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** Dear Neighbors,
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CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE
As you are no doubt aware, the number of COVID-19 cases in New York City continues to rise and we are entering a new phase in managing the outbreak. The key goal now is to slow the virus' spread to every extent possible.
The City of New York has issued a State of Emergency and has put restrictions into place on large public gatherings and the number of people in establishments such as religious institutions and theaters. Watch the Mayor's latest news conference here ([link removed]) .
We are also increasingly seeing the use of telecommuting and on-line meetings, the cancellation of public events, and the temporary closure of certain institutions. All of these measures will slow "community spread," and also help to reduce the number of New Yorkers using mass transit, another key part of containing the virus.
As of this moment, the city's public schools will remain open. The Dept of Health is carefully assessing the situation on an hour-by-hour basis, with a focus on both health concerns and the cost to families of a potential system-wide shutdown. We will keep you updated as we learn more and the Dept of Education is providing updates here ([link removed]) .
It's important to remember that New York has enormous assets which will serve us well in this fight. These include mandatory paid sick leave, the largest and best public hospital system in the nation, universal health coverage for those under 18 (including the undocumented), and the best urban health department in the world.
The City Council is closely monitoring New York City’s preparedness for an expected spike in cases, especially the capacity for acute care in our hospital system. We are satisfied that --at this stage at least-- our resources are adequate but we are keeping a very close eye. Click here ([link removed]) to watch the City Council's March 5th oversite hearing on our preparedness for Coronavirus/Covid-19.
We are also watching testing capacity. The City hopes to have greatly expanded local capacity soon. In the short term, our understanding is that New Yorkers with likely COVID-19 symptoms will have to be prioritized over those who are well, but worried they may have been exposed.
For the information you need:
* Mayor's Office & NYC Department of Health ([link removed]) (latest updates + Coronavirus preparedness tips and safety info)
* NYC Department of Education ([link removed])
* NYC Small Business Services ([link removed]) (including information on financial assistance)
* Sign up for the City’s text alert system, by texting the word “COVID” to 692-692.
* Our Facebook page ([link removed]) will post regular updates from the Dept of Health & other helpful information
SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS
Our office has been reaching out to local non-profits, social service organizations, and senior centers and residences about their needs. We've been connecting them with available resources and determining how else our office can help.
You can be of assistance too. As you know, our district has a large number of senior citizens and other vulnerable residents who may need additional assistance in the event of a prolonged outbreak. Forms of assistance could include phone calls to people's homes and food/supply drop-offs at senior residences.
Please sign-up here ([link removed]) if you would like to be added to a list of Upper West Siders who are available to assist their neighbors. We do not have current volunteer needs, but will reach out to you if we do.
CENSUS 2020
It's time to get counted! From March 12th- 20th, households across the country will receive a mailed invitation, asking them to complete the 2020 U.S. Census. Every household will have the option of responding online, by phone, or by mail. Learn more here ([link removed]) and here ([link removed]) .
The Census is working with the U.S. Postal Service to stagger the delivery of these invitations over several days. This way they can spread out the number of users responding online, and they’ll be able to serve you better if you need help over the phone. A final reminder postcard will be sent in late April. Census workers will then begin to visit households that have not yet responded.
I am strongly urging every New Yorker to complete the Census in a timely fashion. The U.S. Census is one of the most important activities in civic life and by participating, each of us helps to make it as accurate as possible. The 2020 Census will provide data that is more important than ever – affecting electoral districts and political representation, and how hundreds of billions in federal funding, including for healthcare, are spent.
As always, don't hesitate to call my District Office at (212) 873-0282 or my City Hall office at (212) 788-6975, or email me at
[email protected] (mailto:
[email protected]) , with any questions or concerns.
Warmly,
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