Dear Neighbor,

There are a number of COVID-19 updates to share with you this week, as well as other timely information and resources, which will be the focus of this email.

I would like to start by sharing a person’s experience with COVID-19 that I heard about this week. The person is between the age of 20 – 50, is up to date with their vaccinations, and has asthma. Upon testing positive for the Coronavirus, the person consulted with their health care provider and was prescribed Paxlovid. The person described their COVID-19 symptoms as “terrible” and “scary,” and included difficulty breathing; however, the person also said they were scared to think how much worse their symptoms would have been, had they not been vaccinated and boosted, and without access to treatment. When the person returned to work, they were so out of breath after walking from the subway to their office, it was necessary to sit down for several hours. This person does not know how long they will continue to experience these symptoms, or what long-term impact the Coronavirus will have on their lungs.

I wanted to share this person’s experience with you for several reasons.

1. Although many people who are vaccinated report experiencing “cold-like,” mild, or no symptoms when they contract the Coronavirus, others experience harsher symptoms, even if they do not have underlying health conditions. When ER doctors refer to cases of COVID-19 being mild, they mean that patients do not require intubation or other medical intervention in order to breathe. People who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against COVID-19 are much more likely to have severe illness and require hospitalization.

2. This person intentionally consulted with their health care provider about getting treatment, as their health care provider is most familiar with their asthmatic health condition. If this person did not have a health care provider or were uninsured, they could have called 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

3. Some New Yorkers are not aware that COVID-19 treatment is available to individuals age 12+ with certain underlying health conditions.

4. An increasing number of people are developing Long COVID. We still have much to learn about this condition, as well as other long-term health impacts of the Coronavirus. As this person emphasized, even though the hospitalization rate is not as high now as during past surges, the point is that it is better to avoid getting COVID-19 than to risk developing Long COVID and other health consequences; hence, the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted, as well as wearing a mask in public indoor settings and following other safety measures when the community transmission level warrants, such as now.

The percentage of New Yorkers who have received additional doses and/or booster shots is only 38%, which means that 62% of New Yorkers do not have maximum protection against severe illness from COVID-19. If you have not received your first or second booster shot, and you are currently eligible, now is the time to get it.

Before providing COVID-19-related updates, I would also like to share some information about the current shortage of baby formula and the occurrences of Monkeypox that have been reported in certain countries, including in the U.S. and New York.

Infant Formula Shortage

You have likely seen news coverage surrounding the current nationwide shortage of infant formula. Some of the reasons cited for the shortage include the Abbott infant formula recall, inflation, and supply chain issues. Measures are being taken at all levels of government to address this critical issue. The following is a selection of resources that provide information about the crisis, actions being taken to mitigate the shortage as quickly as possible, and suggestions for parents who are struggling to find formula:

· Baby Formula Shortage: Updates and Communities Stepping Up To Help (New York Family)

· How to get baby formula in New York amid shortage: What to know about state resources (lohud)

· The Baby Formula Crisis (NY Times)

· Biden Invokes Defense Powers in a Bid to Ease Formula Shortage (NY Times)

· U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Resource: Helping Families Find Formula During the Infant Formula Shortage

· Governor Hochul Announces Resources for New York Families Amid Infant Formula Shortages

· Consumer Alert: Attorney General James Warns Against Price Gouging of Baby Formula (and how to report cases of price gouging)

· Help Ease NYC Baby Formula Shortage, Women Lawmakers Say To Mayor (Patch)

Possible Case of Monkeypox Under Investigation in NYC

There has also been recent news coverage of possible cases of Monkeypox being identified globally, including in the U.S. and New York. The NYC Health Department issued a press release confirming that testing is being conducted to confirm whether a patient at an NYC hospital is positive for the Monkeypox, and in the meantime isolation protocols are being followed. Monkeypox is rare in the U.S. Symptoms include flu-like illness, swelling of the lymph nodes, and rash on the face and body. Click here to view the press release. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about Monkeypox, this Stat article provides an overview.

Please see immediately below for:

· COVID-19 & Omicron Updates;

· COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

· COVID-19 Policy & Guidance Updates;

· Free COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Tests through the Federal Government

· COVID-19 Treatment;

· COVID-19 Testing Updates;

· Community Announcements, Meeting Opportunities, and Resources;

· Senator Krueger’s Virtual Event Updates; and

· COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: Vaccination Scheduling, Vaccine Site, and Vaccine Eligibility Information.

