NY State
New York City, this past Wednesday, saw its first day without any confirmed deaths from the coronavirus, according to data published by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The statewide total of coronavirus cases is 376,208, as the number of new cases continue to drop, announced Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday. It is the lowest number of deaths and hospitalizations since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Thursday, 42 people in New York passed away due to COVID-19, down from a record-high of 800 just eight weeks ago. The number of total hospitalizations was down Thursday to 2,728 from a record-high of 18,825 during the peak of the pandemic.
- New York averaging 50,000 COVID-19 tests per day.
- New York's Day Camps Can Open June 29th
- New York state expanding COVID-19 testing criteria to include all those who have joined recent protests.
- New York will start to allow drive-in and drive-thru student graduations. Cuomo says they will keep evaluating situation for updates to graduations.
The New York State Legislature passed a bill to provide $100 million of rent relief to tenants whose income was disrupted due to COVID-19. The Department of Housing and Community Renewal program will offer rent vouchers to New Yorkers earning less than 80 percent of the area median income both now and before the pandemic struck in March, with the subsidy being paid directly to the landlord. Click here to learn more about this legislation.
Cuomo said earlier this week that the families of essential workers who died fighting the coronavirus outbreak-- including transit workers, emergency medical workers, police officers, and firefighters-- will receive line-of-duty benefits. The benefits include both the covering of funeral costs and 66 percent of the deceased's salary.
"I want to make sure we repay them — and not just by saying thank you and running nice television commercials," Cuomo said.
On Tuesday, Governor Cuomo rang the bell to open the trading floor on the New York Stock Exchange The trading floor which had been closed since March 23. The floor opened at 25 percent capacity under a new set of rules meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Anyone entering the building must undergo a temperature check, wear a mask, maintain six feet of distance, and not ride public transit.
Applications for New York Forward Loan Fund, a new New York State small business loan program intended to provide aid to businesses that didn't get money from federal COVID-19 relief programs, opened May 26. Thanks to the program, $100 million is available for small businesses and nonprofits with less than 20 full time employees and landlords with less than 200 units who have lost rental income during the coronavirus pandemic, with an emphasis on minority- and women-owned small businesses. Businesses who didn't get the PPP loan or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan may qualify for the state funds.
To apply to the New York Forward Loan Fund, click here.
NYC:
As of June 5, there have been at least 210,728 cases of coronavirus in New York City, according to a New York Times database. As of Friday afternoon, at least 21,262 people had died.
Image: NY Times
Now, after having met five of the seven metrics required to be able to begin a coronavirus "UnPause," New York City is on tap to begin a phased re-opening on Monday, June 8, announced Cuomo.
"COVID-19 is still a real threat and we're still battling it. I know it's not on the front pages today, but it is still in people and in society... But thanks to the people of New York and the nurses, doctors and essential workers, today we have the lowest number of hospitalizations ever and we have the lowest death toll ever," said Cuomo. "We are continuously evaluating activities that can be safely reopened, and today we are adding outdoor seating at restaurants to phase two."
The New York City Council introduced a bill in late May that requires the Department of Transportation identify pedestrian plazas and space that restaurants can use for outdoor dining. The bill would create a temporary, fast and simple permitting process that would cut through red tape and allow establishments to "get back to business," said speaker Corey Johnson.
Mayor's Updates
The Mayor announces universal COVID-19 testing for New Yorkers:
But as the city experiences a increasing drop in cases and protests continue around police brutality the killing of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25, much of the mayor's updates have shifted to address the later:
On Monday, June 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov, Cuomo announced citywide curfews that begin at 8:00pm and continue until 5:00am. The two also announced that the New York City Police Department will double its police presence in areas where violence and property damage have occurred most heavily, specifically in lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. ?
"I support and protect peaceful protest in this city. The demonstrations we've seen have been generally peaceful. We can't let violence undermine the message of this moment. It is too important and the message must be heard. Tonight, to protect against violence and property damage, the Governor and I have decided to implement a citywide curfew," said Mayor de Blasio. "The Police Commissioner and I have spoken at length about the incidents we've all seen in recent days where officers didn't uphold the values of this city or the NYPD. We agree on the need for swift action. He will speak later today on how officers will be held accountable."
The mayor also added he is worried about the protest creating another spike in coronavirus cases: I'm very worried also that protest is leading to the potential of the spread of the coronavirus. That is not a minor matter at this point," the mayor said. "One day, two days — that's one thing. As it's continued, that danger is increasing. I'm asking everyone to think about that personally, about yourself, your family, the people in your life, your elders in your family, continuing to be out interacting."
