Councilman Andy Cohen has reiterated recent messages by the mayor and the governor that tighter restrictions may be imposed in December to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

 

“This is a difficult and challenging time for our educators, students, and families as the City is dealing with the unfortunate reality of having to close our public school’s to in-person learning once again,” Cohen said via a newsletter on Friday, Nov. 20. “As families transition into full-time remote learning, please know there are resources available. Please reach out to my office if you need help accessing meals, learning devices, or connecting to learning resources.”

 

Cohen said according to the city’s data, the City’s positive COVID-19 test rate over a seven-day rolling average had reached 3 percent, and as a result, as reported by Norwood News, parts of the Bronx had been designated a  “precautionary yellow zone” under the state’s microcluster model which tracks regional increases in the virus. When certain thresholds are reached, it triggers tighter restrictions in those areas.

 

In this context, the councilman said it was possible the  city could enter “orange zone” coronavirus restrictions as early as the first week of December. Such lockdown restrictions would trigger the closure of all indoor dining and high-risk non-essential businesses, including gyms and nail salons. Houses of worship would also be limited to 33 percent capacity or a maximum of 25 people under an orange zone designation.

 

The most recent update to the COVID-19 micro-cluster focus zones includes two new Yellow Zones in the Bronx, a new Orange Zone in Erie County, a new Yellow Zone in North Tonawanda, NY, and an expanded Yellow Zone in Queens. Restrictions under the yellow zone designation, in addition to current statewide restrictions, include the following:

 

• non-residential gatherings are limited to 25 people maximum, indoors and outdoors;
• residential gatherings are limited to 10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors;
• houses of worship are limited to 50% capacity;
• indoor and outdoor dining is permitted, but limited to 4 persons per table;
• bars and restaurants must close at 10:00pm for on-premises consumption.

 

All the maps of the current micro-cluster focus zones are available here. Find Covid-19 hot spot zones by address. New cluster zone restrictions went into effect for businesses on Friday, Nov. 20. See which restrictions apply in which color of zone here.

 

Cohen provided the following information on remote learning resources.

 

Free Meals: All 1,100+ NYC Department of Education schools that were open for children learning in person or remotely are still distributing meals from 9AM – 12PM, Monday – Friday. All 260+ DOE schools that have been community hubs for all, including those serving kosher and expanded halal options, are still distributing meals from 3PM – 5PM, Monday – Friday. No identification or registration is necessary. Multiple meals may be picked up at once. Find a meal site here. As always, anyone in need of food can get more information or sign up for the emergency food delivery program by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/getfood.

 

Learning Devices: Any child, from 3K to grade 12, who attends a NYC public school, DOE Pre-K or 3K program (NYCEEC/FCC) and who needs a device is eligible to receive a device for remote learning. Fill out the request form here.

 

Technical Support: The DOE IT Help Desk is available to assist with device or Internet support. Call 718-935-5100 and press 5 to reach a technology specialist. You can also visit Tech Support to submit a request for help. See iPad Fixes for solutions to common problems or to submit a ticket to the Help Desk.

 

Free and Low-Cost Internet Solutions: There are several free or low-cost internet options available to New York City students and families. Find suggestions here.

 

Free Childcare: Learning Bridges, the City’s free childcare program, is open to 3-K through 8th grade students enrolled in a DOE school or contracted early childhood program. The DOE will continue to give priority to children of essential workers. If you are interested in the Learning Bridges program, please complete this application.

 

Regarding the upcoming holiday season, Cohen said the CDC was strongly urging Americans to avoid Thanksgiving travel to help ensure the safety of loved ones and to save lives making it possible to enjoy holidays together in the future. “The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with,” he said. “Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. It’s up to all New Yorkers to continue to take the steps we know are key to preventing the spread of this virus.

 

He added, “Please remember to wash your hands, wear a face covering, keep six feet of distance from others, and stay home if you’re feeling sick. These are critically important steps that all of us can take every day to protect ourselves, our city, and our communities, against COVID-19. Please read the NYC Health Department’s guide for celebrating the holidays safely.”

 

The DOE will be distributing frozen Thanksgiving meals consisting of roasted turkey with gravy, mash potatoes, broccoli, buttermilk biscuit, apple slices, a cookie treat and milk. These meals will be distributed during the regular DOE grab and go meal distribution hours on 11/23, 11/24, and 11/25: 9 am-12 pm for students and 3-5 pm for adult community members. Find a distribution site here.