Monday, November 30, 2020

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Good morning, everybody. I hope everyone had a really restful and positive holiday weekend. I hope you had a chance to spend time, whether in-person, or virtually with family and friends. And really get a break from everything we've been through. And I hope that you are taking the opportunity now in the holiday season to support our small businesses, our local businesses. I had a great opportunity to go to the Strand Bookstore on Saturday and do some of our holiday shopping there. Chirlane and I went to support an amazing New York City small business. And there's so many more like it. So again, it is holiday time. People don't have as much as we had last year, obviously. And a lot of families won't be able to buy much this year, but if you are going out to do holiday shopping, please focus on those local stores. And let's help keep the money in our community. 

  

So we've talked about buying local on Saturday. Yesterday, I outlined the plan to start reopening our schools next week. Today, we are going to focus on the thing we need the most to get us through to the vaccine. And that's testing. Testing from the very beginning has been the core to every effective strategy. And testing is what we are doubling down on now in New York City. We have the highest testing capacity we've ever had since the coronavirus began. We're going to talk about how important it is to get tested and then what to do after you get tested. So look everyone in the aftermath of Thanksgiving. if you traveled and obviously, I kept discouraging people from traveling. But if you did travel, it's important to really follow the State rules now. If you went through the procedure to test out of quarantine, that meant you got a test wherever you traveled to. You're going to get another test now upon your return within the right time frame. If you go through all that, you get negative tests, that's great. You don't have to quarantine. But for everyone who doesn't do that, you do have to quarantine. And it's really important. And we take it very seriously. We're going to be constantly focusing on educating people on the importance of following the quarantine if you traveled. But there also will be consistent enforcement and consequences for anyone who doesn't follow the quarantine rules. But again, the best way to address everything is through testing. So, whether you traveled or you didn't travel, we're encouraging people to get tested. 

  

And to make it easier. We have more and more Health + Hospitals testing locations, more mobile sites that were moving around, 25 new locations opened in the last week. We're continuing to make it easier. One of the things I've heard from so many people is they really want to get tested, but they're concerned about long lines and the turnaround time for the test. Well, again at our public hospitals and clinics and mobile sites, the Health + Hospital sites have been really good about quick turnaround times and providing people great service. But we do want to address the wait time. So now H + H will be posting updates three times a day on Twitter. You can follow at @NYCHealthSystem and get updates about each site. And it will direct people to where the waits are the least. So, you can go to the place that works best for you. Also, later today, there'll be a new online tool, TestAndTrace.nyc, will give you wait time updates at 51 Health + Hospitals sites. So, you can really plan carefully where you want to go get tested. 

  

But the bottom line is get tested. There's still so many people who have never been tested or only been tested once. This is how we fight back this second wave by getting tested. Now, what happens when you get tested? Well, if you test negative, that's great. If you test positive, you get to work with the nation's largest and best Test and Trace Corps. That's going to help keep you safe, your family safe, your friends safe, everyone you came in contact with safe. And it really works. And making sure that when people do test positive, that they know how to safely separate. That is the key. But we're not just telling people, Hey, go figure it out. We're saying no, we're going to help you every step of the way. We're going to be right there with you and provide you all the support you need. And it's free. Here to talk to you about this amazing effort and how it continues to grow. And I want to thank her and her team for all they do, and thank her for leadership, the director of the Take Care of division of Test and Trace, Dr. Amanda Johnson. 

  

Director Amanda Johnson, Take Care New YorkThank you, Mr. Mayor. Good morning, New Yorkers. I'm pleased to be back here to talk to you a little bit about COVID-19 and household transmission. As well as how the Take Care program can help you prevent the spread of the virus as we face the second wave. COVID-19 transmission is common in households, and it happens fast among families and roommates who are living together. As I mentioned before, emerging evidence from the CDC shows us that the vast majority of secondary infections occur within the first five days. Household transmissions will continue to be a significant factor in the spread of COVID-19 here in New York City where people live together in small spaces, and where we are going to be spending even more time indoors as we approach the colder months. At least one in five cases investigated by our own contact tracing program in recent weeks has been found to be due to household transmission. The implication of this is clear and urgent. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19, don't wait, separate. The Take Care program can help you with either a free hotel room, which includes free meals, medication delivery, and onsite clinical supports. Or the resources that you need to safely separate at home. Call 2-1-2-COVID-19 for assistance now. 

