By the Numbers

Global 

Cases: 132,882,878

Deaths: 2,884,766

*data from Johns Hopkins

United States

Confirmed Cases: 30,847,348

Deaths: 556,546

People Fully Vaccinated: 59,910,515

% Fully Vaccinated: 18.31%

*data from Johns Hopkins

New York State

Confirmed Cases: 1,918,437

Deaths: 50,751

People Fully Vaccinated: 3,997,437

% Fully Vaccinated: 20.46%

*data from Johns Hopkins

New York City 

Total Cases (Last 7 days): 23,837 

• Confirmed Cases: 17,498 
• Probable Cases: 6,339

Hospitalizations (Last 7 days): 1,262

Confirmed Deaths (Last 7 days): 264

People Fully Vaccinated: 1,535,311

% Fully Vaccinated: 23%

*data from NYC Health

National Updates

President Biden and his administration continue to take steps to combat the health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, that included the introduction of the American Jobs Plan, which provides funding to protect Americans from future pandemics and puts us on a path to build back better. President Biden also announced that we have surpassed 150 million COVID vaccine doses. Read more about the American Jobs Plan here.

New York State Updates

More than 10.5 million total COVID vaccine doses have now been administered across New York! 

Where and How Can I Get a Vaccine Through NYS?
Vaccines are available at pharmacies, hospitals, and through local health departments statewide – please contact your provider of choice to schedule your vaccine appointment.

Additionally, there is a network of State-run sites distributing vaccines statewide. To determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment at New York State-run vaccination sites, use the Am I Eligible app. 

An appointment is required. If you visit a location without an appointment you will not receive a vaccine. 

Expanded Vaccine Eligibility 

As of Tuesday, April 6, New Yorkers who are 16-years-old and older are eligible to schedule appointments and receive the COVID-19 vaccine, creating universal eligibility!

18 Community-Based Pop-Up Vaccination Sites

This week, 18 new community-based pop-up vaccination sites opened at houses of worship, community centers, gathering spaces, and local businesses.

A full list of new locations can be found here.

Opening NY: Performing Arts and Entertainment Venues 

Performing arts and entertainment venues can now reopen at 33% capacity. Venues can host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of completed vaccination or recent negative test result prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing, face coverings, health screening, and other health protocols will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance.

A full list of guidelines can be found here.

Lifting Curfews

Starting this week, the 11 pm curfew previously in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms, and fitness centers has been lifted. The 11 pm curfew for food and beverage establishments and the 12 am curfew for catered events remains in effect. Both curfews will be further evaluated later this month.

Expanding the New York Forward Rapid Test Program 

The New York Forward Rapid Test Program to help businesses and events safely reopen expanded this week with 25 new sites opening April 1 and 10 sites opening within the next two weeks, for a total of 70 sites statewide. New Yorkers can find a test site and make an appointment here, and download proof of their negative test result on the State’s Excelsior Pass, which launched last month.  

Extended Open Enrollment – Again! 

The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through December 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York’s Official Health Plan Marketplace, or directly through insurers.  

Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs – Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus – can continue to enroll year-round. 

New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment assister. 

COVID Alert NY 

As a reminder, New York State has launched COVID Alert NY, an app to provide COVID-19 exposure alerts to help protect your community while maintaining your privacy. More information here.

Donate Blood 

The State is strongly encouraging eligible and healthy New Yorkers to donate blood. During this crisis, we have seen severe blood shortages across NYS. Your donation could save a life. More information here.

As I make this request, I am aware of and working to reverse the antiquated three–month deferral policy for MSM who wish to donate blood. Last year, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and I were successful in getting the FDA to decrease the 12–month deferral period to three months. And just this month, I introduced a resolution highlighting the urgent need for nondiscriminatory and equitable blood and blood product donation policies in the United States. Policies governing blood and blood product donation should be grounded in science and based on individual risk factors that do not unfairly single out any group of individuals, particularly LGBTQIA+ Americans. We need to completely get rid of this policy that is not based on current science, stigmatizes the LGBTQIA+ community, and undermines crucial efforts to increase the nation’s blood supply as we grapple with the coronavirus crisis.

New York City Updates

Testing 

To find the testing site closest to you, click here, text “COVID TEST” to 855-48, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319). 

Signing Up To Get Your Vaccine 

If you are 16 or older, you can use the NYC Vaccine Finder to find a vaccination location near you and make an appointment.

Additional COVID-19 vaccine sites will be added as they are available. You can also make an appointment by phone by calling 1-877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692).

Mobile Vaccination Effort 

This week, New York City launched a mobile vaccination effort consisting of vans and buses to reach some of the hardest-to-reach New Yorkers for COVID vaccines. An effort is also being made to expand the number of walk-in vaccine sites for New Yorkers 75 and older at City-run vaccine sites citywide. 

More details here. 

Additional Resources 

• COVID-19 Vaccines main page: Stay up to date about what we know — and what we are still learning — about the vaccines.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Locations: Find out if you are now eligible to receive a vaccination at community locations and schedule an appointment.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in NYC: Learn which groups are currently eligible for the vaccine.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Data: Find out how many doses have been reserved, delivered and administered in the city.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Providers: Health care providers can get resources and information on vaccine distribution and administration, including how to enroll in the NYC COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
• What New Yorkers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (PDF): Download frequently asked questions about the vaccines.

While the vaccination process is underway, every New Yorker should continue to wear a mask, social distance and avoid small and large gatherings. Please continue to follow NYC’s prevention guidance and do your part to stop the spread. 

I hope you’ll join me this Friday, April 9th from 8:00 to 9:00 AM for a virtual Coffee with Carolyn. This is an opportunity for me to hear directly from constituents like you.

Information on how to sign up below!

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I hope you can join us Friday morning!

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