Info and Updates on Coronavirus in New York

There is a lot happening and it can be overwhelming at times. We're going to try to keep you as informed as possible as things change. This morning Governor Cuomo updated New Yorkers on the state's efforts to combat the growing public health crisis created by the novel coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak. He stressed that the main priority currently is to keep the increasing number of infected people coming into NYC hospitals down in order to match the capacity of our healthcare system. If things continue at the current rate, in 45 days New York State will need 110,000 hospital beds, which is more than double our current capacity of 53,000. We are also projected to need 37,000 ICU beds, more than 10x our current capacity of 3,000.

Reduce the rate of infection through social distancing
These numbers are the reason for the escalating restrictions and social distancing recommendations. The less contact we have with others, the more we reduce the rate of infection. This is what is meant when we talk about the need to "flatten the curve." The Governor issued a statewide mandatory closure of schools, state and local governments must reduce workforce by 50%, and there is a Tri-State (NY, NJ, CT) agreement to close bars, restaurants and gyms. With the exception of essential services, Governor Cuomo is requiring all businesses to go to 50% work from home or reduction of workforce.  

Increase hospital capacity and identify new beds
In addition to reducing the rate of infection, we need to increase our ability to treat people who have already been exposed. The state and city are doing all they can locally, but this is an area where federal partnership is needed. The US Navy is dispatching the USNS Comfort, a hospital ship with a capacity of 1000 beds, to NY Harbor. The federal government will also be sending mobile hospitals to increase the number of beds. In addition, Governor Cuomo is asking retired medical professionals and medical students to be on call as the crisis escalates.

Economic Impact
These social distancing measures will have a long reaching economic impact on the city, state and country. The immediate need being met by our government is to mitigate the current public health crisis. This does not eliminate the very real economic fears of wage workers, service industry staff, business owners, and all of us. Here are some supports current in place.

Unemployment
NYS is waiving the 7 day waiting period for people applying for unemployment benefits. A record number of people attempted to apply this week, overloading the Department of Labor website. In response, new guidelines were issues. Please follow these and keep trying. If you are filing a new Unemployment Insurance claim via phone (1-888-209-8124) or web (labor.ny.gov), the day you should file is based on the first letter of your last name:

A-F: Monday
G-N: Tuesday
O-Z: Wednesday

If you missed your filing day, you can apply on Thursday or Friday.

Relief for Small Businesses
If you are the owner of a small business that has been impacted by these restriction, please go to nyc.gov/covid19biz to learn more about assistance the city will offer. NYC is offering small businesses with fewer than 5 employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees and businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.

No shut offs for nonpayment of utilities
New York's major electric and gas utilities, including ConEd and National Grid, have agreed not to cut power or heat from customers unable to pay their bills during the pandemic, at the state's request.

Resources
Grocery Stores with special hours for seniors:
Key Food at 130 7th Ave - 6:30 am - 7:30 am
Key Food at 169 Atlantic Ave - 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Key Food at 492 Myrtle Ave - 6:30 am - 7:30 am
Stop and Shop at 625 Atlantic Ave - 6:00 am - 7:30 am

The Brooklyn Public Library has closed all branches through the end of March, but may of their online resources remain available to library card holders, including checking out eBooks.

NYC Schools

Starting this week, families begin picking up materials for continued instruction, including the technology necessary for remote learning for students who need it. Parents, fill out this form to request a remote learning device.

Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch will be available at the entrance of every building from 7:30 am - 1:30 pm. Any student can pick up breakfast and lunch at any school building, it does not have to be a school they attend. This is in place until further notice.

How to Help
Donate to a food bank. In the weeks ahead, they will be the primary source of food for many of our neighbors and community members. Here is a map to find one near you.

Please, find some time to fill out the 2020 CENSUS. Even if you didn't get the card in the mail yet, you can fill it out online using your address. It is so important, especially now, as census numbers go to fund things like hospitals and emergency recovery.

Stay Updated
These are unprecedented times and circumstances. Please keep yourself safe, #StayHomeNYC as much as you are possibly able. We will try to keep you as updated as we can. Text COVID to 692-692 for citywide updates.

Please call 718-875-5200 if you need us. We will not be having office hours during this time.