  

And in these challenging economic times, as we've mentioned before, don't let concerns about missing work be the barrier. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed, you have the right to seek paid sick leave without fearing consequences from your employer and regardless of your immigration status. Again, call 2-1-2-COVID-19 to learn more. As a city, we've done a good job. We've been wearing masks and more New Yorkers are getting tested all the time. We need to add a third step to this equation, to protect each other from the spread of COVID-19. Keep wearing your mask, continue getting tested often. And if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who was sick, don't wait, separate. 

  

To reach as many New Yorkers as possible, and with our simple message of don't wait, separate, we've launched a city-wide campaign, including digital broadcast and print in multiple languages. Many New Yorkers have already headed this call. To date more than 3,000 New Yorkers have been served by our hotel program. We've sent over 65,000 Take Care packages to people's homes. And our resource navigators have reached out to more than 51,000 New Yorkers who are quarantined or isolating in their homes to help them connect to resources such as food, medication delivery, including methadone delivery, medical care, and paid sick leave. We still have work to do. And it all starts with you. Remember, if you feel sick or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 the Take Care program urges you don't wait, separate. Thank you. 

  

Mayor: Thank you very much, Dr. Johnson. And listen to everyone. I mean, what the doctor went over is a very compassionate, kind approach to helping folks. And this is the New York way. We don't just leave people out there on their own. We're really going the extra mile to make it possible for people to get all the support they need and get through this very brief period of time when they have to separate. But here's what it's doing. We already know Test and Trace Corps has saved thousands and thousands of people from getting infected. And it's more important than ever. But what really matters is your cooperation. So again, if you feel those symptoms, if you go and get tested and it's positive, the important thing is to reach out, to get the help you need, to accept the help when it's offered, to communicate. Because Test and Trace Corps and the Take Care initiative are there to help you and make this go well so we can all turn the page and move past the coronavirus. 

  

All right, before we go to our daily indicators, just a quick update, something that New Yorkers care about a lot, and we love a lot. And it's part of our tradition, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This is something that in normal years, we all go to see in-person. This year, I'm going to tell you to watch a different way. And on December 2nd, live and on television, this coming Wednesday, you're going to see the ceremony, the tree lighting. And that's the best way to see it. To feel that moment that we cherish every year when the lights go on, and it's another reminder of the beauty of the holiday season. And this is going to be a challenging holiday season in a lot of ways, but it's still going to be a beautiful one in so many ways. Because so many people care for each other and are looking out for each other and are taking that spirit of holidays and making it come alive in so many ways. So tune in on Wednesday to see the tree lit. Now that's the best way to do it. I know some people are going to still want to go in-person. And I'll tell you up front, please if you can make the decision to watch it on TV, that's so much better. But if you choose to go in-person, there's going to be a lot of specific rules in place to make it much safer than normally would be the case in a typical year. There will be a reservation system, groups of no more than four people at a time will be able to go up and view the tree. It's a timed socially distanced approach. And obviously it means it will be limited, the number of people that can get close. This is what we got to do to protect everyone. And if you want to see the wait times there'll be available at rockefellercenter.com. A different approach, but an approach that will keep people safe. And I keep saying it, I'll say it again so we can get through the next year. Next year, I look forward to so many of our traditions coming back so we can be there in-person and enjoy them the way we always have, and that we cherish. But let's stay safe this year. So everyone can get through to next year and enjoy those traditions together. 

  

Okay, let's go over our indicators. And I will say at the outset, we had lower testing levels over the last few days, meaning many fewer New Yorkers went to get tested. So some of our numbers may be skewed by that. I just want to offer that caution up front. We had a few days with much, much lower testing levels, obviously because of the holidays. We'll get a better sense in the course of this week, as testing levels return to normal. But let's go over the indicators. Number one, daily number of people admitted to New York City hospitals for suspected COVID-19, threshold 200 patients, today's report is 96 patients. Confirmed positivity level for COVID of 47.06 percent. Number two, new reported cases on a seven-day average, threshold 550 cases. Today's report 1,620 cases. And number three, percentage of the people testing positive citywide for COVID-19, threshold five percent. Again, knowing that we had some abhorrent testing levels today's report for the daily 4.69 percent, for the seven-day rolling average 4.03 percent.


