Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates July 27th

JULY 27th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:

 

Several outdoor NYC venues are opened this week. The Bronx Zoo, the Central Park Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, the Empire State Building observation deck and outdoor sections of Liberty Island are among the iconic spots opening this week, with capacity limits in place. Find out more, here.

The Mayor extended the City’s overwhelmingly popular Open Restaurants program until the end of October.

The deadline for New York State’s new COVID Rent Relief Program is July 30. Tenants who have lost income during the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to apply and will benefit from a one-time rental subsidy paid directly to landlords. Learn more and apply here. Borough President Gale Brewer’s staff can help with your application-- leave a voicemail at 212-531-1609.

Gov. Cuomo this week added 10 more states (and removed one) to the self-quarantine list if their residents visit New York State. The state removed was Minnesota, and the states added were Alaska, Indiana, Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia and Washington.

The State is serious about compliance with Executive Orders about serving drinks.  Since the start of COVID, the State Liquor Authority has brought 410 charges against establishments for violating the Executive Orders and suspended 27 licenses for violations.

Governor Cuomo points out that  New York State offers many opportunities for travelers with accessibility needs. Hundreds of attractions across the state offer accessibility features, with some even providing specialty programming like sensory-friendly museum days and adaptive skiing and snowboarding. A new I Love NY hub has all the details.

The myMTA app now features bus ridership information in real time. To help avoid crowding on buses as New York City reopens, the MTA has added a feature to its myMTA app to provide the real-time number of riders on any given bus line.

Rosie the Riveter has joined the battle against COVID-19. Mae Krier, who is one of the original WWII "Rosie the Riveters," has rolled up her sleeves once more during the Coronavirus pandemic. So far she has made hundreds of masks.

Governor Cuomo warns that New York State is seeing a statistically significant increase in the COVID infection rate in 21- to 30-year-olds. Remember: Young people can get seriously sick and some will die from the virus. Young people can bring it home and give it to others inadvertently. If you treat COVID lightly, you may not live to regret it. Watch the new PSA ad here.

Mayor de Blasio just announced three new walk-in COVID testing sites in Manhattan, which are open from 8 am to 8 pm no appointment needed! The locations are 330 West 42nd Street, 919 2nd Avenue, and 77 Dyckman Street. Learn more about the Test and Trace program here.

The deadline for NYS health insurance special enrollment has been extended to August 15. New Yorkers without health insurance can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health / Health Plan Marketplace.

Cooling centers are open across the city today until 8 pm due to the heat advisory. Find your nearest location here or call 311. The city recently added two locations on the Upper East Side:

  • I.S. 167: 220 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021
  • P.S. 006: 45 East 81st Street, New York, NY 10028

E. 90th St. between Fifth and Madison avenues was designated by Mayor de Blasio as an Open Street. Read more here.

The State released the results of a testing initiative within state correctional facilities to test incarcerated individuals 55 years and over. Of the nearly 4,000 individuals tested, 77 tested positive, resulting in a low 1.9 percent infection rate.

To crack down on social distancing violations at restaurants and bars across the state, the State is creating a multi-agency task force. The New York State Police and State Liquor Authority will lead the effort, which will employ real-time data to enhance enforcement efforts by rapidly deploying investigators to respond to dangerous social distancing violations as they happen. Our Town reports that the State suspended 27 liquor licenses around New York. The State reminds everyone that bars are not permitted to reopen.

The State has warned that it will be serious about stopping violations of serving drinks outdoors. It continues to issue violations and suspend liquor licenses. A list of licenses charged and businesses served with summary suspension orders, can be found here.

The Governor also provided an update on the recently formed multi-agency task force to combat violations of coronavirus-related regulations at bars and restaurants. The State Liquor Authority and New York State Police Task Force issued 105 violations to establishments downstate on Friday and Saturday. Businesses found in violation of social distancing regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of their liquor license.

Alternate side parking is back, with some changes. Residential streets that have multiple ASP days will be cleaned-- with vehicles required to be moved-- only on the latest day in the week on each side, as indicated on posted signage. Cars on streets that have just one day of ASP regulations on each side will move on that posted day alone. Alternate side parking will be suspended Monday, July 27 through Sunday, August 2.

The Public Art Fund has commissioned 50 artistic reflections on the current moment, displayed at hundreds of locations citywide. Visit All In NYC: Public Art Edition to explore new public art throughout the city.

New York Foundation for Senior Citizens continues to offer home sharing and respite care programs.

