Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates April 10th

APRIL 10TH RESOURCES AND UPDATES:

 

Flags will be flown at half-mast in New York State to honor those New Yorkers we have lost as a result of COVID-19. The flags will fly at half-mast as long as New York is on PAUSE.

Governor Cuomo launched a social media campaign to show who we are staying home for. Share an image and story of who you are trying to protect on social media with the hashtags #IStayHomeFor and #NewYorkTough and tag your friends to spread the word.

Student Loans: For all those with federal student loans, the Department of Education has created a website on Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents. Useful information:

  • Your payments will automatically stop from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020.
  • If you made a payment in March, call your provide and they can issue you a refund.
  • Suspended payments will count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Thank you to the 25,000 health care workers who have signed up to serve as part of the surge healthcare force during this crisis. Thank you also to Delta, Southwest, JetBlue and United for flying  surge healthcare workers to New York for free. Thank you to the tens of thousands of New York health care workers who are part of the surge force.

Good news. State Senator Serrano reports that 276 members of the NYPD and 1310 FDNY EMTs, paramedics and firefighters have recovered and returned to duty after testing positive or being exposed to the Coronavirus.

New York received 2,400 brand-new BiPAP machines as a donation from Mercury Medical. The BiPAP machines — which are assisted breathing machines that can be used as ventilators — are being flown to New York from Florida for free by JetBlue and will be transported on the ground for free by the company Southern Glazer's. Thank you Mercury Medical, Jet Blue and Southern Glazer’s.

OFFICIAL BROADWAY LEAGUE ANNOUNCEMENT: "Broadway Theatres Extend Suspension Through June 7, 2020" by The Broadway League - "In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and under the continued direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will extend the current suspension of all performances through June 7, 2020.

For those using ZOOM, there have been recent concerns about mischief and violations of privacy. We understand that ZOOM has fixed problems in its updates. If you have your own account, advice from more knowledgeable sources than CB8 urge you to update it. An article by the Mozilla Foundation explains the concerns and how ZOOM has addressed them, and what you can do. Click here to read more.

Another question that has arisen recently is about Zoom and telemedicine. Zoom says it is set-up for HIPAA compliance, with its healthcare provider customers; that doesn’t mean your particular provider is part of Zoom’s program. So be careful to check that your healthcare provider has the correct plan, and do not assume that if you invite your healthcare provider to a Zoom call, that the HIPAA security protections are in place by default. Be sure to educate yourself. As Consumer Reports notes, many of those new to the platform – or even people who have been using it for years – may not understand the privacy concerns in using ZOOM or other video conferencing tools.

Forbes published an article on privacy concerns. Click here to read more.

NYC has extended the suspension of Alternate Side Parking Rules through Friday, April 17. You'll still have to feed the meters.

There is a video starring Ready Girl, a New York City’s Emergency Preparedness Super Hero, to help kids understand the virus. Click here for the video. 

It has become necessary for New York City to offer guidance on funerals and burials during this crisis. Visit the Help Now website for this information by clicking here.

To make no-sew face masks, watch this YouTube video. Take a Tour of the Esplanade with the New York Times by clicking here. 

Rockefeller scientists launch a broad range of studies into novel coronavirus. Over 130 scientists in 18 labs are conducting research to advance the development of new, urgently needed approaches for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. One project, to identify and replicate antibodies for the coronavirus, is recruiting volunteers who have recovered from COVID. Read more

Northwell Health / Lenox Hill Hospital's weekly update can be read here.

Tunnel to Towers, an organization born out of 9/11, has made a $3 million pledge to assist health care workers.

New York Road Runners donated $100,000 to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City to provide 10,000 meals to frontline health care workers in the NYC Health + Hospitals system. Last week, they donated 20,000 pairs of examination gloves.

The FDNY Foundation and the FDNY Family Assistance Unit secured hotels and furnished apartments for approximately 130 first responderes, including firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who are afraid of bringing coronavirus home.

To help develop a treatment, Gov. Cuomo is asking all New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 to contact the state and donate blood. Individuals who tested positive and then recovered from the virus may have convalescent plasma in their blood, which has antibodies against the virus and could help with the development of a treatment for the virus. More information about how to donate is available here.

Please only call 911 for true emergencies.

The MTA asks that non-essential workers not use the subways and buses during this crisis, to protect the health and safety of essential workers. The MTA is running as much service as possible with the crews who are healthy and available to work, however, service on many lines are limited. Click here to check current service status before your trip. New Yorkers should call 311 to report overcrowded subway lines and subway cars.

