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Dear Friends:
The pain that so many New Yorkers are experiencing right now is impossible to put into words. COVID-19 has taken the lives of thousands of our neighbors, our family members, our friends and coworkers.
Our grief is compounded by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. This will test us like we've never been tested before.
Despite these enormous challenges, I know we will prevail. Kindness, compassion and our love for each other will guide us through this crisis. We will be there for each other, as we always have.
Below is a list of resources compiled by my office for individuals, small businesses, nonprofits and others. Please send us any additional resources that you think we should include in a future newsletter.
As always, we are here to help. Our incredible staff is working remotely but can be reached by emailing speakerjohnson@council.nyc.gov.
You can also reach out to your local Council Member. You can find contact information for that individual by entering your mailing address on the Council's website here: https://council.nyc.gov/districts/.
Be well and stay safe. In service,
Corey Johnson
Speaker
New York City Council
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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Updated Guidance on Face Coverings in Public
Staying home means saving lives. To protect our City and frontline workers, New Yorkers are advised to stay home unless they are an essential worker or seeking urgent medical care.
New guidance was released recommending New Yorkers wear face coverings whenever leaving their home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The face covering, such as a scarf or bandana, should cover your nose and mouth. Please do not wear surgical masks or N-95 respirators, as those should be preserved for healthcare professionals. For a complete FAQ on face coverings, click here. Further guidance from the CDC can be found here.
Social distancing rules and NYS’ PAUSE order remain in effect. Please note that the Governor has extended PAUSE order through April 29th. All non-essential workers should continue to work from home until at least April 29th.
COVID-19 Engagement Portal
If you are exhibiting symptoms, have tested positive, or have come into contact with someone who may have COVID-19, or are currently under quarantine, you can now update the City of New York on your status here. The site is available in 12 languages and all submissions are confidential. Information collected will help keep the public informed about the impact of COVID19.
DoITT
The City of New York launched a dedicated portal for New Yorkers to visit to give and receive help related to COVID-19 called the Help Now Portal.
Stay Informed
Text COVID to 692-692 to get regular updates on the latest developments with coronavirus in New York City. For updates in Spanish, text COVIDESP to 692-692. If New Yorkers have any questions on finding medical care, they can call 311.Please do not call 911 unless you are experiencing a true emergency.
Report Discrimination
If you are being harassed or witness an incident due to race, nation of origin or other identities, call 311 or file a complaint online.
Report Price Gouging
Price gouging is illegal for any item or service needed to limit the spread of COVID-19. If you believe a store increased the price of specific items, file a complaint online or call 311 and say “Overcharge.” Click here for more information on this emergency rule.
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Nursing Homes
Following reports of struggles facing nursing home residents and staff during COVID-19, Speaker Johnson, Council Members Margaret Chin, Carlina Rivera and Mark Levine called on the state to improve conditions in nursing homes.
These recommendations include requiring prompt notification to the families of residents if a resident or staff worker within the facility has tested positive for COVID-19; designating home health aides (HHAs) as essential health care workers and adding them to their list of approved visitors allowed in facilities; facilitating daily video chats for patients and their families, if requested, and letting residents and families know of the availability of these daily chats; and providing in-person evaluations and monitoring of nursing homes to ensure that people are receiving appropriate care during this crisis. Read the full call to action here.
Department for the Aging
The Department for the Aging (DFTA) congregate meals clients will receive direct delivery, which includes a five-meal package delivered to each older adult every week. Grab-and-Go meals are no longer offered at senior centers to protect everyone in our community.
- If you were previously connected to a DFTA facility, you are eligible to receive meals through their direct meal delivery program. If you are not receiving meals, please contact your local senior center. You can also call DFTA's Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or call 311.
- If you were not previously connected to a DFTA facility, please call 311 and they will put you in contact with NYC’s food assistance program.
Pharmacy Free Home Delivery
Pharmacies will now offer free home delivery to New Yorkers. After speaking with the state's major pharmacy chains, pharmacies have agreed to offer free home delivery to help reduce long lines for prescriptions at their facilities.