Every weekday at 2 pm, New York-Presbyterian psychologists and social workers present tips, tricks, and Q&A for the COVID-19 crisis. Join the English session here; join the Spanish session here.

For an article on the changes in your phone’s maps apps to help you better during this crisis, click here.

For an article on the challenges involved in coronavirus testing, click here.

Applications opened for artist space in the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Arts Center, part of the Governors Island Residency Initiative, which will provide temporary free space to artists. The Initiative is open to artists across the City.

Many Greenmarkets are open. View the list of city Greenmarkets that are functioning

Last week Mayor de Blasio announced a new citywide Landlord-Tenant Mediation Project to begin to address rent-related issues outside of the housing court system. Mediation puts decision-making power in the hands of the parties involved, resulting in practical solutions for both landlords and tenants.

Non-profit Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) will assist tenants and small landlords in finding solutions to rental issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to resolve cases before they reach litigation and avoid the long-term effects of an eviction proceeding. The Mediation Project will handle cases in a setting where both parties feel safe, and priority will be given to tenants and small landlords who do not have legal representation.

You can request the mediation service by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline. Specialists will screen residents for eligibility and refer them to a CDRC in Manhattan.

Director Julie Menin in the Census Week of Action from Monday, July 27 through Saturday, August 1.

If college sports resume in the fall, no fans will be allowed. Just like with professional sports, college athletics can resume but no fans or spectators will be permitted at stadiums.

Education/Parenting

United Federation of Teachers president Michael Mulgrew spoke at a telephone town hall for teachers where they discussed the need for schools to open safely and for the teachers to take action if it is not being done right. He said that if schools do not open, all teaching will be done online. At a minimum, if schools do re-open, some instruction will still be done online. For teachers requesting medical accommodations, no requests have been denied so far. A decision to re-open schools, according to Mulgrew, won’t come until the last week of August or first week of September.

NYC public school families will soon receive $420 per child on a  Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) card. The amount is equivalent to the budget for school breakfasts and lunches since the start of the pandemic. If families already have EBT, the amount will be added to their existing accounts; if not, they will be sent a card in the mail (look for the envelope!). Many students rely on those meals, obviously, and the economic impact of that spending at local grocery stores and farmers markets is vital. Community Food Advocates has prepared these informative resources in multiple languages.

On July 27, ReelAbilities hosted a virtual Q&A with the filmmakers of “Crip Camp,” a documentary about a summer camp for teens with disabilities. Click here to view.

CECD2 Vacancy For Student Representative

Eligibility qualifications are:

  1. The student is a HS senior or junior with sufficient credits.
  2. The student holds a leadership title at the school.
  3. The student resides in the CEC 2 district.

All applications will be reviewed and cleared by DOE/FACE. Cleared applicants are then sent to the Superintendent who will set up interviews. Students can find the application here: Student CEC member application

Entertainment/Distractions

For fans of Renee Fleming and the Met Opera, see for information on when to see her perform and how to buy tickets, click here.

The New York Academy of Sciences presents an evening program of scientists learning to do stand-up comedy. The event will only be live-streamed. For information on how to watch and a link to register, click here.

On Tuesday (7/28) at 2 pm, the Guggenheim and artist Ad Minoliti will discuss Minoliti’s Mompainted #1, #2, and #3 (2018) as part of the Guggenheim’s Artwork Anthology online talk series. Watch here or livestream on the Guggenheim’s Youtube page.

For the schedule of Met Opera streaming from July27-August 2, click here.

Young opera fans can learn more about the Met Opera’s Global Summer Camp at https://www.metopera.org/discover/education/global-summer-camp/home/

State Park beaches are open, but expect parking to fill up quickly. Popular beaches like Jones Beach are likely to see parking lots reach capacity fast, so plan accordingly or consider a different outing. Entrance fees at State Parks and beaches range from free to $10. Remember: Social distancing rules apply on beaches and in parks. More information about State Parks and beaches can be found at https://www.parks.ny.gov.

For the virtual Metropolitan Museum of Art, click here.

On Monday (7/27) at 5 pm, Older Adults Technology Services’ Senior Planet will host a virtual craft circle, Creative Creations. Join by Zoom or find call-in information here.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Nominate an individual or organization doing outstanding urban public health work for the Joan H. Tisch Community Health Prize. Nominations will be accepted until December 31.