EDITOR'S NOTE:


If 3 percent was used as a standard to close schools Mr. Mayor How are you reopening schools with over a 4 percent average? 

Was the closing of school not based on scientific data, so how can you change that data now?

The United Federation of Teachers is more worried that their teachers (who are more vulnerable to COVID-19) will catch COVID-19 from carrier students of the virus. 

Admit it Mayor de Blasio that you and Governor Cuomo do not know what both of you are doing.

You and the governor should postpone all special election to the June primary day as was done earlier this year by the governor. 


Governor Cuomo Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets as Thunderstorms, High Winds, and Lake Effect Snow is Forecast for New York

 

Wind Gusts Up To 50 MPH Possible in Eastern Capital and Mid-Hudson Regions, as well as on Long Island 

Several Inches of Lake Effect Snow Forecast for Southern Portion of Western NY and Tug Hill Plateau Portion of the North Country

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as a weather system is expected to bring thunderstorms, high winds and Lake Effect snow to various parts of the state beginning Monday morning. Specifically, while forecasts are calling for rain and thunderstorms throughout much of the state, the eastern portions of the Capital and Mid-Hudson regions, as well as Long Island have the highest probability of seeing 50+ mph wind gusts. Additionally, the southern portion of Western New York can expect to see between 6 and 12 inches of Lake Effect snow over the next 36 to 48 hours. As the system moves into the state, New Yorkers should monitor local weather forecasts and prepare for possible damaging winds, power outages, and minor flooding conditions.

"With forecasts calling for potentially severe weather in a number of areas throughout the state, I have directed state agencies to not only ensure staff and response assets are ready to support our local partners, but to also remain in contact with utility companies to ensure any power outages are addressed as quickly as possible," Governor Cuomo said. "While the state stands ready to address any issues this storm may cause, I am also urging all New Yorkers to closely follow their local forecasts and take the steps necessary for protecting themselves, their families and their property."

Starting Monday, thunderstorms are possible in the Long Island, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Capital Regions. New rainfall amounts between a half inch and three-quarters of an inch are possible in the Capital, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Southern Tier Regions; between three-quarters and 1 inch in the Western New York Region; and between 1 and 2 inches in the Mid-Hudson, Long Island and New York City Regions. Higher rainfall amounts are possible in areas with thunderstorms. Winds will generally be out of the south east at 15 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph in the North Country, Finger Lakes Regions and Mohawk Valley Region; 45 mph in the New York City and as high was 50 mph in the eastern Capital and Mid-Hudson regions, as well as across Long Island. 

Lake Effect snow is also expected to begin on Monday in the southern portions of Western New York and the Tug Hill Plateau area of the North Country. Throughout the next 36 to 48 hours, the southern portion of Western New York could see anywhere between 6 to 12 inches of snow, while the Tug Hill Plateau is expected to experience between 3 to 7 inches in total.

The National Weather Service has already issued a number of advisories and watches ahead of this system. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.

Agency Preparations
Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation will patrol state highways and respond to disruptions during the day Monday and extending into the evening as needed.  The Department has the following assets ready for the upcoming event: 

  • 1,591 dump trucks
  • 312 large loaders
  • 79 chippers
  • 61 tractor trailers
  • 20 graders
  • 15 tree crew bucket trucks

Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority has 660 operators and supervisors ready to deploy 255 large snowplows, 98 medium snowplows, 11 tow plows and 60 loaders across the state with more than 124,000 tons of road salt on hand. Variable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.  The Thruway Authority is also encouraging motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts.  Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for storm response use.  Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather.  All available assets are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

Department of Public Service
New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response and restoration efforts across New York State.  Department of Public Service staff will track the utilities' work throughout the storm event and will ensure the utilities shift the appropriate staffing to the regions anticipated to experience the greatest impact.

State Police
The New York State Police has instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and closely monitor conditions for any problems.  Additional personnel will be deployed to affected areas as needed.  All four-wheel drive vehicles and all specialty vehicles are in-service.
 
