Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates March 8th

MARCH 8th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:

 

New York will began administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at state-run mass vaccination sites last week. NY launched a new pilot program to begin administering the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine to eligible New Yorkers during overnight hours at the Yankee Stadium, Javits Center and New York State Fair mass vaccination sites. Yankee Stadium began administering the vaccine starting Thursday, March 4, and the Javits Center and New York State Fair sites began administering the vaccine Friday, March 5.

Last weekend, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for a third safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, the Janssen COVID-19 (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. This vaccine arrived in New York today, and is available at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan, and Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. New York expects to receive approximately 164,800 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.

President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act and thus induced Merck & Co. to help Johnson & Johnson manufacture J&J’s newly approved one-shot vaccine. As a result, the President now is promising enough vaccine supply will be produced to inoculate every American by the end of May-- two months earlier than the administration had planned. That’s different from actually administering shots to every American by May 31, let’s be clear, but very good news nonetheless.

IN-HOME VACCINATION LAUNCH: Last week, the City began its efforts to vaccinate homebound New Yorkers using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, starting in Co-Op City in the Bronx, and Brighton Beach in Brooklyn. The soft launch of the program continues this week with direct outreach to known homebound seniors in select residential buildings identified by DFTA and HPD. As this program scales up, and as more doses of the Johnson & Johnson become available, in-home vaccinations will expand to additional buildings, and other homebound New Yorkers. Fully homebound New Yorkers interested in receiving an in-home Johnson & Johnson vaccine may sign up at https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/homebound or call the City's vaccine hotline: 877-VAX4NYC.

Community-based organizations that want to learn about the Corps and how to refer qualified candidates can attend virtual info sessions by clicking the hyperlinked date:

The Washington Post has published a very readable explainer of all the COVID vaccines, both approved and under development.  

COVID hospitalizations slightly rose to 4,830. Of the 146,456 tests reported yesterday, 5,309, or 3.62 percent, were positive. There were 1,005 patients in ICU yesterday, up six from the previous day. Of them, 669 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 64 New Yorkers to the virus.

As of 11am today, 89 percent of first doses allocated to the state have been administered. This represents 3,746,905 first doses administered of the 4,227,090 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 5,640,706 total doses have been administered out of the 6,541,110 total doses received. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

The State announced a pilot program to test the Excelsior Pass at Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center. The Excelsior Pass, developed in partnership with IBM, will use proven, secure technology to confirm an individual's vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to help fast-track the reopening of many entertainment venues and other businesses in accordance with New York State guidelines. This new technology was successfully tested during the initial phase of the pilot during the Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center on February 27. It will now be tested for a second time during the New York Rangers game tonight, March 2, at Madison Square Garden.

An additional $25 million will be directed to the Nourish NY initiative. Since its launch in April 2020, the Nourish NY program has helped bring 21 million pounds of surplus agricultural products from New York farmers to households in need. This additional funding will help the program continue this important effort through July to ensure that no New Yorker goes hungry.

The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through May 15, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York's Official Health Plan Marketplace, or directly through insurers.  Coverage start dates will vary:

  • Enroll March 15: Coverage starts April 1
  • Enroll by April 15: Coverage starts May 1
  • Enroll by May 15: Coverage starts June 1

Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs - Medicaid, Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus - can continue to enroll year-round. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, or by connecting with a free enrollment assister.

Beginning March 5th, movie theaters statewide will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity, with masks required at all times except when seated and eating or drinking. You can find full guidance on movie theaters here.

Beginning March 5th, billiard/pool halls will be allowed to open at 35% capacity in New York City. Mandatory social distancing must be enforced. You can view the guidance on billiard and pool halls here.

Beginning March 15th, weddings and catered events will be permitted statewide. Venues are restricted to 50 capacity, with no more than 150 people per event. All patrons must be tested prior to the event. View the guidance on weddings and catered events here.

The Health Department issued updated guidance on face coverings (PDF), one of the most critical tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The guidance recommends people over the age of two-years-old wear snug fitting masks with two or three layers of material to better prevent unfiltered air from passing through. (Click here for more information).

The State is adjusting travel restrictions. Domestic travelers to New York State who have been vaccinated no longer have to quarantine or test out within 90 days of their full vaccination. International travelers still must adhere to CDC quarantine guidelines.

The NY Forward Rapid Testing program is helping us fast-track our economy's reopening. Testing is one of the key components of a successful reopening, and this public-private partnership provides New Yorkers with convenient access to low-cost COVID-19 rapid tests. Tests are available to New Yorkers for no more than $30. Learn more and find a testing site.

