food production and awareness of the need for resilience in our food supply. Essex County’s last strategic plan for agriculture was written in 1997 and can be found at the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Essex County’s Farmland Protection page: http://essex.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/farmland-protection
The strategic planning process is supported by a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets farmland protection grant and by the Essex County Board of Supervisors. The process is a collaboration among various organizations, led by CCE Essex, Essex County Community Resources, and Adirondack Land Trust. If you have questions, comments, ideas, or would be interested in being interviewed, please contact Carly Summers, Cornell Cooperative Extension, at cfs82@cornell.edu or (518) 962-4810.
Essex Swcd
Adirondack Land Trust
Essex County Farm Bureau
The Hub on the Hill
The Essex County Water Quality Coordinating Committee (WQCC) is updating the Essex County Pollution Management Strategy. This document identifies water quality priority issues and action steps to address these issues. The WQCC is seeking public input to identify any water quality issues of public concern. Your participation in completing the following survey is appreciated. Responses will be accepted through February 26th. Your participation is important! Thank you,
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5lPadPaDv5pq3uBMWDEyqiD4YHu3D2C3ksO9gDe6uckG8QQ/viewform
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5lPadPaDv5pq3uBMWDEyqiD4YHu3D2C3ksO9gDe6uckG8QQ/viewform
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO AND NEW YORK STATE HEALTH COMMISSIONER DR. HOWARD ZUCKER ON UPDATED CDC GUIDANCE ELIMINATING QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE FOLLOWING CLOSE CONTACT EXPOSURE
"Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance regarding quarantine following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. According to the guidance, 'asymptomatic fully vaccinated individuals', meaning those who have received both shots and at least two weeks have passed since the second shot, are no longer required to quarantine within 90 days after the second shot.
"From the outset of the pandemic, New York State has followed the science and listened to the experts, and quarantine requirements only for New Yorkers who have received both shots will be similarly updated to reflect the CDC's new guidance. However, the science regarding COVID transmissibility post-vaccination remains unsettled, and this updated guidance is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down.
"Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance regarding quarantine following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. According to the guidance, 'asymptomatic fully vaccinated individuals', meaning those who have received both shots and at least two weeks have passed since the second shot, are no longer required to quarantine within 90 days after the second shot.
"From the outset of the pandemic, New York State has followed the science and listened to the experts, and quarantine requirements only for New Yorkers who have received both shots will be similarly updated to reflect the CDC's new guidance. However, the science regarding COVID transmissibility post-vaccination remains unsettled, and this updated guidance is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update from Adirondack Health
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available, many are interested in signing up to get one.
Information on the vaccine program is changing frequently, but here’s what we can share with you today:
In less than a month, Adirondack Health has administered more than 1,300 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Phase 1A priority group members in our communities.
This past week, New York state transitioned to Phase 1B on the vaccination plan, which opens vaccine access to anyone 65 years of age and older, as well as specific front-line essential workers, including police officers, first responders, teachers, childcare providers, and others.
The Phase 1B announcement significantly increased demand, with approximately seven million New Yorkers now eligible to get their vaccination scheduled. All appointments for eligible individuals are booked through a state-run online interface and NOT through Adirondack Health. At this time, NYS hospitals are only allowed to vaccinate those in Phase 1A, which does not include the public. Adirondack Health locations are experiencing extremely high call volumes regarding vaccinations, but we are not authorized to provide community members with vaccines at this time. In order for us to continue serving patients coming to us for care, please do not call or email Adirondack Health or your physician to try to schedule a vaccine appointment. We will share updates on our website as new vaccine information becomes available.
Currently, vaccinations are by appointment-only at approved community locations, and subject to vaccine availability and state-guided prioritization.
To determine your eligibility and attempt to make an appointment at a community location, go to http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxDsG-Abgf3TqBvwNBlixV5lCIaTa9Osf8QcU8t8ugVpt_8mmjpaYNFXN8PEtTUyr1YTol_s4GQnCBspmS9SVxHsYUJOn86hWM&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>">NY.GOV/Vaccine<_tmp_url_0_>; and click on Am I Eligible?
or follow this link: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxWh9jVjF-5opmH_47Iktjzs4BCCzw9qy2CmQir09tyky4_sO0-T2xWqm5SI-6x2GbnllaqFXBJfm5aIpYDJvm9VpVXc5IvN5fSY8Y2xourIr_KewUb3efUQ==&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>">am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/<_tmp_url_1_>; and click Get Started.
