NYC COVID-19 Resources:
NYC COVID-19 City-wide information portal
Find the resources across NYC City agencies for New Yorkers, Businesses, and Non-Profits.
Click to access: NYC.gov/COVID-19
COVID-19 Testing Sites
To find a testing site near you, enter your address below, or text “COVID TEST” to 855-48.
Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDTEST
COVID-19 Vaccine
DOHMH has created a Vaccine web page to keep New Yorkers up to date.
Click to access: NYC.gov/COVIDVACCINE
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to certain groups in NYC. Learn which groups are currently eligible for the vaccine, and which may be eligible next.
The vaccines are safe and will help protect us and others from COVID-19. Put simply, they will save lives. Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccine facts here.
NYC.gov/COVIDVACCINEDISTRIBUTION
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Data
Through the City’s Vaccine Command Center, we will closely monitor how many vaccine doses have been:
- Reserved by the federal government for NYC
- Delivered to NYC
- Given to people in NYC
Click to access: COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution DATA
COVID-19 Data
The data reflects the most recent information collected about people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in NYC. It is updated daily.
General Information on COVID-19
There is increasing transmission of COVID-19 in New York City and widespread transmission across the United States and in many other countries. Read about: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page
New COVID-19 Variant
What we know – Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and persist. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally during this pandemic.
What we do not know – Scientists are working to learn more about these variants, and more studies are needed to understand:
- How widely these new variants have spread
- How the new variants differ
- How the disease caused by these new variants differs from the disease caused by other variants that are currently circulating
What it means- Public health officials are studying these variants quickly to learn more to control their spread. They want to understand whether the variants:
- Spread more easily from person to person
- Cause milder or more severe disease in people
- Are detected by currently available viral tests
- Respond to medicines currently being used to treat people for COVID-19
- Change the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. There is no evidence that this is occurring, and most experts believe this is unlikely to occur because of the nature of the immune response to the virus.
Test and Trace Corps
The NYC Test & Trace Corps is a public health initiative to fight the threat of COVID-19.
Test – Get a COVID-19 Test and an Antibody test to know if you have been exposed to the virus. – The tests are FREE, confidential and safe. More than 200 testing sites now open. Learn more.
Trace – Answer the call of the Contact Tracers – they provide support to New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts. Learn more.
Take Care – Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones – Safely isolate in a free, comfortable and convenient hotel room or at home. Learn more. Learn more.
Seasonal Flu (Influenza)
As the flu and COVID-19 will likely circulate at the same time this season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/flu-seasonal.page
COVID-19 Community Conversations:
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is providing a free 60-minute virtual presentation entitled COVID-19 Community Conversations: Mental Health, Equity & Resilience. The COVID-19 Community Conversation presentation covers topics including grief, trauma, coping, resilience and mental health tips.
Click here to register for an upcoming presentation!
Economic Impact Payments
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, eligible individuals and families will receive a second round of Economic Impact Payments (stimulus payments) by direct deposit or mail. The second payments are up to $600 for single filers and $1,200 for married couples filing jointly plus an additional $600 for each dependent child under age 17. No action is required by most eligible recipients. You can check your stimulus payment status via IRS at irs.gov/eip
If you did not receive a first or second stimulus payment and think you may be eligible, or did not receive the full payment amount, you may be eligible to obtain a stimulus payment by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your 2020 federal tax return. You can learn about NYC Free Tax Prep services to file your taxes and receive a stimulus payment(s) for free.
Worried about or want to report fraudulent vaccine appoints and scams? Remember:
- You will never be asked to put a deposit down or provide credit card information to make a vaccination appointment in NYC
- Any incidence of vaccine fraud or abuse should be reported to the NYS Attorney General by filing a complaint via: https://ag.ny.gov/complaint-forms
- A hotline is also available to report vaccine abuse and fraud. New Yorkers who suspect fraud in the vaccine distribution process can call 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) toll-free or email the state Department of Health at STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov
Dear New Yorker,
I am honored to return to the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, committed to serving you and the City of New York as we continue to overcome the pandemic and its challenges.
I know our amazing city will come together as we rebuild, and I’m thrilled to work alongside our communities to make it happen. This newsletter will continue to deliver information on critical resources and city updates that are key for our communities to stay informed.
I look forward to working with you for a recovery for all of us.
In partnership,
Roberto Pérez,
Commissioner, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit
Key Updates:
Mask to the Max – Health Department Updates Mask Guidance
The Health Department issued updated guidance on face coverings (PDF), one of the most critical tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The guidance recommends people over the age of two-years-old wear snug fitting masks with two or three layers of material to better prevent unfiltered air from passing through. (Click here for more information).
Pre-K
The pre-K application will open on February 24, 2021; the deadline to apply is April 7. During the application period, you can apply online or by phone. Here’s what you can do now:
- Sign up for the pre-K admissions email list (Open external link). The Department of Education will send you updates, tips, and reminders throughout the process.