NY Connects
NY Connects is continuing to provide services to elderly New Yorkers during COVID-19. Staff connect individuals with free information to programs and services that encourage independent living at home, at nursing homes, or in other residential settings. Below is an overview of who NY Connects serves:
- Older adults
- Younger adults living with a long term disability
- Caregivers of older adults and parents of children with a disability, and
- Professional service providers working with someone in need of long term services and supports
If you would like more information about long-term services and support in New York City, contact your local borough office, or click here.
- The Bronx: Neighborhood SHOPP
- Brooklyn: JASA
- Manhattan: New York Foundation for Senior Citizens
- Queens: Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.
- Staten Island: Community Agency for Senior Citizens
Service Program for Older People
Service Program for Older People (SPOP) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of older adults. They are providing behavioral health care for older adults via approved tele-health connection during the COVID-19 outbreak including psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services for adults age 55 and older, rehabilitation support for adults with serious mental illness (age 55 and older) and peer-led bereavement support groups for adults of all ages for a modest fee. For more information, call 212-787-7120 x514 or visit www.spop.org.
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Source: https://access.nyc.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, many HRA locations are closing until further notice. The City is asking New Yorkers to do everything they can through ACCESS HRA website, through the ACCESS HRA mobile app, or over the phone. Find more information on HRA benefits and COVID-19 here.
HRA Benefits Recertification
The State has granted HRA’s re-certification waiver request. As a result, clients who need to recertify for SNAP/Food Stamps or Cash Assistance do not need to do so during this pandemic. Clients will receive a letter in the mail when it is time for them to recertify.
Apply for SNAP (formerly known as "food stamps")
Click here to apply for SNAP benefits online, or download the ACCESS HRA mobile app.
Apply for Cash Assistance
Click here to submit an application for Cash Assistance online or through the ACCESS HRA mobile app.
Rental Assistance
The Department of Social Services (DSS), which includes both the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and the Human Resources Administration (HRA), can help you connect to rental assistance programs like CityFHEPS, and many other programs available through the State and Federal Government. Click here to learn more or to request rental assistance.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you experience a loss of income, this federally funded program can help with your utility bills. Click here for more information.
Fair Fares NYC
The Fair Fares NYC program allows eligible New York City residents to receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Click here for more information and to apply.
Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV)
Below, please find a list of the services NYC Family Justice Centers (FJCs) are offering, as well as the phone numbers for the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline and the FJC borough offices. FJCs can also provide information on virtual court proceedings. Call times are Mondays - Fridays, 9 AM to 5 PM, on the following FJC phone lines:
- Brooklyn: 1-718-250-5113
- Bronx: 1-718-508-1220
- Manhattan: 1-212-602-2800
- Queens: 1-718-575-4545
- Staten Island: 1-718-697-4300
After hours and on weekends, call the City's 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673).
Survivors can also access additional resources at nyc.gov/NYCHOPE or by calling NYC WELL (1-888-692-9355). If you are experiencing physical violence, call 911.
Domestic violence shelters are still open and operating. For more information, call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673).
Veterans
NYC Veterans offers up-up-to date information on a range of topics relating to veterans with information from Federal, State, and City agencies. Updates can be found on topics ranging from VA hospitals and health services, to student veterans, and GI Bill benefits.
DCA Free Tax Prep
Due to the COVID19 crisis, all NYC free tax prep providers have suspended their services. The city is urging filers to file online through IRS Free File. As of March 20, 2020, the personal income tax filing deadline of April 15, 2020 has been postponed to July 15, 2020.
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Free Meals for All!
The free meal service at public schools has expanded service to all children and adults at the 400+ Meal Hubs across the city, and no one will be turned away. The new pickup times are as follows: 7:30 AM-11:30 AM for families, and 11:30 AM-1:30 PM for adults. You can find your school by texting "FOOD", or "COMIDA" to 877-877.