If you're eligible, the website will display a message confirming eligibility and provide a list of locations, hopefully with sign-up time slots. These are pharmacies, county and state-run sites and other community locations identified by the New York State Department of Health. Don’t be discouraged if the first time you check you don’t find any available slots, please be patient and keep trying.
If you're not able to fill out the form online, the state has launched a vaccination hotline to schedule an appointment. You can reach the hotline by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
As the vaccine becomes available to more people, we will share the information broadly through our website adirondackhealth.org<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg87QIfenKwfYVwfEoOtvmnBaOP02zGcSMn2TZ3y1_qh90SIXgnS932tHor_5TXApyhxj_uZQfnZsX5GkBWTcpqVcpaj1dvfpfLrq8_B-9Z0Q&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>, our social media accounts, and other channels. Our county health departments are also great resources for vaccine information:
Franklin County Public Health<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxphBzZ5Pq-gNxiXv14L0eSzYsxvj8z5fW_OdXBjiifDAvcV223U4SSKA6dSKBAOoc--7DzMgtafozKhnaSsk-139gY9yngfWNBd1LpJpRBYrBEQGL7Nt2STsGmF9LXW23uTUMq7_pN9hDP4Pb-iyZ_G_iYYozqyBt&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>
Essex County Health Department<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxOeeMGtBhVUZzgrWq1zU4GIbyj93-MG10lNNuIFfCvh4PZry7e-9UN_dG3WoVPiNLt1O0Kzu5_9i2i3of4SrT9y1MWNa4WPHkFjtzW8-KRUHL_hcNDczP02r1Zj-dVma-&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>
In the meantime, please continue to wear your facemask, wash your hands frequently and practice physical distancing – the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter week by week and the end is in sight.
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available, many are interested in signing up to get one.
Information on the vaccine program is changing frequently, but here’s what we can share with you today:
In less than a month, Adirondack Health has administered more than 1,300 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Phase 1A priority group members in our communities.
This past week, New York state transitioned to Phase 1B on the vaccination plan, which opens vaccine access to anyone 65 years of age and older, as well as specific front-line essential workers, including police officers, first responders, teachers, childcare providers, and others.
The Phase 1B announcement significantly increased demand, with approximately seven million New Yorkers now eligible to get their vaccination scheduled. All appointments for eligible individuals are booked through a state-run online interface and NOT through Adirondack Health. At this time, NYS hospitals are only allowed to vaccinate those in Phase 1A, which does not include the public. Adirondack Health locations are experiencing extremely high call volumes regarding vaccinations, but we are not authorized to provide community members with vaccines at this time. In order for us to continue serving patients coming to us for care, please do not call or email Adirondack Health or your physician to try to schedule a vaccine appointment. We will share updates on our website as new vaccine information becomes available.
Currently, vaccinations are by appointment-only at approved community locations, and subject to vaccine availability and state-guided prioritization.
To determine your eligibility and attempt to make an appointment at a community location, go to http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxDsG-Abgf3TqBvwNBlixV5lCIaTa9Osf8QcU8t8ugVpt_8mmjpaYNFXN8PEtTUyr1YTol_s4GQnCBspmS9SVxHsYUJOn86hWM&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>">NY.GOV/Vaccine<_tmp_url_0_>; and click on Am I Eligible?
or follow this link: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxWh9jVjF-5opmH_47Iktjzs4BCCzw9qy2CmQir09tyky4_sO0-T2xWqm5SI-6x2GbnllaqFXBJfm5aIpYDJvm9VpVXc5IvN5fSY8Y2xourIr_KewUb3efUQ==&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>">am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/<_tmp_url_1_>; and click Get Started.
If you're eligible, the website will display a message confirming eligibility and provide a list of locations, hopefully with sign-up time slots. These are pharmacies, county and state-run sites and other community locations identified by the New York State Department of Health. Don’t be discouraged if the first time you check you don’t find any available slots, please be patient and keep trying.
