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Dear neighbor,
Winter hasn’t let go of us yet, but at least we do have heat and power here in NYC as the snow continues to fall. The emergency in Texas right now is deeply alarming, and as clear an example as any of the urgency of investing in our public infrastructure and preparing for the changes that the climate crisis will bring. If you are looking for ways to support people in Texas, check out places to donate to here and here.
Digging us out of this long pandemic winter to begin our city’s recovery requires that we continue to be vigilant about mask wearing and get vaccines to everyone as soon as possible. Today the City issued new guidance urging people to double up on masks or upgrade to better fitting masks to protect against the new and more contagious virus strains.
We are in a race against the new strains, and getting vaccines to those most vulnerable is urgent. This week vaccine eligibility was expanded to include adults under 65 with certain medical conditions!
You can find out if you are eligible due to a chronic condition through the NY state screening tool here and see the full list (and where you might fall in the phases) here. Adults who qualify can sign up here -- and our office has had a lot of luck with this volunteer built site as well. You can look here to see what documentation is necessary to bring. If you are unable to bring documentation from a doctor, patients can also self certify at the vaccination site, so that people who do not have regular access to primary care providers can also receive this vaccine. The vaccine is free even if you do not have health insurance and no proof of immigration status is required.
The vaccine zip code data released this week gave us a stark picture of the inequity of the current, complicated distribution system. I’m continuing to push for home vaccination, better sign up systems, and increased partnership with community health centers and organizations.
Our office is still providing assistance and support to seniors who are more likely to be less internet savvy and isolated, and others struggling to sign up. We are continuing to offer language support in Bangla and Russian as well (you can reach out to Fawziyah for Bangla assistance [email protected] and Nicole for Russian [email protected]).
We know that many of you have reached out waiting to volunteer at these vaccine sites to help out. Right now city workers and medical workers can sign up to help at city-run sites, if you are a city employee or a medical worker who wants to volunteer you can do so here. If you have volunteered we would love to hear about your experience here to get a sense of what is working and what needs improvement. Unfortunately, non-city workers and non-medical workers cannot volunteer at this time. We will be sure to keep you updated about volunteer opportunities in the future.
These increased vaccination numbers and eligibility is a great step in our fight against COVID and returning to life in the City we love, but because of the severe weather across the country the supply chain of the vaccine could be in danger. Right now NYC has 28,000 vaccines on hand, but could run out as early as today if move vaccinations aren’t delivered.
We will keep you updated with any changes and please let us know if you have any issues with your appointments due to the short supply.
As we dig out of the latest snowfall, please do reach out if you experience any loss of heat and immediately report it to 311. And feel free to reach out to us with any snow issues and beyond. You can leave a message at our District office and someone will call you back at 718.499.1090 or email us at [email protected]
Stay safe, stay warm, and, if you can, check on your neighbors,
Brad
Snow updates: Alternate side parking is suspended through Saturday the 20th and parking meters remain in effect. Trash and recycling pick ups are delayed, as DSNY manages and clears the road ways. Home and business owners are required to shovel their sidewalk, corners, as well as fire hydrants.
Covid-19 updates and resources
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Latest Virus Data: In NYC, 2,911 new COVID cases were reported February 17th, for a total of 678,638 cases since the start of the pandemic. We have lost 28,493 people in NYC from the virus, including sadly 65 reported on February 17th. The number of new cases and the positivity rate have been declining slightly for the past week, but the citywide 7-day rolling average of positive test rates is 7.04%. City data here.
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Vaccine Data: As of today, 1,760,225 vaccine doses have been delivered to New York City, and 1,365,956have been administered (841,785 first doses, 390,558 second doses). For more information on vaccine eligibility, locations, and data, visit the NYC Vaccine Command Center’s Website. (And you can review our office’s Vaccine FAQ here).
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Beware of COVID Vaccine Scams: Please ignore any individual or organization claiming to be able to provide a vaccine in exchange for payment. No vaccine distributors will ask you for Social Security, credit card, or bank account information. The vaccine is completely free, regardless of whether you have health insurance. If you suspect any fraudulent activity relating to COVID-19, please call the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Action Center Hotline at 718-250-2340.
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Get Tested: Even with these new vaccines in circulation it is still so important to keep up our social distancing, wear masks, and get tested. For information about testing sites around the city, visit New York City’s Covid-19 testing website.
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Self Senior Sign up: If you are a senior or know a senior who would benefit from free friendly calls from the Neighbor Network during this isolating time, you can now sign up here by filling out this form or calling 914.572.5526.
Education updates & resources
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Middle School Students Return: Middle School students who have selected blended learning will return to school buildings on February 25. The DOE has increased staffing in the Situation Room, added air purifiers to buildings, and prioritized returning middle school teachers for vaccination. Some details can be found here, but expect to hear from your child's school with even more specific information.
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Middle School Application Deadline Extended: The new middle school application deadline is February 23. More information can be found on the DOE middle school portal.
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High School Admissions deadline is 2/23/21:
Other updates and Resources
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Legal Services Hotline: NYC Financial Justice Hotline is a free legal hotline for low-income NYC residents. The hotline staffed in English and Spanish, provides free legal information, advice, and referrals on a wide range of financial justice issues--from discriminatory banking practices to predatory debt collection. You can find more information here
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COJO Flatbush Tax Collection: They are offering free tax services for tax season. If you need assistance filing your taxes you can find more information and contact them here
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.Access Benefits Helpline through Legal Aid: Anyone having trouble with an application to apply for or recertify for HRA cash assistance, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits, can all the Legal Aid Society’s Access to Benefits Helpline at 888-663-6880 M-F 10am-3pm
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We are still collecting Fresh Direct Bags for redistribution to food pantries and mutual aid groups: You can drop your Fresh Direct bags (folded, please) at any of the locations and times below:
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Kensington: 3 Avenue C, Saturdays at 4 PM
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Park Slope: 256 13th St, M-F, 8 AM to 6 PM
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Carroll Gardens: 71 3rd Pl, M-F, 8 AM to 6 PM
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Cobble Hill: 359 Henry St, Mon-Wed, 9 AM to 6 PM
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