BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT VANESSA L. GIBSON JOINED FORCES WITH INSTACART AND WORD OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL FOR A WHITE HOUSE LISTENING SESSION AND FOOD GIVEAWAY

 

Instacart Donated 500 Bags of Free Groceries to Bronx Residents

 On Monday, July 11, Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, New York City Council Member Diana Ayala, New York State Assembly Member Amanda Septimo, U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Instacart, the leading online grocery platform in North America, joined forces outside the Willis Avenue 7th Day Adventist Church to hand out bags of fresh groceries and pantry staples to Bronx residents experiencing food insecurity. The giveaway and partnership is a component of Instacart’s Local Listening Series: Hunger, Nutrition & Health in America – Instacart’s latest effort to expand food access and combat nutrition insecurity in the communities it serves.

“We are grateful to Instacart for choosing the Bronx as a base for developing a comprehensive dialogue to uncover the root causes of hunger and how it impacts communities like the South Bronx that are still reeling from the devastating effect COVID-19 has had on our borough.” She added, “My hope is that this conference will be the start of a larger discussion on how we can work together through our public-private partnerships to combat global food insecurity and reaffirm that having access to food is a human right that should be guaranteed to every New Yorker regardless of their zip code.”

“With inflation at an all-time high and the lasting economic effects of the pandemic, this year has been difficult for many New Yorkers. I am encouraged to see the Bronx community come together to support hundreds of families experiencing food insecurity and hunger. Thank you to the White House, Borough President Gibson, Instacart and Word of Life for bringing this important discussion to the table and working tirelessly to increase access to affordable, nutritious food for more New Yorkers,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15).

“I would like to thank the partnership created to make this event happen, including Instacart and the leadership of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson,” said Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda. “Any effort made to help Bronx families get access to free quality food is a win for our community. I am honored to be a part of this important partnership.”

The goal of the Bronx listening session is to understand the underlying, systemic issues driving food access challenges and nutrition insecurity in the Bronx community. Instacart will compile and share insights from local electeds and the Bronx community with the Biden Administration ahead of the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

“Hunger and food insecurity affect every community differently,” said Instacart’s Public Policy Manager, Thomas McNeil. “We’re proud to partner with Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Word of Life International to convene this local listening session and donate bags of groceries to the Bronx community. We look forward to better understanding the unique challenges gripping this Borough and hearing the innovative solutions local leaders are developing to combat them. We look forward to bringing what we’ve learned today straight to the White House”

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven historically high rates of food insecurity, or the inability to reliably afford or access sufficient quantities of healthy foods, nationwide and thousands of low-income households in New York. Specifically in the Bronx, one in four Bronx residents faces food insecurity – this 1.7 times greater than the state average, according to a 2021 report by the United Hospital Fund and Boston Consulting Group.

“I’m excited about what this partnership and discussion will bring to the Bronx community, especially for those who experience food insecurity,” said Pastor John Udo-Okon from Word Life International. “I want to thank Instacart and the Bronx Borough President for providing the free groceries and hosting this important White House listening session.”

Maryland Man Found Guilty of Charges for Actions Related to Capitol Breach

 

Defendant Broke Windowpanes Next to Senate Door, Was Among First Rioters Inside Capitol Building

 A Maryland man was found guilty today of a felony charge of destruction of government property, and related misdemeanor offenses, for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Nicholas Rodean, 28, of Frederick, Maryland, was found guilty of the felony offense of destruction of government property, and six misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol Building; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building; committing an act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds of Capitol Building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol Building. The bench trial was before U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden.

According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 6, 2021, Rodean illegally entered the grounds of the Capitol. He was part of a group of rioters who pushed past law enforcement officers stationed on terrace stairs next to scaffolding set up on the northwest side of the building. After getting to the top of the stairs, this group pushed past additional officers and bike racks, reaching an area just outside a door to the Senate Wing of the Capitol Building.

Rioters began attacking the door and adjacent large windows. Rodean joined in the destruction, breaking two large panes of glass in a window adjacent to the door, using a flagpole and a small round object. After breaking the window glass, Rodean climbed through the empty frame at approximately 2:13 p.m. He was the 15th rioter to illegally enter the Capitol Building that day.

Once inside the building, Rodean joined a small crowd of rioters in pursuing a Capitol Police officer up two flights of stairs to the second floor. He proceeded to a long hallway, known as the Ohio Clock corridor, outside of the floor of the Senate Chamber, where he remained for more than 30 minutes. At one point, a Capitol Police officer noticed a small round object, appearing to be a small cannonball, in Rodean’s hand. He and another officer convinced Rodean to put away the object. Rodean then took out a hatchet, which the officers also convinced him to put away. After posing for a photo while waving his flag, Rodean was one of the last rioters to leave the Ohio Clock corridor. He exited the building at about 2:55 p.m.

