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Dear Neighbor:

I hope you have been staying safe as the city reaches new highs in daily infections. The Omicron variant continues to spread at an alarming rate, and it’s crucial that we continue to wear masks, get tested, get vaccinated or boosted, and avoid large gatherings as much as possible. 

Last Monday, December 20th, I held a virtual press conference with Council Member Mark Levine, Council Member Mark Treyger, and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) calling on the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to significantly increase testing and vaccinations at our public schools in anticipation of a predictable post-holiday surge and the sharp uptick in COVID cases.

I previously sent two letters to Chancellor Meisha Porter and Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi but never received a response, despite multiple follow-ups, and had raised concerns of inadequate testing months prior at City Council hearings.



You can watch my virtual press conference here. 

This week, the city released a list of city-run COVID testing sites, and it was extremely disappointing that there were initially no mobile testing and brick-and-mortar sites in District 11, repeating a pattern of the North Bronx being excluded from vital health measures.

After the Mayor announced that the city will expand COVID testing, the Walton Educational School is now serving as a testing site. Here are their hours: 

Walton Educational School

December 22- 23, 7AM-7PM

December 24, 7AM-7PM

PCR Testing

Our office will continue to provide updates when next week’s schedule is out 

The Riverdale Neighborhood House, 5521 Mosholu Avenue, is providing saliva-PCR tests on the following times and dates:

I am currently working to get more testing sites in District 11. Make sure to follow me on twitter for more updates. 

If you are a community-based organization, fill out this form to be considered for NYC’s Rapid Test Kit & KN95 Mask Distribution Program. CBOs who enroll will receive a regular allocation of free self-test kits and KN95 masks. To learn more, click here. 

You can also get rapid home testing kits from your local pharmacy. However, it has been reported that several pharmacies have engaged in price gouging. If you suspect price gouging, report this immediately to the Office of the New York State Attorney General here. 

While it is our goal to lessen the number of daily infections, we do know one thing: the vaccine overwhelmingly saves lives. 

For a full list of vaccines sites, click here.

There will be a mobile vaccine bus in Kingsbridge at 202 W 231st St. on December 26, Sunday, 11AM-7PM. They will be administering Pfizer for ages 5 and above.

We don’t know whether infections will slow down anytime soon but we have been through this before. We must continue to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to keep us, our loved ones, and our neighbors safe. 

Our office is working remotely but know that you can always reach out by calling 718-549-7300 or email [email protected]. 

Stay safe and have a happy holiday season, 

Eric

Sincerely,

Council Member Eric Dinowitz

Chair, Veterans Committee

Chair, Jewish Caucus

Member, Progressive Caucus

District 11

[email protected]

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