Safety Tips
To prepare for potential power outages, New Yorkers should:

  • Have a list of emergency numbers readily available.
  • At home or at work, keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight on hand, as well as a supply of batteries. Keep an emergency supply of water, medications, and non-perishable foods handy. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem - check with your physician or pharmacist.
  • Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.
  • If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one - this will help keep food cold if the power goes out.
  • If you have an electric garage door opener, locate the manual release level and learn how to operate it.
  • Keep your car's gas tank at least half-full; gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do not keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home - this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Plan to have an alternative cooking source, such as a camp stove or outdoor grill. Follow appropriate safety rules for its use outside the residence.
  • If you are considering a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.
  • Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves on hand to keep warm.
  • If you have a computer, back up files and operating systems regularly. Turn off all computers, monitors, and other devices when they are not being used.
  • If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent such as a medical device, determine a back-up plan. For example, if you have a telephone that requires electricity to work, plan for alternate communication such as a standard telephone handset, cell phone, or radio.
  • Learn about emergency plans in your area, including the location of the closest cooling and warming shelters, by visiting your state's or local website.

 If experiencing a power outage, New Yorkers should:

  • Turn off or disconnect major appliances and other equipment, e.g., computers, in case of a momentary power surge that can damage these devices. Keep one light turned on so you know when power returns. Consider using surge protectors wherever you use electronic equipment.
  • Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. For a list of utilities in NYS visit the New York State Department of Public Service Check to see if your neighbors have power. Check on people with access or functional needs.
  • Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed - most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four (4) hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
  • Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat - they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
  • In cold weather, stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing time spent outdoors. Be aware of cold stress symptoms (i.e., hypothermia) and seek proper medical attention if symptoms appear.
  • In intense heat, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or cooling shelter. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level - cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • If you are in a tall building, take the stairs and move to the lowest level of the building. If trapped in an elevator, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to force the doors open. Remain patient - there is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety.
  • Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.
  • Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive during a blackout, remember to obey the 4-way stop rule at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
  • Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not be working.
  • If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location, such as the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility that has heat.

 For a complete list of weather terms and what to do before, during and after a power outage, visit the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website.

NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR THE AGING REMINDS OLDER NEW YORKERS THAT MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD ENDS DECEMBER 7

 

Older Adults with Medicare Encouraged to Review Current Health Plan and Prescription Drug Coverage Options before Open Enrollment Period Ends

 The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) reminds older New Yorkers that this year’s Medicare open enrollment period ends December 7, 2020. Medicare health and prescription drug plans can make changes each year to costs, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. During the open enrollment period, people with Medicare can change their health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Plan changes take effect January 1, 2021.
 
“People’s health and financial status can change over the course of a year—particularly this year, due to COVID-19. Plans also can change what they will cover as well as adjust the cost to the beneficiary,” said NYSOFA Acting Director Greg Olsen. “It’s important for older adults to review their current plans before the end of the open enrollment period to ensure they are getting a plan that is a good value and meets their health care and prescription drug coverage needs. Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) counselors at each local office for the aging can provide older New Yorkers with the information needed to make an informed choice about a plan that is best for them.”
 
Staying healthy is more critical than ever, particularly for older adults, who remain at greater risk for COVID-19 and other illnesses, such as the flu. Older individuals who have had Medicare Part B (medical insurance) for longer than 12 months are eligible for a yearly wellness visit at low or no cost to develop or update a personalized plan based on their current health and risk factors.
 
With the holiday season underway, understanding the risks and impact of the COVID-19 virus is critical for all New Yorkers to protect themselves and their loved ones.
 
New Yorkers can take the CV19 CheckUp, a free, anonymous, personalized online tool that evaluates an individual’s risks associated with COVID-19 based on their life situation and behaviors and provides recommendations and resources to reduce those risks. Developed by BellAge, Inc., the CV19CheckUp tool helps people be safer, healthier, and ensure their individual needs are met during the pandemic.
 
