COVID 19 Update #2 from NYCHA

The health and safety of our residents and employees is our top priority. As you know, we are working with DOHMH, NYCEM and other City partners to closely monitor the current situation related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York City.  NYCHA leadership has been working closely with our government partners to ensure our approach and plans are thorough and responsive to a changing environment. We wanted to take this opportunity to provide an update on our efforts to help keep the NYCHA community safe:

• NYCHA staff have been directed to take extra effort with daily cleaning with special focus on high trafficked areas at our developments such as building entrance doors, elevator controls, mailboxes and hopper doors. 
• We have authorized a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) approved vendor to begin a two-step treatment plan including a deep cleaning and applications of additional product to prevent germs from spreading on surfaces. These treatments began today at senior buildings.
• We continue to make COVID-19 information available through direct outreach to residents through robocalls, emails, multilingual posters, the MyNYCHA App, daily social media posts, and posting on resident, employee and public websites.
• NYCHA’s Hearing Office is adjourning cases upon request and encouraging any resident who is sick to call for adjournment. All seniors who fail to appear for their scheduled administrative hearing or conference will be adjourned for 60 days and not defaulted.
• NYCHA staff are being advised of precautions to reduce risk of spreading germs. These include limited physical contact, handwashing and hygiene best practices.
• We are communicating information to our employees to help them stay healthy and encouraging them to stay home if they are not feeling well.

• Residents can call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 to report emergencies and schedule routine maintenance repairs in their apartments and developments. Trained representatives are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle emergencies and to schedule routine maintenance repairs for Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to midnight.
• Public housing applicants and Section 8 voucher holders can view their information, upload documents and completed select transactions online, anytime, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by using the Self Service Portal at www.nyc.gov/NYCHA
• Residents can use the MyNYCHA App to create, schedule, and manage work tickets via a desktop or mobile device. Residents can also use it to subscribe to alerts for outages, view inspection appointments, view closed work tickets, and pay rent. Download the App here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1008174532

• Stay home if you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing — do not use your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
• Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.
• If you have family or friends who are elderly, have compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory or coronary issues, do not visit them if you feel sick. Stay home and keep your loved ones safe.
• Consider telecommuting, biking or walking to work if possible.
• Consider staggering working hours. For example, instead of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., change some work hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfecting wipes.
• Get your 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.
• More information can be found here: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

We will continue to keep you updated.
 
In Partnership,
 
Office of Intergovernmental Relations
NYCHA