COVID-19 Updates

(Updated March, 2021)

On this page, please find regular updates to our ongoing online virtual services and programs, including opportunities to learn, to gather socially, and to support the NYC community through volunteer activities. COVID-19 updates include vaccine and testing information, and resources for financial support. If you are a member of the BJ community and need support, please email rabbis@bj.org.

Below are current city, state, and other support resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge the whole community to stay informed, and practice social distancing, as much as possible—for our own health and safety, that of our families, our community, and our fellow New Yorkers.

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility and Vaccination Appointments

New York State is currently in phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, which includes all people who are 60+, those with certain underlying medical conditions, frontline essential workers and others in public-facing roles, including: teachers and education workers, childcare staff, first responders, medical and related personnel, public safety workers, and public transit workers, government, not-for-profit, and other public-facing essential workers.

Detailed definitions of the eligible categories continue to evolve. Find current NY State eligibility information.

If you believe you are eligible, Siggi Wilzig’s Vaccination Project at B’nai Jeshurun can help get you an appointment!

To request support:

Email: nycvaccinehelp@gmail.com or text (917) 780-2847.

Or use one of these sign up forms:

Group 1a and 1b Support Request Form (essential workers, those over 60)

Group 1c Request Form (under 60 with comorbidities or underlying conditions)

Please fill out this Volunteer Interest form.

Please note that at this time we have enough volunteers to meet the demand for support. If you fill out this form, you will join our list and we will contact you if and when there is a need.

Access our tips and resources for vaccination appointments.

You can also speak with your medical provider or explore these public health vaccine resources:

• In New York City: Find sites and make an appointment (required) at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder

In New York State: Find sites, check your eligibility and make an appointment (required) at am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov

Stay Safe

These general guidelines offered to the public remain:

• Stay home: Unless you are younger, healthy, and an essential employee of an essential business or institution, or attending in-person school, you should work from home, and only go out for provisions of food, medicine, critical medical care, or for fresh air and exercise, and then only with social distance between you and anyone outside of your household.
• Continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath.
• Should you detect symptoms: self-isolate.
• Should your symptoms continue for more than 48 hours: continue to self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider for further direction.
• For further updates, please keep an eye on this page.

Get Tested

PCR tests are currently recommended for accuracy. Rapid testing is available throughout the city. Many testing centers are free or take insurance, others provide the paperwork necessary for insurance reimbursement. Some reliable options include:

• The Rapid Test Center has locations on the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. Appointments should be made 3-5 days in advance on their website. Please note you must pay upfront, and then request insurance reimbursement.
• CityMD on West 88th Street and Broadway, and other locations throughout the city, no appointments taken and lines can be long. No payment is required.
• NYC Health Dept. Testing Resources Finder by Zip Code.
• NYC Health Dept. Rapid Testing Information.

Important Phone Numbers, Apps, and Resources

• New York State COVID-19 Hotline: 1 (888) 364-3065
• New York City Department of Health: Dial 311 for immediate connection
• Department of Community Mental Health: People under self-quarantine, or exposure to a known case, should call (866) 588-0195
• To receive regular updates on the latest developments regarding coronavirus in New York City, text COVID to 692-692

Financial Assistance Resources

Increasing disruptions and shutdowns have very real and challenging financial impact on many in our congregation and throughout the city.

• The Hebrew Free Loan Society recently launched its Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan program to provide interest-free loans of $2,000-$5,000 to lower-income residents of New York City who are facing financial challenges caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more and apply.
• New York City’s Small Business Services has a loan program for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and grants and loans for businesses with fewer than five employees.
• Learn about the COVID Alert NY app