Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources Page
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Coronavirus Information and Resources Page
With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the situation changes by the hour as new information and directives come out. As much as possible we are trying to provide links to trusted source information so that you can check the most up-to-date information.
IMPORTANT: There is still no cure or vaccine for COVID-19.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19
- wear face coverings when in public
- maintain distance
- practice good hand hygiene
- stay home if sick
All New Yorkers can get tested for covid-19. If you participated in a protest or have been spending time with people outside your household, get tested! Sites run by New York State Health + Hospitals are free and often can return results more quickly than commercial sites. Check with the commercial sites to find out if there will be charges. coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.
See the MHNA Reopening page for more details about NYC's reopening.
NYC's Phase 4 businesses may open on July 20 (final phase).
Phase 4 Industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries
Schools (must have an approved plan), Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment (zoos, botanical gardens), Media Production, Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans. IMPORTANT: The following NYC businesses and nonprofits remain CLOSED: indoor dining or activities, malls, gyms, venues with large gatherings.
NYC's Phase 3 busineses may reopen July 6.
Phase 3 industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries
NYC's Phase 2 businesses may reopen on June 22.
Phase 2 industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries.
As many as 300,000 more workers are expected to come to NYC.
NYC's Phase 1 businesses may reopen June 8.
Phase 1 industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-one-industries.
200,000-400,000 additional people are expected to come to NYC.
For an overview of industries that are authorized to reopen during Phases 1-4 see forward.ny.gov.
Also see NYC's Small Business Services coronavirus page www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page.
If you are a business owner and have questions about when you can reopen, please use the New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool: businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward.
7/24/2020 Message from Gov. Cuomo for young people: This is not the time to fight for your right to party. We are seeing a statistically significant increase in the COVID infection rate in 21- to 30-year-olds. Remember: Young people can get seriously sick and some will die from the virus. Young people can bring it home and give it to others inadvertently. To deliver the message, we launched a social and PSA campaign to communicate the hard facts to young people. If you treat COVID lightly, you may not live to regret it. Watch the video youtube.com/watch?v=_PSvyr8xJE0.
7/24/2020 Outdoor recreational spaces can reopen: zoos and botanical gardens, swimming pools, beaches.
6/22/2020 Playgrounds for younger children reopen. Team sports are not permitted.
5/15/2020 After May 15, New York State will open on a regional basis as regions meet the guidelines for re-opening. Re-opening will be in stages defined by risk and whether the activity is essential. Public health (saving lives) and the economy will both be considered. When a region has met all of the criteria, it qualifies to reopen. The COVID statistics will continue to be monitored for NYC.
NYC will not issue permits for street events through September 30.
What is "Stay-at-Home" or PAUSE?
In general, this means that people should not leave their homes except for essentials such as groceries and medicine or emergencies. When outside, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf, bandanna or mask and practice social distancing (6' between people). Businesses that do not provide essential services must close and send workers home. Businesses considered essential could include grocery stores, restaurants that do take out service, pharmacies, organizations that provide services for vulnerable populations, first responders and hardware stores. Public transportation continues to operate to get nurses, doctors, law enforcement officers, and other essential personnel where they need to go. Everyone else: Limit the use of public transportation to only when necessary.
For details, visit the NYC Department of Health website: nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association will follow Federal, NYS and NYC guidelines during the COVID19 outbreak and will update our website and other channels of communication if there are any changes. All events are canceled until at least the fall.
The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association extends an offer to members: contact us if you need assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak, email info@murrayhillnyc.org or call 212-886-5867.
Preventing novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Visit the Centers for Disease Control website for advice on how to prevent COVID-19 cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
New York State's webpage: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus and health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/prepare.htm
NYC's Department of Health webpage: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus also nyc.gov/coronavirus
NYC COVID-19 main page www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page.
White House Coronavirus Task Force response to COVID-19 webpage www.coronavirus.gov.
Know How it Spreads
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Take steps to protect yourself
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Wear a mask. Cover your nose and mouth when you go outside.
Take steps to protect others
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wear a facemask. The Centers for Disease Control is now recommending that members of the general public refrain from using N95 masks with valves. The CDC says that a face mask with a valve does not do a good job of protecting people in your vicinity if you’re infected.
- Clean and disinfect
Symptoms to look out for: cough, muscle pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, fever, new loss of taste or smell, chills. Get medical attention immediately if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 — like trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, or bluish lips or face. [Source: Medicare email of 5/14/2020]
"Talking can spread COVID-19" Watch this CDC video explaining how the COVID-19 virus is transmitted by those without symptoms. youtube.com/watch?v=qzARpgx8cvE&feature=youtu.be
7/25/2020 FDA Recalls 75 Hand Sanitizers That May Be In New York Homes
July 24, 2020, patch.com, by Michael Woyton
As the coronavirus persists and demand for hand sanitizers grows, people in New York may have brands that contain dangerous methanol.
