Blog
News and Views
Represent NYC

COVID-19: What You Need to Know!

April 16, 2020
empty street

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

PAUSE EXTENDED: 

  • Governor Cuomo extended PAUSE, so schools and nonessential businesses will stay closed through May 15th. ALL non-essential workers must continue to work from home and schools will be closed.

MASKS MANDATORY!

  • Governor Cuomo issues an executive order requiring all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation. The Executive Order will go into effect on Friday, April 17th.

  • An executive order directs employers to provide essential workers with masks free of charge to wear when interacting with the public.

VOTING 

  • Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak Governor Cuomo announced that all New Yorkers will be allowed to vote absentee for the June 23 Democratic primary in an effort to maintain social distancing throughout the state. But what does this mean? Learn more by watching the video and reading out blog: https://www.mnn.org/blog/ny-primary-e...

TESTING STARTS

  • NYS will conduct antibody tests prioritizing frontline workers beginning this week.

  • New COVID-19 testing facilities are opening downstate, primarily in minority communities. Find testing site locations and hours or operation.

  • Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.

DONATE BLOOD

  • New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to donate blood. Here’s information on how to donate.

  • New York is experiencing a blood shortage, due largely to the cancellation of most private blood drives. To donate, call 800-933-2566 or go visit http://ny.gov/donateblood.

FOOD

  • Yesterday, Mayor de Blasio announced a $170 million investment aimed at making sure every New Yorker gets fed.  Find out more here.

  • The New York City Department of Education is committed to making three free meals available daily for any New Yorker Monday through Friday via the Department of Education. 

    "Represent NYC" talks to City Meals on Wheels about feeding seniors.

GET HELP

  • New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

  • Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.  

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline, highly trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone. 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY 1-800-787-3224.  Additionally, advocates who are Deaf are available 24/7 through the National Deaf Hotline by video phone at 1-855-812-1001, Instant Messenger (DeafHotline) or email (nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org). To get direct help use their live chat service on their website.  

GIVE HELP

NYC COVID-19 relief efforts.