Food Delivery Program
There are food pantries providing groceries and community kitchens providing meals to go throughout the five boroughs. Find food pantries and community kitchens near you by using the FoodHelp NYC map here. If you are able to volunteer, check with a pantry or kitchen near you as they may be needing extra help to serve their communities.
The GetFoodNYC program is available to you if you:
- Are unable to go out and get food for yourself, AND
- Do not have someone else in your household who can get food for you, AND
- Do not have a family member, friend, or neighbor who lives nearby who can get food for you, AND
- Do not receive food from Meals on Wheels, God’s Love We Deliver or a similar service, AND
- Are not able to afford food delivery from a restaurant or grocery store.
Sign up for GetFoodNYC here or call 311.
Seniors, please refer to the section “For Seniors and At-Risk Neighbors” for more information regarding DFTA’s food programs.
Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center
The Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center is creating Coronavirus NYC Food Resource Guides for each neighborhood. Each guide includes information on food access for students and seniors, delivery services for people with disabilities, and resources for immigrants. Guides will be regularly published and updated. Click here to find food resources in your community.
Become a GetFoodNYC Delivery Driver
TLC-licensed drivers are eligible to make deliveries for the GetFoodNYC program throughout the five boroughs. Click here to learn more about how you can be a GetFoodNYC delivery driver.
Shop Groceries Online with SNAP
You can purchase fresh produce and groceries online at participating stores (Amazon, Shoprite, Walmart) using your SNAP benefits card. Click here to learn more.
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NYC Well
Through NYC Well, our city offers free, confidential mental health support. It is available 24/7 to provide a range of mental health and substance misuse support and can be reached by calling 1-888-NYC-Well (692-9355), texting “Well” to 65173, or on the web at nyc.gov/nycwell. Interpretation services are offered for 200+ languages. NYC Well services are provided through ThriveNYC.
New York State Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Line
The state’s emotional support line is staffed by volunteers who can provide free and confidential counseling. The Emotional Support Line can be reached at 1-844-863-9314. Additionally, more information can be found at their website.
Mental Health Care for Frontline COVID-19 Workers
The NYC COVID Worker Care Network is a self-organizing mutual aid network of more than 2000 mental health workers, spiritual care providers, circle-keepers, and community builders supporting frontline COVID workers during this evolving crisis. Any person working to support the fight against COVID-19 in New York is eligible to receive support - sign-up through their website by clicking here. Follow the Network at https://www.facebook.com/NYCCOVIDCare/ for updates, and reach out to info@nyccovidcare.org with any questions. If you are an employee of an H+H facility, talk to your administrator about mental health resources offered at H+H.
Headspace
In partnership with New York State, Headspace is offering a collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises to support New Yorkers through these stressful and challenging times.
Mental Health Resources for Elderly New Yorkers
NYC is connecting those who are feeling isolated with friendly volunteers to talk with over the phone. Call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) and ask about the Friendly Visiting Program.
Global Healthy Living Foundation
This global coronavirus pandemic is causing a lot of anxiety, fear, confusion, and daily life disruption to everyone, but especially for people with chronic illnesses who are at high-risk. The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) has been working with chronically ill patients for over 20 years.
All of the information has been compiled from patients, physicians, and health care practitioners, and is available in GHLF’s free COVID-19 Patient Support Program. This program helps address unique needs of those living with chronic disease (and their families) during this global pandemic.
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DOE Spring Break Announcement
Per DOE Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, schools will continue remote learning between April 9 and April 17 originally scheduled for Spring Recess. Students and faculty observing religious holidays between April 9 and 10 may do so, however, they will not be considered “days off” for the school system and remote learning activities will continue.
Remote Learning
Remote learning resources will be provided to schools focusing on daily themes and enrichment activities for all students. Resources will include “theme” days (i.e., wellness, world language, computer science, college and career readiness) and taking advantage virtually of the unparalleled educational and cultural resources right here in the city (e.g., museums, libraries, and cultural institutions).
Request a Remote Learning Device
The DOE is distributing 300,000 internet-ready iPads to students in need of electronic devices to support remote learning. Families can request a device by completing this form. For information on how to set up your iPad, see this guide to get you started.
