Coronavirus

Mike Bloomberg donates $10.5M to develop New York region’s contact tracing program

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

April 22, 2020

Mike Bloomberg donates $10.5M to develop New York region’s contact tracing program

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After receiving positive news last night from the White House in regards to federal support for testing, Governor Cuomo today revealed new details on the contact-tracing-isolation program that the state will begin implementing immediately in conjunction with increased testing. Former NYC Mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has volunteered to help develop this program, which will operate across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Bloomberg Philanthropies has also made a financial contribution of $10.5 million.
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De Blasio announces more testing and supplies for NYCHA residents, support for seniors

Photo of the Alfred E. Smith Houses by Ken Lund on Flickr

April 22, 2020

De Blasio announces more testing and supplies for NYCHA residents, support for seniors

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Six new coronavirus testing sites with a priority for residents of the city's public housing system will open starting this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday. Community testing sites will open on Friday in Fort Greene, Mott Haven, and on the Lower East Side, with three additional sites opening next week at New York City Housing Authority buildings, including Jonathan Williams Houses, Woodside Houses, and St. Nicholas Houses. The news comes after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced earlier this week a pilot program to bring on-site health services and more testing to NYCHA residents, beginning with eight developments across the five boroughs.
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See the giant heart design on Bryant Park’s lawn

Photo by Jane Kratochvil for Bryant Park Corp.

April 22, 2020

See the giant heart design on Bryant Park’s lawn

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A giant heart was mowed into Bryant Park's lawn this week as a message of support for the city's healthcare personnel and essential workers. The park, which recently transformed its Winter Village ice skating rink into its famed lawn, will reopen its green space to the public in early May. Social distancing regulations will be in effect, according to the Bryant Park Corporation.
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Following meeting with Trump, Cuomo says New York will double COVID testing capacity

Photo of Donald Trump via Wikimedia Commons; Photo of Governor Andrew Cuomo via Wikimedia Commons

April 22, 2020

Following meeting with Trump, Cuomo says New York will double COVID testing capacity

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It was a question of friend or foe leading up to Governor Cuomo's meeting at the White House yesterday, but it looks like the governor, who has been referred to as the "Trump whisperer," came out of the chat with some concrete federal commitments when it comes to advancing coronavirus testing in the state. After the meeting, the governor announced a partnership with the federal government that will double the current daily testing capacity from 20,000 to 40,000, which includes both diagnostic and antibody tests. The state will manage the actual tests in its laboratories, but the federal government will be responsible for handling the international supply chain issues associated with testing that are out of the state's purview.
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NYC Council bill wants to block evictions for unpaid rent for a full year

Photo by Lucia Gherra on Unsplash

April 21, 2020

NYC Council bill wants to block evictions for unpaid rent for a full year

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Amidst calls for a statewide rent strike, the New York City Council will introduce a COVID-19 relief package tomorrow that extends the eviction moratorium for those affected by the coronavirus crisis until April 2021. "We must #cancelrent, but in the meantime, the Council is working to give tenants peace of mind so New Yorkers won’t suffer irreparable harms," tweeted Council Speaker Corey Johnson this afternoon. The bill, which the Council will introduce tomorrow at their first-ever remote hearing, extends the amount of time both residential and commercial tenants have to repay rent and blocks debt collection.
More details here
Personal assistant app Hello Alfred offers guaranteed delivery service in NYC for $25/week

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

April 21, 2020

Personal assistant app Hello Alfred offers guaranteed delivery service in NYC for $25/week

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As New Yorkers look to avoid in-person grocery shopping amid the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for delivery services has exploded across the city. Hoping to provide an alternative to the currently overwhelmed system, Hello Alfred, a company that provides a digital personal assistant for city dwellers, has launched a new delivery service for $25 per week for out-of-network users, as Eater NY first reported.
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When NYC reopens, there will be a ticker-tape parade for health care workers and first responders

Photo by Spurekar via Flickr cc

April 21, 2020

When NYC reopens, there will be a ticker-tape parade for health care workers and first responders

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"The first thing we will do, before we think about anything else, is we will take a time as only New York City can do, to throw the biggest, best parade to honor these heroes," said Mayor de Blasio in his morning press conference, referring to his announcement that the city will hold a ticker-tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes for health care workers and first responders as soon as things reopen. "This parade will mark the beginning of our renaissance."
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Coogan’s in Washington Heights closes after 35 years

