- As of 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 11th, there have been 643,501 confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York City, with 218,008 confirmed cases in Brooklyn. There have been 25,024 confirmed deaths citywide, including 5,044probable deaths.
VACCINATION INFORMATION
- Mayor de Blasio launched the NYC Vaccine for All campaign. For more information, click here.
- To determine if you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine check here. Eligible categories include:
- All outpatient and ambulatory frontline, high-risk health care providers who provide in-person patient care or other staff in a position where they have direct contact with patients of any age. This includes hospital and community-based ambulatory care, primary care, and outpatient behavioral health service providers; phlebotomists; physical and occupational therapists; and specialty clinics, including dialysis centers.
- All frontline, high-risk public health workers who have direct contact with patients
- Health care workers at COVID-19 testing sites
- High-risk hospital and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) staff
- Dentists
- Emergency medical service (EMS) personnel
- Medical examiners and coroners
- Funeral workers who have direct contact with infectious material and bodily fluids
- Staff and residents in congregate living facilities run by the NYS Offices for People With Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, and Addiction Services and Supports
- Urgent care providers
- Staff administering the COVID-19 vaccine
- Staff at dental practices of all types
- Those 60 years of age and older
- Other non-health care essential workers like teachers, taxi drivers, delivery workers, regional food bank paid or unpaid workers, food pantry paid or unpaid workers, permitted home-delivered meal program paid or unpaid workers, and hotel workers who have direct contact with guests
- Beginning Wednesday, March 17th, certain public-facing workers, including government employees, nonprofit workers, and essential building services workers will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Governor Cuomo announced State-run vaccination sites are now open for eligible New Yorkers. Vaccinations are by appointment only. To determine eligibility and schedule an appointment to receive their first dose, New Yorkers can utilize the state’s ‘Am I Eligible‘ app or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829). Appointments to receive the second dose at these sites are scheduled in-person after receiving the first dose. New Yorkers should not attempt to book their second appointment online.
- Governor Cuomo announced pilot program to begin administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at State-run mass vaccination sites.
- Eligible New Yorkers can sign up at nyc.gov/vax4nyc.
- Walgreens vaccine appointments are also viewable on vaccinefinder.nyc.gov
- CAMBA’s Transitional Housing Program has vacancies for HIV+ individuals. There are both congregate and community vacancies at this time. Please note that the congregate vacancies are for female (both cisgender and transwomen) applicants only. The community apartments are available to all single applicants (any gender). In order to meet the criteria, the applicant must meet three criteria (all three must be met):
- HIV+ (with proof of status; lab work or M11Q preferably within six months),
- Low-to-no-income (with proof of income: 2021 Paystubs, 2021 Award Letter, 2021 Budget Letter),
- Unstably housed
- Please contact Michael Maffai, LMSW, (718) 462-8654×30421 or visit www.camba.org
- The Vaccine For All Corps in an effort to employ those looking for work in both clinical and non-clinical roles with our vaccination effort. For more information, click here.
- The City is providing in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible residents who are fully homebound, have not already been vaccinated, and do not already have access to a vaccination program. Please sign-up on the new online interest form, click here.
EDUCATION
- New York City public high schools will begin welcoming blended learning students in grades 9-12, YABCs, District 79, and adult learning programs beginning Monday, March 22nd. Staff serving these students in-person will return beginning Thursday, March 18th.
- Families have the opportunity to formally express interest in enrolling their child in a kindergarten G&T program. Educators from an interested family’s pre-K school or program will then complete a questionnaire to determine if the child is eligible to enter a randomized lottery for a G&T seat. Siblings of students in schools with G&T programs will have priority for admission, consistent with previous policies. If the child is not enrolled in a Pre-K for All program, families will be encouraged to sign up for a seat and if they enroll, their new program will complete the questionnaire based on a short remote interview. If a family does not sign up for pre-K then the DOE’s Early Childhood team will complete the questionnaire based on a short remote interview. Beginning mid-May, all eligible families will receive notification and then enter a randomized lottery. Families will receive offers this summer ahead of the Fall of 2021.
- Learning Bridges offers no-cost preschool and school age childcare options for children from 3-K through eighth grade on days when they are scheduled for remote learning. Click here to learn more.