4/8/2020 Pets. Currently, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, are contributing to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some animals can get infected, such as dogs and cats, but there are no reports of them spreading the virus. More information COVID-19 and Animals FAQ from the newly formed Office of Animal Welfare www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-19-animals-faq.pdf.
If you have non-emergency issues related to COVID-19 call the COVID-19 hotlines that are available or you can call 311. The 24-hour state hotline number is 1-888-364-3065, the number for vulnerable New Yorkers to call about testing is 1-844-NYC-4NYC. Use 911 when you feel seriously ill. Notify the dispatcher if you think you have coronavirus.
5/8/2020. Source: Gov.Cuomo's email. A disturbing new development is a serious illness affecting children, known as multi-system inflammatory syndrome (PMIS). The illness is potentially linked with COVID-19, and it has features that are similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. Parents should seek immediate care if a child has: prolonged fever (more than five days), difficulty feeding (infants) or is too sick to drink fluids, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting, change in skin color or rash, becoming pale, patchy and/or blue, trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly, racing heart or chest pain, decreased amount of frequency in urine, lethargy, irritability or confusion. Parents can call 311 to get help finding a doctor.
Mental health resources
NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173, chat at NYC.gov/nycwell. Free online mental health services. New Yorkers can call the state's hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to schedule a free appointment. ThriveNYC Mental Health Services: thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/mental_health_support_while_home
Coping with stress during an infectious disease outbreak: www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/coping-with-stress-disease-outbreak.pdf
Domestic violence resources
All shelters are operating and hotlines are available 24/7.
- 4/25/2020 New York State launched a new texting program and confidential service to help New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence. Text 844-997-2121 or visit opdv.ny.gov to confidentially chat with a professional at any time of day or night.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-799-7233), log onto http://thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522
- Safe Horizon: call 1-800-621-HOPE or visit http://Safehorizon.org/SafeChat to speak with an advocate; all Domestic Violence Shelters are operating.
Pet hotline
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) is a member of the City's Animal Planning Task Force, which is now providing a COVID-19 Pet Hotline and supportive services for NYC residents with pets. If you have a COVID-19 pet-related issue call the hotline at 877-204-8821 (8am to 8pm daily).
COVID-19: Public Health Milestones Dashboard www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-goals.page
How to wear a mask without your glasses steaming up
instagram.com/p/B8LsnEHFQi2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again
Testing and contact tracing
All New Yorkers should be tested. For more testing information, see the Testing page.
You May Have Antibodies After Coronavirus Infection. But Not for Long.
June 18, 2020, Updated June 20, 2020, nytimes.com, by Apoorva MandavilliAntibodies to the virus faded quickly in asymptomatic people, scientists reported. That does not mean immunity disappears.
Medical resources and calls for medical professionals and volunteers
Directives for gatherings and facilities
COVID Reopening guidelines for New York State (NY Forward)
Legislation and executive orders
Assistance for individuals, homeowners, artists, workers and the unemployed (and pets)
Small business and nonprofits assistance and resources
How you can help - volunteer, suppliers, jobs and donation opportunities
Assistance & Guidance for Small Businesses and Nonprofits impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Government offices and resources
Neighborhood houses of worship, museums, educational and cultural institutions
Neighborhood restaurants, food & spirits
Open for delivery/pickup and catering (partial listing)
Due to the changing situation, call or check their website for updates. If the restaurant offers gift certificates, you can purchase them to show your support. Please tip delivery personnel generously.
Neighborhood retail, healthcare (including pets) & services
With the "stay-at-home" directive, only "essential" businesses are open to the public at their brick-and-mortar locations. Many are conducting business online. They may be using technology solutions for online conferencing. Visit their webstite or call for an appointment if you need to use their services.
Neighborhood businesses that are closed
Closed until further notice. Please check their websites for updates.
COVID-19 scams & public service announcements
Articles
Counterterrorism Policies Are a Terrible Fit for Addressing Challenges Like Covid-19
July 6, 2020, brennancenter.org, by Faiza Patel
From fighting the coronavirus to stopping school shootings, using government powers and tactics developed after 9/11 is counterproductive. [W]e need to find new ways of conceptualizing the challenges we face and their causes, design fitting responses, and avoid the steep costs of treating these challenges as terrorist threats when they’re clearly not.