Several resources are available to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families review and compare their current health and prescription plan coverage with new plan offerings:
  • Medicare.gov has comprehensive information for people interested in signing up or changing their plans. The Medicare Plan Finder tool provides a personalized comparison of plan choices.
  • Medicare recipients who have limited incomes and resources may qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Older adults may apply online or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778 to find out more.)
  • 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) offers around-the-clock assistance for those who want to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Multilingual counseling is available.
  • The Medicare & You handbook includes a summary of Medicare benefits, rights, and protections; lists of available health and drug plans; and answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare.
  • One-on-one counseling assistance is available from HIICAP counselors at each local office for the aging or through the HIICAP toll free line: 1-800-701-0501.
 
NYSOFA and Medicare also remind older adults to treat their Medicare number as they do their social security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls selling Medicare-related products or services. If someone calls and asks for a recipient’s Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
 
Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact Medicare. More information is available at Help Fight Medicare Fraud.
 
About the New York State Office for the Aging and Health Across All Policies/Age-Friendly New York
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) continuously works to help the state’s 4.6 million older adults be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them.
 
New York is nationally recognized for being the first age-friendly state in the nation. Using the state’s Prevention Agenda as the overarching framework, in 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a Health Across All Policies approach, where public and private partners work together to positively impact population health by marrying health care, preventive health, and community design, in concert with addressing social determinants of health, to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, young and old.
 
Stay connected—download the NYSOFA mobile app for iOS or Android; visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter and NYSAging on Instagram; or visit aging.ny.gov.

 

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Stage Garden Rumba is back!
Episode #2 Streaming Digitally TONIGHT!

Brook Plaza + Sunshine Garden 
South Bronx favorite outdoors series STAGE GARDEN RUMBA (now digital) continues to kick off the holidays in Boogie Down style! Live performances by more than 30 theater, music, dance, literary, and social change champs edited into 3 must-see 30-minute programs to be broadcast on Pregones/PRTT social platforms and cable television:
 
SGR Digital Episode 1 on Monday, November 23
SGR Digital Episode 2 on Monday, November 30
SGR Digital Episode 3 on Monday, December 7
STAGE GARDEN RUMBA —Where Art meets Green in the South Bronx— goes digital for three unseasonably warm Monday nights in November-December!
Presented by We Stay/Nos Quedamos in partnership witPregones/PRTT, SGR is an open invitation for all New Yorkers to experience the cultural riches, green spaces, and vibrant Casitas of the South Bronx! Our 2020 digital series documents four pop-up performances featuring some of our favorite ARTISTS, ACTIVISTS, and COMMUNITY LEADERS. Hyperlocal and universal, their shared message for days of pandemic is one of rootedness, celebration, and collective uplift!
E2 Brook Plaza + Sunshine Garden — NOV 30 — Hosted by poet and LGBTQ health and wellness educator Rob Vassilarakis. Featuring immigrant rights activist Karla Mejía; gardener, beekeeper, and unofficial Mayor of 140th Street, Danny Chervoni; feminist poet, writer, activist, and organizer Thahitun Mariam; poet, writer, educator, and artist Peggy Robles-Alvarado; immigrant rights activist and co-owner of La Morada Oaxacan restaurant and community hub, Yajaira Saavedra; trombonist, composer, and educator Hommy Ramos; and food justice advocate and garden steward Violet Montes. 
E3 Rincón Criollo / Casita de Chema — DEC 7 — Hosted by spoken word poet, actor, singer-songwriter, and community activist Caridad de La Luz. Featuring poet, scholar, and teacher Afua Ansong; community leader, youth mentor, and founder of El Maestro Sports and Cultural Center, Fernando "Ponce" Laspina; Mazarte Dance Company, led by folklorist and choreographer Martha Zarate; Mariachi Real de México, led by genre maestros Ramón Ponce and Ramón Ponce Jr; and garden steward Desiree Soto, daughter of the late great José "Chema" Soto, South Bronx community icon.
Series Streams on Mondays at 7:30 PM Eastern – Here's how to watch:
Pregones/PRTT
—Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/pregonesprtt
—Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/pregonesprtt
—YouTube: www.youtube.com/pregonesprtt

BronxNET TV
Cable: 69 Optimum
Cable: 2135 FIOS
—Web: www.bronxnet.org/watch/Ch4

Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement on the Start of Open Enrollment

 

During COVID, Open Enrollment Matters Today More Than Ever Before!