During the upcoming week, the DOE will be delivering iPads to high school students, with a focus on multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students who live in public housing. If you have requested an iPad but your student does not fall within the above group, you will be eligible to receive an iPad after these deliveries have been made.
Activity Packets (Hard Copy)
The DOE will begin mailing activity packets to families with children in grades Pre-K-5 who submitted the online request for an iPad. Packets will include 10-days worth of lessons in different subjects. Families should expect to receive the packets via mail in April. Parents can access material for all grades, for students who need Specialized Instruction, and for multilingual learning students on the DOE website under Activities for Students.
Special Education
Families of students with IEPs should have received a Special Education Remote Learning Plan. IEP meetings will be conducted over the phone, and parents can make a referral by emailing the principal or specialeducation@schools.nyc.gov, or by calling 311. Services will be provided via teletherapy, or video-conferencing where clinically appropriate.
Regional Enrichment Centers (RECs)
A majority of RECs, which currently serve the children of first responders, health care providers and other essential employees across NYC, will remain open between April 9 and April 17. The DOE will communicate with families who may need to be temporarily reassigned during this time. Click here to learn more about Regional Enrichment Centers, including eligibility and enrollment.
NYS Regents Exams Cancelled
Effective, April 6, The NYS Board of Regents has cancelled regents examinations for NYC high school students. Click here more information from the NYS Education Department.
CUNY
CUNY students are strongly encouraged to visit their respective college campus website for updates on classes, services, and other information related to the current health crisis. For university wide guidance, please visit CUNY’s central website.
Free Online Tutoring for Students
The New York Public Library is offering students one-on-one free online homework help from tutors, daily from 2–11 PM. Tutors are available in English and Spanish, from early elementary through high school grades, in core subject areas. Video content and other resources are also available 24 hours a day. Families will need a New York Library card to access this service, and can apply for a card here.
The New York Times Company Free Access
The New York Times Company and Verizon are partnering to provide free access to New York Times to Title I schools nationwide. To learn more, please click here.
Additional Educational Resources For Parents
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Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants
The Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) has resources available to assist tenants who are currently facing hardship. Click here to review tenants’ rights under COVID-19. If you have questions, you can contact the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants by filling out the Contact Us form. This page will be continually updated.
Information for NYCHA Tenants
'The NYCHA Journal' includes information about NYCHA’s response to COVID-19, including steps NYCHA has taken to help alleviate financial hardships that tenants may face during this emergency. NYCHA’s rent hardship program can be found online. Click here for more information.
Right to Counsel NYC Coalition
The Right to Counsel NYC Coalition has created a Moratorium FAQ in multiple languages regarding the moratorium on evictions in NYS.
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Department of Labor Must Create System to Meet Increased Unemployment Insurance Demand
We're deeply concerned that unemployed New Yorkers can't access benefits right now. We know this is a time of unprecedented demand, but the NYS Department of Labor must do more to handle the influx of claims. Here's the City Council Speaker's letter outlining ways to improve the system.
Here’s how to file a claim for Unemployment Insurance.
NY State of Health Open Enrollment Period
If you are a NY resident without healthcare coverage, Governor Cuomo has extended open enrollment in the state health exchange through May 15. To apply for coverage through visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov/individual or call 855-355-5777.
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Help Now NYC Website
Due to the continued impact of COVID-19 on New York City's workforce, the City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The list will be updated frequently. For more information on the City's response to COVID-19, please visit NYC.gov/coronavirus or call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).
Information about Paid Family Leave
New York State has set up a Paid Family Leave program for those who are under mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to a stay at home issue from the State, State Department of Health, or the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For more information and to see if you apply, please click here.
The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation
This advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers has compiled information and links to resources that will help restaurants and workers deal most effectively with the COVID-19 Emergency.
COVID-19 and Freelance Artists
An aggregated list of resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.
NYC Hospitality Alliance
The NYC Hospitality Alliance has compiled a list of resources for restaurants and nightlife establishments impacted by COVID-19.