On Monday, April 13, at 12 pm, a web panel on “Intimate partner violence in the context of COVID-19” will be held by the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College. Register here to learn more from expert panelists on what can be done to maintain a robust response to intimate partner violence and find ways to keep survivors safe.

The Community Service Society has established the Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program (MCCAP), a free health coverage helpline assisting people with how to manage the health care bureaucracy, including applying for hospital financial assistance, resolving billing issues, or appealing coverage denials. Reach MCCAP at (888) 614-5400, Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. 

The domestic abuse survivors’ organization We All Really Matter (WARM) has shared resources for victims of domestic abuse:

For a non-vetted list of mutual aid societies city-wide, click https://mutualaid.nyc/groups/

On April 2, and continuing through the current crisis, the signature white lights of the Empire State Building have been replaced by the heartbeat of America with a white and red siren in the mast for heroic emergency workers on the front line of the fight against COVID-19.

New York Connects for New York City, offers support for Older adults, younger adults living with a long term disability, caregivers of older adults and parents of children with a disability, and professional service providers working with someone in need of long term services and supports. The website provides links to information and resources.

The Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) has resources available to assist tenants who are currently facing hardship. Click here to review tenants’ rights under COVID-19. If you have questions, you can contact the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants by filling out the Contact Us form. This page will be continually updated.

The Right to Counsel NYC Coalition has created an Moratorium FAQin multiple languages regarding the moratorium on evictions in NYS.

State Senator Rebecca Seawright has a Tuesday housing legal clinic (hosted remotely by telephone). If you need advice on housing issues, please call 212.288.4607 or email our office at [email protected] to reserve a spot.

HRA Information

The State has granted HRA’s recertification waiver request. As a result, clients who need to recertify for SNAP/Food Stamps or Cash Assistance do not need to do so during this pandemic. Clients will receive a letter in the mail when it is time for them to recertify.

SNAP Benefits. Click here to apply for SNAP benefits online, or download the ACCESS HRA mobile app.

CASH Assistance Click here to submit an application for Cash Assistance online or through the ACCESS HRA mobile app.

Rental Assistance. The Department of Social Services (DSS), which includes both the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and the Human Resources Administration (HRA), can help you connect to rental assistance programs like CityFHEPS, and many other programs available through the State and Federal Government. Click here to learn more or to request rental assistance.

Take time now to make plans and prepare your pets in case you can no longer take care of your pets or have to go to the hospital due to COVID-19. For a downloadable guide you can complete to help with emergency planning for pets, see NYC Emergency Management’s Pets and Service Animals page.

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs has details on city services available to community members no matter what your immigration status is and regardless of your ability to pay (although other eligibility requirements may apply) that you can find here.

Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC has compiled a resource guide with important COVID-19 resources. Click here to view the resource guide, which includes information on a variety of issues, including immigration cases, New York State courts, housing, healthcare, education, food access, workers/businesses, emergency funds, anti-discrimination and human rights, mental health, seniors, transportation, etc.

If you or a loved one believe you have been a victim of an ICE raid or enforcement activity, you can call 212-725-6422 to report the incident. Know-Your-Rights flyers in 15 languages, and other information, are available here.

The New York Immigrant Coalition has compiled useful information for immigrants who are concerned about COVID-19 and how it might impact their immigration case.

For updates on worker’s rights during COVID-19, Make the Road NY has a FAQ & Resources Guide.

A guide for transgender New Yorkers during this crisis may be found at https://transgenderlegal.org/media/uploads/doc_802.pdf

The American Diabetes Association is providing support and guidance to constituents impacted by diabetes, who are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. You can access helpful resources, understand your risk, know your legal rights, and connect with community at diabetes.org/coronavirus.

Mental Health

The state’s emotional support line is staffed by volunteers who can provide free and confidential counseling. The Emotional Support Line can be reached at 1-844-863-9314. Additionally, more information can be found at their website.

The NYC COVID Worker Care Network is a self-organizing mutual aid network of more than 2000 mental health workers, spiritual care providers, circle-keepers, and community builders supporting frontline COVID workers during this evolving crisis. Any person working to support the fight against COVID-19 in New York is eligible to receive support - sign-up through our website by clicking here. Follow the Network at https://www.facebook.com/NYCCOVIDCare/for updates, and reach out to [email protected] with any questions. If you are an employee of an H+H facility, talk to your administrator about mental health resources offered at H+H.

NYC is connecting those who are feeling isolated with friendly volunteers to talk with over the phone. Call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) and ask about the Friendly Visiting Program.

CaringKind, a community-based nonprofit organization focuses exclusively on supporting New York City residents with regard to Alzheimer's and dementia. They have put into place protocols to support their very at-risk community, including a Helpline operating remotely at 646-744-2900, teleconferencing support groups, and other resources. Their MedicAlert and Wanderer's Safety Program is enrolling individuals and providing support when someone goes missing.