- “Let’s Learn NYC!,” an educational public television program produced by the WNET Group in partnership with the New York City Department of Education (DOE), features lessons for children in 3K through second grade that will supplement remote learning. More information can be found here.
- Women.NYC, which is powered by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), released a downloadable guide for free and low-cost tech courses in New York City.
HEALTH
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines for mask regulation. New Yorkers are urged to consider the following when selecting a face covering:
- Use a face covering with two or three layers of material to better prevent unfiltered air from passing through. A cloth face covering over a disposable mask, is also recommended. However, people should not use two disposable masks.
- Use face coverings made of tightly woven fabric (fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source). Face coverings should be made of breathable fabric (like cotton), and not of leather, plastic, or other materials that make it hard to breathe.
- Do not use a face covering with an exhalation valve as it allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape.
- Make sure the face covering fits snugly against the sides of the face and fully cover both the nose and mouth, without slipping. Face coverings that fit loosely allow respiratory droplets to enter and leak out. Here are some tips to help ensure a snug fit:
- Wear a cloth face covering over a disposable mask.
- Wear a face covering with a nose wire.
- Wear a face mask fitter or brace.
- Knot the ear loops and fold or tuck extra material.
- For New Yorkers at greater risk, the guidance recommends two masks or even considering higher-grade masks, such as a KN95 mask, which is similar in design and function to N95 masks used by healthcare workers. This includes those who are:
- 65 or older,
- have an underlying medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19,
- people who care for someone who is sick,
- people who are in prolonged close contact with non-household members while indoors (such as people who regularly work in-person with the members of the public).
- N95 respirators should be used in health care settings.
- People should also wear face coverings at home if:
- They live with others who are sick, recently tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19 (unless alone in a separate room). In these instances, face coverings should also be worn around pets.
- If someone who does not live in the household is in the home, face coverings should be worn.
- Governor Cuomo announced open enrollment for New Yorkers seeking health insurance is extended to Saturday, May 15th as the federal marketplace reopens. To apply, click here.
- Governor Cuomo released details on the metrics regarding COVID-19 micro-clusters.
- Red Zone — Micro-Cluster: A “Red Zone” focus area is put in place to contain spread from a specific, defined geographic area.
- Orange Zone — Warning/Buffer: An Orange Zone area either is put in place primarily in densely populated urban areas as a tight buffer zone around a Red Zone micro-cluster (“Orange Buffer Zone”) area OR is implemented independently as a focus area based on the below metrics (“Orange Warning Zone”). The purpose of an Orange Buffer Zone is to 1) restrict activity to prevent further spread from Red Zone area; 2) provide a defined geographic area where metrics can be monitored daily to ensure COVID is not spreading beyond the Red Zone.
- Yellow Zone — Precautionary/Buffer: A “Yellow Zone” area either is put in place as a broader buffer area to ensure COVID outbreak is not spreading into the broader community (“Yellow Buffer Zone”) OR is implemented independently based on the below metrics (“Yellow Precautionary Zone”). The purpose of a Yellow Buffer Zone is to 1) restrict some activity to help prevent further spread from Red and/or Orange Warning Zone area; 2) provide a larger defined geographic area where metrics can be monitored daily to ensure COVID is not spreading beyond the Red Zone or Orange Warning Zone.
- For more details click here.
- The Mayor’s Office released an interactive map of closure zones in parts of Brooklyn and Queens due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. The map allows businesses and residents to look up what zone they’re in and what closures impact them. To view the map, click here.
- Free tele-support group services are available with Lighthouse Guild Family Service Network. For young adults with vision loss, click here. For adults with vision loss, click here. For all questions, call (212) 769-7833.
- COVID-19 testing has been made available to all New Yorkers. COVID-19 testing sites are available in your area with new ones being added on an ongoing basis. To find the one nearest you, visit the state website [New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) website], the City’s website [New York City’s COVID-19 Information Portal], or type “COVID testing near me” in Google Maps.
- Crisis Text Line has support resources and counselors available for free 24/7 for frontline and essential workers. Text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to be connected, or visit www.crisistextline.org.
- An emergency financial relief program is available for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence to provide funding for immediate safety, economic, and housing needs currently exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Helpful resources that are currently available include the agency website, the “NYC HOPE” resource directory, and the Resources for Survivors During COVID-19 page.