If you're not able to fill out the form online, the state has launched a vaccination hotline to schedule an appointment. You can reach the hotline by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
As the vaccine becomes available to more people, we will share the information broadly through our website adirondackhealth.org<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg87QIfenKwfYVwfEoOtvmnBaOP02zGcSMn2TZ3y1_qh90SIXgnS932tHor_5TXApyhxj_uZQfnZsX5GkBWTcpqVcpaj1dvfpfLrq8_B-9Z0Q&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>, our social media accounts, and other channels. Our county health departments are also great resources for vaccine information:
Franklin County Public Health<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxphBzZ5Pq-gNxiXv14L0eSzYsxvj8z5fW_OdXBjiifDAvcV223U4SSKA6dSKBAOoc--7DzMgtafozKhnaSsk-139gY9yngfWNBd1LpJpRBYrBEQGL7Nt2STsGmF9LXW23uTUMq7_pN9hDP4Pb-iyZ_G_iYYozqyBt&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>
Essex County Health Department<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O89P1xnj-kdkNyeVyLk5ZfEVdoy31A_WWP0IZDrRRpf9HytxtpsEg-AzMTHlr_oxOeeMGtBhVUZzgrWq1zU4GIbyj93-MG10lNNuIFfCvh4PZry7e-9UN_dG3WoVPiNLt1O0Kzu5_9i2i3of4SrT9y1MWNa4WPHkFjtzW8-KRUHL_hcNDczP02r1Zj-dVma-&c=1WE_53LNKetSC1m4OwzT47nqxPWhBglYhpG0ua_6bogVfS4zq2urew==&ch=ROkqNmvwx3YILIp2dKlh9rcZvNtctFaqAmyL9GPgXQMZmM7gm_JRow==>
In the meantime, please continue to wear your facemask, wash your hands frequently and practice physical distancing – the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter week by week and the end is in sight.
Unfortunately, the Wadsworth Laboratory in Albany has confirmed the first known case of the U.K. variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 in New York State. An individual from Saratoga County, NY, with no known recent travel, tested positive for the strain, which scientists say is more contagious than other strains. It is not believed to be deadlier or to cause more severe disease.
We are asking anyone who visited N. Fox Jewelers in Saratoga Springs, NY, between Dec. 18 and Dec. 24, to please get tested as soon as possible. Because the individual who tested positive for this variant did not travel recently, it is likely that the strain is spreading in the community.
Because the virus strain is more transmittable, it could lead to a higher infection rate and possibly a higher hospitalization rate. I ask New Yorkers to continue to do what is proven to reduce the spread. Wear a mask, social distance and be cautious.
A Message for the Essex County Health Department Public Health Director, Linda Beers and the Essex County Board of Health Chairman, Sean Gilliland
Consistent with recent CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, individuals under an Essex County Health Order of Quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 and can stop quarantining after ten days if no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. Individuals do not need a COVID-19 test to end quarantining after 10 days. A negative COVID-19 test at any time during the quarantine period does not allow individuals to stop quarantining before the full ten day time period.
Individuals must continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14; and
if individuals develop any symptoms, they should immediately self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider to request COVID-19 testing.
This change is effective immediately and applies to all currently open Health Order of Quarantine. This also applies to travelers who are not essential workers and/or who did not complete the testing requirements described in Executive Order 205.2.
Individual quarantine order dates will not be changed and re-issued to those under an active Health Order of Quarantine. Individuals may use their original Health Order and this notification as documentation.
Consistent with recent CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, individuals under an Essex County Health Order of Quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 and can stop quarantining after ten days if no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. Individuals do not need a COVID-19 test to end quarantining after 10 days. A negative COVID-19 test at any time during the quarantine period does not allow individuals to stop quarantining before the full ten day time period.
Individuals must continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14; and
if individuals develop any symptoms, they should immediately self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider to request COVID-19 testing.
This change is effective immediately and applies to all currently open Health Order of Quarantine. This also applies to travelers who are not essential workers and/or who did not complete the testing requirements described in Executive Order 205.2.
Individual quarantine order dates will not be changed and re-issued to those under an active Health Order of Quarantine. Individuals may use their original Health Order and this notification as documentation.