COVID-19 & Omicron Updates

As of Tuesday, May 17, New York City’s COVID-19 Alert Level has increased to “Orange/High” as a result of continued increase in Coronavirus case rates, as well as increases in hospitalization rates, which puts substantial pressure on our health care systems.

On May 18, 11,199 people tested positive for COVID-19 in NYS and 4,718 individuals tested positive in NYC. The statewide 7-day average of cases per 100K was 48.99. The highest 7-day average was 61.90 in Long Island and the average in NYC was 46.57. According to NYS hospitalization data, as of May 18, there were 2,658 people hospitalized statewide due to COVID-19, with 253 individuals in the ICU. In NYC, there were 785 Coronavirus patients hospitalized, with 88 individuals in the ICU.

According to NYS COVID-19 variant data, the Omicron BA.1.1 sub-variant is causing .9% of cases, BA.2 and BA.2.12 are causing 53.6% of cases, and BA.2.12.1 is causing 44.7% of cases. The newest sub-variant, BA.2.12.1, which is approximately 27% more contagious than BA.2, continues to spread rapidly throughout the U.S. BA.2.12.1 has not been found to cause more severe health outcomes to date. According to outbreak.info, BA.2 has been found in at least 121 countries and in all U.S. states.

Now that NYC is at an Orange/High COVID-19 alert level, it is especially important to take extra safety precautions, including:

· Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations in order to have maximum protection against severe health outcomes from the Coronavirus:

v All New Yorkers age 5+ are eligible for the initial vaccine series (1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or 2 doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine; the initial series includes an additional dose for people who are immunocompromised). Please see below for specific eligibility details.

v All New Yorkers age 5+ are now eligible for the first booster dose. Please see below for specific eligibility details.

v Some New Yorkers age 12+ are eligible for the second booster shot, based on age and having underlying health conditions. Please see below for specific eligibility details.

· Wear a high-quality or double mask in public indoor settings. The NYC Health Department has issued a Commissioner’s Advisory, strongly recommending that people above the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a properly fitting, high-quality or double mask when in public indoor settings. Please see below for additional details under “COVID-19 Policy and Guidance Updates.”

· Hold social gatherings outside as much as possible and maintain air ventilation inside

· Avoid large crowds, whether indoors or outdoors

· Get tested if you have symptoms, if you are exposed, and before and after travel/gatherings

· Stay home if you contract COVID-19 and speak with your doctor about eligibility for treatment. As a friendly reminder, it is necessary to start COVID-19 treatment, if eligible, within a short window of time after contracting the Coronavirus. Please make sure to get tested at your earliest convenience if you develop symptoms or are exposed.

For additional information about the NYC COVID-19 Alert System and the Orange/High Alert Level, please visit the NYC COVID-19 Alert System web page.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: FDA and CDC Authorize COVID-19 Booster Shot for Children Age 5-11 with the Pfizer Vaccine

· FDA and CDC Authorize COVID-19 Booster Shot for Children Age 5-11 with the Pfizer Vaccine: On Tuesday, May 17, the FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for administration to children age 5-11 at least 5 months after receiving the final dose of the initial vaccine series. Click here to view the FDA press release. On Thursday, May 19, the CDC also issued authorization for children age 5-11 to receive the booster dose, upon recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP). Click here to view the CDC press release. My office has been informed that City-run vaccine sites should begin administering 2^nd booster shots for children age 5-11 on Saturday, May 21. Community pharmacies may also need several days before they are ready to provide the 2^nd booster shot. Please confirm that it is possible to get the 2^nd booster before going to the site.

COVID-19 Policy & Guidance Updates: Commissioner’s Advisory

· Commissioner’s Advisory: On May 16, the NYC Health Department issued a Commissioner's Advisory strongly recommending that individuals above the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask when in public indoor settings. This includes: schools, restaurants, gyms, entertainment venues, grocery & retail stores, as well as public spaces in office and residential buildings, such as lobbies, hallways, rest rooms, and elevators. The Advisory went into effect on May 16th. Click here to view the Commissioner’s Advisory.