Watch the mayor's full 5/1 update, where updates on the Black Live Matters protest of police brutality have now joined press updates on COVID-19:
Stay Informed: Notify NYC
Over 800,000 New Yorkers have signed up for the City's COVID text notification system, "Notify NYC," to get regular updates on the latest developments with coronavirus in New York City text COVID to 692-692. New Yorkers can text COVIDESP to 692-692 for updates in Spanish. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments. If you have any questions on finding medical care call 311.
Texts this week ending 6/05/20:
- Vote safely during COVID-19 by voting from home. Request your mail-in ballot for the primary election: vote.nyc or call 1-866-868-3692
- New Yorkers with symptoms or questions about COVID-19 can call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to connect to a medical provider free of charge 9 am - 9 pm.
- This is a challenging time for all New Yorkers. If you need help coping, contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline: nyc.gov/nycwell
Go here to read the NYC Department of Health Coronavirus fact sheet.
Outlook in Brooklyn
As of Thursday, June 4, there were 55,889 confirmed cases in Brooklyn and an 1,634 additional probable deaths.
TESTING!
The City of New York is expanding testing for COVID-19 rapidly throughout the five boroughs. Testing is free, but at most sites, an appointment is required. Register online or by phone. Here are the sites in Brooklyn so far:
NYC Health + Hospitals (Sheepshead Bay)
2601 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11235
718-616-3000
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
No appointment necessary.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Cumberland (Fort Greene)
100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
718-388-5889
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM
No appointment necessary.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, (East New York)
2094 Pitkin Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11207
718-388-5889
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
No appointment necessary.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Ida G. Israel Community Health Center (Coney Island)
2925 W 19th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
No appointment necessary.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Jonathan Williams Houses (Williamsburg)
333 Roebling Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
No appointment necessary.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County (Flatbush)
451 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11203
718-245-3131
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
No appointment necessary.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull (Bed-Stuy/Bushwick)
760 Broadway
Brooklyn, New York 11206
718-963-8000
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
No appointment necessary.
One Medical, Brooklyn (Crown Heights)
Medgar Ever College
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
By appointment only.
(888) 663-6331
Register online: use code NYCCARE30
Brooklyn Borough President Covid-19: A Rundown and Review
The office of the Brooklyn Borough president has created a helpful guide that includes information on cash aid, unemployment assistance, student loan relief, small business loans, and additional stimulus measures.
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- Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza announced that New York City public schools are remote learning and are closed until September 2020. The DOE will provide computers and internet access to every student who needs it. Call (718) 935-5100 (press 5). Parents and guardians of students with disabilities can send questions to specialeducation@schools.
nyc.gov . As per Mayor de Blasio, non-public school New York City students with disabilities are eligible for free iPads. - "Let's Learn NYC!", the new 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.
- NYN Media has a series of upcoming free webinars for those in the non-profit community.
- Generation Citizen has provided free online resources to stay educated during the pandemic.
- Mayor de Blasio and School Chancellor Carranza announced a summer learning plan in which schools will begin to notify families in June if their student(s) need or are recommended to participate.
HEALTH- As per Mayor de Blasio, COVID-19 testing will be 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.
- You can also sign up for a COVID-19 antibody survey appointment. Visit nyc.bioreference.com/
antibodysurveyor or call 1 (888) 279-0967. - 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.
- New York City is now offering free, on-site diagnostic coronavirus tests to all 169 nursing homes across the five boroughs.
- The NYC Department of Health (NYCDOHMH) has provided a website with data on COVID-19, updated on an ongoing basis.
- Mayor de Blasio announced an emergency financial relief program 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.
- The City has announced that anyone with a fever, cough, shortness of breath, and symptoms such as loss of smell and taste can get tested for COVID-19. Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient is also eligible for testing. Workers in nursing homes, homeless shelters, and adult care facilities are eligible as well, regardless of whether they have symptoms. The City is opening a dozen new testing sites, in addition to their existing publicly run sites.
- If you need mental health support, the New York Emotional Support Hotline is (844) 863-9314.
- There are church sites available for COVID-19 testing; the list can be found here. To schedule an appointment, call the New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline at 1 (888) 364-3065.
- The New York Peace Institute has online resources to mitigate stress with tools such as meditation.