- Learn how to apply and how pre-K offers are made on this page. Missed the virtual Elementary Admissions Events? A recording from one of DOE’s January sessions will be available soon, with captions in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Korean, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Russian and Urdu.
- Throughout the admissions process, you’ll use MySchools.nyc (Open external link) to learn about pre-K programs, apply, get your offer, and learn about waitlists. Before the application opens you can:
- Set up your MySchools account (Open external link).
- Start exploring pre-K program options in MySchools’ online, searchable pre-K directory (Open external link).
Additional Resources:
NYC Health Post-COVID Clinics:
Post-COVID care clinics bring together multidisciplinary teams (including pulmonology, cardiology, rehabilitation, neurology and mental health) to provide a comprehensive treatment approach. Click here to find out more information.
New York State of Health
Open Enrollment Period Extended through May 1, 2021, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York’s Official Health Plan Marketplace, or directly through insurers.
New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment assister.
GETFOODNYC:
Emergency Food Assistance Program – NYC.GOV/GETFOOD
Become an Emergency Food Provider –
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/emergency-food-assistance-program.page
NYC Health + Hospitals:
As part of the largest municipal health care system in the world, NYC Health + Hospitals’ public hospitals and neighborhood health centers offer a wide variety of excellent mental health services to foster recovery from mental illness of all kinds. We help patients rediscover their strengths and abilities, as well as overcoming the stigma of mental illness. Click to learn more.
THRIVENYC:
Call 1-888-NYC-WELL If you are thinking about suicide, or know someone who is, counselors are available to listen to and support you 24/7. Contact NYC Well by calling 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), texting “WELL” to 65173 or chatting at nyc.gov/nycwell. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of hurting themselves, or in immediate danger because of a health condition or other situation, call 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Hours: Available 24 hours.
Languages: English, Spanish.
Domestic Violence Support:
NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP):
File Your Taxes with NYC Free Tax Prep
File your taxes in-person or online with NYC Free Tax Prep if you earned $68,000 or less in 2020. See filing options below. Additional sites will open in January. The deadline to file 2020 tax returns is April 15, 2021.
* Read FAQs about NYC Free Tax Prep.
Workplace Laws
NYC workplace laws are still in effect. There have been new amendments to the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law that will take effect in 2 Phases. Click here to learn more about employee rights and employer responsibilities.
Returning to Work During COVID-19
Important Information for Domestic Workers and Their Employers. Click here for more information.
Learn more about important guidelines and resources available to workers under Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the reopening: www.nyc.gov/workers
COVID-19 Scams and Safety Tips
Important Information that describes common COVID-19-related scams and tips to stay safe (click here for more information).
NYC Department of Small Business Services:
Training for Your Employees,” a new resource that provides business owners and their employees with training in digital literacy, marketing tools, online security, and COVID-19 safety. Training courses include:
- Communication: Google Meet and Gmail
- Document Creation: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
- Scheduling and Managing Zoom Meetings (for Hosts)
- Microsoft Office Basics
- Cloud Storage: Microsoft OneDrive and more.
Businesses can learn more about the program’s eligibility criteria and access the application at www.nyc.gov/trainingemployees.
NYC Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants:
Tenants can still prevent eviction through May 1, 2021 by submitting a Hardship Declaration form to their landlord and the court. Tenants are welcome to submit their Hardship Declarations any time up until May 1, 2021 to receive protection through that date.
To learn more, please visit http://nycourts.gov/covid-eefpa.shtml and MOPT’s website. Tenants with questions about the Hardship Declaration or who need help filling out the form should contact our language accessible Tenant Helpline by calling 311 and saying, “Tenant Helpline.”
City Agency Service Update:
See more about: Agency Suspensions and Reductions
From the Press Office:
A Recovery for All of Us: City Announces Public-Private Partnership Has Delivered Wi-Fi and Broadband Upgrades at Cornerstone and Learning Labs Programs in 50 NYCHA Community Centers
March 4, 2021
In partnership with The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), The Rockefeller Foundation, Zoom, Cielo Scholarship Foundation, and EducationSuperHighway, the City enhanced access to remote learning for thousands of young people in NYCHA communities with hi-speed Wi-Fi and broadband at existing Cornerstones
NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio, the New York City Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (MOCTO), the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), and the COVID-19 Public-Private Partnership Czar today announced a public-private partnership with The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), The Rockefeller Foundation, Zoom, Cielo Scholarship Foundation, and EducationSuperHighway has delivered Wi-Fi and broadband upgrades to ensure that students learning remotely in the Learning Labs K-8 component of Learning Bridges at DYCD-funded Cornerstone Community Centers have access to free high-speed connectivity.