Free COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Tests through the Federal Government

Households are now able to order a third round of free COVID-19 at-home rapid tests from the federal government. You can order the tests online or by calling 1-800-232-0233. If you provide an email address when you place the order, you will receive shipping notifications. Click here to visit the COVID-19.gov website and view information about the tests. Click here to order the tests online.

COVID-19 Treatment

As mentioned above, our hospitalization and fatality rates have not increased to date, which the NYC Health Department attributes to the COVID-19 vaccines and treatment. The best way to prevent getting COVID-19 and Long COVID is to get vaccinated and follow the other core safety measures. However, COVID-19 treatments are also important, as they provide life-saving treatment for people who contract the Coronavirus and are at higher risk of severe illness. I want to make sure that you know how to access COVID-19 treatment and who is eligible.

· Eligibility for COVID-19 Treatment: At this time, individuals who are age 65+ or who have a pre-existing condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness, and who have tested positive for the Coronavirus are eligible for COVID-19 treatment. If you are not sure about your eligibility, speak with your health care provider.

· How to Access COVID-19 Treatment: Treatment for the Coronavirus can be commenced within 5-10 days of developing mild-moderate symptoms, and therefore, it is critical to get tested right away if you have symptoms or were recently exposed. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should do the following:

1. Speak with your primary care provider to discuss your eligibility for COVID-19 treatment. If you do not have a primary care provider, or if you are uninsured, you can call 212-268-4319 and press option 9 to reach the NYC Health + Hospitals emergency telehealth service. You will have intake with a nurse and then speak with a clinician to determine eligibility. Please keep in mind that this phone number is for people who do not have a primary care provider or who are uninsured.

2. If you are approved for treatment, the doctor will call in a prescription for Paxlovid, or you will go to a treatment site for the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment.

Ø Paxlovid is an antiviral pill treatment that involves taking the pills multiple times a day for 6 days. This form of treatment is for people age 12+ who:

o Have tested positive for COVID-19,

o Have had mild-moderate symptoms for 5 days or less, and

o Are at high risk for severe illness, as defined by the CDC

Ø Monoclonal Antibody Treatment is a one-time IV antibody infusion treatment for people age 12+ who:

o Have tested positive for COVID-19,

o Have had mild-moderate symptoms for 10 days or less, and

o Are at high risk for severe illness, as defined by the CDC

Please Note: Prescriptions for Paxlovid can be called in to Alto Pharmacy, which delivers the medication to your home, or to a variety of pharmacies in the community which now have Paxlovid in stock. You can ask the doctor to check if your local pharmacy carries Paxlovid if that is your preference.

If your prescription is called in to Alto Pharmacy, please be aware that Alto will call and/or text you in order to arrange for delivery of the Paxlovid. You must answer the call or text before Alto will deliver the medication.

For additional details, please see the NYC Health Department’s COVID-19 Treatment Info Sheet.

COVID-19 Testing Updates: COVID-19 Testing in the Community at City- and Privately-Run Testing Sites

Testing is a valuable tool that we have to determine positivity for the Coronavirus and to interrupt the chain of transmission.

New York City has a variety of testing options available, including City- and privately-run testing sites, and at-home testing, where a trained clinician comes to your home and administers a PCR test. Please see the resources below to learn more about these testing options and other helpful information.

· City-Run Testing Sites and At-Home COVID-19 Testing:

Ø NYC Health + Hospitals offers free (no out-of-pocket costs) rapid and PCR testing at a variety of COVID-19 testing sites, including hospitals, health centers, and pop-up locations, throughout the five boroughs. Click here to find a testing site.. No appointment is required, however, some sites do allow you to pre-register for your visit to streamline the check-in process. Free testing is available whether or not you are symptomatic, and whether or not you have health insurance. If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card.

Please note: If you are going to an NYC Health + Hospital testing site, you can check testing wait times before you go to get tested.

Ø Request At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing: The NYC Test & Trace Corps offers at-home testing for COVID-19 to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and older adults age 65+. If you need to get tested, and are concerned about risk of exposure, or are unable to leave your home, appointments for at-home testing are available seven days per week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 929-298-9400. You will receive a molecular PCR test administered by a trained clinician in your home at no cost.

