NYC Resources for Heat Events in COVID-19 Conditions

LeadingAge NY has been participating in conversations with New York City (NYC) regarding planning and resources for people during the summer months in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is working to ensure that there are adequate cooling centers and outdoor cooling options during heat events that allow for social distancing. As of late last week, 125 cooling center sites have been identified, and the City is working to find more. Masks will be required and made available in these centers. Outdoor cooling elements have also been identified. Cooling centers and outdoor elements can be found here. Cooling buses can also be deployed when there is a power outage if there is a prolonged period. The City is also working to provide guidance on a Code Red plan to bring people to the hospital or ER when there is a heat-related health issue in the context of COVID-19. In addition, outreach is being conducted to people receiving public benefits to determine if they need air conditioners, which will be installed in people’s homes free of charge. More information can be found here.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383