NYC Department of Cultural Affairs COVID-19 Updates

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If you have to leave your home, cover your mouth and nose. Visit nyc.gov/coronavirus for the latest information.

COVID-19 | Latest Information
The situation around COVID-19 is changing every day. Below are resources that you can use to stay up to date on NYC's response to the pandemic and how to remain safe:
  • Daily updates: Watch Mayor de Blasio's daily COVID-19 updates at nyc.gov and visit nyc.gov/coronavirus for the latest guidance on public health best practices, the latest data on COVID-19 in NYC, and more. 
  • Face coverings: The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends that all New Yorkers wear a face covering when outside of their home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Frequently asked questions about face coverings. 
  • Free meals: Any New Yorker who wants one can get three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city, operated by the New York City Department of Education. Learn more. 
  • Notify NYC: Get live updates from Notify NYC by texting "COVID" to 692-692. For updates in Spanish text "COVIDESP" to 692-692.

State PAUSE Order
NYS On Pause Order – which requires all non-essential workers to stay at home and non-essential businesses to close – has been extended through April 29. Learn more. 

How You Can Help
The City is actively seeking businesses with the ability to source and/or make products to support the City’s COVID-19 response work. Take the NYCEDC COVID-19 Emergency Supply Sourcing & Manufacturing Survey if you think you can help, or visit the City’s COVID-19: How to Help page for more ways to contribute.   White text on a deep red background reads NYC Cultural Affairs COVID-19 Resources for artists & cultural organizations nyc.gov/culture Resources for Artists & Cultural Organizations

We stand with the extraordinary organizations and cultural workers that drive this essential part of our city. Last week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Paycheck Protection Program, which joins SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans and loan advance program as a key potential source of support for nonprofits facing the fallout from COVID-19-related expenses and revenue loss. 

  • The Paycheck Protection Program is making $350 billion available on a first-come, first-served basis. Nonprofits with 500 or fewer employees, independent contractors, sole proprietors, self-employed, and “gig economy” workers may be eligible for forgivable, low-interest loans through the program.
  • The Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance program provides low-interest disaster relief loans up to $2 million, with eligibility for nonprofit organizations. If eligible, organizations may also request a forgivable advance loan of up to $10,000 which can be paid within three days of a request.

Learn more about these and other sources of support on Cultural Affairs' COVID-19 Resources page, including a number of organizations offering legal and technical assistance with applications to these programs.    A group of youth dressed in black pants and red t shirts dance with joyous looks on their faces. Above them, text saying NDI LIVE is superimposed in pink and purple graphic text. National Dance Institute's ndiLIVE! is a platform for free online classes for kids and all ages. Photo by National Dance Institute. Culture Goes Virtual
Following the closure of physical spaces where New Yorkers gather, our cultural community has created a remarkable variety of ways to stay connected through cultural offerings, even while we stay at home to keep our fellow residents safe.

#CultureFromHome
Use and follow #CultureFromHome on social media to find and share virtual programming from groups working across the five boroughs and beyond. A few upcoming and evergreen virtual activities include: 

Follow #CultureFromHome on Twitter and Instagram, and check out NYC & Company's VirtualNYC page for more upcoming programs. 

Fun at Home
Fun at Home is a citywide clearinghouse providing teens and young adults with safe, fun, and entertaining virtual activities to encourage them to stay at home and practice social distancing.  It also provides tips and resources to help the city's teen/young adult population cope with anxiety, concerns, and challenges that may arise during this difficult time. Visit nyc.gov/funathome for details. 

Fun at Home is a partnership between the Children's Cabinet's Generation NYC, the NYC Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, NYC Opportunity, NYC Service and Young Men's Initiative.   A table with multiple packages is pictured. There are five packages total containing PPE and respirator masks for health care workers. Behind the table is a painting of the sea with sailboats on the water. A donation of personal protective equipment from the South Street Seaport Museum. "In the museum field, we use nitrile gloves, masks and coveralls when we care for our collections and historic ships. Today we donated our supplies to Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center. We hope this small action helps," they wrote on Twitter. Artists & Cultural Groups Respond to COVID-19
Artists and cultural organizations are integral members of communities across New York City. So it's no surprise that they've stepped up to support their neighbors through donations of space, time, materials, and creative commitment. A few recent examples include:

Learn about additional ways to contribute at nyc.gov/helpnownyc.  A vibrantly colored poster with yellow and purple text on an orange background that reads Fill out the census because Cardi B says so, complete it in 10 minutes at my2020census.gov.

This is a challenging time as we all work to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, but there is one important step you can take to help your community without leaving home – filling out the 2020 Census. The more New Yorkers who fill out the census, the more money our City gets for schools, housing, hospitals, job training programs, senior centers, and more. These are resources we need now, more than ever.

You can complete the census in just a few minutes: online at my2020census.gov or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020. The census is for everyone! It does not ask about your immigration or citizenship status, your job, or your social your security/ITIN number. Your information is safe, protected by federal law, and cannot be shared with law enforcement or your landlord. It’s only 10 questions, takes about 10 minutes and it will shape the next 10 years.

Take it from Cardi B: NYC is counting on you like never before – complete the Census now! For more information call 311 and say “census” or visit www.nyc.gov/census.

Connect with @NYCulture on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, where you can discover cultural events, funding opportunities, and more.