- Worried about having to self-isolate in a dangerous home situation? Co-quarantined with an abuser? Please reach out and contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call 1 (800) 799-7233, TTY 1 (800) 787-3224, or chat online at thehotline.org.
- If you need mental health support, the New York Emotional Support Hotline is (844) 863-9314.
- The New York Peace Institute has online resources to mitigate stress with tools such as meditation.
- Use telemedicine services BEFORE going to the doctor’s office, urgent care, or the ER. Call (800) 633-4227 or your doctor for more information if you are on Medicaid. Whether you utilize Medicaid, private insurance, or are a self-payer, options are offered across many specialty areas. Urgent care telemedicine is available with New York-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, or NYU Langone. Mental health telemedicine is available with Columbia Doctors. Diabetes telemedicine help is available with NYC Health + Hospitals. If you know other services, email askeric@brooklynbp.nyc.gov.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- Mayor Bill de Blasio and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Gonzalo Casals announced guidelines for the City’s new Open Culture program. Starting Monday, March 1st, NYC’s arts and cultural institutions and venues can apply for permits to conduct ticketed and socially-distanced performances and events at over 100 street locations throughout all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/openculture.
- Mayor Bill de Blasio and Commissioner Anne del Castillo of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) announced the launch of Curtains Up NYC, a program to provide application assistance to live-performance venues, organizations and workers applying for federal relief. This new program, a partnership between MOME and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), will provide instructional webinars three times per week for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program and application process. Trained counselors will also be available for virtual, one-on-one sessions. Services are FREE and began Wednesday, February 10th. For more info, click here.
- SBS’ “Training for Your Employees,” a new resource that provides business owners and their employees with training in digital literacy, marketing tools, online security, and COVID-19 safety. Businesses can learn more about the program’s eligibility criteria and access the application at NYC.Gov/TrainingEmployees.
- The “Fair Share NYC,” campaign is also offering free resources to help small business owners apply for federal relief funds including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
- With the free “MEND NYC” program to provide mediation to New Yorkers and hospitality businesses across the city who are in disputes over quality-of-life issues. Mayor de Blasio recently expanded eligibility to neighbor disputes and landlord/commercial tenant disputes.
- New York State is offering an additional 20 weeks of unemployment benefits. Visit dol.ny.gov to see if you qualify.
- The SBS has published plain language industry guides as a tool for small businesses to adhere to the latest mandatory guidance and to share best practices. Visit nyc.gov/business for more information on the guides.
- Unemployed New Yorkers can access support at the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA)’s new website, NYSBA.org/legalhelp, which was set up to provide resources for filing an unemployment claim. If needed, NYSBA will match people with a pro bono attorney.
- The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has launched the Bring Back Brooklyn Fund to support small businesses that have been shut out of other COVID-19-related loan programs, with 65 percent earmarked for minority and/or women-owned business enterprises (MWBE). The Bring Back Brooklyn Fund will offer no-interest recovery loans between $500 and $30,000. You can contribute to the effort here.
- The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) launched the NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline to help New York City residents impacted by COVID-19 get answers to their legal questions on issues including unemployment benefits, employee rights, housing, public benefits, consumer debt, advance planning, stimulus payments, and special education issues. Call (929) 356-9582 Monday-Friday 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to leave a message with your name and contact information or visit nylag.org/hotline for more information.
- DCWP’s Office of Financial Empowerment has transitioned all financial counseling and coaching programs to offer services remotely. Book an appointment here.
FOOD PANTRY/FOOD ASSISTANCE
- All students who would have received a free or reduced-price meal at school are now eligible for additional food assistance through Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT). This includes undocumented students, students whose private schools participate in the National School Lunch Program, and students in districts that implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). New York City families will receive an additional $5.70 for every day school has been closed to purchase foods available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- School sites are open for grab-and-go meals from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, outside of main entrances of every school building. The program is now open to anyone who wants food, no questions asked. Go to schools.nyc.gov, or text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877 for lists of where meals are being served. Members of the community can pick up meals from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday at select schools at over 200 locations as the program moves toward an after-school schedule.
- New Yorkers can use their SNAP benefits to order online.
- The City has streamlined the home delivery of meals to seniors and is working to support our food pantries, which are critical partners in these efforts. In the interim, you can find a list of key resources at nyc.gov/GetFood or by calling 311 and saying “Get Food.”
- Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center has partnered with Share Meals, Hunger Free America, BetaNYC, and Plentiful to compile a listing and guide on food resources available to New Yorkers.
GENERAL
- Indoor dining has increased its allotted capacity to 35 percent capacity and restaurants are now allowed to remain open until 11:00 PM.
- Beginning Friday, March 19th, indoor dining allotted capacity will increase to 50 percent for New York City and New Jersey restaurants.
- Domestic travel quarantine will be lifted Thursday, April 1st
- New York State will allow plays, concerts, and other performances to start again Friday, April 2nd for audiences of up to 100 people indoors, or 200 outdoors.
- ConEd is offering eligible small-to-medium businesses in select Brooklyn neighborhoods* incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Schedule a FREE energy assessment today to get personalized expert recommendations just for your business. Schedule your FREE energy assessment with Willdan, the ConEd implementation contractor, at conEd.com/Neighborhood, or call (877) 870-6118.
- Coney Island and other outdoor amusement parks can reopen starting Friday, April 9th. Parks will need to adhere to a set list of reopening requirements, including mandatory facial coverings and social distancing and a 33 percent capacity limit. Indoor arcades and entertainment centers may open sooner, starting in March with 25 percent capacity. Summer camps, both day and overnight, can plan on reopening this summer as well.
- Learn about Navigating the Service System for People with Developmental Disabilities. Workshops are free and open to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), families, caregivers, and professionals. All trainings are being offered online at this time. Registrants will be provided access details before the event. A training is available: Wednesday, March 31st from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (click here).
- Enroll in Notify NYC to receive City alerts and updates via SMS/mobile text. Your mobile provider’s standard rates for sending and receiving text messages still apply. To sign up in your choice of language, click here.
- The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), in partnership with ERI, is offering special collections to help residents looking to dispose of their electronics. For more information, click here.
- Governor Cuomo announced updated COVID-19 quarantine periods in New York. Guidelines can be found here.
- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will only offer services in person by reservation for limited transactions that cannot be done online or by mail or drop box. You can make reservations at dmv.ny.gov/reservation.
- The DMV has once again announced that expiration dates for New York State drivers licenses expired after March 2020 have been extended by Executive Order to at least through March 28, 2021.
- Visit MutualAid.NYC for information on groups and individuals working on mutual aid in their communities, as well as if you need help or can help.
- Free and low-cost childcare options during the COVID-19 crisis are available through Workers Need Childcare, for parents and caregivers in New York City’s essential workforce.
- For veterans and their families, the NYC Veterans Alliance has a list of resources on their website.
HOUSING
- New York State has extended the ban on most COVID-19 related evictions until May.
- For New Yorkers requiring quarantine or isolation, NYC Health + Hospitals is offering free hotel rooms for up to 14 days if there is a need for a place to isolate. Call (844) NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) and press “0”.
- National Grid customers should be aware of a phone scam demanding immediate bill payment and threatening service disconnection. Learn ways to protect yourself and your family here.
- The New York City Bar Association is offering the following legal assistance for New Yorkers facing housing issues:
- CBJC Legal Hotline: The CBJC Legal Hotline is fully staffed remotely by attorneys to assist low-income callers on a range of civil legal issues including COVID-19 related matters touching on relief programs, mortgage and student loan relief, housing law, employment law, visitation, statute of limitations questions and consumer law. Staff includes bilingual attorneys (English and Spanish) and can accept calls in any language through interpreting services. Call 212-626-7383
- Legal Referral Service: The Legal Referral Service remains fully operational, with all attorney referral counselors and participating lawyers working remotely. Due to the pandemic, the Legal Referral Service has waived its initial consultation fee for all legal issues until further notice. Call 212-626-7373 (212-626-7374 en español) or submit a lawyer referral request online.
TRANSPORTATION
- The MTA launched a new interactive beta digital map to allow riders to plan their trips and see real time alerts. To view the map click here.
- There is currently no subway service from 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM to allow for cleaning and disinfecting of trains and stations. The “MTA Overnight” page provides details on the service changes.
For City alerts in English, text COVID to 692-692.
For City alerts in Spanish, text COVIDESP to 692-692.
For City alerts in other languages, click here. Your mobile provider’s standard rates for sending and receiving text messages still apply.
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