· Privately-Run Testing Sites:

Ø Use this search tool to find additional testing sites, including urgent care centers, pharmacies, and labs, by providing an address, zip code, or city. Note: some of these test sites do not offer testing to people who are asymptomatic or under a certain age, and there may be out-of-pocket costs. If you are concerned about potential out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic testing, please make sure to ask in advance what the charges will be.

Community Announcements, Meetings, Opportunities, and Resources: Saint George Ukrainian Festival, May 20 – May 22; 9/11 Memorial May 30^th Commemoration; Affordable Connectivity Program; Do More, Feel Better – A Community Program Against Depression; Search and Care – Can’t Find Home Care? Why a Case for Fair Pay in NYS, Tuesday, May 24

I would like to highlight the following community meetings, opportunities, and resources:

· Saint George Ukrainian Festival, East 7^th Street Between 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues, Friday Afternoon, May 20 – Sunday, May 22: This year marks the triumphant return of the annual St. George Ukrainian Festival in the East Village’s “Little Ukraine”! The festival will feature traditional Ukrainian food, arts & crafts, music & performances, and Ukrainian Liturgies. A portion of sales will be used for Humanitarian relief efforts. Please visit the Saint George Ukrainian Festival Facebook page to view the schedule of events.

· 9/11 Memorial May 30^th Commemoration: This May 30th marks the 20th anniversary of the formal end of recovery operations at Ground Zero. To commemorate that milestone, the 9/11 Memorial will honor the courage and sacrifice of 9/11 rescue, recovery, and relief workers, commemorate those who have died due to 9/11-related illnesses, and recognize the spirit of survivors and members of the downtown community with a special ceremony at 9am. Details on attending the commemoration ceremony and additional offerings throughout May — including free Museum admission for rescue, recovery, and relief workers, survivors, and the downtown community can be found here: https://www.911memorial.org/connect/commemoration/May-30-2002

· Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to reduce the cost of getting online. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To qualify for this one-time discount, households must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Any household with an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is eligible to receive discounted internet service through the ACP. Social Security doesn’t count ACP assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes. Receipt of this assistance will not affect a person’s SSI payment. Please read the blog article for additional information.

· Do More, Feel Better – A Community Program Against Depression: People 60+ experiencing depression can enroll in a nine-week research program to explore how increasing participation in pleasurable and rewarding activities can lead to improvement in depressive symptoms. The program is conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine, and individual sessions will be completed via telephone or video chat. If you are eligible to participate, you will receive compensation over the course of the program. For more information, contact Kiana, Caroline, or the study team at 844-333-3579 ext. 720 / ext. 714 or [email protected].

· Search and Care – Can’t Find Home Care? Why a Case for Fair Pay in NYS, Tuesday, May 24, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: The high turnover and difficulty attracting new home care workers is driven by low wages and unstable work. Join Search and Care for a discussion of the topic at hand. This event will be held over Zoom. Call-in: 646-876-9923; Meeting ID: 832 4882 2134. Register at: tinyurl.com/FairPayforHomeCare.

Senator Krueger’s Virtual Event Updates: Senator Krueger’s Virtual Town Hall, “Skyrocketing Utility Costs: Why is My Con Ed Bill So High?” Thursday, May 26, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

· Senator Krueger’s Virtual Town Hall, “Skyrocketing Utility Costs: Why is My Con Ed Bill So High?” Thursday, May 26, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.: Wondering why your utility bill recently went up so much? Experts at the Public Utility Law Project explain how your Con Edison bill is calculated, why prices are surging, what your rights are as a utility customer, as well as options for people in utility arrears. Please let us know if you plan to attend the Thursday, May 26th Virtual Town Hall by registering at https://tinyurl.com/utilitytownhall5-26-22.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: Vaccination Scheduling, Vaccine Site, and Vaccine Eligibility Information

Regardless of which phase of the pandemic we are currently navigating, it is always the right time to get the vaccine and booster shot. If you have any questions or concerns about getting vaccinated, please speak with your health care provider or call 311.

