Information About Coronavirus (Updated 8/3/21)
8/3/21 update (Stay informed about COVID-19 with this biweekly info session):
Dear Colleagues,
The Environmental Health & Safety Department would like to share with you a resource that can help you stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 information: WorkWell NYC and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Immunization Justice Workgroup are hosting a biweekly COVID-19 briefing. Health Department clinician Dr. Julian Watkins will provide updates on current events, COVID-19 cases in NYC, and vaccines and will be available to answer your questions. The sessions are held every other Thursday at 12p.m.; the next session will be on August 12, and you can register here.
Stay safe and healthy,
NYCHA’s Environmental Health & Safety Department
4/23/21 update:
To view NYCHA’s “Return to Office Plan” checklist, which was approved by the City, please click here.
12/15/20 update:
Watch this brief video on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19: https://youtu.be/IMnQGZcN7Ck.
5/6/20 update:
Watch this video message from NYCHA Chair Greg Russ and General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo on how you can help slow the spread of coronavirus:
4/30/20 update from the Environmental Health & Safety Department:
NYCHA Face Covering FAQ For Employees
SUPERVISORS: Please post copies of this advisory prominently in employee common areas. Thank you!
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”) recommends that all New Yorkers wear a face covering when outside of their home to help stop the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). See the DOHMH FAQ on Face Coverings. Additionally, per Executive Order 202.16, effective April 15, 2020, and DCAS Commissioner Directive 2020-1, all essential employees present in the workplace must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose when in direct contact with members of the public. “Direct contact” refers to whenever there is a potential for you to be within six feet or less of any other person, including another staff member or a member of the public, including residents. Based on these directives, NYCHA is issuing face coverings to its employees.
Employees must continue to practice social (physical) distancing and good hand hygiene even when wearing a face covering — including keeping 6 feet of distance between themselves and others whenever possible. A face covering is one more precaution we can take that may help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Which NYCHA employees are required to wear Face Coverings?
All NYCHA employees conducting work in NYCHA developments and Central office locations where staff may come into direct contact with any other staff member or members of the public, including residents, must wear a face covering. This includes apartments, public spaces, management office waiting areas, and outdoor areas such as building entrances, playgrounds, seating areas, and pathways. This requirement also applies in any business location – offices, maintenance offices, unoccupied apartments where you may be performing work – where there is the potential for staff members to be within six feet or less of another staff member.
What is the difference between these face coverings and respirators (e.g., N-95s)?
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”) and the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) continue to discourage the use of respirators such as N-95s or N-100s by non-healthcare workers. These are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. These respirators will not be issued to NYCHA staff to meet the face covering requirement.
For non-healthcare workers, DOHMH and CDC recommend the use of cloth face coverings, or non-medical grade paper face coverings. Recommended face coverings include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including dust masks, scarves, and bandanas.
Will a face covering protect me from being exposed to Covid-19 in the workplace?
A face covering, by itself, is not intended to protect the wearer, but it is an additional precaution that you can take to help prevent the spread of the virus, especially from people who are infected but may not have symptoms. Wearing a face covering does not replace practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, and other everyday preventive actions. When wearing a face covering, the physical distance of 6-ft (social distancing) should be maintained when possible.
Will NYCHA provide me with a face covering?
NYCHA is issuing face coverings to all employees conducting work in NYCHA developments and Central Office locations, where staff may come into direct contact with other staff members or members of the public, including residents. NYCHA is providing surgical masks/dust masks (as long as supplies are available) to be used as a face covering for personnel entering apartments to conduct work described in the Work Order Guidance.
Can employees wear their own face coverings?
Yes, employees may elect to use their own face covering. However, if you use your own cloth face covering, it must meet CDC’s criteria: 1) fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face 2) be secured with ties or ear loops 3)include multiple layers of fabric 4) allow for breathing without restriction 5) be able to be laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape. The DOHMH recommends daily laundering of cloth face coverings. The CDC has provided instructions, including video tutorials for making cloth face coverings.
If you elect to wear your own face covering it must securely cover your nose and mouth and must be worn in accordance with NYCHA’s policy, i.e., – it must be worn whenever staff may come into direct contact with any other staff member or members of the public, including residents. All face coverings must be workplace-appropriate and cannot feature offensive images or content.
