Coronavirus

De Blasio calls for a national draft of medical personnel to fight virus

Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash

April 3, 2020

De Blasio calls for a national draft of medical personnel to fight virus

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday called for a national draft of medical personnel to help New York fight the coronavirus. With more than 50,000 positive cases and 1,500 deaths, New York City remains the hardest-hit city in the country by the virus and now faces a shortage of health care workers, in addition to a lack of supplies. The request from the mayor echos similar demands from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has also asked for a national rolling deployment of health care workers and equipment to be sent to New York first, with the promise of returning the favor to any community next in need.
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Policy

All the performances, events, and classes in NYC you can stream online

Anna Netrebko in the title role of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera

April 3, 2020

All the performances, events, and classes in NYC you can stream online

Although the coronavirus has shuttered most of the city, many museums, performance venues, theaters, and famous New Yorkers are offering free (or low-cost) online resources to entertain New Yorkers throughout this difficult period. From virtual storytime with Brooklyn Public Library librarians to live-streamed performances by the Metropolitan Opera to baking classes with Milk Bar's Christina Tosi to dance lessons from the Radio City Rockettes, support local organizations safely from your home. This list was lasted updated at 10:00 a.m. on April 3, 2020.
The full list, ahead

Events & Things To Do

Real estate work is essential, but showings must be virtual

Photo by Jonathan Riley on Unsplash

April 3, 2020

Real estate work is essential, but showings must be virtual

By Devin Gannon

Certain real estate work is still considered essential by New York, but showings cannot take place in-person, the state clarified on Thursday. In a notice to the New York State Association of Realtors, the Empire State Development earlier this week said home inspections, residential appraisals, back-office real estate work, and residential and commercial showings can continue during the coronavirus outbreak. But despite being newly categorized as essential, agents still cannot host traditional showings, as was previously reported.
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Javits Center will now provide 2,500 COVID beds

Photo by Darren McGee- Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, via Flickr cc

April 2, 2020

Javits Center will now provide 2,500 COVID beds

When it first opened on Monday, the temporary hospital set up at the Javits Center was to serve as an overflow site, treating non-COVID patients to ease the burden on the city's hospitals. But as the severity of the situation has worsened throughout the week, Governor Cuomo asked President Trump for approval on using Javits' 2,500 beds solely for COVID-19 patients. He received the approval this evening.
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Policy

Local nonprofit is offering grants up to $40K to help 30 NYC restaurants stay open

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

April 2, 2020

Local nonprofit is offering grants up to $40K to help 30 NYC restaurants stay open

By Devin Gannon

A local nonprofit is helping more than two dozen New York City restaurants stay open amid mass coronavirus-related closures. Last month, Rethink Food NYC launched a "Restaurant Response" program that partners with restaurants in need of financial support and provides free or subsidized food to New Yorkers in need. As part of the program, the nonprofit will award 30 New York City restaurants a grant of up to $40,000 to help make 24,000 meals in total per day.
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Food & Dining

20 NYC hotels sign on as temporary hospitals, will add 10,000 beds

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

April 2, 2020

20 NYC hotels sign on as temporary hospitals, will add 10,000 beds

New York City's hotels have seen more than an 80 percent drop in occupancy since the coronavirus crisis, but that unfortunate fact has at least opened one positive door. As Mayor de Blasio announced in his press conference yesterday, 20 hotels have signed contracts to be converted to temporary hospitals, which will add roughly 10,000 additional beds. As NY1 reported, on Wednesday, Dr. Mitchell Katz, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, said, "We are in disaster mode so that contracts can be quickly signed. When it’s operational, patients who don’t need to be incubated, who are recovering but not well enough to leave the hospital, will be sent to hotels."
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State says real estate industry is an essential business during shutdown

Photo © 6sqft

April 2, 2020

State says real estate industry is an essential business during shutdown

By Devin Gannon

Some real estate industry work is considered essential and can continue during the coronavirus outbreak, New York State announced on Wednesday. The reversal in policy, first spotted by the Real Deal, means real estate agents can now host in-person residential and commercial showings, as long as social distancing measures are taken (open houses are still prohibited). However, the Real Estate Board of New York quickly reached out to brokers and advised them against in-person showings.
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Could Mount Sinai’s new self-reporting app help map coronavirus in NYC?

Map by the Department of Health showing total count of people testing positive for COVID-19 by zip code

April 1, 2020

Could Mount Sinai’s new self-reporting app help map coronavirus in NYC?

