4/27 COVID-19 Update

Senator David Carlucci

April 27, 2020

COVID-19

Dear Neighbor,

The curve has flattened, and we want to see an increased decline in COVID-19 cases. Hospitalization rates are down, intubations are down, but we still have about 1,000 new COVID-19 cases entering the hospital each day.

Our actions can shape our future, so it's important that we recognize our progress and remain cautious. We should continue to follow social distancing protocols to keep each other safe.

If we continue to stay at home, use protective gear like masks and gloves, and hold each other accountable, we can defeat this virus.

NYS, ROCKLAND, & WESTCHESTER COVID-19 CASES

We continue to lose New Yokrers every day to COVID-19. Yesterday, 337 New Yorkers lost their fight and to date 17,303 people have died.

Rockland had 110 new positive COVID-19 cases yesterday, and since the outbreak started, 11,366 positive cases. Westchester had 343 new positive cases yesterday, and since the outbreak started, 28,077 positive cases.

Rockland County saw an increase in positive cases over the weekend due to a backlog, according to the County Executive. Rockland continues to see the number of those hospitalized fall and testing has increased by about 15 percent. While, cases in Westchester are on the decline along with hospitalizations.

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

During this time, I have been working diligently with local, County and State counterparts to advocate for increased testing accessibility, which includes rapid antibody testing and diagnostic testing. We've also been working to get more PPE to our Counties for our hospitals, mental health providers, and nursing homes. The State has delivered tens of thousands of washable cloth masks for Rockland and Westchester Counties. Masks have been distributed to local municipalities so its best to contact your respective town hall for a time to pick one up. We've also coordinated more hand sanitizer to Rockland and Westchester Counties to be distributed to hospitals, nursing homes, food banks, first responders, and schools and colleges.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABSENTEE BALLOTS: The NYS Board of Elections will automatically mail registered voters postage-paid applications for an absentee ballot, if you want to vote remotely. (In-person polling will still be an option.)
INVESTIGATING NURSING HOME VIOLATIONS: Nursing homes are directed to immediately report the actions they have taken to comply with all state and federal directives and guidance to the Department of Health (DOH). Those that are not complying with DOH guidelines could be fined $10,000 per violation or lose their operating license.

NURSING HOME HELP: If you concerned that a family member of yours isn't getting proper care in a nursing home, you can file a complaint by calling (833) 249-8499 or by visiting www.ag.ny.gov/nursinghomes.

CHILDCARE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS: Income eligible essential workers who use a licensed or registered child care provider, may be able to receive a scholarship for the cost of child care through May 15th, 2020. Child care costs will be covered for essential staff whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level — or $78,600 for a family of four. Essential workers (including health care providers, law enforcement, food delivery workers, grocery store employees and others) can use these scholarships to pay for their existing care arrangement. If an essential worker needs child care, they can contact their local child care referral agency to find openings. Funding is first come first serve. Apply here: http://ow.ly/CFEw50zqf0o.

LOOKING AHEAD

Moving forward, we continue to monitor the results of the State's survey, which has now tested 7,500 people. The preliminary results show 14.9 percent of the population have COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody testing survey will work to determine what percentage of the population has had COVID-19. We need reliable antibody tests to determine when and how to begin restarting the economy and sending people back to work. The State will be opening antibody testing to more frontline workers and first responders. The state will test 1,000 New York City Fire Department officers and 1,000 New York City Police Department officers from across all five boroughs, and this week will test 3,000 health care workers and 1,000 transit workers for antibodies. After calling for first responders to receive expanded priority for testing, the State expanded diagnostic testing criteria to include all first responders, health care workers and essential employees, even if they aren't symptomatic. These individuals will be able to get tested for COVID-19 at drive-through facilities. The State continues to work to develop plans for contact tracing and isolation to move into phases for any sort or reopening.

HERE TO HELP

Please remember my staff is working remotely and has closed hundreds of cases since the start of the pandemic. We are hear to assist with unemployment claims, health insurance enrollment, local resources and services and any challenges you may encounter during the pandemic. You can reach my office at (845) 623-3627 or (914) 941-2054 between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or you can email me directly, anytime at carlucci@nysenate.gov.

Commonly Asked Questions on COVID-19: https://health.westchestergov.com/images/stories/PDF/20200317nyscovid.pdf

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