What if an employee is unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons?
Individuals with respiratory impairments such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other chronic lung diseases, may be adversely affected by use of a face covering. These employees should provide medical documentation and complete NYCHA form 015.208, Reasonable Accommodation Request – Human Resources, and submit it to his or her supervisor. Supervisors should assign employees who cannot wear face coverings to tasks that do not place them in direct contact with residents or members of the public or other staff members. It is important to note that individuals with underlying respiratory conditions are also at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
What if an employee refuses to wear a face covering for religious reasons?
Employees who are seeking an exemption from the face covering policy for religious reasons must complete NYCHA form 015.208, Reasonable Accommodation Request – Human Resources, and submit it to his or her supervisor. This allows NYCHA to determine if there are possible alternatives that may be put in place to allow them to follow health and safety requirements without violating their religious practices.
What precautions should employees follow when wearing a face covering?
Employees must continue to practice social (physical) distancing and good hand hygiene even when wearing a face covering — including keeping 6 feet of distance between themselves and others whenever possible. A face covering is one more precaution we can take that may help stop the spread of COVID-19.
- Face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. They must securely cover your nose and mouth.
- Face covering should be secured with ties or ear loops.
- When putting on and taking off a face covering, as much as possible, avoid touching your face. Always wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before putting on or taking off face coverings, and immediately after removal. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or, if not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Do not share your face covering with others.
- Do not put a used face covering in places where others can touch it or where germs trapped in your face covering can touch other surfaces, such as tables, desks, countertops.
- Used paper masks should be thrown out at the end of the day.
Do not throw your face covering loosely in a bag or backpack. It is recommended to keep a plastic bag with you to store your face covering if you will be taking if off during the day.
4/29/20 update:
We posted on the Journal the below information regarding the City’s efforts to combat COVID-19 at NYCHA developments:
Mayor de Blasio Announces New Plan to Combat COVID-19 at NYCHA
Ensuring NYCHA Residents Are Safe and Supported
The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing the challenges New Yorkers are facing, including for NYCHA’s 400,000 residents. On April 22, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new plan to expand the City’s response to COVID-19 at NYCHA to ensure that these hardworking New Yorkers are safe and supported during this crisis.
“NYCHA residents are the backbone of New York City, but for decades they have not received the support they deserved from all levels of government,” Mayor de Blasio said. “We refuse to continue this pattern, and this new plan will provide residents with the support they need to protect themselves and their families during this crisis. My promise to the New Yorkers who call NYCHA home: We will have your back, no matter what.”
The new plan will provide the following services to NYCHA residents:
Access to Free Testing: In addition to the five community-based testing sites already established, the City is increasing access to free testing for NYCHA residents by opening six additional sites at or near NYCHA developments. The six sites operated by NYC Health + Hospitals will offer free walk-in COVID-19 testing prioritized for NYCHA residents. Click on “Testing Sites” in this link for more information.
Testing sites near NYCHA developments that opened on April 24:
Cumberland
Health Center – Fort Greene/Downtown, Brooklyn
100 N Portland Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
No appointment necessary
Belvis Health
Center – Mott Haven, Bronx
545 East 142nd St., Bronx, NY 10454
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
No appointment necessary
Gouverneur
Health Center – Lower East Side, Manhattan
227 Madison St., New York, New York 10002
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
No appointment necessary
Testing sites opening the week of April 27:
Jonathan
Williams Plaza – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
333 Roebling St., Brooklyn, NY 11211
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
No appointment necessary
Woodside Houses (NYCHA) – Woodside, Queens
50-53 Newtown Rd., Queens, NY 11377
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
No appointment necessary
St. Nicholas Houses (NYCHA) – Harlem, Manhattan
281 West 127th St., New York, NY 10035
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
No appointment necessary
Personal Protective Equipment: The City has already provided NYCHA staff with 60,000 masks and 10,000 pairs of gloves. Beginning the week of April 27, the City will distribute face coverings and gloves to all NYCHA residents to help them protect themselves and their families during this crisis. Hand sanitizer will also be distributed to NYCHA senior buildings beginning the week of April 27.