Coogan’s Restaurant in Washington Heights, via CityRealty

April 21, 2020

Coogan’s in Washington Heights closes after 35 years

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An iconic Irish pub is closing its doors after 35 years in Washington Heights because of the coronavirus pandemic. The owners of Coogan's restaurant and bar, located on Broadway between 168th and 169th Streets, announced on Monday "a fond farewell" in a Facebook post. "Ironically, this past March 17 would be the last time Coogan's closed its doors," owners Dave Hunt, Tess O'Connor McDade, and Peter Walsh wrote. "We had hoped to open them again but sadly that is not possible."
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This week’s NYC sing along goes national with ‘Lean on Me’

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

April 21, 2020

This week’s NYC sing along goes national with ‘Lean on Me’

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Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash On April 3, three-time Grammy Award winner Bill Withers passed away at the age of 81. Among his top hits were "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lovely Day," and "Lean on Me," which will be the song New Yorkers will sing to out their windows this Thursday evening. Volunteer community choir Peace of Heart Choir kicked off the city-wide sing along last week with Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” This week, the event is planned to reach the entire nation.
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Cuomo to expand COVID-19 testing at NYC public housing

Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City is one of the NYCHA developments to get testing services; Photo via Wikimedia

April 20, 2020

Cuomo to expand COVID-19 testing at NYC public housing

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A pilot program to bring on-site health services and expanded COVID-19 testing to residents of New York City's public housing will roll out this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday. The news follows preliminary data released by the city and state earlier this month that shows minority and low-income communities are facing disproportionate rates of infection and death from the coronavirus. "People in public housing always seem to pay the highest prices," the governor said on Monday.
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Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart and more will perform on ‘Jersey 4 Jersey’ benefit

Photo by Takahiro Kyono via Wikimedia Commons

April 20, 2020

Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart and more will perform on ‘Jersey 4 Jersey’ benefit

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On Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00pm, the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund will host a star-studded benefit to support those in need in the severely impacted state. The event will include performances streamed from the homes of  New Jersey natives Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa, Halsey, SZA, and Charlie Puth, as well as Tony Bennett, who long had a studio in the state. Others who hail from the state will make special appearances including Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Ripa, Chelsea Handler, Saquon Barkley, Jon Stewart, and Chris Rock.
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NYC cancels Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade along with all June gatherings

Photo by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

April 20, 2020

NYC cancels Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade along with all June gatherings

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Though Governor Cuomo has only extended New York Pause through May 15, Mayor de Blasio went one step further and canceled all non-essential permitted events in June. Most notably this includes the Pride March (for which it would have been the 50th anniversary), the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the Celebrate Israel Parade. In addition to parades, concerts, rallies, and large gatherings will be canceled through June.
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New York tenant groups call for mass rent strike

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

April 17, 2020

New York tenant groups call for mass rent strike

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A coalition of housing and tenant advocacy groups is calling for a statewide rent strike on May 1 with the goal of pressuring Gov. Andrew Cuomo to cancel rent for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. Led by the Upstate Downstate Housing Alliance, the coordinated protest is seeking cancellation of rents for at least four months, a freeze on rent for every tenant, and a plan to house homeless New Yorkers.
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Lions, tigers, & bears, oh my! The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium go virtual

Screenshot of feeding time at the aquatic bird house via Bronx Zoo

April 17, 2020

Lions, tigers, & bears, oh my! The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium go virtual

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Looking for a new show to stream? The Wildlife Conservation Society is bringing animals of the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium to your living room through live cams, as Gothamist first spotted. Check in with your favorite creatures, from lemurs and little blue penguins to sharks and giant octopi.
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NYC Council wants to open up to 75 miles of streets for pedestrians during COVID-19

The city’s “Summer Streets” program in 2019; Photo of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 17, 2020

NYC Council wants to open up to 75 miles of streets for pedestrians during COVID-19

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Up to 75 miles of city streets could soon be closed to cars under new legislation set to be introduced by the City Council next week. Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Carlina Rivera on Friday announced a proposal to open streets to pedestrians and cyclists during the coronavirus pandemic to allow for proper social distancing. The plan comes after Mayor Bill de Blasio launched an open-streets pilot last month, only to end the program 10 days later.
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NYC’s $20M fund will provide emergency relief to immigrant workers and their families

Photo by Colton Duke on Unsplash

April 17, 2020

NYC’s $20M fund will provide emergency relief to immigrant workers and their families

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Federal stimulus checks started hitting bank accounts this week, but to qualify for the IRS' Economic Impact Payments one must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien and have a social security number. This omits about 7.6 million undocumented immigrant workers across the country, roughly 4.3 million of whom pay taxes using a taxpayer identification number, as CNN and Market Watch reported. Here in the city, however, Mayor de Blasio has announced the New York City COVID-19 Immigrant Emergency Relief program, a $20 million fund that will "reach 20,000 immigrant workers and their families with direct, one-time emergency relief." The program is funded by George Soros' Open Society Foundations.
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NYC releases $170M plan to feed New Yorkers throughout coronavirus crisis