Twelve community-based pop-up vaccination sites are coming online this week. These sites, established at public housing developments, churches, community centers, schools and fire stations, are expected to vaccinate more than 4,000 people throughout the week. Since January 15, 120 community-based pop-up sites have administered more than 50,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. As has been the case with previous pop-up sites, these sites will be re-established in three weeks to administer second doses.

Beginning April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of a negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings will be required for all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance.

New York is expanding gathering capacity limitations starting March 22. Residential gatherings of up to 25 people can be held outdoors. Indoor residential gatherings remain capped at 10 people to reduce the continued risk of spread, which is more likely in indoor settings. Additionally, non-residential social gatherings of us to 100 people can occur indoors and up to 200 people can occur outdoors.

Over the weekend, the Javits Center vaccination site administered 13,431 doses over a 24-hour period on Saturday and Sunday, and 13,713 doses over a 24-hour period on Sunday and Monday—the best performance of any one vaccination site in the nation.

New York will open 10 new mass vaccination sites in the coming weeks to continue to get shots in arms and to bring us closer to vaccines for all. The new sites will be established in New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and Western New York.

More than 40,000 vaccine doses have been administered in New York houses of worship. More than 22,500 first doses and more than 18,000 second doses have been administered at 48 pop-up sites established in houses of worship. Partnering with houses of worship builds on New York's efforts to bring the vaccine to underserved communities across the state and I call on more religious leaders to partner with New York to establish more pop-up sites. Interested houses of worship can contact the state here.

Wednesday (3/10) at 2 pm, webinar “Separating Myths from Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccine” features a panel of doctors who will break down the vaccine, hosted by the New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center. Translation will be available in Spanish. Click here to join the Zoom.

FDNY is inviting you to attend your local Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery event during the week of March 8th – March 13th. In conjunction with Daylight Saving Time, Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign aims to educate the public about the importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. During these events, the FDNY Fire Safety Education Team will be distributing fire safety literature and registering New Yorkers for Free Smoke Alarm Installations throughout the five boroughs.

Apply by March 11, 2021 for one 11 units of rent regulated affordable apartments at 345 East 94th Street. Submit your application here.

Education/Parenting

The pre-K application opened on February 24, 2021; the deadline to apply is April 7. During the application period, you can apply online or by phone. Here's what you can do now:

  • Sign up for the pre-K admissions email list (Open external link). The Department of Education will send you updates, tips, and reminders throughout the process.
  • Learn how to apply and how pre-K offers are made on this page. Missed the virtual Elementary Admissions Events? A recording from one of DOE's January sessions will be available soon, with captions in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Korean, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Russian and Urdu.
  • Throughout the admissions process, you'll use MySchools.nyc (Open external link)  to learn about pre-K programs, apply, get your offer, and learn about waitlists. Before the application opens you can:

Start exploring pre-K program options in MySchools' online, searchable pre-K directory (Open external link).

Tuesday (3/9) at 5 pm, parents and caregivers of students with disabilities can get remote learning support during the weekly virtual “Parent Guide to Remote Learning” series from Rep. Adriano Espaillat and the NYC Dept. of Education. Register here.

Wednesday (3/10) at 4 pm, Battery Dance hosts a virtual kids introductory improvisational dance class. Register here.

Applications close Tuesday. 3/30, for the YouthBridge-NY fellowship, open to current high school sophomores. Fellows meet with NYC leaders, develop professional skills, and take action on issues they’re passionate about. Apply here.

Nominations are now open for the Sloan Awards for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics in New York City Public High Schools from the Fund for the City of New York. Seven math and science teachers will each receive $5,000, and their department will receive $2,500. Nominate an outstanding teacher here.

Entertainment/Distractions

Being named an honorary bus operator is an esteemed title, especially for 5-year-old Amir Gladden. Amir loves buses and for his birthday this year, his mom reached out to the MTA and asked if there was something special they could do for her son. The MTA did not disappoint and gave Amir a special surprise VIP tour of the Tuskegee Airmen Bus Depot facility and gave him his new honorary title.

Tuesday (3/9) at 10 am, “Public Housing Revolution: Social Housing in Vienna” discusses what lessons New York City could learn from Vienna’s famously well-managed and -maintained public housing, hosted by the Citizens Housing & Planning Council. Click the title to register for the Zoom.