Vaccine guidance/prioritization has been posted:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-guidance-opwdd-omh-and-oasas<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-guidance-opwdd-omh-and-oasas&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw3bxaV_DQ8sX7MFxRVeKGoK>
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-medical-examiners-coroners-and-funeral-workers-receive-covid-19-vaccination<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-medical-examiners-coroners-and-funeral-workers-receive-covid-19-vaccination&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw1Cx2S2xmqHHC6kIaL2OW0H>
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-hospitals-and-federally-qualified-health-centers-staff-covid-19-vaccination<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-hospitals-and-federally-qualified-health-centers-staff-covid-19-vaccination&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw1BYYLC9rt7QxWIuZot4_ae>
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-emergency-medical-services-personnel-receive-covid-19-vaccination<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-emergency-medical-services-personnel-receive-covid-19-vaccination&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw0AfXHxWnOAaV5A4Ng1RCJB>
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-guidance-opwdd-omh-and-oasas<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-guidance-opwdd-omh-and-oasas&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw3bxaV_DQ8sX7MFxRVeKGoK>
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-medical-examiners-coroners-and-funeral-workers-receive-covid-19-vaccination<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-medical-examiners-coroners-and-funeral-workers-receive-covid-19-vaccination&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw1Cx2S2xmqHHC6kIaL2OW0H>
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-hospitals-and-federally-qualified-health-centers-staff-covid-19-vaccination<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-hospitals-and-federally-qualified-health-centers-staff-covid-19-vaccination&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw1BYYLC9rt7QxWIuZot4_ae>
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-emergency-medical-services-personnel-receive-covid-19-vaccination<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/guidance-emergency-medical-services-personnel-receive-covid-19-vaccination&source=gmail-imap&ust=1609191826000000&usg=AOvVaw0AfXHxWnOAaV5A4Ng1RCJB>
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) in partnership with BellAge, Inc., and the Association on Aging in New York has launched the CV19 CheckUp tool to help people better understand their risk of getting COVID 19. The CV19 CheckUP online tool is free and anonymous, and only takes a few minutes to complete. The series of questions asks about your health conditions, and things like how many people do you come in contact with and when do you wear a mask? The information and the zip code you provide is used to calculate your risk of getting COVID-19 based the most current information about the virus and what is happening in your neighborhood. It also provides recommendations and options to reduce your risk of getting COVID19. You can complete this as many times as you like and see how your answers to certain questions change your risk scores. There has been a lot of misinformation about COVID-19 and the risks associated with contracting and spreading the virus. This tool developed by BellAge uses the latest scientific information from around the world to calculate your individual risk of getting COVID19, how likely you are to spread it to others, and how likely are you are to be hospitalized or die from it. CV19 CheckUp is available to everyone at https://newyork.cv19checkup.org/.
CV19 CheckUp - BellAge<https://newyork.cv19checkup.org/>
CV19 CheckUp is free, confidential, and easy to use. It is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic.
newyork.cv19checkup.org
Stay safe and healthy!
CV19 CheckUp - BellAge<https://newyork.cv19checkup.org/>
CV19 CheckUp is free, confidential, and easy to use. It is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic.
newyork.cv19checkup.org
Stay safe and healthy!
LATEST NEWS
The Division of Local Government Services would like to make you aware of cybercriminal activities that we have become aware of in New York State. This article contains information on particular scams and how to report your concerns if you feel you have been targeted.
Scammers Renew Scheme Targeting Payroll and HR Professionals
Cybercriminals posing as company executives are emailing payroll and HR professionals to request lists of employees and their personal information. This time, the scammers are expanding their reach to other industries, including school districts, tribal organizations, and nonprofits.
These emails may appear legitimate because they contain the name of the company’s chief executive officer. However, if you receive such an email, don’t include any payroll data, such as W-2 forms and Social Security numbers, in a response.
The Tax Department is aware of at least 37 businesses with New York employees that have fallen for this scam and believes more than 5,000 Social Security numbers may have been compromised. The Tax Department is in contact with those businesses and is working with them to protect their employees.
If you’re an employer that has been a victim of this scam and, in response, released any payroll data, such as W-2 information and Social Security numbers, see NYS Department of Taxation and Finance webpage entitled Guidance for employers affected by a W-2 phishing scam for instructions.
Spear-Phishing Scheme Targeting Practitioners
This scheme is represent throughout the tax practitioner community. It’s committed by scammers who represent themselves as Fastsupport.com or Onlyforsupport.com. They’re contacting practitioners after they’ve identified which IRS-authorized e-file provider, or Electronic Return Originator, the practitioner uses to transmit returns.
The caller, falsely claiming to work on behalf of the ERO, suggests the need to reinstall or correct problems with the practitioner’s software. The caller asks the practitioner to connect to their website and provide the passcode and access to the practitioner’s computer. If the practitioner complies, the scam artist can steal sensitive client information to commit fraud.
An ERO is an e-file provider authorized by the IRS to submit tax returns for processing.
Cybercriminals Pose as Clients to Solicit Services from Tax Professionals
In a nationwide phishing scheme, scammers are targeting tax professionals to obtain their preparer information and prepare fraudulent returns. These scammers typically send tax professionals two emails: in the first, a “client” requests tax preparation assistance; in the second, the scammers provide a link or attach a PDF that contains a link that allows them to steal the tax preparer’s email address and password.
If you receive a suspicious email, such as one from am unknown sender, don’t select any links or open any attachments contained in the email. This is the scammer’s entry into your computer, exposing you to malware. This could allow the cybercriminal to capture sensitive information without you even knowing that you’ve been compromised.
