Last week, the state identified 20 hotspot zip codes where the average rate of positive tests was 6.5 percent. A listing of the hot spots can be found
here.
Brooklyn, Queens, Broome, Orange and Rockland Counties all have identified hotspots and these hotspots will be subject to a newly announced COVID-19 "cluster action initiative."
The initiative is composed of three steps, beginning with a focus on the cluster itself and then addressing surrounding areas. Some of the actions that will be taken include reducing size of gatherings, closure of schools, only allowing essential businesses to operate, and limitations on indoor and outdoor dining.
The enforcement of this initiative takes effect today, and fines for violations of the rules is up to $15,000.
Additional details and a recording of the Governor's announcement can be found here.
Chapters are encouraged to closely monitor their COVID-19 data,
county data, and the Governor's future announcements. Several Chapters have already initiated changes to day programming, visitation and community outings in response to the increase in cases.
OPWDD Hot Spot Resource Materials and Tools
OPWDD has developed resource materials and tools to support providers who are operating programs within the identified hot spots. These materials have only been sent to providers within the identified hot spots, but may be of use to everyone. They are designed for use with certified residential programs but may be modified and used in other locations. These include:
Direct Support Professionals as Essential Workers
Chapters who encounter these challenges should refer to OPWDD's memo when discussing DSP work status with the local health departments. Additionally, we provided a
template letter developed by ANCOR that can be supplied to DSPs when they need to identify themselves as essential workers. This document was detailed in our
March 22 COVID-19 Update. Please let us know if you encounter obstacles, so we may raise this issue with OPWDD as necessary.
NYS Travel Advisory Update
On Tuesday, Governor Cuomo announced that New Mexico has been added to the designated states on the New York State Travel Advisory. No states were removed. A current listing of the states on the Travel Advisory can be found
here.
HRSA Webinar and HHS Instructions for Phase 3 PRF Distribution
As shared in the October 2 COVID-19 Update, applications for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 3 distributions are now open. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shared application instructions, so you know what will be required in advance of completing your application in the portal. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is also hosting an Informational Webinar on Thursday, October 15 at 3 p.m. to review the application process. You can register for the webinar here.
If you did not apply for Phase 2 funding, you will need to create an Optum ID in the portal. Once you create the Optum ID, you will need to answer some organizational questions to validate your Tax ID (TIN). It may take a couple of days for your TIN to be validated. You cannot start the actual Revenue and Expense application until you get the notification that your TIN has been validated. If you already applied for Phase 2 funding, you can log into the portal with the same Optum ID you created in Phase 2. According to HHS, you will not be able to start the Revenue and Expense application until you have received notification that a determination was made on your Phase 2 application. If you applied for Phase 2 funding and have not yet received an email from HHS or HRSA with your determination, you can call the Provider Relief Hotline at 866-569-3522 for a status update.
This and all related updates will be cataloged on The Arc New York COVID-19 Resource Page for future reference. Please contact us if you have questions regarding any of this information.