It makes sense that New Yorkers would want to know many positive cases of COVID-19 are in their neighborhoods, but can you really provide the information accurately? Yesterday, the Department of Health released a zip code-based map that shows the number of patients testing positive for coronavirus, which, as the Post first reported, alarmingly points to the fact that wealthier zip codes have far fewer positives. However, this does not take into account the rate of testing or population of a given area, leading many experts to say the map actually paints a picture of testing behavior, not positive cases. This is why the Mount Sinai Health System today launched an app where New Yorkers can self-report their symptoms and test results.
More details ahead

City Living

How NYC’s open-air greenmarkets are dealing with the coronavirus outbreak

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

April 1, 2020

How NYC’s open-air greenmarkets are dealing with the coronavirus outbreak

By Devin Gannon

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, grocery stores across New York City have adopted new policies to ensure the safety of both workers and customers. Similarly, the city's 50 open-air farmers markets--also deemed essential by the state-- are adapting to the health crisis, while continuing to serve fresh produce safely to New Yorkers who rely on them. And many shoppers are choosing to shop outside at GrowNYC farmer's markets over the confined, indoor space of a store.
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City Living

All NYC playgrounds will now be closed

Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay

April 1, 2020

All NYC playgrounds will now be closed

By Devin Gannon

Just one day after Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that 10 playgrounds across the city were closed because of overcrowding issues, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that all NYC playgrounds would be closed, seemingly going over the mayor's head. The governor did note that parks and other open spaces will remain open, though, he said, "The NYPD has to get more aggressive. Period," referring to social distancing requirements.
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Policy

Popular Articles

Queens’ US Open tennis complex will become a 350-bed hospital to relieve Elmhurst Hospital

Photo by Michael Vadon on Flickr

April 1, 2020

Queens’ US Open tennis complex will become a 350-bed hospital to relieve Elmhurst Hospital

By Devin Gannon

A 350-bed medical facility will be built at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens to ease the pressure the Elmhurst Hospital has been facing amidst the coronavirus outbreak. Construction began at the site in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which hosts the US Open tournament, yesterday. The city's Emergency Management selected the site to serve as a temporary facility, which will begin treating COVID non-ICU patients beginning next Tuesday, April 7th. The center's indoor courts will be converted into the medical facility, with its Louis Armstrong Stadium set to become a place for volunteers to assemble 25,000 meal packages per day for patients, workers, and students.
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Policy

De Blasio’s open street pilot gets extended through Sunday

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT/Flickr

March 31, 2020

De Blasio’s open street pilot gets extended through Sunday

After receiving pressure from both Governor Cuomo and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson to close some streets to vehicular traffic in an effort to give New Yorkers more outdoor space to exercise, Mayor de Blasio finally launched a Safe Streets pilot from Friday, March 27, to Monday, March 30 that included a roughly six-block stretch in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, totaling 1.6 miles of the city's 6,000 miles of roads. Today, the Mayor's office announced that they'll be extending the pilot program through Sunday, April 5th with the same hours of 10am-7pm.
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NYC officials propose allowing renters to use security deposit for April rent

Photo by Rachel Martin on Unsplash

March 31, 2020

NYC officials propose allowing renters to use security deposit for April rent

By Devin Gannon

Under a plan introduced by local officials, New York City renters struggling to pay next month's rent would be allowed to use their existing security deposits as payment. As the Daily News first reported, the proposal would let tenants opt into the rent relief program to transfer their pre-paid deposits to rent. The deposit would have to be replaced within 30 days or converted into a monthly installment plan, under the proposal.
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Policy

PHOTOS: USNS Comfort hospital ship arrives in NYC

Photo by Michael Appleton for the Mayoral Photography Office

March 30, 2020

PHOTOS: USNS Comfort hospital ship arrives in NYC

By Devin Gannon

The 1,000 hospital-bed Navy ship USNS Comfort arrived in New York City on Monday, sent by the federal government to alleviate the burden the city's hospitals are facing as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. With more than 1,200 medical personnel on deck, the floating hospital will serve non-COVID-19 patients to take the pressure off the city's hospitals, which are currently overwhelmed by a growing number of cases. Docked at Pier 90 in Hell's Kitchen, the ship expects to begin receiving patients in 24 hours after its arrival.
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Policy

A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

Photo by Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia

March 30, 2020

A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

By Devin Gannon

A New York City landmark is looking to lift the spirits of New Yorkers and keep the light in the city bright during this challenging time. The Empire State Realty Trust on Friday launched a music-to-light show from the skyscraper's famous tower, in partnership with iHeartMedia. A new show, designed by lighting artist Marc Brickman, will premiere every Friday night and play nightly for one week.
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Four more temporary hospital sites approved for NYC, will bring 4,000 additional beds

Photo of the Aqueduct Racetrack via Wikimedia

March 28, 2020

Four more temporary hospital sites approved for NYC, will bring 4,000 additional beds

By Devin Gannon

Facing a shortage of hospital beds, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced a plan to build four additional temporary hospitals in each New York City borough, adding 4,000 more beds. On Friday, he toured the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens' South Ozone Park, the Port Authority-owned Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook, the CUNY College of Staten Island, and the New York Expo Center in Hunts Point in the Bronx. On Saturday, Cuomo said President Donald Trump had approved these sites, meaning work can begin immediately. These will be in addition to Manhattan's Javits Center, which opens tomorrow as a temporary 1,000-bed FEMA hospital.
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Policy

