Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates April 12th

APRIL 12th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:

 

COVID hospitalizations rose slightly to 4,118. Of the 131,436 tests reported yesterday, 4,926, or 3.75 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 3.20 percent. There were 860 patients in ICU yesterday, down 17 from the previous day. Of them, 571 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 58 New Yorkers to the virus.

As of 11am this morning, 37.9 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 174,822 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 12,033,813 total doses with 24.9 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State's Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

To date, more than 1 in 5 New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.

As of Tuesday (4/6), all New Yorkers 16+ became eligible for the vaccine (only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 16 and 17 years old, and they need a parent or guardian present during the vaccination).

New York State will provide a dedicated initial allocation of 35,000 vaccine doses to address the college student population at SUNY schools and private colleges. These direct allocations will allow these institutions to vaccinate thousands of students before the school year ends, helping us stamp out COVID even faster.

Restaurant workers can get vaccinated this Tuesday-Thursday (4/13-15) at 109 Malcolm X Blvd. (btwn 115th – 116th Sts.) in the City’s mobile vaccine bus. Register here. (They’ll be using the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, so registrants must be 18+.)

Governor Cuomo announced the statewide "Vaccinate NY" ad campaign to encourage all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Ads will run across television, radio, online and print statewide. This effort coincides with universal eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine taking effect.

Sixteen community-based pop-up vaccination sites will come online over the next week. These sites are expected to vaccinate more than 7,100 people throughout the week. Since January 15, more than 200 community-based pop-up sites have administered more than 77,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

To honor all those who dedicated their lives throughout the COVID crisis, New York will construct an Essential Workers Monument. New York announced the creation of the Essential Workers Advisory Committee to provide design input and recommendations for a monument in New York City honoring the service and sacrifice of New York's essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These true heroes continue to aid and inspire us and they have our utmost respect. We will create a monument to honor them in perpetuity.

Governor Cuomo outlined highlights of the Fiscal Year 2022 Enacted Budget, and shared how elements of this year's budget specifically aim to manage COVID and bring COVID relief. New York is relentlessly working to vaccinate New Yorkers so that we can protect our state from this deadly virus, and the budget continues to fund those efforts—ensuring no one is left behind. The 2022 Budget includes $2.4 billion in rent relief to help New Yorkers who are at risk of being forced out of their home from hardship due to COVID. It also includes a historic investment in our schools, to address the impact of the pandemic on our students' academic, social and emotional needs. We also want to make sure our state's economy recovers from COVID. To that end, the State will invest $1 billion to help small businesses recover—including restaurants, arts and cultural institutions and other small businesses. With programs to make telehealth stronger, the creation of the New York Public Health Corps, and new measures to improve New Yorkers' mental health, this budget builds a bridge to a future where we can all be healthier and safer. Learn more.

The City is expanding its walk-up appointment pilot for New Yorkers over the age of 75 at City-run sites. If you are 75+, you can go to these vaccine sites and get vaccinated without an appointment. In addition, if you bring a companion who is an eligible New Yorker, they can get vaccinated at the same time. Additional, site specific information can be found on nyc.gov/vaccinefinder. The following is a list of “walk-up” vaccine sites in Manhattan.

  • Ford Foundation, 321 E 42nd Street, Manhattan, 10017 (Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
  • Fulton Community Center, 119 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011 (Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
  • Essex Crossing, 244B Broome Street, Manhattan, 10002 (Thursday – Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.)
  • City College, 1549 Amsterdam Ave, Manhattan, 10031 (Thursday – Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.)
  • Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 West 138th Street, Manhattan, 10030 (Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
  • Yeshiva University, 2495 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan, 10033 (Sunday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m; Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide COVID-19 vaccines to veterans and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) healthcare personnel. At this time, they are offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to veterans 65 years of age and older who are currently enrolled in VA healthcare. Vaccines are being administered to those with an appointment throughout the City. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-877-9267.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City’s outdoor pools and eight public beaches will open on time for the season. Beaches will open on Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 29, and outdoor pools across the city will open the day after the last day of school on Saturday, June 26. Openings will follow heath guidance on COVID and safety protocols. Click here, for more information).

Lifting Curfews: Starting this week, the 11 pm curfew previously in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms, and fitness centers has been lifted. The 11 pm curfew for food and beverage establishments and the 12 am curfew for catered events remains in effect. Both curfews will be further evaluated later this month.

See how Excelsior Pass can help you be a part of NY's safe reopening. To help revitalize New York's economy safely, the State launched Excelsior Pass—a free and voluntary platform for businesses & individuals that can be used to easily access secure proof of a recent negative COVID test or vaccination. Learn more.

