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COVID-19 July 2020 

Summer Resources

Michael Corwin

Summer in New York City is going to be different this year. As the city begins slowly re-opening, we still need to wear face coverings, maintain social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene, though there are still many ways to have fun this summer. 

Here are some resources to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer. 

Recreation 

There are miles of city streets that are closed to through-traffic so that pedestrians, bicyclists, and the youngest of New Yorkers can stretch their legs. Find Open Streets near you: Open Streets locations.

Know a teen looking for fun? Have them check out Fun at Home, where they can virtually visit museums, participate in cooking competitions, gain free access to an NBA league pass, play Mario Kart, and more. Text FUN to 97-743 to find out about free subscriptions and get summer updates and other resources to help teens and young adults learn and get engaged while physical distancing. They can also visit the Fun at Home website. 

For children of all ages, check out the Summer Fun Guide from Growing Up NYC.

Take an adventure with books – check out all the offerings from the New York Public Library, including summer reading lists, virtual summer camp activities, contests, and more: NYPL Summer Reading. 

The Department of Youth & Community Development has a list of virtual activities to keep young New Yorkers fully engaged during summer. See their resources here.

Food & Face Coverings Resources 
 
Grab & Go meals remain available to all New Yorkers who need them at over 400 locations. Find the location nearest you here: Free Meals. 

Need a face covering? The City will continue to distribute face coverings in parks, at Department of Education sites and NYCHA buildings, and more.   

Keeping Cool 

Cool It! NYC 
 
The City’s Cool It! NYC program is being expanded to better serve New Yorkers in neighborhoods that have higher health risks during extreme heat. Here’s how the program will keep more New Yorkers cool: 

  • NYC Parks is adding 250 new outdoor cooling elements, such as hydrants and other plumbing fixtures that can be adapted as spray showers and misting features. You’ll be able to locate the closest cooling features to you — whether it’s a new cooling feature or one of the city’s existing 950 cooling elements — on the new Cool It! NYC map. The map will be updated as cooling features are added.

  • During heat advisories, the City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Fire Department will install spray caps on 320 hydrants in heat-burdened areas, which will help more New Yorkers in these zones get within a quarter-mile walk of a spray feature. 
  • The Open Streets initiative will be expanded to designate certain streets as “Cool Streets,” which are blocks that have shade from trees and/or hydrants with spray caps. In addition, the Department of Transportation will add outdoor cooling features to its Plaza, Seasonal Streets, and Weekend Walks programs.

  • DEP will create a reusable water bottle distribution program to promote reusable bottles and remind New Yorkers to stay hydrated. The City will provide 15,000 bottles to elected officials, community boards, and partner organizations to distribute citywide.  

During heat waves, Cooling Centers provide air-conditioned relief for people who don’t have air conditioning at home; social distancing and wearing face coverings still apply. When there is a heat emergency, you can find a Cooling Center near you here. 

Tips for Staying Cool in the Summer Heat 

Staying cool at home is even more important as we spend more time indoors to slow the spread of COVID-19. Here are some tips for staying safe and cool during the summer. 

Approximately 22,000 air conditioners are being distributed to NYCHA residents. If you have an air conditioner: 

  • Turn it on, even for just a few hours, when you are at home. Fans alone will not keep you cool when it is really hot. 
  • Set your air conditioner to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or “low” cool to be safe and comfortable, and to save money. 

Drink water frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. 

Call 911 immediately if you experience or see someone else experiencing the following symptoms of heatstroke: 

  • Hot, dry skin
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Confusion, hallucinations, disorientation 

“Be a buddy” when it’s very hot — check on family and neighbors. 

Check in with family, friends, and neighbors who are older or have a chronic health condition to see if they are safe and cool via phone call, text, or social media.