More than 12,000 young people and adults will benefit from the enhancements during active programming at the centers, in addition to thousands of community members who can access the free Wi-Fi hotspots provided by ITDRC as a result of this partnership.
“Supporting our students as they navigate distance learning is critical, and connectivity is key,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These community centers will be hubs for Internet access, and I am grateful for our partners for working with us to get this done.” (Click here, for more information).
Mayor de Blasio Appoints Nancy Pascal as Director of the Office of Faith and Community Partnerships
March 4, 2021
NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Nancy Pascal as the Director of the Office of Faith and Community Partnerships. Pascal is an organizer with deep relationships in faith communities and most recently served as the Faith Constituency Manager for the City’s successful 2020 Census effort and as Citywide Faith Community Coordinator for the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. As Director of the Office of Faith and Community Partnerships, Pascal will ensure that communities at all levels have access to City Hall through outreach, education, and engagement. One of her crucial roles will be to work with faith leaders and local groups to ensure equitable access to vaccinations and benefits from recovery efforts.
“Faith communities play an integral part of our vaccine campaign and equitable recovery efforts,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Nancy will bring her extensive relationships and expertise to the Office of Faith and Community Partnerships, and I’m excited to welcome her to this new role.” (Click here, for more information).
Vaccine For All: City Begins Vaccination for Homebound New Yorkers
March 4, 2021
NEW YORK– With the arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the City’s effort to vaccinate homebound New Yorkers is now officially underway, Mayor de Blasio announced today.
“The arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will revolutionize our vaccine effort,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Today we are bringing shots directly to our homebound seniors, making sure vaccines go to those who need them the most.” (Click here, for more information).
A Recovery for All of Us: Mayor de Blasio Announces Major Next Steps to Close the Digital Divide in NYC
March 3, 2021
City releases requesting proposals for modern, innovative, equitable broadband infrastructure for universal broadband and announces reservation process for light poles to be used for 5G installation
NEW YORK––Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced next steps on the City’s efforts to achieve affordable and universal broadband. With a historic $157 million capital investment, the City is releasing a Request for Proposals that invites the telecommunications industry to create new affordable broadband service options through a first-ever coordinated system of access of up to 100,000 City assets, prioritizing areas identified by the Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity. The Mayor also announced the City will accelerate the buildout of 5G by making an unprecedented 7,500 City street poles available for mobile carriers to build out their networks, mainly in underserved areas. Combined, these initiatives will reach millions of New Yorkers across all five boroughs, expanding access to quality, high-speed, and reliable internet at home or on the go.
“All New Yorkers deserve affordable Internet access, no matter their zip code,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With this historic effort to invest in broadband and 5G infrastructure, we are making tremendous strides toward closing the digital divide once and for all.”
“New Yorkers deserve fast, reliable internet service, regardless of the size of their paycheck or where they live,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray.” The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the need to close the digital divide. Whether people are working from home, researching school assignments or in need of a visit to their doctor, there is a greater reliance on online communication. This historic investment will open the door for industry leaders to deliver innovative technology solutions that will help build the communities hit hardest by the virus back stronger, and ensure a fair recovery for all.” (Click here, for more information).
New York City Announces New Measures to Hold Landlords Accountable for Dangerous Conditions
March 3, 2021
New Department of Buildings regulation blocks owners of residential buildings with a high proportion of hazardous violations from obtaining new construction permits
NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio joined Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca today to announce new restrictions for landlords with multiple violations for unsafe or hazardous conditions. This new measure allows DOB to deny new construction permit applications at properties where landlords may be using poor building maintenance as a tool to harass their tenants.
These changes build off the legislation sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan and passed by the Council, Local Law 104 of 2019.
DOB will create and maintain a list of multiple dwellings in New York City with excessive, open, and hazardous DOB and Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) violations in relation to the number of residential units. The list will be updated daily. Buildings placed on this list will be prevented from obtaining new permits until the violations are resolved and the conditions are corrected, except in situations where permits are necessary to correct a violation or other select circumstances.
“Safe, livable, fair housing starts with accountability – and New York City will not let landlords take advantage of their tenants without consequences,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These restrictions will encourage faster and more thorough fixes to poor building maintenance. This city is proud to stand with tenants who deserve responsive management.” (Click here, for more information).
A Recovery for All of Us: NYC Secure App Adds Phishing Detection, Giving All New Yorkers More Protection Online
March 2, 2021
NEW YORK – In New York City’s continuing effort to keep New Yorkers safe in their digital lives and ensure we can securely rebuild our economy, Mayor de Blasio announced today the newest upgrade of the NYC Secure mobile app, which now guards against criminals who try to steal New Yorker’s personal information via “phishing” attacks.
“Online commerce and communication has become a vital lifeline for so many during the pandemic,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With this upgrade, we’re continuing our commitment to the safety of New Yorkers beyond the City streets and into their digital lives.” (Click here, for more information).