Rodean’s actions caused more than $1,000 in damage to the windows, making the destruction of property charge a felony.

He was arrested on Jan. 13, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Rodean is to be sentenced on Oct. 21, 2022. The felony destruction of government property charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and potential financial penalties. The six misdemeanor offenses carry a combined statutory maximum of 4 ½ years of incarceration and potential financial penalties. The Court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Rodean as #23 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 18 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 850 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 260 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

NYPD Announces New Deputy Commissioner of Public Information

 

 NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell today announced that Julian Phillips, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor, television host, political analyst, and author, has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

“Julian’s historical knowledge of New York City and the region, coupled with his intellectual integrity and excellence as a communicator, will be incredible assets to the women and men of the NYPD and all the people we serve,” Police Commissioner Sewell said. “I know he will hit the ground running today as we continue to safeguard our city while simultaneously telling the remarkable stories of the police officers, investigators, analysts, and others who do that vital work.”

Deputy Commissioner Phillips most recently provided news, weather, and traffic updates during “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” on urban contemporary radio station WBLS-FM and on Christian radio station WLIB-AM, both in New York. Prior, as host of Arise News’ Sunday morning television program “Arise Review,” he provided analysis of global events, politics, and economic issues. He was an anchor and a general assignment reporter with FOX News Channel, where he also co-hosted “Fox & Friends Weekend.” Before that, he was an on-air correspondent and substitute anchor for WPIX-TV’s “News at Ten” in New York, and hosted the WB Television Network’s community affairs show “Best Talk.” Earlier, he covered breaking news and was manager of community relations for WNBC-TV in New York. He served as communications director for former Brooklyn Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns, and founded his own political and media consulting firm. He has also been a reporter and special-features contributor to the A.R. Bernard Show – a faith-based, nationally-syndicated news magazine program. He began his career as a desk assistant for ABC Radio Network News.

In addition to being an accomplished chef and published author, Deputy Commissioner Phillips is a three-time Emmy Award winner and ten-time nominee, as well as a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Journalism, the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award, and the New York State Broadcasters Award. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Purdue University.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES OFFICE OF SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT LAWSUIT AGAINST ILLEGAL SHORT-TERM RENTAL OPERATION

 

Suit Alleges That Licensed Real Estate Broker Arron Latimer Used Dozens of Listings and Fake Host Accounts to Generate $2 Million in Payouts From Airbnb 

 

First Suit Filed Against Operation Identified Using New York City’s 2021 Booking Service Data Reporting Law 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) Executive Director Christian J. Klossner today announced a new lawsuit to shut down an illegal short-term rental operation at a building located in Turtle Bay. According to the lawsuit, defendant Arron Latimer — a licensed real estate broker — as well as building owner Apex Management and managing member Esther Yip used a number of LLCs they control to run a complex and illegal short-term rental operation at 344 East 51^st Street utilizing popular online lodging websites, like Airbnb. The suit represents the city’s first lawsuit against a short-term rental operation identified using data obtained through the city’s law — Local Law 146 of 2018, amended by LL 64 of 2020 — requiring online short-term rental platforms to regularly report data on bookings to the city.  

 

“Safe, stable, and affordable housing is fundamental to a prosperous city, so we will not allow bad actors to deplete our housing stock and undermine our hospitality sector,” said Mayor Adams. “For years, Arron Latimer and the other defendants used fake host profiles on popular sites like Airbnb to deceive and lure unsuspecting guests into paying for substandard lodging at illegal rental listings. Not only did they unlawfully pocket millions, but they endangered guests and deprived New Yorkers of an entire building’s worth of long-term housing. Today, we are sending a clear message that this kind of lawlessness will not be tolerated in our city. We are not going to stand by while shady brokers use illegal listings and fake host accounts to skirt the law and defraud consumers.” 

 

“This suit shows the city’s determination to preserve every unit of housing we have, and helps meet our commitment to ensure that all our neighbors have a safe, stable, affordable place to call home,” said New York City Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. 

 

“This operator used fake names, false addresses, and a smokescreen of LLCs to attempt to hide this illegal operation, but will now be held accountable.” said Christian Klossner, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. “This lawsuit underscores the necessity of robust reporting requirements for booking platforms, and why the city needs the short-term rental registration program that will take effect in 2023.” 

