NYC sees declines in Covid cases, even as vaccine hesitancy makes herd immunity elusive. Meanwhile, the world sees a devastating surge in new cases. 

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Dear John

Here in NYC, the coming of spring has brought long-awaited good news in the fight against Covid-19. In just the past two weeks, theaverage daily caseload in NYC has declined an astounding 52% ([link removed]) . We have been able to begin reopening more fully -- our schools, restaurants, movie theaters, and subways because so many of you have stepped forward to be vaccinated. Social distancing guidance for fully vaccinated individuals has been loosened. We can now gather indoors and outside in larger numbers, just in time for upcoming graduations.

And now that the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children 12-15 ([link removed]) , we will hopefully continue to see increasing numbers of vaccinations and decreasing cases. To keep rates declining, we must still follow the guidelines on mask wearing and social distancing. It is critical for workers, students, and those who have Covid risk factors to get ourselves and our kids vaccinated and stay the course on health and safety precautions -- so we can return fully to school, Broadway, and so many other aspects of normal life that await us in the fall.

But even as we celebrate progress here, data elsewhere is far less hopeful. Experts now believe that as a country we will fail to reach herd immunity -- not because of lack of access to vaccines, but because of a lack of trust, empathy and civic accountability on the part of many of our fellow citizens. Witness the alarming number of belligerent passengers on flights that refuse to wear masks ([link removed]) , and entire states where (according to the CDC ([link removed]) ) more than 50% of the population is vaccine hesitant. According to the New York Times ([link removed]) , polls indicate that about 30% of the U.S. population is skeptical about the Covid vaccine. At those levels, we will not reach the 80% vaccination rate experts believe is necessary for herd immunity against
the more contagious Covid variants now in circulation. That means that we will be left with a virus that will continue to circulate like the flu. Likely less deadly than the first wave last spring, but with us for years to come. We’ve long known that declining civic trust was corroding our democracy. Now, it is costing many lives.

Meanwhile, in even more depressing news, around the world global case rates have reached new highs ([link removed]) . In India, the Covid positivity rate has spiraled from 3% to 35% in just the last month. India now represents nearly 50% of all new Covid cases worldwide ([link removed]) (with only 18% of the world population). Hospitals are overwhelmed and turning away dying patients and there aren’t enough basic medical supplies like oxygen to go around, especially as the case surge spreads to more rural under-resourced areas of the country. It is a heartbreaking humanitarian disaster unfolding, one that Arundhati Roy rightly calls a crime against humanity ([link removed]) .

In Brazil, with the second largest number of Covid deaths worldwide ([link removed]) , the President’s anti-science views ([link removed]) on Covid have resulted in a health system on the brink of collapse ([link removed]) . And in Argentina amid surging Covid cases, the ongoing economic uncertainty facing that country hangs as a gloomy backdrop to the health crisis-- hospitals are full and only 3% of the population is fully vaccinated ([link removed]) . And let’s remember, horrific Covid rates across the planet are not only a humanitarian disaster, and a grave moral failing. It also means the virus will circulate and mutate exponentially, putting everyone on the planet at higher risk.

So what are we to do? As a nation, we must do more to help ensure that the most vulnerable populations around the world can get vaccinated. As outlined by the Kaiser Family Foundation ([link removed]) , the U.S. must increase its funding for COVAX ([link removed]) , the international partnership led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization (WHO), which supports worldwide vaccine development, procurement, and distribution. You can make a donation ([link removed]) to COVAX, too.

As vaccine supply for Americans exceeds demand, we can and must increase in-kind donations of vaccine to low-income nations. And we must find a way to increase manufacturing capacity through waivers in intellectual property protections, pursuing greater numbers of technology transfer agreements, and brokering deals for pharmaceutical companies to sell the vaccine at cost to poorer countries. The federal government funded Covid vaccine development to the tune of $10.5B ([link removed]) , not to mention the public funding that went into the original development of the vaccine technologies at government and university labs. That investment of public money should not just go into the pockets of big pharma but back out into the world to help those most in need.