Pet Owner Eviction Project: Animal Haven's Pet Owner Eviction Project, in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare and NYC Emergency Management's Animal Planning Task Force, is seeking to connect vulnerable tenants at risk of losing their pets while facing a potential eviction with free and low-cost resources. COVID-19 Pet Hotline: 877-204-8821

The C.D.C. advised that there was very little chance of contracting Covid from surfaces, putting to rest an early misconception. “This is a virus you get by breathing,” one scientist said.

The State will provide additional tax relief for families of MTA employees through the COVID family death benefit program. Members of the MTA workforce risked their own health throughout the pandemic to ensure our essential workers could perform their vital duties. As part of the FY 2022 Enacted Budget, direct payments made to families of MTA employees through the COVID family death benefit program will be exempt from State income taxes to honor those heroes. The MTA's unprecedented $500,000 COVID family death benefit program began in April 2020 and has thus far led to $62 million in approved direct payments to families of MTA employees who died from COVID-19.

The Rent Guidelines Board will meet four times over the next month to determine the yearly rent adjustments to rent-stabilized units. The public can watch or listen to these meetings (details here):

  • Thursday, 4/15 at 9:30 am – discussing the “2021 Income and Expense Study and the 2021 Income and Affordability Study”
  • Thursday, 4/22 at 9:30 am – discussing the “2021 Price Index of Operating Costs and the 2021 Mortgage Survey Report”
  • Thursday, 4/29 at 9:30 am – testimony from invited tenant and owner groups
  • Thursday, 5/4 at 7 pm – preliminary vote on lease adjustments for rent-stabilized apartments, lofts, and hotels

The MTA’s new bridge and tunnel rates went into effect yesterday (4/11). See the new rates here.

A food pantry operates the second Wednesday of every month at 2 pm at Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corp’s Mainchance Multi Service Center (120 E. 32nd St.). Bring photo ID to receive a bag of fruits, vegetables, and nonperishables. The next pantry date is Wednesday (4/14).

Wednesday (4/14) at 5:30 pm, learn about the COVID-19 vaccines, their side effects, and where you can get the shot during the next NYC Dept. of Health’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Community Conversation.” The virtual event will be held in English and Bengali. Click the title to register.

Thursday (4/15) at 6 pm, webinar “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” discusses how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; and resources, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association and Columbia University. Click the title to register.

Mondays at 3 pm through 5/17, Spanish-language COVID vaccine “train the trainer” session from the NYC Dept. of Health are aimed at helping community organizations, faith-based groups, and city agencies best address vaccine inquiries and concerns with their constituents. Register here.

In the third round of the program, Nourish NY has so far spent $6.5 million to help New Yorkers in need. Over five million pounds of raw milk has been turned into dairy products and distributed by food banks, along with over 1,500,000 pounds of produce. Over four million households in need have received products sourced from New York farms.

 

Education/Parenting

School buildings will no longer close for 10 days when two unrelated COVID cases are detected starting Monday (4/12), the Mayor announced. As Chalkbeat reports, “Individual schools — not entire buildings — will shutter if there are four or more cases within a week in different classrooms, and if test and trace investigators find that these cases were contracted inside of the school… School buildings will no longer close for 24-hours when cases are detected, but individual classrooms will still close [for 10 days] when someone tests positive for the virus.”

The State Department of Health issued guidance to allow graduation and commencement ceremonies to take place with limited capacity. These ceremonies are important and we hope schools have graduation ceremonies—we just want them to be safe. Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited capacity, depending on the event size and the location (e.g., stadium, arena, arts and entertainment venue). Additional safety protocols must be in place. Read more.

Last month, nearly 900 schools were held harmless for $130 million that they would have had to pay back to the City due to enrollment declines. City officials are now allowing schools to roll over $50 million of that $130 million. Principals will have an additional year to spend a portion of their refunds. According to the NYC Dept. of Education, schools will be able to roll over $72 for every student on their roster, as long as they aren’t currently carrying a deficit.

The pre-K application deadline has been extended to next Monday (4/19). Apply through your MySchools.nyc account.

Applications close Thursday (4/15) for summer internships at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rising high school juniors and seniors can connect with arts, museums, and creative professionals as they develop their professional skills, network, and gain work experience. Interns receive a stipend at the end of the summer. Click the link to apply.

The CUNY Dominican Studies Institute is seeking remote summer interns (undergraduate and graduate students). Apply by Monday, 5/3.

Thursday (4/15) at 5 pm, “Supporting Families in Fostering Independence during Remote Learning” is the topic of the weekly virtual “Parent Guide to Remote Learning” series from Rep. Adriano Espaillat and the NYC Dept. of Education. Register here.

Schools can get free U.S. maps from the Census Bureau. Contact Joli Golden at [email protected] or 862-336-2911 to order.

Entertainment/Distractions

The Coney Island Amusement Park opened for the first time since 2019 this Friday. This follows reopening guidance that allows outdoor amusement parks in New York to open at 33 percent capacity, which goes into effect Friday, April 9.