Tuesday (3/9) and Thursday (3/11) at 1 pm, the rink at Bryant Park features a free performance by the Ice Theatre of New York. Learn more here.

Tuesday (3/9) at 6 pm, Hunter@Home discusses “Walking with Ghosts,” actor Gabriel Byrne’s new memoir. Byrne will speak with author Column McCann and do a virtual Q&A. Register here.

Tuesdays through 3/30 at 7 pm, play digital trivia, hosted by Brookfield Place.

Thursday (3/11) at 9 am, Citizens Union hosts the virtual briefing “Visions & Vacancies: What’s Next for NYC’s Streetscapes, Businesses, and Neighborhoods.” Register here.

FINANCIAL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES UPDATES

Tuesday (3/9) at 10 am, businesses within the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District are invited to a virtual info session about a new BID customer loyalty programming launching in May, “Madison Avenue Now.” Register here.

Tuesday (3/9) at 10 am, virtual discussion “Who Else is Not at Your Table? Let’s Talk About the Mentorship and Leadership of Black Women” is sponsored by the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Click the title to register.

Tuesday (3/9) at 3:30 pm, sole proprietors (individual entrepreneurs) are invited to a webinar about the Paycheck Protection Program and tips on applying for financing for small businesses, hosted by the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services. Register here.

Wednesdays at 4 pm this month, the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health hosts virtual “COVID-19: Emerging Issues Forums,” featuring updates on evolving government guidelines and enforcement, the labor developments, and scientific advancements. Click the title to access the forums.

The NYC Parks Dept. is hiring camp counselors, wildlife monitors, playground associates, security guards, and more this summer. See openings here.

East Side and Roosevelt Island low-income tenants can get free housing legal advice from the Tenant Advice Helpline through Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. Leave a message at 212-218-0330, and the legal team will return your call within a week.

The next OSHA 30 construction training class from the SUNY Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center begins Monday (3/8). Apply to the five-day course here and then submit the required documents to [email protected].

Monday (3/8) is the new deadline for arts and culture organizations, businesses, collectives, and government agencies to take “The Ongoing Impacts of COVID-19: A Survey of Arts and Cultural Organizations and Creative Businesses” from Americans for the Arts.

Free one-on-one counseling for entrepreneurs is available through the Pace University Small Business Development Center. Make an appointment here.

Businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees: Apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan ASAP. These small organizations have an exclusive application window until Wednesday, 3/10, an attempt by the U.S. Small Business Administration to ensure large corporations don’t monopolize PPP funds. Small businesses that received an earlier round of PPP funding are still eligible to apply. Find a Community Development Financial Institution to apply through here, compiled by the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services.

“Open Culture” street permit applications open Monday (3/1) at noon for outdoor events. See guidelines and eligible locations.

In other arts news, NY PopsUp has begun with pop-up performances throughout the State, part of the Governor’s effort to safely reopen the arts. Find out about upcoming performances on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Applications close Friday, 4/23 for the National Academy of Design’s Abbey Mural Prize. Click the link for eligibility and application guidelines.

Musicians can register to participate in the Associated Chamber Music Players’ virtual “Worldwide Play-in” from 3/20-21. Register here.

Homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness can connect with a social worker who can answer questions, locate resources, and provide service referrals through CHIRP (Community Human Services Information and Referral Program) from the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter. Call 888-645-8570 Tuesday, 5-7 pm; Wednesday, 3-5 pm; or leave a message.

SBS also offers small business owners and employees free training on technology tools and COVID-19 safety through “NYC Means Business: Training Your Employees” to help bridge the digital divide. Zoom and Google Workspace trainings are also available in Spanish and Mandarin. Apply for the program here.

Free financial counseling is available through the NY Legal Assistance Group. Make an appointment by calling 311 and asking for NYLAG or by visiting this website.

Applications close Friday, 3/12 for grants up to $15,000 for Asian American women-led organizations and women artists focused on social change, sponsored by the Asian Women Giving Circle. Apply here.

Applications close Saturday, 5/1 for four $10,000 grants for businesses owned by Black women and femmes, sponsored by Merchant Maverick. Apply here.

Free legal services are available in all languages for low-income people through the City Bar Justice Center’s Legal Hotline, via their online application or 212-626-7383 (open Mon-Thu, 9 am - 5 pm, Fri 9 am - 1 pm). Those seeking a referral for a lawyer can contact the New York City Bar’s Legal Referral Service, which has waived its initial consultation fee for all legal issues until further notice. Request a referral online or by calling 212-626-7373 (212-626-7374 in Spanish) Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm.