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New Yorkers with Disabilities
For services, please contact the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities:
- Voice Phone: 212-788-2830
- Video Phone: 646-396-5830
Access-A-Ride Paratransit
Per the MTA’s “Essential Service Plan”, there are no shared paratransit rides in accordance with public health guidelines. You may still travel with a personal care attendant or guest. Stay home if your travel is not absolutely necessary. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying flu-like symptoms, do not use Paratransit service. Click here for more information.
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COVID-19 is a public health crisis. It is not an excuse to target, harass, or harm New Yorkers of Asian ancestry. Incidents of anti-Asian and anti-immigrant discrimination and hate crimes can be reported to 311 or the New York State Hate Crimes Task Force hotline at 1-888-392-3644.
NYC will provide medical care no matter what your immigration status is and whether you can pay for it or not. If you need help finding a doctor or getting medical care, call 311.
- Seeking or using healthcare services related to COVID-19 will NOT impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. The Public Charge rule does NOT consider use of COVID-19 related health care services, even if the services are Medicaid-funded.
- New Yorkers who have concerns or questions about public benefits and immigration can call the ActionNYC hotline at 1-800-354-0365, or 311 and say ‘ActionNYC,’ Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for free, safe immigration legal help.
Resources for Immigrant Communities during COVID-19 Pandemic
The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs has details on city services available to community members no matter what your immigration status is and regardless of your ability to pay (although other eligibility requirements may apply) that you can find here.
Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC: COVID-19 Resources & Important Information
Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC has compiled a resource guide with important COVID-19 resources. Click here to view the resource guide, which includes information on a variety of issues, including immigration cases, New York State courts, housing, healthcare, education, food access, workers/businesses, emergency funds, anti-discrimination and human rights, mental health, seniors, transportation, etc.
Immigration Enforcement (ICE) Resources through Immigrant Defense Project
If you or a loved one believe you have been a victim of an ICE raid or enforcement activity, you can call 212-725-6422 to report the incident. Know-Your-Rights flyers in 15 languages are available here.
New York Immigrant Coalition
The New York Immigrant Coalition has compiled useful information for immigrants who are concerned about COVID-19 and how it might impact their immigration case.
Make the Road NY
For updates on worker’s rights during COVID-19, Make the Road NY has a FAQ & Resources Guide.
NYSYLC Resource List
The New York State Youth Leadership Council is offering a comprehensive list of resources in NYC around COVID-19 support efforts, including information regarding funds, housing, mutual aid support, mental health, and more.
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Below are service changes and updates from the New York City Department of Finance:
- The deadline to file a property Request for Review for reviewing a property's market value has been extended to May 1, 2020 for Class 2 and Class 4 properties. Visit the Challenge Your Assessment page for more information.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s 2020 tax lien sale, originally scheduled to be held on May 15, has been postponed. Read more on the Lien Sale page.
- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Finance has extended the deadline for Real Property Income and Expense (RPIE) statements and storefront registry filings from June 1, 2020, to July 1, 2020.
- The New York City Department of Finance offers programs to help property owners with hardships pay for property taxes. Please click here for more information.
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Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. Click here to find the borrower application.
New York City Resources for Small Businesses
SBS is offering assistance and guidance to businesses who are experiencing hardship due to revenue loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please find information regarding NYC Small Business Continuity Loan Fund and other services here.
If you have additional questions you should contact an SBS center which can be found by clicking here.
Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Fund
The Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, an affiliate of Asian Americans for Equality is accepting inquiries for an Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Fund to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. If you are interested in a loan, please fill out this interest form. Applications are due before August 31 and can be found here: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish.
State and Federal Resources for Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration confirmed on 4/1 that businesses who have already applied for its Economic Injury Disaster Loans MUST REAPPLY using their revamped website: covid19relief.sba.gov/#/.
Businesses suffering from economic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a loan from the Small Business Administration here. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
For more information from NYS on how to apply for SBA loans, please click here.
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NYC Nonprofits
The City of New York partners with thousands of nonprofit organizations every year to deliver programs and services to communities throughout the five boroughs. Click here for information and resources on their website.