Parks and Recreation

You can still enjoy the parks like in the old days. Click here to enjoy NYC’s parks from home through live video tours, meditation, fitness classes, activities for kids and more.

Rockefeller Center’s annual Spring Sunday is back, virtually – a curated program of free family-friendly entertainment and art-making. Participate in art workshops with Art Production Fund, live music from Rock and Roll Playhouse, puppet theatre from Puppetsburg, DIY arts and crafts from Paper Source, demos from Never Stop Learning, and more great events accessible from your phones and your couches. Live every Sunday at 11 AM EST,  through April 26, via Facebook / Instagram / YouTube. You can find out more by clicking here.

WNYC and The New York Public Library are joining forces to bring New Yorkers together for a virtual book club. This partnership debuts with a community read of James McBride’s new book Deacon King Kong, available to borrow for free via NYPL’s e-reader app SimplyE. To read the full press release, click here.

Martha Stewart offers advice on hosting a virtual Easter Egg hunt. See https://www.marthastewart.com/7753382/host-virtual-easter-egg-hunt

For a different type of distraction, read a story about baking and a recipe.

For those celebrating Passover and looking for a virtual Seder, the following list was compiled by the Borough President’s office.

On the Upper East Side:

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

New York City Service is looking for volunteers to help those affected by COVID-19, click here.

New York State has provided a form for the donation of goods, services, or space. To access the form, click here.

EDC launched a new website this weekend for local NYC businesses that want to support the COVID-19 emergency response effort. If you can help, this website offers links depending upon the type of donation. Click here for more information.

If you’re driving, don’t use the streets as a speedway. Speeding has spiked in New York City, Manhattan in particular. Please keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe.

Housing Works supports healthcare, housing, and other supportive services for those facing COVID-19. It runs thrift shops throughout New York City, including three on the Upper East Side. You can buy a gift card to support Housing Works. Click here for more.

If you live in an apartment building you can carry disinfectant wipes or spray for elevator buttons and door knobs. If your building permits it, a sign in the elevator will remind your neighbors to do the same.

On Wednesday April 15th from 12 - 2:00 pm, The Beach Cafe is going to offer FREE BEACH BURGERS AND FRIES to any hospital worker between 12-2 pm. The Beach Cafe will donate the first 100 Burgers and then match every donation dollar for dollar. You can learn more from their donation page.

FINANCIAL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES UPDATES

The State Department of Labor will immediately make $600 in additional weekly unemployment benefits available to all New Yorkers.

The Department of Labor has partnered with Google to provide a newly updated website for people filing for unemployment in New York State. The website should launch next week.

If you are having trouble reaching the Department of Labor or accessing the website, our state elected officials may be able to help.

New York State is investing in private companies to bring rapid COVID-19 testing to scale and accelerate testing capacity. Businesses interested in working with the state to manufacture these rapid tests on a large scale should contact Empire State Development at 212-803-3100 or email [email protected].

The Restaurant Workers Community Foundation, an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers has compiled information and links to resources, including relief funds and financial assistance,  that will help restaurants and workers deal most effectively with the COVID-19 Emergency.

COVID-19 and Freelance Artists has an aggregated list of resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines on the website

The NYC Hospitality Alliance has compiled a list of resources, including support and relief resources,  for restaurants and nightlife establishments impacted by COVID-19.

When will you get your federal stimulus check? Here’s a breakdown of when American can expect their federal stimulus payment.

The State’s Department of Labor Unemployment Website has been revamped. Please be patient-- but persistent-- about applying online at   labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm after tonight’s website revamp.

For 501(c)(3)s providing services in New York City, the Robin Hood Foundation has announced they will be providing immediate response grants to 501(c)(3) organizations, averaging $45,ooo in funding for the first three months.

The New York Community Trust has created the NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund, providing both grants and loans to nonprofits struggling with the health and economic effects of the coronavirus. Visit https://proposals.nycommunitytrust.org for information and instructions on applying for a grant or a loan.

Due to the COVID19 crisis, all NYC free tax prep providers have suspended their services. The city is urging filers to file online through IRS Free File. As of March 20, 2020, the tax filing deadline of April 15, 2020 has been postponed to July 15, 2020.

NYC Business Recruitment Services: SBS service to match candidates to businesses with hiring needs 

The New York City Department of Finance website lists online tools, forms and guides, as well as other information. These are service changes and updates from the website.