On HealthCare.gov and CuidadoDeSalud.gov, the Open Enrollment period for 2021 health coverage runs from November 1, 2020 through December 15, 2020


During this COVID pandemic, which continues to worsen, the access of Americans to quality, affordable health coverage is more important than ever. Being uninsured during a pandemic puts people at an enormous risk of losing their health and financial security. Millions of Americans, including constituents of New York's 13th congressional district, who would qualify for significant financial help if they enrolled in an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace, yet are still uninsured, is a major problem. That makes this year’s Open Enrollment period for the Marketplaces particularly critical.

I vow to continue my efforts with my Democratic colleagues to stand ready to defend and strengthen pre-existing conditions protections together with every other benefit and protection of the Affordable Care Act. My colleagues and I are prepared to remedy what the Supreme Court is likely to do to undermine the health, financial security and well-being of American families.

Americans should not let the ongoing fight in the court stop them from obtaining the health and financial security of having quality, affordable health coverage by enrolling in an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace.

Most people using HealthCare.gov will qualify for financial assistance. As a result, last year, 2 in 3 shoppers found plans for $10 per month or less. In addition to HealthCare.gov, Spanish-speaking consumers can use CuidadaoDeSalud.gov.

On HealthCare.gov and CuidadoDeSalud.gov, the Open Enrollment period for 2021 health coverage runs from November 1, 2020 through December 15, 2020. Coverage will then begin on January 1, 2021. The urgency of consumers getting the information they need is heightened by the fact that the enrollment period is only six weeks long.

We each have a role to play. Get covered today! 

Sincerely, 

Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
Member of Congress

Democrat Rafael Salamanca Kicks Off Campaign for Bronx Borough President

 

With Borough in Crisis, Salamanca’s Unique Experience Gives Him Edge on Housing, Economic Recovery

 Rafael Salamanca Jr., the City Councilmember for The Bronx’s 17th District and Chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Land Use, is kicking off his campaign for Bronx Borough President today. In the midst of record levels of homelessness and housing insecurity, Salamanca will bring a strong record of creating truly affordable housing, including building over 7,000 units and securing designated units for the homeless.

“We are in a crisis. All of the growth and improvement we’ve seen under the current Borough President is at risk right now, and we need a proven leader with the experience and skills to tackle these issues,” said Salamanca. “We’re all in pain; I lost my dad in April to COVID-19 like so many others, and on top of that we see the job loss, the housing crisis, the small businesses closing, and our health system on the verge of getting overwhelmed again. Too many Bronx families have needlessly suffered because leaders at all levels — from Washington down to the City-level — have failed us. We need experienced leaders to take on our most critical challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic; a recession; housing and food insecurity; economic inequity; and overdue reforms to our criminal justice system. From the Community Board to the Council, I’ve fought for these issues and I am ready to build our communities back better -- to be more equitable for all.”

A proud product of the South Bronx, Salamanca has had the honor of representing the people of the 17th Council District since 2016. Beyond his leadership on affordable housing, Salamanca has been a stalwart advocate and champion for his constituents, prioritizing access to quality healthcare, employment, education and improved quality of life. Salamanca has allocated over $100 million in critical funding for capital investments and social programming. As Chairperson of the Committee on Land Use, Salamanca is a champion for smart development across the Bronx and New York City that prioritizes the needs of all New Yorkers. He has fought for deeply affordable housing, housing for the homeless, senior housing, and housing for working families, and secured over 7,000 units of 100% affordable housing.

Before being elected to the City Council, Salamanca served as District Manager of Bronx Community Board 2, where he was a member for more than a decade. Salamanca has long been committed to helping his community, serving as President of the 41st Precinct Community Council and on the boards of the Community Healthcare Network and the Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation. In addition to all of his community work and activism, Salamanca spent over a dozen years working in healthcare to expand access for low-income and working families throughout the Bronx.

“The Bronx is tough and resilient, and I know we will get through these challenges and come back stronger. I am proud every day to serve our community and it would be an honor to serve as our next Borough President,” concluded Salamanca.