Food for Seniors: To fulfill the pledge to provide food to all New Yorkers in need, all residents in NYCHA’s senior buildings will be enrolled in the City’s food delivery program over the coming weeks. This will make it easier for residents to get food delivered directly to their door. The City has already delivered 288,000 meals to 24,000 NYCHA households over the past month.
Wellness Checks: The City is expanding NYCHA’s wellness call program to all seniors and vulnerable residents. These live telephone calls are made to check on residents’ health and well-being and ensure they have all their basic necessities (such as medicine and groceries). Since the start of the outbreak, NYCHA has made 40,000 wellness calls.
Free Tablets and Internet Service for Seniors: The City is investing $5 million to provide free tablets and internet service for 10,000 senior residents to help them stay connected with their loved ones.In partnership with T-Mobile, the City will start rolling out this service during the week of April 27 for seniors in Brownsville, Brooklyn, followed by NYCHA developments in Central Brooklyn, the South Bronx, Eastern Queens, and Upper Manhattan. Training will also be provided to seniors on how to use these devices.
Cleaning Schedule: NYCHA’s third-party vendor is sanitizing common areas three times a week at family developments and five times a week at senior developments. View the cleaning schedules on NYCHA’s website: on.nyc.gov/cleaning-schedule.
Information about the new COVID-19 plan for NYCHA residents will be shared with residents through robocalls, direct calls to seniors and vulnerable residents, and through other outreach methods. Updated information will be made available on NYCHA’s COVID-19 website: on.nyc.gov/nycha-covid.
3/13/20 update:
Environmental Health and Safety Advisory: COVID-19 Guidance – Working within an Apartment
NYCHA personnel who are performing repairs within an apartment or who are providing services to a resident in their apartment should follow the instructions below, which adhere to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidance (“Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) General Disinfection Guidance for Commercial or Residential Buildings”) issued to city agencies on March 6, 2020:
Before entering an apartment for a non-emergency repair, ask the following:
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- “Does anyone in the household have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath or is confirmed to have been infected with coronavirus?”
If the resident answers “yes” to this question, politely advise the resident to reschedule the visit in 14 days or when everyone is feeling better by calling the Customer Contact Center.
Before entering an apartment for an emergency repair (e.g., gas/water leaks, stoppages, etc.) ask the following:
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- “Does anyone in the household have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath or is confirmed to have been infected with coronavirus?”
If the resident answers “yes” to this question, politely ask the resident to:
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- Remain in a separate room (where possible) with the door closed until the emergency repair is completed.
- If a separate room is not available, maintain at least a six-foot distance from the resident until the emergency repair is completed.
If the resident refuses to follow these instructions, remove yourself from the unit and immediately contact your supervisor for guidance.
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- Staff should open a window within the unit to increase ventilation during the repair.
- Staff may elect to utilize the following PPE based on the resident response:
- Confirmed coronavirus diagnosis: N-95 respirator/nitrile gloves
- Fever/cough/shortness of breath: dust mask/nitrile gloves
After visiting an apartment:
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- Remove and discard the dust mask/N-95 (if utilized)
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap
- If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Keep your hands away from your face, nose, and eyes
If you have questions on this or any other safety matter, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Department at ehs@nycha.nyc.gov.
SUPERVISORS: Please post copies of this advisory prominently in employee common areas. Thank you!
3/11/20 update:
NYCHA personnel are advised to follow the instructions below from the NYC DOHMH guidance document (“Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) General Disinfection Guidance for Commercial or Residential Buildings”) issued to city agencies on March 6, 2020.
Health officials are still learning about the spread and severity of the virus. The infection, called COVID-19, can be spread from person to person. However, the health risk to non-healthcare workers is considered low based on the current available information. This may change in the weeks to months ahead.
Supervisors, please provide staff without e-mail access a hard copy of this SafeNYCHA advisory.
Thank you.
General Infection Prevention Strategies
Good personal hygiene practices remain the best method for preventing the spread of COVID-19 virus.
NYCHA personnel are reminded to:
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- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, shirt sleeve, or bent arm but not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Get the flu shot. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu, which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.
- If/when clean-up of bodily fluids is needed, follow universal precautions. (that is, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.)