  • The deadline to file a property Request for Review for reviewing a property's market value has been extended to May 1, 2020 for Class 2 and Class 4 properties. Visit the Challenge Your Assessment page for more information.
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s 2020 tax lien sale, originally scheduled to be held on May 15, has been postponed. Read more on the Lien Sale page.
  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Finance has extended the deadline for Real Property Income and Expense (RPIE) statements and storefront registry filings from June 1, 2020, to July 1, 2020.
  • The New York City Department of Finance offers programs to help property owners with hardships pay for property taxes. Please click here for more information.

The City of New York partners with thousands of nonprofit organizations every year to deliver programs and services to communities throughout the five boroughs. Click here for information and resources on their website.

NYC Nonprofits’ ‘Business Continuity during COVID-19’ section offers guidance and answers to questions about nonprofit operations, business continuity and programming.

A new initiative called "New York Loves" will coordinate foundations, philanthropies, charities and other nonprofits that want to help or donate to the state during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. New York Secretary of State Rosanna Rosado and State Director of Nonprofits Fran Barrett will coordinate this effort and work with local governments that need additional help.

The Department of Youth and Community website contains updates and information for DYCD-funded programs. Click here.

The New York Council of Nonprofits has gathered local and national resources that nonprofits may find helpful in light of the COVID-19 crisis. They provide  important links to resources, guides, and policy updates to services and knowledge that you might find helpful. It also provides access to  webinars (there is a fee for non-members).

The National Council of Nonprofits works with and through the nation’s largest network of nonprofits—with 25,000-plus organizational members. Click here to visit their dedicated COVID-19 webpage, with the latest information and resources that nonprofits can use to prepare and respond.

HelpMainStreet.com gift card portal. This portal helps promote small businesses with gift card programs, and hopes to aid small businesses that do not already have gift card programs to set them up. Notes the organization: If you’re a business with a gift card program: please visit helpmainstreet.com and see if your venue is listed. If it isn’t, click the“Don’t see your favorite business?” button and fill out your details. You should see your venue listed shortly or someone will be back to you. To learn more, please click here.

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has a list of upcoming webinars and emergency financial aid sources 

  • Rent relief for small businesses and financial help available for solo-entrepreneurs and freelancers - The Chamber is hosting weekly webinars to provide the latest Covid-related updates for small business owners. Experts will answer your questions on key topics These weekly webinars take place every Tuesday at 2:00 pm. The webinar next week will focus on rent relief for small businesses, as well as financial help available for solo-entrepreneurs and independent contractors.
  • How to Look for Emergency Grants and Resources for Artists and Freelancers - This webinar will take place on April 13 but is already full. However, you can still sign-up to be able to view the webinar after it happens.
  • Planning for the Recovery: Restarting NYC's Economy in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic - This forward-looking discussion will delve into the strategies, policies, and investments needed to reignite the city’s economy after the Covid-19 crisis, restore critical industries that have been seriously damaged during this crisis, put New Yorkers back to work, ensure that the recovery is inclusive, and strengthen parts of the economy that may prove resilient to future challenges.
  • Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund: Provides grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. A second round of funding will be available in mid-April.
  • Facebook Small Business Grants: Will provide grants for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries. Businesses must have between 2 and 50 employees and have been in business for over a year. Applications will open soon.
  • GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative: Small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus crisis can sign up on GoFundMe to start a fundraiser to benefit their small business. Local community members are able to search small business relief fundraisers on GoFundMe to find favorite small businesses they’d like to support. If a small business raises $500 on their GoFundMe and meets certain eligibility criteria, they may be considered to receive a $500 matching grant from the Small Business Relief Fund.
  • Freelancers Relief Fund: Provides up to $1,000 per qualifying freelancer to cover lost income and essential expenses. This fund has been temporarily closed due to the overwhelming response, but you can sign-up to receive notification once application submissions reopen.
  • Artist Relief Fund: A coalition of national arts grantmakers launched this fund to provide rapid, unrestricted $5,000 relief grants to assist artists facing dire financial emergencies due to the Covid-19 crisis.

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS TELE-TOWN HALLS

Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs & Resources

To get regular updates on the latest developments with coronavirus in New York City text COVID to 692-692. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments. Please check nyc.gov/health/coronavirus for the latest updates

If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692- 9355) or text WELL to 65173. NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.

Additional resources:

CENSUS 2020

U.S. Census Bureau has made some necessary changes to help keep residents safe while still working to ensure a complete census count. This includes extending the national deadline for the count from July 31 to August 14 and postponing all door-to-door outreach campaigns until May. With the majority of our businesses and libraries closed across the state, this gives local communities more time to adjust their outreach plans and helps prevent our state from being put at an unfair disadvantage.

Fill out your Census at My2020Census.gov OR by phone in these languages: