Don’t get scammed over COVID vaccine

The world has been introduced to not just one coronavirus vaccine, but several. Yet, while this could finally mean an end to the months-long pandemic, state Attorney General Letitia James warns people to be wary of scams involving vaccines.

The state is in the process of vaccinating nursing home resident and the people who work at them, as well as high-risk medical personnel. Still, it could be several months before the vaccine is available to the general public.

“We must remain vigilant about potential scams and ensure New Yorkers know the latest information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine,” James said, in a release. “At this time, there is no government-authorized vaccine available to the general population in New York.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean people might not try to convince would-be victims otherwise. Because of that, the attorney general warns to be cautious of anyone calling or emailing with offers of a vaccine.

If you do get a call like this, don’t give your Social Security number, personal credit card, or bank account information. No one from a vaccine distributor, health care company or private insurance company will ask for this information.

You also can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine, or to get into a clinical trial.

Those with health insurance shouldn’t have to expect to pay anything for the vaccine once it’s their turn, James said. Those without insurance may be subject to a nominal administration fee.

Woodlawn gets help to maintain trees

The Woodlawn Conservancy has received two grants of more than $90,000 designed to help maintain trees, and to help maintain the cemetery’s “urban forest.”

“Healthy community forests provide a host of environmental, economic and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, flood reduction, increased property values, and improved public health,” said state environmental conservation commissioner Basil Seggos, in a release.

Woodlawn Cemetery is a 400-acre arboretum with more than 6,000 trees on its grounds.

It was one of 38 projects receiving funding, chosen from more than 150 applications, according to a release.

Over the last nine years, the state has funded more than $11.4 million in grants to support projects addressing invasive species, climate change, environmental degradation, environmental justice, and urban sprawl.