The development of a Covid vaccine in record time represents an extraordinary success of both modern science and government action. The only acceptable way to celebrate that democratically-made miracle is to work harder to make sure every human being has access to, and more trust in, vaccination, no matter what party they vote for, or where on planet earth they live.

Brad

Covid-19 Updates and Resources
* Vaccination subway pop-ups: The one-shot J&J vaccine will be available at 8 subway stations around NYC ([link removed]) today through Sunday, May 16. If you’re a subway or bus customer you’ll get a free 7-day Unlimited MetroCard with your shot. If you’re a Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North Railroad customer, you’ll get two one-way Commuter Rail Tickets.
+ Penn Station, 34th Street Corridor (3:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
+ Grand Central, Vanderbilt Hall (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
+ Coney Island Subway Station (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
+ LIRR Hempstead (3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
+ Metro-North Ossining (3:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
+ Broadway Junction subway station/Brooklyn (3:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
+ East 180th Street subway station/Bronx (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
+ 179th Street subway station/Queens (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

* Reopening Updates:
+ 24 hr a day subway service will return to NYC on 5/17.
+ Across NY, NJ and CT many businesses can fully reopen on 5/19 as long as they still abide by the 6 ft distancing guidelines. This includes retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, and houses of worship.
+ The outdoor social gathering limit increases to 500 on 5/10 and indoor social gathering limit increases to 250 on 5/19. The outdoor residential gathering limit is eliminated and indoor residential gathering limit Increases to 50 on 5/19. Large-scale indoor venue capacity increases to 30% and large-scale outdoor venue capacity increases to 33% on 5/19 although social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result.
* Tween vaccination update: The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use in 12-15 year olds. Once the CDC signs off-- as is expected sometime today-- vaccine appointments ([link removed]) for this age group will be available in NYC by tomorrow (Thursday).
* New mask guidance: The CDC announced last week new guidelines ([link removed]) around outdoor mask wearing for fully vaccinated people that allows for participation in outdoor activities and recreation without a mask, except in crowded settings and venues. I’m excited to be able to run in Prospect Park without a mask! But please keep wearing masks in all indoor public settings, and in crowded outdoor ones as well.
* Latest Virus Data: In NYC, 490 new COVID cases were reported May 11th, for a total of 938,577 cases since the start of the pandemic. We have lost 32,887 people in NYC from the virus, including sadly 23 reported on May 11th. The number of new cases and the positivity rate have been declining; the average daily number of cases has dropped 52% over the past two weeks. The citywide 7-day rolling average of people testing positive is now 1.90%. City data here ([link removed]) .
* Vaccine Data: As of today 8,438,445 vaccine doses have been delivered to New York City, and 7,228,161 have been administered. For more information on vaccine eligibility, locations, and data, visit the NYC Vaccine Command Center’s Website ([link removed]) . (And you can review our office’s Vaccine FAQ here ([link removed]) ).
* 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.
* 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 ([link removed]) .
* 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 ([link removed]) or calling 914-572-5526.
* Sign up for Neighbor Network Vaccination phone banking: My office helped to launch Neighbor Network last March, in partnership with Heights and Hills and Greenwich House, to combat social isolation for home-bound older adults and help address food, medicine and other needs as the pandemic hit. The neighbor network has now also pivoted to vaccine outreach. Do you want to help? Join the Neighbor Network to phone-bank with vaccine information, become a “vaccine navigator,” or make wellness calls. ([link removed])

