Dear Community,
On Thursday evening I tested positive for COVID-19. While I am fully vaccinated and have taken all CDC recommended safety precautions, I unfortunately contracted the virus. I am experiencing symptoms and currently isolating at home per CDC guidelines.
As someone experiencing a breakthrough case, I want to take this time to urge everyone unvaccinated to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at their earliest convenience. The vaccine has proven to slow transmission of the virus and to suppress symptoms, protecting people from more serious outcomes-- including hospitalization and death.
We are still navigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the seriousness of multiple variant strains. All of us must continue to do our part in protecting our community’s health and well-being. This means taking the time to get fully vaccinated.
I also want to bring to your attention that just this week the CDC officially approved booster shots for both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. They also endorsed a “mix and match” approach to vaccine boosters, meaning the booster shots that people get do not need to match the ones they got for their initial vaccinations. New Yorkers over the age of 65 are encouraged to get a booster shot 6 months after their last vaccine dose. New Yorkers over the age of 18 with underlying health issues and/or heightened exposure may also receive a booster shot. As always, consult with a healthcare provider if you are uncertain.
If you have any questions regarding the vaccine or need help scheduling an appointment, please visit vaccines.gov or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. If you live in District 34 and need assistance in setting up an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please fill out this form and my team will get back to you.
I hope you and your loved ones continue to stay healthy and safe.
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
Eligible constituents of Senate District 34, if you need assistance in setting up an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please fill out this form and my team will get back to you.
On October 21st, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the statewide 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate is 2.3%.
On October 21st, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially endorsed booster shots for both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, one day after the Food and Drug Administration authorized the additional shots. The CDC also endorsed a “mix and match” approach to vaccine boosters, meaning the booster shots that people get do not need to match the ones they got for their initial vaccinations.
- Governor Hochul announced on Thursday that New York State will follow the CDC’s guidance in regards to booster shots. All eligible New Yorkers can get a COVID-19 booster.
On October 20th, Mayor de Blasio announced that all NYC workers, including police, fire, and other city workers, must have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine by November 1st, with no testing alternative.
On October 19th, Governor Hochul announced the launch of a new centralized website for New York State COVID-19 data. This website includes new data as well as a reorganization of previously released data to make it easier for the public to access, read and understand. In addition, more COVID-19 data is now being made available on Health Data NY.
As a reminder, Governor Hochul launched a $125 million fund to give landlords the financial relief they need to pay their basic bills and mortgages. The new Landlord Rental Assistance program ensures landlords whose tenants have declined to participate in tenant rental assistance programs or who vacated with arrears (unpaid rent) are able to receive help. If you are a landlord who hasn’t been able to access funding, visit otda.ny.gov/lrap to learn more and apply.
The application for the Excluded Workers Fund has closed. As of October 8th at 7:30pm, the Department of Labor is no longer accepting new Excluded Worker Fund applications. Due to funding constraints, there is no guarantee applications received after September 24th will be approved. Both the Governor's Office and Legislature are working in collaboration to replenish the fund and provide additional COVID-19 relief funding next year during legislative session.
As a reminder, Governor Hochul announced a vaccine incentive program in partnership with all three New York professional football teams to support vaccinations among currently unvaccinated New Yorkers. Eligible New Yorkers 18 and older can enter to win prizes for the whole family from the Buffalo Bills, the New York Giants, and the New York Jets including up to four game tickets, special in-game experiences, stadium tours, signed team gear, FaceTime calls with alumni players, and more. Eligible New Yorkers who received their first vaccine dose September 9 through October 24 can enter Here. First winners were announced September 29th, Drawing Schedule Available Here.
As a reminder, Governor Hochul announced that masks are required at state-regulated child care facilities for children ages two and up, all staff and visitors.
- New masking requirements will also apply to congregate programs and facilities licensed, registered, operated, certified or approved by the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
- This includes but is not limited to certified residential and day programs, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, substance abuse programs, juvenile detention programs, juvenile residential facilities, congregate foster care programs, runaway and homeless youth, domestic violence and other shelter programs. These requirements apply regardless of vaccination status.
As a reminder, President Joe Biden mandated that all private employers with 100 or more workers require their workers to be vaccinated or tested weekly. He also mandated that all healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics and other facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid payments and all federal contractors must get vaccinated, with no opt out option.
As of August 17th, people 12 and older are required to show identification and proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for indoor dining, indoor fitness, and indoor entertainment and certain meeting spaces. This requirement — called the Key to NYC — also means staff at these locations must be vaccinated. If you own any of the above types of businesses, we urge you to review the requirements and make sure you are in compliance to protect your employees and patrons and to avoid fines.
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