File your taxes for free if you earned $68,000 or less in 2020, thanks to NYC Free Tax Prep. If you didn’t receive some or any of the two pandemic stimulus checks, NYC Free Tax Prep can assist with claiming the equivalent amounts as a “Recovery Rebate Credit.” (Volunteer tax preparers are needed for these sites, too.)

As a result of the relief act passed in December, filers can also take advantage of a one-time look-back provision, allowing them to choose to use their 2019 or 2020 income for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, a change that benefits those who lost their job in the last year.

In other personal finance news, the Biden administration has extended the pause on most federal student loans -- due to expire Sunday (1/31)-- through 9/30, which means payments are suspended, collections on defaulted loans are stopped, and the interest rate is 0% through September. The Federal Student Aid Office’s website has a detailed FAQ about eligibility.

NYC created "What to Expect When You’re Inspected: NYC Indoor and Outdoor Dining Checklist for Participating Establishments." Check it out here. 

Applications open Thursday, 4/1 for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants aka Save our Stages. Arts venues and representatives can see eligibility criteria here and should note they must have been in operation as of 2/29/2020 and must not have received a Paycheck Protection Program loan on or after 12/27/2020. For additional info, contact [email protected].

The Mayor extended the City’s Open Storefronts program through 9/30/21, allowing storefront retail businesses to continue operating directly outside their store. Plan now for warmer weather; read the FAQ for eligibility and operating guidelines, and apply here.

You could work as a snow laborer removing snow and ice for the city Dept. of Sanitation. If you apply now, you’ll be ready to work after the next storm. Pay is up to $22.50 an hour; you must be over age 18 and eligible to work in the U.S. (The Census Bureau is also hiring-- looking for employees to take additional surveys. View a field representative job description and application link here.)

Applications for HEAP can be accessed by calling 212-331-3126 or visiting the ACCESS HRA website for instructions here. HEAP applications are available for download here.

Learn new job skills and earn certificates to advance your career through 4,000 free online courses offered by the state Dept. of Labor and Coursera, such as “How to Manage a Remote Team” and “Entrepreneurship.” View the course catalog.

The DSNY has issued the below information about restaurant outdoor dining and snow. For more information, click here.

NYC Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA): For updated information on COVID-19 and changes to social services benefits, including SNAP food assistance, cash assistance, and burial assistance, please refer to DSS/HRA’s Important information about COVID-19 and your HRA benefits.Open Restaurants that use outdoor heating must follow newly released guidance from the Dept. of Buildings and the FDNY for electric, natural gas and propane heaters. Open Restaurants are subject to new regulations pertaining to roadway barriers, snow and dining enclosures, per the Dept. of Transportation.

Free financial counseling is available by phone through the NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection. Book an appointment online or by calling 311.

The Dept. of Small Business Services has launched Career Discovery NYC, a free career search and skills training tool.

Restaurant & Bar Reopening Toolkit – Find all the guidelines and resources you need in one place, including checklists, Open Restaurant siting criteria, and posters. Download it here, and find additional guidance and resources for restaurants on SBS’ restaurant reopening guide here.

Find Outdoor Dining Fixtures & Equipment – Please click here for the City's directory of equipment rental fixtures & equipment for safe outdoor dining.

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.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Invisible Hands is a nonprofit that helps neighbors challenged by COVID-19 by performing essential delivery of food, medicine and other necessities throughout NYC, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Volunteers can either perform deliveries in their neighborhood or work remotely in the call center or delivery center. Volunteers needed in all areas of NYC to perform deliveries in their local neighborhood or by car. Remote volunteers take orders from clients, field inquiries and also troubleshoot existing orders. You should be comfortable using Slack, internet telephone, and Zoom. Visit https://invisiblehandsdeliver.org/ for more information.

New York State is encouraging eligible New Yorkers to train to become vaccinators. If you are a licensed practical nurse, a dentist, an EMT, a medical nursing student with at least a year of clinical experience, and more—then you may be eligible to take training to become a vaccinator and help New York administer COVID vaccines over the coming months. See how you can get involved.

Animal Care Centers of NYC is seeking donations of large crates, no-pull harnesses, toys, and pet food.

Helpers for COVID-19 is an organization that delivers essential goods to the immunocompromised. To volunteer, click here. To request deliveries, click here or call (862)-621-9614‬. Assistance is available in English, Hindi, Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, and Hebrew.