Education Updates and Resources
* CUNY and SUNY will require student vaccination in the fall: CUNY and SUNY will require students returning to school in the fall to be vaccinated against Covid, as is the case for many private colleges and universities. The requirement is contingent on vaccine makers receiving full approval from the FDA. Pfizer is the only company to date to apply for full approval (all Covid vaccines are currently administered under an emergency authorization from the FDA).
* Summer Rising registration is now open: DOE’s new universal program Summer Rising, free and open to all K-12 NYC residents. For more information about the program, a list of school locations, as well as program dates and the link to register visit [link removed]. K-8 registration does not operate using your MySchools or NYC Schools accounts. Be prepared to set up an NYC account ([link removed]) if you do not already have one.
* 3-K for All Districts: Starting this fall, DOE will expand 3-K programs across the city ([link removed]) . In school districts in and around this part of Brooklyn (15, 13, 20) DOE will offer 3-K seats to as many families as possible. New programs for next school year will continue to be added to the 3-K application through May. You cansign up ([link removed]) for the 3-K admissions email list to be notified as new 3-K programs are added. You can find out your school district by calling 311 or visiting schools.nyc.gov/Find-a-School. Then visit MySchools ([link removed]) to create your MySchools account ([link removed]) through which you can explore 3-K options, build your application, and apply online. The 3-K application deadline is May 28.
* The Child Mind Institute is forming a Youth Advisory Council: The purpose of this council is to provide space, seek feedback, and prioritize the perspectives of a diverse group of youth voices on mental health to better support youth in our communities. The Child Mind Institute is a nonprofit whose programs serve families and schools in New York and California. As their programs continue to grow, the Youth Advisory Council will play a pivotal role in shaping our impact and ability to effectively reach youth audiences. High school students interested in joining the Youth Advisory Council can register here ([link removed]) .

Other Updates and Resources
* Park Slope Library closing until July: The Park Slope Library will be closing at the end of business on Friday, May 14 for floor replacement. It is anticipated to reopen in July. For library services, you may visit any open nearby branches including the Central Library, Pacific Library, Red Hook Library, or Kensington Library. For current information on library services you can visit BPL online at [link removed] ([link removed]) .
* Property tax reform hearing May 27: The NYC Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform will host a hearing for Brooklyn residents on May 27 at 6 PM. The Commission released its initial 10 recommendations in January 2020. The full report can be found on the Commission’s web page: [link removed] ([link removed]) . Those wishing to testify must sign up on the Commission’s website no later than 24-hours before the hearing begins. Speakers may (but need not) submit their testimony ahead of time by emailing it to
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , or by uploading it to the Commission’s website. To request interpretation services please email [email protected] or call 212-676-3072 by 5:00pm three business days before the hearing. For ASL, or to request an accommodation for a disability, please email or call by 5:00pm five business days before the hearing.
* Legal Services Hotline: NYC Financial Justice Hotline is a free legal hotline for low-income NYC residents. The hotline is 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 ([link removed]) .
* 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 ([link removed]) .

* 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.
* Support Gowanus and West Brooklyn Mutual Aid Produce: Community mutual aid groups West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid ([link removed]) (WBWMA) andGowanus Mutual Aid ([link removed]) (GMA) are partnering withGrowNYC ([link removed]) to launch a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program: Gowanus and West Brooklyn Mutual Aid Produce. For just $11 a week, you can provide a household in need with a bag of fresh produce. Make a monthly or one-timecontribution ([link removed]) . Or purchase a WBWMA tote baghere ([link removed]) for $23 and after the cost to make the bag ($12), $11 will go directly towards this new food initiative and help to fund one week of fresh produce for a Brooklyn family. Interested in volunteering? ContactWBWMA
([link removed]) andGMA ([link removed]) about Gowanus and West Brooklyn Mutual Aid Produce.
* We are redirecting our Fresh Direct Bag Program: After collecting and redistributing more than 50,000 bags, we are transitioning our Fresh Direct bag donation effort now that Fresh Direct has established its own program to connect bag donors with nearby food pantries. A couple of our partners, Masbia and People in Need, are now signed up for direct bag drop off through Fresh Direct’s program. You can find the complete list of partners with times and locations here. ([link removed]) Thank you to the many constituents who have continued to collect and donate their extra bags over the course of the pandemic. This has provided a much needed supply of durable bags to food providers, and helped reduce the number of these bags entering our waste stream. We hope you will continue to donate directly through this new program.

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District 39
456 5th Ave Ste 3
Brooklyn, NY 11215-4076
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