NYC Nonprofits’ ‘Business Continuity during COVID-19’ section offers guidance and answers to questions about nonprofit operations, business continuity and programming.
Continuity of Services for DYCD-Funded Programs and Services During COVID-19
- All DYCD-funded programs based in NYC DOE schools, including Beacon, are closed until schools reopen.
- More than 60 Cornerstone and COMPASS Center-based programs are modified or open, providing food distribution through partnerships with DOE Grab and Go Meals, Food Bank, FreshDirect, and the existing food being delivered to centers. Open centers are also an information resource for their communities. All DYCD-funded after school programs are encouraged to facilitate virtual check-in and/or remote learning.
- DYCD-funded Runaway and Homeless Youth programs are providing basic services to young people.
Click here for more information and resources on DYCD-funded programs and services such as RHY, COMPASS and Beacon.
The New York Council of Nonprofits
The New York Council of Nonprofits has gathered local and national resources that nonprofits may find helpful in light of the COVID-19 crisis. They provide important links to resources, guides, and policy updates to services and knowledge that you might find helpful.
The National Council of Nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits works with and through the nation’s largest network of nonprofits—with 25,000-plus organizational members. Click here to visit their dedicated COVID-19 webpage, with the latest information and resources that nonprofits can use to prepare and respond.
The New York Community Trust
The NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund, created by the New York Community Trust, was created to aid nonprofit service providers struggling with the health and economic effects of COVID-19. Grants and loans will be provided to NYC-based nonprofits that are trying to meet the new and urgent needs that are hitting the city. Priority will be given to nonprofits addressing essential healthcare and food insecurity as well as arts and culture. Click here for more information.
The Robin Hood Relief Fund
The Robin Hood Relief Fund is supporting frontline nonprofit organizations responding to COVID-19 in New York City. Robin Hood anticipates making grants to nonprofits that are well-positioned to serve low-income communities. The initial grants, expected to last three months in duration, will average $45,000. One hundred percent of donations will provide emergency support through food, housing, job security and more. Click here for more information.
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MTA Continues Implementing “Essential Service Plan”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and move healthcare workers, first responders and essential personnel on the frontlines of this public health crisis under the “NY Essential Service Plan.” If you’re not traveling for work to an essential business, or for urgent personal business such as a medical appointment, do not use the subway or take the bus.
The MTA is running as much service as possible with the crews who are healthy and available to work, however, service on many lines are limited. Click here to check current service status before your trip.
New Yorkers should call 311 to report overcrowded subway lines and subway cars.
Click here for additional information from the MTA including service details, customer service facilities and other resources.
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Department of Parks and Recreation Update
All playgrounds in New York City remain closed. As of April 6, NYC Parks will be closing dog parks and dog runs to the public until further notice. NYC Parks will begin closure of all tennis, handball and basketball courts located outside of playgrounds (which were previously closed to the public) until further notice. As of April 7, NYC Parks will close skate parks, volleyball courts, bocce courts.
Soccer fields, along with adult fitness and exercise equipment areas will be carefully monitored and continue to remain open. Local parks and open spaces will remain open. NYC Parks will be working with multiple City agencies, including NYPD, OSE, the Sheriff’s Office, DEP, DSNY, DOB and FDNY as part of a citywide enforcement effort to ensure social distancing protocols are followed.
To see the latest service changes from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation click here.
Click here to enjoy NYC’s parks from home through live video tours, meditation, fitness classes, activities for kids, and more!
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New Yorkers should take steps to be prepared for all types of emergencies, including COVID-19. NYC’s Office of Emergency Management has produced links and videos on how to make a plan, gather supplies, and stay informed.
Additionally, COVID-19 preparedness videos are available in English/ASL, Spanish and Chinese.
For English/ASL, click here.
For Spanish, click here.
For Chinese, click here.
Animals and COVID-19
Take time now to make plans and prepare your pets in case you can no longer take care of your pets or have to go to the hospital due to COVID-19. For a downloadable guide you can complete to help with emergency planning for pets, see NYC Emergency Management’s Pets and Service Animals page.