Opening NY: Performing Arts and Entertainment Venues: Performing arts and entertainment venues can now reopen at 33% capacity. Venues can host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of completed vaccination or recent negative test result prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing, face coverings, health screening, and other health protocols will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance. A full list of guidelines can be found here.

The annual Rochester Lilac Festival will be held in a different format this year. The annual festival will be held in a smaller format this year, split up between weekends in May to ensure full compliance with the State's outdoor event gathering guidance. Attendees who plan to enjoy the Flower City's annual festival will also be required to wear a mask.

Instead of asking for birthday presents this year, a young Long Islander asked for items she could donate to a local animal shelter. For her eighth birthday, Arianna La Rosa requested bags of pet food and toys, which she passed along to the animals currently at the Babylon Animal Shelter in Amityville, NY. Arianna's birthday "gifts" came from friends and family, with some donations coming from as far away as Florida.

A Conversation with Michael Moss, Author of Hooked, Tuesday, April 20, 10 a.m.: Michael Moss, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter formerly with the NY Times and the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller SALT SUGAR FAT: How the Food Giants Hooked Us, will join the Center's Executive Director, Dr. Charles Platkin to discuss his latest book, HOOKED: Food and Free Will. RSVP HERE

Tonight (4/12) at 7 pm, take a free virtual tour of the Garment Center Business Improvement District with licensed tour guide Mike Kaback. Click here to join the Zoom.

Tuesday (4/13) at 7 pm, “The Future of Transportation” features Regional Plan Association President and CEO Tom Wright discussing how people will move around NYC following the pandemic. The event is part of Thinker Anonymous’ virtual conference “COVID-19 and the Future of New York.” Register here.

Thursday (4/15) at 6:30 pm, the virtual “Upper West Side en clave: Bailando en Bloomingdale” discusses Latin music in this Upper West Side community and how it has shaped the neighborhood’s working class, presented by Bloomingdale Neighborhood History. Click the title to access the webinar.

Thursday (4/15) at 7 pm, stream the off-Broadway production of FunikiJam’s “City of Hope,” the story of how music develops into beloved forms of artistic expression around the world, presented by Midori & Friends. Click the title to register.

Saturday (4/17) at 11 am, dog owners 60+ are invited to “PET Pro Workshop: De-stress the Distress of Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety,” hosted by Search and Care. Click the title to register for the Zoom.

Saturday (4/17) at 2 pm is the final installment of “Open ’Tho Shut,” Theater for the New City’s outdoor performance series. Watch in person (East 10th St. between 1st and 2nd Aves.) or online.

FINANCIAL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES UPDATES

The Department of Financial Services will extend the emergency regulation requiring all regulated health insurers to waive co-pays for the COVID-19 vaccine until April 30. The extension of this regulation and guidance will help to ensure there are no barriers to New Yorkers accessing the vaccine as the State continues to implement its vaccine administration plan and get every New Yorker vaccinated. The vaccine will come at no cost to any New Yorker.

City Cleanup Corps is Hiring: The City Cleanup Corps (NYC CCC) will employ 10,000 New Yorkers for beautification across our city. NYC CCC workers will wipe away graffiti, powerwash sidewalks, create community murals, tend to community gardens, beautify public spaces, and work with community organizations to clean their neighborhoods. Check out available job opportunities.

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission: TLC's Resource Center offers a range of free financial counseling and legal assistance for TLC Licensees, as well as connecting them with government benefits (including the federal Payroll Protection Plan loans - expiration 5/31) and health and wellness resources.

Taxi Medallion Owner-Driver Relief Fund: The city’s first-ever relief fund for financially troubled taxi medallion owner-drivers offers debt relief to taxi medallion owner-drivers whose industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $65 million Taxi Medallion Owner-Driver Relief Fund includes:

  • 0% interest loans of up to $20,000 to use as a down payment to assist in restructuring medallion debt.
  • Up to $9,000 in no-interest loans to make as many as six monthly loan payments of $1,500.

TLC Licensees in need of these services can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/taxi to make an appointment.

NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH): Do you have a complaint about excessive sound or cleaning issues at a nearby restaurant or bar? Contact MEND NYC, a new, free mediation program to help resolve these types of disputes between New York City residents and hospitality industry businesses. http://nyc.gov/mendnyc

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce - Virtual Networking Event, Friday, April 16, 6 p.m.: Let's connect and network! We will be using our advanced online platform for networking that allows people to "mingle" and pitch their business to two separate "tables" at the event. There will be a special giveaway for one lucky attendee! Register

The City must finish installing wifi in family homeless shelters by the end of August, according to a federal court order.