Vaccination Scheduling Resources

· NYC COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Finder: Call 877-829-4692 or Schedule Online: https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/

· City-run vaccine sites: Call 877-829-4692 or Schedule Online: vax4nyc.nyc.gov (click “schedule third dose” to schedule a Pfizer booster shot)

· NYC Health + Hospitals vaccine sites: Call 877-829-4692 or Schedule Online: https://covid19.nychealthandhospitals.org/UnaffiliatedHealthCareWorkers

· State-run vaccine sites: Call 833-697-4829 or Schedule Online: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

· Local and Nationwide vaccine sites: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/

· CVS Pharmacy: Call 800-746-7287 or Schedule Online

· Rite Aid Pharmacy: Call 800-748-3243 or Schedule Online

· Walgreens Pharmacy: Call 800-925-4733 or Schedule Online

Vaccine Site Resources

· Update - American Museum of Natural History vaccine site: March 31 was the last day that the Museum served as an NYC COVID-19 vaccine site. The vaccination incentive is no longer available.

· MTA Vaccine Pop-Up Sites at Times Square – 42 Street (7^th Avenue) and Grand Central Terminal: Individuals age 18+ can come to either location for a Moderna vaccination (1^st or 2^nd dose, or a booster shot). No appointment is needed. Once you are at the station, follow the signs directing you to the pop-up spot. The two locations are:

Times Square–42 Street (passageway between the 1, 2, 3, and S trains), Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Grand Central Terminal, Monday – Sunday, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

· City-run walk-up vaccination sites, and NYC mobile vaccine vans and buses: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/vaccines/covid-19-vaccines.page#walk-up-sites. I encourage you to visit the NYC Vaccine Tool if you have not done so recently. The website has been updated with additional functionality to make it easier for New Yorkers to find vaccine sites that offer walk-up vaccinations and specific vaccines: vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.

· NYC In-Home Vaccination Program Expansion: The In-Home Vaccination Program has been further expanded to include all NYC residents who are age 12 or above. Now you can get vaccinated without having to leave your home. To express interest in an in-home vaccination, please fill out this form: https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/home or call 877-829-4692. Please note: Even if you received your first or second dose at a community vaccine site, you can still get any additional doses that you are eligible for at home, including booster shots.

Vaccine Eligibility Information

At this time, the following individuals are eligible to get vaccinated:

Initial Vaccination Series

Þ All children age 5-11 are eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children FAQs
For parents looking for more information on the vaccine for 5-11 year-olds you can watch this recent conversation between DOHMH and DOE here.

Þ All individuals age 12+ are approved to get vaccinated. Individuals age 12-17 are only authorized to receive the Pfizer vaccination. Individuals age 18+ are authorized to receive the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, however, the CDC and NYC Health Department prefer that they get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

Additional Vaccine Doses for People who Are Immunocompromised

Þ Eligible immunocompromised individuals age 5+ are authorized to get a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Please click here to view the NYC Health Department guidance for more information.

First Booster Shots

Þ NEW: Fully-vaccinated 5-11 year-olds who received their second Pfizer vaccine dose at least 5 months ago are approved to receive their first Pfizer booster shot.

Þ Fully-vaccinated 12-17-year-olds who received their second Pfizer vaccine dose at least 5 months ago are approved to receive their first Pfizer booster shot.

Þ Individuals age 18+ who received their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine dose at least 5 months ago are approved to receive a Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson booster shot, however, the CDC and NYC Health Department prefer that they get the Moderna or Pfizer booster shot.

Þ Individuals age 18+ who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccination at least 2 months ago are approved to receive a Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, or Pfizer booster shot, however, the CDC and NYC Health Department prefer that they get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

Second Booster Shots

The following individuals are eligible for a second booster shot with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if they received their first booster shot at least 4 months ago:

Þ All people age 50+.

Þ People age 12-49 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

Þ People age 18-49 who received their initial vaccination series and first booster shot with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Stay safe and healthy. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or 212-490-9535. If you need assistance with an unemployment issue, please follow this link to complete an unemployment intake web form so that my office can provide assistance: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF5eMgY_Jrjh_1_qXlx0ri7coPS01j4GvWJ4Lu7mpWTG2kNQ/viewform.

Safety Practices to Protect Yourself and Others from Contracting COVID-19:

Wear a face covering as required by law or regulations, in public indoor settings.
Maintain social distance as required based on your health condition and comfort level.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or with hand sanitizer.
If you are not feeling well or test positive for COVID-19, please wear a mask and stay home.

If you are unvaccinated, continue to practice COVID-19 safety guidelines to protect your health and wellbeing, as well as that of your loved ones and community members.

Best,

Liz Krueger

State Senator