About Face Masks
The NYC Health Department does not recommend the routine use of face masks if you are not sick.
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- Face masks are not needed for general or routine tasks by NYCHA personnel – even those who frequently interact with the public.
- Remember that people wear face masks for many reasons, including seasonal allergies, pollution, or to protect others from a common cold.
- Some personnel may also use face masks or N95/P100 respirators as recommended by NYCHA Standard Procedures. Those personnel should use face masks or N95/P100 respirators as usual.
- No COVID-19 specific precautions are recommended for interactions with the general public, including people showing no symptoms who visited affected parts of the world.
Information about Medical Care for NYCHA Personnel
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- NYCHA personnel with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should stay home and call their doctor and tell them about any travel history.
- If NYCHA personnel do not have a doctor or health insurance, they can visit an NYC Health and Hospitals facility. To find healthcare, visit nychealthandhospitals.org/hospitals or call 311.
If you have questions on this or any other safety matter, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Department at ehs@nycha.nyc.gov.
3/7/20 update:
To: ALL NYCHA EMPLOYEES
From: Vito Mustaciuolo, General Manager
Subject: Guidance regarding emergency situations
Dear Colleagues,
In light of the emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, please review the below information about NYCHA’s time and leave policies during an emergency. NYCHA provides service to our residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For this reason, NYCHA employees are required to report to work during their regularly scheduled work hours.
Employees Who Provide Essential Services
All employees who provide essential NYCHA services must report to work. Unless there is specific guidance from Human Resources otherwise, employees who provide essential NYCHA services will not be excused from their scheduled shifts and work obligations and will be approved for leave only if it was previously approved.
If an employee is unable to report to work due to a personal emergency or illness, leave may be granted according to NYCHA’s Time and Leave rules and regulations only at the discretion of the Department Director or their designee. Documentation may be required to support the request. Exceptions may be made under limited circumstances by Human Resources.
Declared Emergency
In the event of a declared emergency in the five boroughs of New York City, NYCHA will make reasonable attempts to post instructions on its website (www.nyc.gov/nycha), and employees should follow those announcements.
NYCHA is awaiting guidance from the City of New York regarding telecommuting for eligible employees. However, it is critical that all employees, especially those who provide direct services to NYCHA residents, have plans in place to address personal and family needs so that they are able to report to work.
Thank you for all that you do in service to our communities.
3/3/20 update:
Dear Colleagues,
As a follow-up to our March 2, 2020 message regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like you to be aware of the following information provided by the NYCDOHMH:
The Environmental Health and Safety Department and Office of Emergency Management are in contact with the City’s Health Department and NYC Emergency Management and will provide updates as needed.
Additional information can be found at www.cdc.gov/nCoV and http://nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.
Supervisors: Please provide your field-based personnel with a copy of this e-mail and post the flyers in the common areas.
If you have any questions, please contact NYCHA EHS at ehs@nycha.nyc.gov
Thank you.
3/2/20 update:
Dear Colleagues,
As a follow-up to our February 21, 2020 message regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), NYCHA employees are advised to follow the everyday preventive measures provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
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- Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to COVID-19-related virus.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can. See flyer here.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. See flyer here.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
- Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department and Office of Emergency Management are in contact with the City’s Health Department and NYC Emergency Management, and will provide updates as needed.
Additional information can be found at www.cdc.gov/nCoV and http://nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.
Supervisors: Please provide your field-based personnel with a copy of this e-mail and post the flyers in the common areas.
If you have any questions, please contact NYCHA EHS at ehs@nycha.nyc.gov
Thank you.
2/21/20 update:
Dear Colleagues:
Please review information from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) titled “Safety and Health Guidance for Non-Healthcare Workers.”
Please note the following key facts in the document:
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- The current risk is low; there are no cases in NYC.
- The virus is spread through droplets, so becoming infected would require close “household contact.”
- The biggest preventative measure you can follow is to practice good hand hygiene as described in the document.
- The use of surgical masks is not recommended.
If there is a change in the guidance from NYC DOHMH, we will update you accordingly.
If you have any questions, please contact EHS at ehs@nycha.nyc.gov.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