- As per Governor Cuomo, hospitals will be prioritizing COVID-19 testing for children showing symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
- If you are feeling sick, please wait three to four days before contacting a doctor. Use telemedicine services BEFORE going to the doctor's office, urgent care, or the ER. Thanks to our advocacy and Governor Cuomo's leadership, co-pays for telemedicine consultations have been eliminated due to COVID-19. 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 . - The City has created a new, online portal that will allow New Yorkers to self-report COVID-19 data, helping the City to communicate with affected members of the public and assist in the identification of areas that may require an enhanced response. By going online or calling 311, New Yorkers can quickly input information about themselves and legal guardians can add information for children or adults in their care. New Yorkers can update their status at any time through the portal or by calling 311. The portal is available in 11 languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. It is not intended as a mechanism for providing medical advice or treatment and should not be relied upon as a method to obtain medical care or emergency service. Personal information will be stored securely and only accessible to City employees protecting public health. It will not be accessible by ICE or used for law enforcement or any other purpose.
- New York Road Runners has released an online portal to keep you "Active at Home." Additionally, their new online resource, NYRR Striders at Home, offers exercises and activities for our senior community.
- New York City Health and Hospitals (H+H) will hire 1,000 an additional people with an immediate start date. Contact tracers should have public health backgrounds and an understanding of racism and its impact on underrepresented communities. Details on the scope of work, job requirements, salary, benefits, and how to apply are available here.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT- The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced the launch of the Home Health Aide (HHA) Program to support the City's long-term care sector during the COVID-19 crisis. Interested candidates should visit nyc.gov/healthcaretraining for more information.
- The New York Forward Loan Fund is open for pre-application, making $100 million available to small businesses, with a focus on MWBEs and those with 20 or fewer employees that didn't receive Federal PPP loans. Small businesses and non-profits that are in industries and regions that have not yet reopened can begin preparing a pre-application here.
- 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.
- Tax Day has been pushed back to Wednesday, July 15th. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is now providing virtual and assisted self-prep free tax prep services. New Yorkers who earned $64,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for Virtual Free Tax Preparation with a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) certified preparer. New Yorkers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for free Assisted Self-Preparation; filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection. Services are currently offered in English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Russian, and Arabic, with others to come.
- 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 this week, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 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.
- 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- Governor Cuomo announced the city is on track to opening on Monday, June 8th.
- New York City COVID-19 Response Maps are available online.
- As part of the NYC Open Streets, you can see which streets are open street locations here.
- Governor Cuomo announced that religious services with 10 or fewer people will be permitted in New York State.
- You can do your part to secure respect, money, and resources by filling out the 2020 Census. Please fill out the Census online and #MakeBrooklynCount.
- 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.
- The New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare announced the launch of the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline. Pet Hotline operators can be reached directly at (877) 204-8821, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
- As per Governor Cuomo, all registered voters may apply for an Absentee Ballot to vote in the upcoming June 23rd elections.
- All publicly permitted events that were scheduled in the month of May and June have been cancelled.
- Per Mayor de Blasio, the New York Police Department (NYPD) will focus its social distancing enforcement on large gatherings moving forward. Civilian ambassadors, houses of worship, and community groups will help educate people and hand out face coverings; this follows guidance shared from Borough President Adams.
- If you or your house of worship would like to sign up to participate in our rolling 24-hour prayer initiative, go to brooklyn-usa.org/24hrs-of-
prayer to share and commit to the day you are planning to hold your vigil. - 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.
- 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.
- For veterans and their families, the NYC Veterans Alliance has a list of resources on their website.
- While all Brooklyn Public Library branches are closed until further notice, services and programming are still available online at their website.
- If you see price gouging, report it to 1 (800) 697-1220, fill out the complaint form on the New York State Attorney General's website, or email askeric@brooklynbp.nyc.
gov .
HOUSING- The Rent Guidelines Board has resources regarding its upcoming meetings, hearings, and testimony registration online here.
- A statewide eviction moratorium is currently in effect, including residential and commercial properties as well as foreclosures, according to the Office of Court Administration. The eviction moratorium has been extended to Thursday, August 20th, and Governor Cuomo has also announced the State is banning late payments or fees for missed rent payments during the eviction moratorium, as well as allowing renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 to use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.
- Utilities have been ordered to not shut off service for gas, water, or electricity.
- Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza announced that New York City public schools are remote learning and are closed until September 2020. The DOE will provide computers and internet access to every student who needs it. Call (718) 935-5100 (press 5). Parents and guardians of students with disabilities can send questions to specialeducation@schools.
If you see price gouging, report it to 1 (800) 697-1220, fill out the complaint form on the New York State Attorney General's website, or email askeric@brooklynbp.nyc.gov.
*Thank you to the office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams for content to this list. For more updates and resources, you can visit the BP's coronavirus online update here.