Mayor Bill de Blasio visits The Campaign Against Hunger food pantry in Brooklyn. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

April 16, 2020

NYC releases $170M plan to feed New Yorkers throughout coronavirus crisis

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With schools closed, seniors and vulnerable populations unable to leave their homes, and unemployment growing, many New Yorkers are facing unprecedented food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio this week released a $170 million plan to boost existing food delivery systems and secure the city's food supply. "Whoever you are, wherever you are, if you need food, we're here for you, and there should be no shame," de Blasio said during a press briefing on Wednesday. "I want to emphasize this. There's no one's fault that we're dealing with this horrible crisis. Anyone needs food? We're here for you."
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NYC outdoor pools will be closed all summer because of coronavirus pandemic

Photo of the Floating Pool Lady in Baretto Point Park by Danny Avila for NYC Parks

April 16, 2020

NYC outdoor pools will be closed all summer because of coronavirus pandemic

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Outdoor public pools will be closed all summer as the city looks to make major budget cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday. Facing a staggering $7.4 billion loss in tax revenue, the city plans to make over $2 billion in cuts to its executive budget. According to the mayor, closing the pools for the 2020 season, which runs from late June to Labor Day, will save the city $12 million.
Details here
SNL’s Michael Che to pay rent for 160 units at late grandmother’s NYCHA building

Photo by Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash

April 16, 2020

SNL’s Michael Che to pay rent for 160 units at late grandmother’s NYCHA building

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Comedian and "Saturday Night Live" cast member Michael Che on Wednesday pledged to pay one month's rent for all 160 apartments at a public housing building where his late grandmother lived. Earlier this month, Che, who grew up on the Lower East Side, announced he lost his grandmother, Martha, to complications from the coronavirus.
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Trains, buses, and ferries will #SoundTheHorn today at 3pm to honor transit workers

Image courtesy of the MTA

April 16, 2020

Trains, buses, and ferries will #SoundTheHorn today at 3pm to honor transit workers

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Image courtesy of the MTA The MTA is joining Amtrak, NJ Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NYC Ferry, and other regional transit agencies to take part in the #soundthehorn campaign. Today at 3pm, all in-service trains, buses, and ferries will give two horn blasts to honor transportation workers across the region. "Our employees are heroes," said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye. "They are courageously coming to work each day to perform their essential duties, which are critically important to this region during the pandemic."
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All New Yorkers must wear masks in public spaces, Cuomo orders

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

April 15, 2020

All New Yorkers must wear masks in public spaces, Cuomo orders

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All people must wear a mask or face-covering in public in situations where social distancing is not possible, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. As part of an executive order, New Yorkers must wear a mask or cloth covering over their nose and mouth to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This includes wearing face coverings in crowded areas like busy sidewalks and public transportation. The new order will go into effect on Friday, the governor said.
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New York lays out phased reopening blueprint, will begin state-wide antibody testing

Photo by Guillaume LORAIN on Unsplash

April 15, 2020

New York lays out phased reopening blueprint, will begin state-wide antibody testing

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In his press conference today, Governor Cuomo gave the first concrete information about how the state will begin the process of reopening. A basic phased approach will take into account two factors: 1) How "essential" the business service or product is and 2) What the risk of "infection spread" of the business is. To get to that point, New York will begin state-wide antibody testing and tracing. Last week, the state Department of Health announced that it had developed its own such test and this week will begin 2,000 finger prick antibody tests per day. New York has also asked the FDA to expedite the process of a similar finger prick test that could test up to 100,000 New Yorkers a day.
More details ahead
NYC beaches may be closed for the summer

Photo by Brian Kyed on Unsplash

April 15, 2020

NYC beaches may be closed for the summer

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Photo by Brian Kyed on Unsplash The city is considering closing New York City beaches for the summer in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Post reported on Tuesday. Sources told the newspaper that the city's Parks Department has been directed by Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration to plan for "every scenario," which could mean full and partial closures of its 14 miles of beaches. The mayor also said this week that large gatherings may not be able to take place until the fall as the city continues to control the spread of the virus.
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Landmarks Preservation Commission to resume public hearings virtually

Photo of One Centre Street by Alexander Lorenz on Flickr

April 14, 2020

Landmarks Preservation Commission to resume public hearings virtually

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The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission will resume its public hearings next week after being suspended for a month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As first reported by Brownstoner, the meetings and hearings will be held virtually on the video conferencing app Zoom, with the first happening on Tuesday, April 21.
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