 

The suit alleges that the three defendants continued to run their unlawful operation despite multiple enforcement efforts from the city, which issued violations for the illegal short-term rentals and for the building’s numerous hazardous conditions, including an inadequate fire alarm system, an inadequate fire sprinkler system, and a failure to provide required means of egress. 

 

Between January of 2018 and March of 2022, Airbnb records show that the platform disbursed $2 million in payments to Latimer for short-term rentals at six buildings throughout the city, including at least $987,729 from the building targeted in the lawsuit on East 51^st Street. During this timeframe, Latimer used more than 26 distinct host accounts, operated more than 78 listings, conducted more than 2,200 transactions, and deceived more than 6,500 guests.  

 

The city’s suit further asserts Latimer intentionally misled and endangered consumers, in potential violation of the city’s consumer protection law. Additionally, guest reviews described the location as “astonishingly dirty,” with complaints of mold, soiled linens, and blood stains, as well as robotic or automated communication with their host. Other guests advised that future visitors should “be aware that the address or listing is different than the actual location.”  

 

“Illegal hotels drive up housing costs and hurt neighbors, and they have no place in New York,” said Rich Maroko, president, Hotel Trades Council. “We thank Mayor Adams and his Office of Special Enforcement for taking action against those that willfully violate our housing laws at the expense of New York City residents. With enforcement actions like this, we can help make the city more affordable and more livable, as well as promote safer, legitimate accommodations for tourists.” 

 

“During the present housing crisis of both limited stock and increasing rents, we applaud the mayor, the administration, and OSE for their tireless work to maintain and support vital housing for New Yorkers,” said Tom Cayler, chair, Coalition Against Illegal Hotels. “Both the reporting law of 2018, and the yet-to-go-into-effect registration law of 2021 will help the city return apartments previously used as illegal hotels. The mayor’s commitment to this vital work should be a bellwether to all illegal short-term operators: Stop breaking our laws!” 

 

“The enforcement of laws regulating the short-term rental scheme could not be more important than at this critical time when there is a housing crisis and tenants across the city are suffering.  Let's bring an end to the practice of bad actors making a profit at the expense of tenants who need affordable places to live,” said Leslie Thrope, executive director, Housing Conservation Coordinators. 

 

New York City’s booking service data reporting law requires online short-term rental platforms to periodically provide OSE with information about transactions for certain listings. These reports include the physical address of the short-term rental (as reported to the booking service by the host), the URL of the short-term rental listing, details pertaining to the scope of the short-term rental transaction, and information relating to the identity of the host, including contact information and associated bank accounts to which payouts were made.  

 

New York City’s short-term rental registration law — which goes into effect in January 2023 — will require rental hosts in New York City to register with the city and will prevent platforms, like Airbnb, from processing transactions unless the registration information matches a city database. 

 

Horse Doping Drug Supplier Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendant SETH FISHMAN, DVM, received a sentence of 11 years in prison for his role at the helm of an approximately twenty-year scheme to manufacture, market, and sell to racehorse trainers and others in the racehorse industry “untestable” performance enhancing drugs for use in professional horseracing. FISHMAN was one of over thirty defendants charged in four separate cases in March 2020, each arising from this Office’s multi-year investigation of the abuse of racehorses through the use of performance enhancing drugs.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The sentence sends a strong message that those looking to profit from the sale of illegal drugs intended to corruptly dope racehorses stand to face serious consequences for their crimes. The defendant earned his livelihood in service of greed and animal abuse, and will face a steep price for his crimes.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment, prior charging instruments, other filings in this case, and as established by the evidence at trial:[1]

FISHMAN was charged in United States v. Navarro, 20 Cr. 160 (MKV), a case arising from an investigation of widespread schemes by racehorse trainers, veterinarians, performance enhancing drug (“PED”) distributors, and others to manufacture, distribute, and receive adulterated and misbranded PEDs and to secretly administer those PEDs to racehorses competing at all levels of professional horseracing. By evading PED prohibitions and deceiving regulators and horse racing officials, participants in these schemes sought to improve race performance and obtain prize money from racetracks throughout the United States and other countries, including in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”), all to the detriment and risk of the health and well-being of the racehorses.  Trainers who participated in the schemes stood to profit from the success of racehorses under their control by earning a share of their horses’ winnings, and by improving their horses’ racing records, thereby yielding higher trainer fees and increasing the number of racehorses under their control. Indicted veterinarians profited from the sale and administration of these medically unnecessary, misbranded, and adulterated substances. FISHMAN, acting as the manufacturer and distributor of customized PEDs designed specifically to evade anti-doping controls, reaped millions of dollars from the sale of his drugs to trainers around the United States and across the globe.