Applications open Wednesday (4/14) for Gathering for Justice’s COVID-19 Community Relief Fund. This one-time emergency assistance is open to girls and gender-expansive activists and organizers; youth released from juvenile detention or a group home during the pandemic; and parents or primary guardians of someone currently in juvenile detention.

Submissions are open for visual and performing art events for the virtual Uptown Arts Stroll in June, hosted by the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance.

Tuesday (4/13) at 11 am, virtual panel “The Future of New York” explores how to build collaboration between government, nonprofits, and the private sector to make NYC run better and spearhead an inclusive recovery, hosted by government affairs firm Capalino. Click the title to register.

Tuesday (4/13) at 1:30 pm, virtual panel “Funding and Financing Resiliency in Lower Manhattan” explores past experiences advancing resiliency projects and how that influences that FiDi-Seaport Climate Resilience Plan. Register here.

Thursday (4/15) at 2 pm, “Census Bureau Data for Philanthropic and Non-Profit Organizations” dives into 2020 census data to help organizations’ proposal writing and to give a more complete portrait of those they serve. This virtual event is part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 Data Summit Series. Register for the virtual event here.

Claiming Recovery Rebates: Information and assistance are available for individuals who are eligible for a recovery rebate credit but have no income or are not required to file an income tax return. In order to receive a rebate credit, all individuals are required to file an income tax return. The IRS Free File is available for those who are only filing a tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. See the special section on IRS.gov about claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren’t required to file a tax return.

Applications for the NYC Open Streets program are now open. Administered by the NYC Department of Transportation, the program allows communities to dedicate roadway space to pedestrians and cyclists. Interested businesses and community partners can learn more and apply now at: nyc.gov/openstreets.

The City and State are both hiring for vaccine-related positions. The City’s Vaccine for All Corps is looking to hire people particularly from hard-hit communities and industries. No health care experience is necessary for roles in vaccine site management, operations, and client services; the Corps is also hiring for clinical roles. Click the link above to apply through the Dept. of Small Business Services.  The State is hiring for clinical and non-clinical roles at vaccine sites. See openings here.

Open Culture program - Artists can apply for outdoor performance permits on these streets through Sunday, 10/31 and can charge admission.

Cultural Development Fund - Grants for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, from the NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs. Applications close Monday, 4/12.

Tech kits for performing artists are now available through New York Public Library grab-and-go locations. Click here to learn about the kits (which include audio- and video-recording equipment) and how to borrow one.

Applications close Saturday, 5/1 for Women’s Film Preservation Fund grants up to $10,000 from New York Women in Film & Television. Apply here.

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.

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

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.)

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. 

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.

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

The White House’s new COVID-19 Community Corps is looking for local voices and trusted community leaders to encourage people to get vaccinated. Corps members get resources to help build vaccine confidence in their community, like vaccine fact sheets and information on how to talk to your networks about the importance of getting vaccinated. Health professionals, community organizations, faith leaders, businesses, civil rights organizations, sports leagues, and Americans from all walks of life are encouraged to join the corps.

Donate personal care items to fill the 700 gift bags Community Board 10 is presenting to seniors in Central Harlem next month. Click here to see the list of needed items.

Become a New York State Citizen Public Health Leader. To continue the fight against COVID and prepare for the next public health emergency, the State launched a free, online Citizen Public Health Training course for New Yorkers, in partnership with Cornell University and supported by the State University of New York. This program will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state. Enroll today.

Ryan Health is looking for qualified volunteers -- physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, and other licensed medical providers-- to administer the COVID vaccine at centers across Manhattan. Email [email protected] to volunteer.

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.

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.

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

“New York City: What Can We Do After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccination?”

Thursday, April 15th 7 pm – 8:15 pm

Now that we have three COVID-19 vaccines available, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. However, we live in a densely populated city where variants are rapidly spreading and COVID-19 cases are rising. The White House COVID-19 Response Team recently emphasized the importance of continuing to follow safety precautions, and the dangers of reopening too quickly. Now, many New Yorkers are asking: what is safe to do after getting vaccinated and what are the implications for reopening the City?

The Virtual Town Hall will feature Dr. Celine Gounder, an Infectious Disease Specialist and Epidemiologist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital, a CNN Medical Analyst, and a former Biden Transition COVID advisor. Dr. Gounder will share information during the Town Hall about the impact of the COVID-19 vaccines on contracting and transmitting the virus, COVID-19 variants, public health, and reopening, as well as what activities are reasonable to resume post-vaccination.

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. Gounder. If you have questions about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide, types of activities that are safe to resume post-vaccination and with whom, and what public health requirements should be considered in the public and private sectors to help keep us safe, including vaccine passports and COVID workplace regulations, please RSVP for this event. 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 Thursday, April 15th “New York City: What We Can Do After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccination?” by registering at https://tinyurl.com/post-vaccinenyc.

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