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A complete list of all City agency service updates, including the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and more can be found here.
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 Tax Relief. Click here for more information regarding the economic impact payment.
When will you get your federal stimulus check? Here’s a breakdown of when Americans can expect their federal stimulus payment.
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Let’s #GetCountedNYC! Take a few minutes and fill out your census form here. A complete count is vital for the future of our city. Millions of federal dollars are at stake. If we are undercounted, we will be underfunded. Click here for more information.
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NYS is still looking for qualified retired health professionals and related professionals to assist in the fight against COVID-19. To sign up, click here. Over 85,000 health professionals, including 22,000 out-of-state individuals, have signed up to volunteer as part of the state's surge healthcare force.
Donate PPE
New York City is collecting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns and masks. If you are able to donate, please click here.
Blood Drives
The Red Cross is still holding blood drives throughout the city. You can find more information here.
Support Frontline Healthcare Workers with a Donation
Health + Hospitals is seeking monetary donations to help health care workers pay for food, hotels, and tax rides. If you would like to donate, click here.
Join the Fight Against COVID-19 - Convalescent Plasma Donation
If you tested positive for COVID-19 and have been symptom free for 14 days, you can donate convalescent plasma which has antibodies against the virus. Please note, the New York Blood Center is no longer accepting walk-in customers; instead, you must make an appointment. Use their website's location-search-and-scheduling tool here.
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Education
Lincoln Center at Home: Schools may be closed but Lincoln Center Pop-Up Classroom is open. Tune in to @LincolnCenterNYC on Facebook Live every weekday at 10:00 a.m. ET for your daily dose of creativity. Each creative learning activity utilizes simple materials found at home to help families with children explore a variety of art forms. Lincoln Center is also offering #ConcertsforKids, teaming up with artists who will bring performances and diverse musical perspectives straight from their homes to yours, and archival classical, jazz, world music and dance performances suitable for adults.
Virtual Exhibits
Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Met turns 150 years old this year! Browse the museum’s online collections, featuring more than 5,000 years of art from around the globe. #MetKids offers a treasure trove of video – including “how to” art project instructions using simple materials – plus interactive tours of the museum and art history lessons.
Dance
Dance Theatre of Harlem: Celebrating 50 years of #BalletWithPurpose #DTH50. Via Instagram, change up your at-home workouts by joining DTH for stretches - you can also find performances on their channel.
Theater
The Public Theatre has converted their website to highlight access to digital content and provide resources to artists and the general public in wake of COVID-19. There is exciting new content including The Public’s ‘2019 Shakespeare in the Park’ production of MUCH ADO & The Gabriels for free via WNET. For more information, click here to view the full calendar.
Virtual Book Club
WNYC and The New York Public Library are joining forces to bring New Yorkers together for a virtual book club. This partnership debuts with a community read of James McBride’s new book Deacon King Kong, available to borrow for free via NYPL’s e-reader app SimplyE. To read the full press release, click here.
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I want to thank New Yorkers who through their commitment and service remind us that we can and will get through this crisis together. We are #OneNewYork.
Here are a few highlights from this past week as reported online and in the news:
- Mario Salerno, who owns 18 apartment buildings in Brooklyn, waived April rent for hundreds of tenants, not wanting renters to stress about paying their rent during COVID-19.
- Twenty-five year old organizes 10,000 volunteers to help deliver groceries and supplies to high-risk New Yorkers.
- Thanks to the Met Council and Uber, 500 Passover meals will be delivered to homebound Holocaust survivors during the upcoming Jewish holiday of Passover.
- On April 2, Maria Rizzuto delivered 30 pizzas to first responders, including FDNY and EMS workers in Fort Totten, Queens. Click here to learn more about this good samaritan in a featured video.
- The signature white lights of the Empire State Building will be replaced by the heartbeat of America with a white and red siren in the mast for heroic emergency workers on the front line of the fight against COVID-19.
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