FISHMAN specifically targeted clients in the racehorse industry, peddling dozens of unsafe and untested drugs that purported to have performance-enhancing effects on racehorses.  FISHMAN created and marketed these drugs as “untestable” under typical anti-doping drug screens and extolled the virtues of these illegal drugs by describing his method of creating customized products for individual customers in order to silo product lines to reduce the likelihood that detection of doping by trainer would undermine the remainder of FISHMAN’s corrupt clientele.

In the course of nearly twenty years during which he operated his doping company, Equestology, FISHMAN took additional efforts to mislead and lie to regulatory authorities in an effort to shield his illegal activity. FISHMAN incorporated a sham business in Panama designed to appear as if his drug operation was outside the jurisdiction of U.S. authorities; he pressured employees to sign non-disclosure agreements intended to gag them if questioned by regulators; he designed labels that would provide no hint as to the provenance of the unsafe drugs shipped across the country; and he lied to state investigators regarding the nature of his business when asked directly about his role in Equestology during a Delaware state investigation in 2011, while also bragging to others that he had called in a “personal political favor” to quash that investigation.

While claiming to practice as a legitimate veterinarian, FISHMAN used his veterinary license as another form of cover for his illegal drug manufacturing business. In fact, FISHMAN sold illicit drugs, including prescription drugs, under sham prescriptions for animals that he never saw or discussed. Those drugs included intravenous and intramuscular injectables that FISHMAN sold to laypeople for injection into the horses under their purported “care,” many of which were seized at premises throughout the country at the time of the original indictments in this case, including barns located in New York. Those included “blood building” drugs (for example, “BB3” and other Epogen-mimetic substances), vasodilators (for example, “VO2Max”), and bags filled with scores of “bleeder pills,” each designed to covertly increase performance in affected horses.

FISHMAN, 51, of Florida, was convicted at trial of two counts of participation in drug adulteration and misbranding conspiracies, the first in connection with the doping operation of convicted co-defendant Jorge Navarro, and the second in connection with the operation of Equestology, which included FISHMAN’s continuation of that offense even following his release on bail after his initial arrest in October 2019.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI New York Office’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and its support of the Bureau’s Integrity in Sports and Gaming Initiative. Mr. Williams also thanked the Food and Drug Administration and Customs and Border Protection for their assistance and expertise. 

 [1] As to Fishman’s co-defendants, these facts, including the entirety of the texts of the Indictments and the descriptions of the Indictments set forth herein, constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces New COVID-19 Treatment Public Awareness Campaign to Educate New Yorkers Who Test Positive for COVID-19

 

Nearly $1 Million Media Campaign Builds on State's Commitment To Make Sure All New Yorkers Have the Latest Information About COVID-19 Treatments

English and Spanish Multiplatform Ads Encourage People Who Test Positive To Start Treatment as Early as Possible

More Information on COVID-19 Treatment Options Available Here

Follows Announcement of New Free Treatment Hotline Launched Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign on treatment options for people who test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms. The approximately $1 million awareness campaign will run in English and Spanish across TV, radio and digital media, encouraging New Yorkers to test early for COVID-19 and treat it as soon as possible if they test positive. The media rollout further cements the administration's commitment to educate all New Yorkers on COVID-19 treatments and how to help protect themselves from becoming seriously ill.

"We continue to build on our ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers as we navigate the pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "Treatment is a critical tool to reduce COVID-19 symptoms and prevent serious illness, and this new public awareness campaign equips New Yorkers with the facts about treatment options that are available."

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "The earlier treatment is started after a positive test result, the better it works at reducing symptoms and preventing more serious illness. This new public awareness campaign delivers an important message to all New Yorkers about the need to undergo testing as soon as symptoms appear and to contact their health care provider right away to see which treatment is the best option. Being vaccinated and boosted is still the best protection against COVID-19."

The campaign features links to resources about COVID-19 treatment options on the State Health Department's website at health.ny.gov/CovidTreatment. The multiplatform ads encourage New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms to talk to their health care provider about their treatment options. The ads will run on TV, radio and digital media until August 2022.

The new television commercial is available in both English and Spanish here:

• 30-second English language version.
• 30-second Spanish language version.

Below is the 30-second animated video ad script:

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, ask your health care provider if free treatment makes sense for you. Don't delay. The sooner you start treatment the better it works. Being vaccinated and boosted is still the best protection against COVID-19. But if you do get sick, stay home. And if you test positive, talk to your health care provider right away about your treatment options. Test early. Treat early. Learn more at health.ny.gov/CovidTreatment.