Inside the 1,000-bed temporary hospital at the Javits Center

Photo by Darren McGee- Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, via Flickr cc

March 27, 2020

Inside the 1,000-bed temporary hospital at the Javits Center

On Monday, Governor Cuomo announced that the Army Corps of Engineers began work to create a temporary hospital inside the Javits Center. And though he said the work would last a week to 10 days, today he held his daily press conference inside the completed 1,000-bed facility, which will officially open on Monday. After profusely thanking the men and women who worked tirelessly to construct this overflow hospital, the Governor said that he is joining all New Yorkers to "kick coronavirus' ass."
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Policy

Cuomo temporarily bans all non-essential construction projects

Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash

March 27, 2020

Cuomo temporarily bans all non-essential construction projects

By Devin Gannon

Most construction projects will be temporarily banned during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Friday. While originally considered an essential service under the state's "pause" order that shutdown most workplaces last week, all non-essential construction must now shut down until April 21 under an updated executive order by the state.
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Policy

Can you move in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak?

Photo © Daxiao Productions – Fotolio

March 27, 2020

Can you move in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak?

By Devin Gannon

While most of life seems to be put on hold at the moment, there are a few tasks that can't be avoided. This includes moving apartments, typically a dreadful experience for New Yorkers with or without an ongoing pandemic. But moving companies are considered an essential service, according to New York City and State officials. Ahead, find out what you need to know about moving in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak, from the extra protocols movers are taking to your rights as a tenant.
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Free fun and educational online resources for kids at home during coronavirus

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

March 25, 2020

Free fun and educational online resources for kids at home during coronavirus

The current times are especially tough for children who are home from school and their parents who are struggling to keep up with remote learning and keep the kiddos occupied during downtime. Luckily, institutions and businesses are stepping up to offer all kinds of free fun and educational resources for youngsters. From cool virtual museum content to online homework help to virtual storytelling to penguin cams, 6sqft has put together a list of ways to keep your children entertained and educated while at home.
The full list, ahead

Events & Things To Do

Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

Comedian Bridget Everett is participating in The Trickle Up; Photo by John Morton on Flickr

March 25, 2020

Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

By Devin Gannon

With theaters and performance venues closed as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the livelihoods of many artists in New York City continue to hang in the balance. A new subscription-based streaming service launched this week to support local artists affected by these coronavirus-related shutdowns. "The Trickle Up" charges subscribers $10 per month to access original performances from 50 different artists, with proceeds going to artists struggling financially.
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MTA cuts subway service by 25 percent in response to coronavirus

Photo by Billie Grace Ward on Flickr

March 25, 2020

MTA cuts subway service by 25 percent in response to coronavirus

By Devin Gannon

In response to a "never-before-seen ridership low" during the coronavirus outbreak, three subway lines will not run during the week and some express trains will run local, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Tuesday. The reduced schedule is part of the agency's "NY Essential Service Plan" to provide service to first responders and essential workers as it deals with the devastating financial consequences of a nearly 90 percent drop in ridership across subway and buses, the Long Island Railroad, and Metro-North.
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NYC is asking community spaces to sign up as possible emergency management centers

Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash

March 24, 2020

NYC is asking community spaces to sign up as possible emergency management centers

With four sites already identified as temporary hospitals--and construction underway on the largest, the Javits Center--the city is now looking for additional spaces that can be used to support NYC Emergency Management. The call is for community spaces with a large interior room such as community centers, places of worship, or campus facilities that can be utilized for outreach, training, or gathering during an emergency or as a disaster recovery center. Though it's not explicitly stated, NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson noted on Twitter that some of these spaces could be "suitable for converting to temporary hospital rooms."
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Meet the 7,000 ‘Invisible Hands’ delivering essentials to at-risk New Yorkers

Photos courtesy of Invisible Hands

March 24, 2020

Meet the 7,000 ‘Invisible Hands’ delivering essentials to at-risk New Yorkers

If you needed more evidence that New Yorkers come together in a time of crisis, look no further than Invisible Hands. The premise of the volunteer group is that low-risk people can help to bring groceries and supplies to those in demographics at high risk for COVID-19. Simone, Liam, and Healy — "healthy 20-somethings in NYC" — started the group just nine days ago, and today have amassed 7,000 volunteers across New York City and parts of Jersey City. Yesterday, we spoke with Liam Elkind about what it's been like starting this incredible group, how New Yorkers have been able to "pull together when it feels like the world is trying to pull us apart," and what Invisible Hands hopes for the future.
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Bodegas in NYC now have their own delivery app

Photo by Clément Falize on Unsplash

March 24, 2020

Bodegas in NYC now have their own delivery app

By Devin Gannon

Deemed as essential by the state, bodegas in New York City are open during the coronavirus outbreak. For those craving a bacon, egg, and cheese from your local deli, but can't leave your apartment, a new app is here to help. As first reported by Eater, My Bodega Online is looking to give New Yorkers another option when it comes to ordering take-out and groceries for delivery, while simultaneously supporting local businesses.
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