Phishing Email with the Subject Line “Mails on Hold!” Targets Tax Professionals
Some tax professionals have received emails that appear to be from the IRS or the IRS e-Services team with the subject line “Mails on Hold!” These emails may include references to IRS personnel or PTINs, but they aren’t from the IRS.
If you receive an email with this subject line, don’t select any links or open any attachments contained in these emails. Again, this could provide access into your computer, exposing you to malware and leaving private information vulnerable.
Protecting Yourself and Your Clients
Tax professionals must protect their clients’ personal information by only providing it to trusted sources such as the IRS and the NYS Tax Department. This includes shredding documents containing private data before discarding, and filing a client’s tax return early to reduce the timeframe an identity thief would have to claim a fraudulent tax refund using their information.
The NYS Tax Department and the IRS will never make threats over the phone and will never request personal or financial information by email.
Report It
If you’ve been contacted by a scammer posing as an IRS agent, you must contact the IRS. Learn how to report the incident by visiting IRS webpage entitled IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance.
If you’ve been contacted by a con artist claiming to be from the New York State Tax Department, visit the Tax Department’s Report fraud, scams, and identity theft webpage to learn how to report it. The Tax Department promptly reviews each complaint and takes corrective action when appropriate.
Scammers Renew Scheme Targeting Payroll and HR Professionals
Cybercriminals posing as company executives are emailing payroll and HR professionals to request lists of employees and their personal information. This time, the scammers are expanding their reach to other industries, including school districts, tribal organizations, and nonprofits.
These emails may appear legitimate because they contain the name of the company’s chief executive officer. However, if you receive such an email, don’t include any payroll data, such as W-2 forms and Social Security numbers, in a response.
The Tax Department is aware of at least 37 businesses with New York employees that have fallen for this scam and believes more than 5,000 Social Security numbers may have been compromised. The Tax Department is in contact with those businesses and is working with them to protect their employees.
If you’re an employer that has been a victim of this scam and, in response, released any payroll data, such as W-2 information and Social Security numbers, see NYS Department of Taxation and Finance webpage entitled Guidance for employers affected by a W-2 phishing scam for instructions.
Spear-Phishing Scheme Targeting Practitioners
This scheme is represent throughout the tax practitioner community. It’s committed by scammers who represent themselves as Fastsupport.com or Onlyforsupport.com. They’re contacting practitioners after they’ve identified which IRS-authorized e-file provider, or Electronic Return Originator, the practitioner uses to transmit returns.
The caller, falsely claiming to work on behalf of the ERO, suggests the need to reinstall or correct problems with the practitioner’s software. The caller asks the practitioner to connect to their website and provide the passcode and access to the practitioner’s computer. If the practitioner complies, the scam artist can steal sensitive client information to commit fraud.
An ERO is an e-file provider authorized by the IRS to submit tax returns for processing.
Cybercriminals Pose as Clients to Solicit Services from Tax Professionals
In a nationwide phishing scheme, scammers are targeting tax professionals to obtain their preparer information and prepare fraudulent returns. These scammers typically send tax professionals two emails: in the first, a “client” requests tax preparation assistance; in the second, the scammers provide a link or attach a PDF that contains a link that allows them to steal the tax preparer’s email address and password.
If you receive a suspicious email, such as one from am unknown sender, don’t select any links or open any attachments contained in the email. This is the scammer’s entry into your computer, exposing you to malware. This could allow the cybercriminal to capture sensitive information without you even knowing that you’ve been compromised.
Phishing Email with the Subject Line “Mails on Hold!” Targets Tax Professionals
Some tax professionals have received emails that appear to be from the IRS or the IRS e-Services team with the subject line “Mails on Hold!” These emails may include references to IRS personnel or PTINs, but they aren’t from the IRS.
If you receive an email with this subject line, don’t select any links or open any attachments contained in these emails. Again, this could provide access into your computer, exposing you to malware and leaving private information vulnerable.
Protecting Yourself and Your Clients
Tax professionals must protect their clients’ personal information by only providing it to trusted sources such as the IRS and the NYS Tax Department. This includes shredding documents containing private data before discarding, and filing a client’s tax return early to reduce the timeframe an identity thief would have to claim a fraudulent tax refund using their information.
The NYS Tax Department and the IRS will never make threats over the phone and will never request personal or financial information by email.
Report It
If you’ve been contacted by a scammer posing as an IRS agent, you must contact the IRS. Learn how to report the incident by visiting IRS webpage entitled IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance.
If you’ve been contacted by a con artist claiming to be from the New York State Tax Department, visit the Tax Department’s Report fraud, scams, and identity theft webpage to learn how to report it. The Tax Department promptly reviews each complaint and takes corrective action when appropriate.
