MARCH 27, 2020 AT 2:47PM

  • New York State on PAUSE: 100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services. HOME HEALTH AIDES ARE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL!
  • All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
  • Statewide school closures are extended by two weeks until April 15.
  • The first 1,000-bed temporary hospital is now complete at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
  • The state has selected four new sites for temporary hospitals in addition to the four already identified, with a goal of having a 1,000-plus patient overflow facility in each New York City borough as well as Westchester, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk counties. 
  • New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
  • More than 10,000 professional Mental Health Volunteers have signed up to provide free online mental health services.
  • 62,000 healthcare workers, including retirees and students, have signed up to volunteer to work as part of the state’s surge healthcare force during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
  • New Yorkers without Health Insurance can apply through NY State of Health within 60 days of losing coverage.
  • Department of Motor Vehicles offices are temporarily closed for in-office visits. Online transactions, including for license renewals, are still be available. License and permit expirations will be extended.
  • New York City is piloting closing streets to vehicles and opening them to pedestrians as part of the city’s plan to address the lack of adherence to social distancing protocols.
  • All non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions until further notice as part of New York State on PAUSE. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
  • Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.
  • Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.