3/30 Coronavirus Update
March 30, 2020
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ISSUE:
- COVID-19
Dear Neighbor,
I write to update you on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Yesterday, the State extended the "New York on PAUSE" policy, which means non-essential workers are directed to continue to work from home until at least April 15th. Non-essential businesses and schools will continue to stay closed.
Gatherings of any size are not allowed, and residents are advised to continue to practice social distancing, by keeping six feet apart from people you live with and when out in public. We can all do our part by staying home.
Sadly, we have lost almost one thousand New Yorkers to COVID-19, including Detective Cedric Dixon, a 23-year veteran of the 23rd NYPD precinct, Giacomina Barr-Brown, an administrative assistant of the 49th NYPD precinct for 7 years, Dennis Dickson, who worked as a janitor with the New York City Police Department for 14 years, and Kious Kelly, a nurse manager at Mt. Sinai West who was helping save lives, but lost his own battle with the virus. We send all the families who have lost a loved one our most heartfelt condolences. Every day, New York continues to fight to save lives.
These are unprecedented times, and I understand the fear and anxiety the COVID-19 outbreak is having, but no one is alone. Together we will get through this and come out stronger.
If you have questions or concerns please remember, my entire staff is here for you working remotely. Residents can call either (845) 623-3627 or (914) 941-2054 between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to speak with a district representative, if you have a problem or question in these difficult times. You can also email me directly, anytime at carlucci@nysenate.gov.
Sincerely,
David Carlucci
· UPDATE ON FACEBOOK LIVE: Please join Dr. Mark Geller, President & CEO of Montefiore Nyack Hospital and I tonight for a Facebook Live update on COVID-19, here: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorDavidCarlucci/.
· COVID-19 CASES INCREASE: New York has seen 7,195 additional coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 59,513.
· VOLUNTEERS INCREASE: 76,000 health care workers have now volunteered to assist area hospitals in the State’s COVID-19 response. To volunteer, click here.
· WOMEN EXPECTING: The State has ensured expecting mothers will not have to give birth alone. One support person, such as a spouse, partner, family member or doula will be allowed in the delivery room.
· TRAVEL ADVISORY IN EFFECT: There is a new travel advisory in effect, by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, urging residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to avoid out-of-state travel for 14 days.
· USNS COMFORT ARRIVED: The Navy Ship USNS Comfort arrived in New York today. It will provide 1,000 hospital beds, 1,200 medical personnel, and 12 operating rooms.
· TEMPORARY HOSPITAL OPENS: The first temporary field hospital opens today at the Javits Center, offering 1,000 temporary hospital beds.
· NEW COVID-19 TEST: New York State's Wadsworth Lab has developed a new, less intrusive test for COVID-19, which will increase testing and allow fewer health care professionals to potentially be exposed to COVID-19. This new testing will begin within a week.
· DAYCARE FREE OF CHARGE: The Governor issued an executive order to allow schools to host day care free of charge.
· PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: Pharmacies have agreed to offer free home delivery to help reduce long lines for prescriptions at their facilities.
· INCREASING HOSPITAL BEDS: South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island, Westchester Square in the Bronx and Health Alliance in Ulster County will serve as locations for emergency beds. The three new sites will add 695 more beds to the State's capacity.
Here is what you need to know:
WORKING TO HELP HEALTH CARE WORKERS & FIRST RESPONDERS
We thank the healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and countless others on the front lines. Help us give back by sharing our call for hotels to offer them free lodging so they don’t have to worry about going home and exposing their families to COVID-19.
MAKING PRESCRIPTION PICK UP EASIER
I have introduced legislation allowing New Yorker’s to receive an automatic 30 day refill on any recurring prescriptions, excluding opioids so residents can stay inside and wait times will be shortened at pharmacies.
TESTING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
I am calling for COVID-19 tests to be made immediately available to our first responders like police, EMS and firefighters. Our first responders are heroes on the front lines, answering calls to traffic accidents, house fires and other life threatening incidents. Meanwhile, in Rockland and Westchester, we have had police officers, EMS, and firefighters test positive for COVID-19 and report not having enough Personal Protective Equipment. The State must re-evaluate who should be priority for testing, especially when I have seen private medical practices testing anyone, if they can pay.
FOOD BANKS
Food banks and food pantries across the State are in jeopardy of closing if we don't help. Many are looking for donations and volunteers, including, People to People, Feeding Westchester, the Ossining Food Pantry, and the Met Council.
If you are in need of food in Rockland County, please visit:
http://www.rocklandhunger.org/food-pantries-feeding-progra…/
http://www.sunyrockland.edu/…/rockland-county-food-pantry-l…
If you are in need of food in Westchester County, please visit:
https://feedingwestchester.org/find-help/
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/…/westchester_food_pant…
Make sure to call ahead as many food banks and pantries have made changes to their hours in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY DATE CHANGE
The presidential primary will now be on June 23rd to ensure the safety of every New Yorker. This is good news, but we must be focused on alternatives like mail in ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State BOE should be developing a plan for a vote-by-mail election system.
Equipment
New York State has a critical need for Personal Protective Equipment including masks, gowns and gloves. New York State needs companies to be creative to supply the crucial gear that our health care workers need. New York will pay a premium and is offering funding.
Need funding to manufacture products? Call: (212) 803-3110 and e-mail: COVID19supplies@exec.ny.gov.
Have unused supplies? Call: (646) 522-8477 or e-mail: COVID19supplies@exec.ny.gov.
Volunteers
The State is taking steps to create a reserve workforce to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
If you are a health care or mental health care professional or recently retired and would like to help, please click here.
If you are an administrator at a School of Public Health, School of Medicine, or School of Nursing who can help identify qualified staff and students and would like to help, please click here.
If you are experienced in technology, operations, analytics, or communications and would like to join the COVID-19 Technology SWAT Team for 90-day service deployments, please click here.
FEEL GOOD NEWS...
Stephon Marbury sets up deal to deliver 10M masks to NY
Rihanna's foundation donates $5 million to help fight coronavirus
Tesla's Elon Musk is donating hundreds of ventilators to New York
Know someone who deserves our thanks at this difficult time? Please share the story with me by emailing it to carlucci@nysenate.gov with “NY Strong” in the subject line.
We urge all residents to remain calm and follow these precautions from the CDC to prevent the spread of :