The NYC Civic Corps is seeking nonprofit organizations to host 2021-2022 AmeriCorps members, who help develop host organizations’ volunteer programs. Learn more and apply here.

The Dept. of Sanitation is seeking locations with indoor storage space that can host eCycleNYC bins for electronics recycling. Interested building owners and managers can fill out this form, and DSNY will be in touch.

Order directly from restaurants, not from delivery apps. See why the New York Times.

Businesses and organizations can donate extra food and supplies to local organizations that can then redistribute them. Details about eligible donors and recipients can be found online: For food donations visit nyc.gov/donatefood; for non-food donations, visit nyc.gov/donate.

Borrow free equipment for community clean-ups from the Dept. of Sanitation by calling 311, emailing [email protected] or submitting this form.

If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to someone who is positive, get tested. Find a testing site near you. You can also call 1-888-364-3065 to schedule a free appointment at a New York State-run testing location.

If you get a call from NYS Contact Tracing, pick up. Contact tracers are working around the clock to trace clusters and inform people who have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. How can you help? Simply by picking up the phone. If your caller ID says "NYS Contact Tracing," pick up and help New York stop the spread. (Tracers will never ask for your Social Security Number or financial information; if someone does, they are not an official tracer and you should hang up.)

Give your friends a call. Check in with your family. Ask them how everything is going and how they are feeling. Let's show each other some love because mental health is just as important as physical health. New Yorkers can also call the State's mental health hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for free emotional support, consultations & referrals to a provider.

The pandemic has caused declines in organ donations. With so many people awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, Governor Cuomo urges New Yorkers to become organ donors and join the NYS Donate Life Registry.

Apply to become a member of the NYC Community Emergency Response Team, which assists first responders with community preparedness and disaster support. Apply here.

Donate Plasma: Recovered COVID-19 patients are needed to donate plasma, which is used to treat critically ill patients across the country. Donate at a NY Blood Center location. Eligible donors can give convalescent plasma up to eight times in a three-month period.

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.

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? Shifts: Meal Plating from 7:00am-9:00am; Meal Delivery from 9:45am-1:00pm; Cold Packing from 10:00am-1:00pm. Contact communitysupport@isaacscenter.org

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS' TELE-TOWN HALLS

Senator Krueger's Virtual Town Hall
Conspiracy Theories: How They Take Hold & How We Can Stop Them

On Thursday, March 11th from 7 pm – 8:15 pm, Richard A. Friedman, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell College of Medicine and New York Times Op-Ed Columnist will join Senator Krueger to discuss conspiracy theories, why we create these dangerous falsehoods, and what we can do to combat and eradicate them.

You will have the option of joining the event online through Zoom, a webinar hosting service.

You will also have the option to view the event online through Facebook. Please note that you do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the event through Facebook.

If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or other electronic device, you can listen in by telephone.

**Once you register for the event, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom and Facebook links, and the call-in information.**

The event will feature a question and answer session with Dr. Friedman. If you have questions about why and how conspiracy theories are created, why they are dangerous, and what tools are needed to fight them, please RSVP for the town hall on March 11th. Attendees will be able to submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the event but are strongly encouraged to submit them in advance.

Please let us know you plan to attend the Virtual Town Hall on March 11th by registering at https://tinyurl.com/conspiracytownhall.

2021 Virtual Roundtable for Boomers and Seniors from Senator Liz Krueger. “Being Mortal: Thinking About End of Life Decision Making”

This year's Roundtable series will bring together experts to offer concrete tools to assist with end of life planning, and provide a forum to ignite our imagination about what we value and how we want to live as we age.

To RSVP for any or all of the sessions in this year's series, please go to https://tinyurl.com/2021SeniorRoundtableSeries.

Thursday, March 18th - Research on the Use of Psychedelics to Address End-of–Life Existential Distress 10 am - 11:30 am

- Anthony Bossis, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health
- Mary Cosimano, MSW, Director of Guide/Facilitator Services, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins

Thursday, April 22nd - Living Well: What Do We Value Most? 10:00 am – 11:30 am

- Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue
- Jeannie Blaustein, PhD, D. Ministry, Founding Board Chair, Reimaging End of Life, Adjunct Faculty, Pace University, Psychology

Thursday, May 20th - Reimagining Later Life Care Models 10 am – 11:30 am

- TBA

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:

 Download the app on your iPhone here.  Download the app on your Android device here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Past Updates from CB8