This announcement follows the launch of a new free hotline, announced yesterday by the Governor, for those who test positive for COVID-19, but don't have a health care provider, as part of the administration's ongoing efforts to keep New Yorkers protected throughout the pandemic. All New Yorkers outside of New York City, regardless of income or health insurance coverage who test COVID-19 positive, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) or completing an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. New York City residents should call 212-COVID-19.

Visit the New York State Department of Health website for more information on New York's response to COVID-19.

Housing Lottery Launches For 6327 Broadway In North Riverdale, The Bronx

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 6327 Broadway, a seven-story residential building in North Riverdale, The Bronx. Designed by Marin Architects and developed by the Stagg Group, the structure yields 90 residences and 79 enclosed parking spaces. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 27 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $68,572 to $187,330.

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, assigned parking spaces, a shared laundry room, gym, recreation room, and an on-site resident manager. Units come equipped with energy-efficient appliances, air conditioning, hardwood floors, and intercoms. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 23 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,000 for incomes ranging from $68,572 to $156,130 and four two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,350 for incomes ranging from $80,572 to $187,330.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 8, 2022.

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF NEW COVID-19 TREATMENT HOTLINE

 

88-TREAT-NY Hotline Utilizes NYC Health + Hospitals' Virtual ExpressCare Platform   

   

Proven Treatment Options Available to Effectively Treat COVID-19 

     

Statewide Hotline Will Help Reduce Barriers to COVID-19 Treatment for all Communities   

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new free hotline in New York for those who test positive for COVID-19, but don't have a health care provider, as part of ongoing efforts to keep New Yorkers protected throughout the pandemic. The hotline, 888-TREAT-NY, was launched by the New York State Department of Health after reaching an agreement to utilize the Virtual ExpressCare platform operated by NYC Health + Hospitals.  

  

"Every New Yorker deserves access to quality, accessible health care, regardless of their insurance status,” said Mayor Adams. “NYC Health + Hospitals' Virtual ExpressCare has helped connect thousands of New Yorkers to COVID-19 resources and I'm proud that, through this partnership with Governor Hochul and Commissioner Bassett, New Yorkers across the state, regardless of whether they have a health care provider, will now have access to critical and lifesaving treatments."  

 

"We've made real progress in our fight against COVID-19, but as new variants continue to spread it's important to continue to adapt and expand our efforts to protect New Yorkers," said Governor Hochul. "Our new COVID-19 treatment hotline will provide New Yorkers with better access to early treatments that help prevent severe illness."  

 

"NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to partner with the governor's office and the state Health Department to offer COVID-19 therapeutics to the entire state through our proven Virtual ExpressCare program,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz. “Virtual ExpressCare has been a vital part of our strategy to ensure that everyone in New York City has access to the COVID-19 care and treatment they need, and it will bring the same expertise and commitment to all New Yorkers across the state."  

 

"Every New Yorker should have access to the latest COVID-19 therapeutics regardless of whether they have a regular health care provider,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “Thanks to the department's agreement with NYC Health + Hospitals, our new COVID-19 treatment hotline at 888-TREAT-NY is another tool to reduce the barriers to treatment and will help ensure traditionally underserved communities have access to the same care as other New Yorkers."    

 

New York City residents, regardless of income or health insurance coverage who test COVID-19 positive, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 212-COVID-19 or completing an evaluation on the New York State COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. New Yorkers outside of New York City should call 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869). 

   

The hotline is available 24-hours per day, seven days a week and is operated by experienced Health + Hospitals professionals who have the clinical training to prescribe treatment and referrals, if needed. The ExpressCare platform is a service that allows New Yorkers to receive virtual care from a NYC Health + Hospitals provider.   

    

The telemedicine visit will include a clinical assessment by medical providers who will identify the appropriate COVID-19 treatment plan, which may include a prescription for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir. These oral antiviral medications have both been proven to decrease hospitalization for those that are at risk for severe disease. When given soon after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis these antivirals also help fight infection and shorten recovery time.    

   

As all treatments require a prescription, those who test positive for COVID-19 should talk to their provider or call 888-TREAT-NY to determine what treatment is best for them. New York State is assigned a weekly allotment of both Paxlovid and Molnupiravir from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.    

 

Under the agreement, insured patients will pay a co-pay amount based on their plan and the New York State Department of Health will cover the costs of the service for those without health care coverage.  

   

Multiple COVID-19 treatments are available for people ages 12 and older, and can be delivered to New Yorkers’ homes for free. For more information on COVID-19 treatments, please call 212-COVID19 and press 9 or visit DOHMH’s COVID-19 treatments website.