Complete the Census: For an article of the serious impact a low Census response rate will have on the City, see “Rich New Yorkers Aren’t Filling Out the Census. Poor New Yorkers May Suffer. Please do your part to ensure New York gets the resources we need; visit My2020census.gov. (You do not need a code; click “Start Questionnaire” and then “If you do not have a Census ID, click here” link below the login button.)

There are also paid opportunities to help get out the count! NYC Census and BrownMillerGroup are hiring Census Outreach Canvassers (Google Doc) and Census Outreach Team Leaders (Google Doc).

Wear a mask:  Watch a New York 5-year-old explain why everyone should wear a mask

THE CITY is asking folks who know any New York City residents who have died of COVID-19 to fill out a simple form to tell them about the lives of those we’ve lost. Their goal is to put as many names, faces and details to the numbers as possible. You’ll find more here — including the form.

Donate blood. The New York Blood Center says that levels of blood are dangerously low. To make an appointment to donate, visit nybc.org or call 1.800.933.2566. Appointments are strongly recommended.

If you have recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to save lives by contacting the state to donate blood. People who have 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. More information about how to donate is available here.

Support local businesses by buying gift cards. We have posted links to sites selling gift cards. Another site selling gift cards to restaurants, barber shops, and events like ghost hunts, and museums, see SupportLocal at https://supportlocal.usatoday.com/cities/

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.

The dedicated staff at the Stanley Isaacs Center, 415 E. 93 St., needs help supporting their older adult clients through meals and case management services. Interested in volunteering? Contact [email protected]

FINANCIAL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES UPDATES

Low-income renters who have suffered an income loss due to the pandemic may apply for a rental subsidy under the state’s new COVID Rent Relief Program. The program launches on Thursday, July 16thand applications will be available here: https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP . The application period will be open for two weeks only. To qualify, applicants must meet all of these requirements:

  • Must be a renter with a primary residence in NYS. (At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.)
  • Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must have been below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. You can find your county’s area median income, based on your household size here.
  • Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been paying more than 30% of gross monthly income toward rent. (Gross income includes wages as well as any cash grants, child support, social security, unemployment benefits, etc.)
  • Applicants must have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.

NYC & Company Creates Stay Well NYC Pledge as well as Window Cling Templates for Your Business

  • NYC & Company's Stay Well NYC Pledge is a set of Covid-19 safety practices for both businesses and consumers. Suppressing viral spread is priority one, so please take the Pledge and do what you can to amplify this important effort. Please note that all elements of the Pledge are required for all Phase 2 businesses, so all of you have already supported the Pledge when you signed your New York State Forward affirmation.
  • Here is the link to download the Stay Well NYC Pledge tool kit, which allows you to sign on to the Pledge, and which includes digital, social and print assets to help you share it with your audiences. There is nothing in the Pledge that you are not already doing as part of the reopening requirements for businesses in NYC, so please do add your businesses' name to the list of participants.

City of New York Offers Free Technical Assistance for Restaurants

The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will work to ensure that the most up-to-date guidance and materials needed by small business owners for a safe phased-in reopening are readily available. The information will be housed on a centralized resource page with guidance and best practices for the restaurant industry across all five boroughs. SBS will also launch a reopening supplies marketplace for easy access to wholesalers selling PPE, gloves, sneeze guards and other equipment. Business owners can call a hotline at 1-888-SBS-4NYC to ask questions about this process.

PPE for Small Businesses: NYC SBS coordinating with 70+ BIDs and Chambers of Commerce to provide 2 million pieces of PPE to small businesses citywide. Find a distribution partner near you at: Free Face Coverings for Small Businesses & Their Employees

The City’s Department of Small Business Services has shared their new “Find a Job” page, which lists open employment listings from across NYC. Learn more and search the listings.

Both the City and State are hiring employees and supervisors for contact tracing: reaching out to the contacts of those diagnosed with COVID-19 to track the spread. Learn more here for the City (three types of contract tracer jobs along with many non-tracing jobs listed), and here for the State (contact tracers, team supervisors, and community support specialists).

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS' TELE-TOWN HALLS

Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs & Resources

The State's Coronavirus Hotline is open 24 hours if you have any questions or concerns: 1-888-364-3065. **If you need help getting medical care, you can also call 311. New York City will provide care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

The NYP COVID Hotline 646-697-4000 can answer questions about COVID-19. This hotline is a public service to provide information only and not to diagnose, treat, or render a medical opinion. Their Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions document is available on the NYP Coronavirus website.

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:

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Past Updates from CB8