Updates & Resources regarding COVID-19
Active/Total Westchester County Covid-19 Cases
Westchester County has created on online dashboard to convey the Active/Total Westchester County COVID-19 Cases. The dashboard also contains other useful information, such as a Westchester County COVID-19 vaccine dashboard and a link to the NYS COVID-19 data tracker. This dashboard is updated regularly by the County.
Westchester County COVID-19 Dashboard
New York State Dept. of Health COVID -19 Dashboard
Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Dashboard
The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Here!
All New Yorkers age 12 years old and older are eligible to get vaccinated.
The vaccines are safe, effective and free. Walk in to get get vaccinated at pharmacies, hospitals, mass vaccination sites operated by New York State, local health departments, and other providers statewide – please contact your provider of choice to schedule your vaccine appointment, walk-ins are also available. Getting vaccinated will help protect us all by prompting an antibody response without our becoming sick with COVID-19.
What We Know:
Center for Disease Control : Vaccine Effectiveness
- All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are effective at preventing COVID-19 as seen in clinical trial settings.
- COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.
- COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19.
How the vaccine works:
Vaccines help our immune system fight infections in the future. The COVID-19 vaccine will protect us from the virus that causes COVID-19 without having to get the illness.
The vaccine will help protect you by teaching your body how to recognize and fight the virus. The vaccine can help keep you from getting COVID-19, but even if you do get the virus, it can keep you from getting very sick.
Two approved COVID-19 vaccines, one from Moderna and one from Pfizer – are given in two doses, about three weeks apart. You need both doses to be fully protected. A third vaccine – Johnson & Johnson – requires only a single dose to be protected.
It takes a few weeks after the second dose to become fully protected. You may have a sore arm, aches, fatigue, or fever for a few days after getting the vaccine. These symptoms are a sign that your immune system is learning how to protect you from the virus.
Ensuring the vaccine is safe
COVID-19 vaccines are made by three companies: Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. These vaccines were authorized by the Federal Food and Drug Administration only after they were shown to be safe and effective in studies (called clinical trials).
The U.S. ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how the federal government is working to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
FDA fact sheets on each vaccine are available:
Pfizer;
Moderna;
Johnson & Johnson
FIND APPOINTMENT AT STATE-RUN VACCINE SITES
FIND AN APPOINTMENT AT ALL OTHER SITES
NEW YORK STATE COVID-19 VACCINATION HOTLINE - 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
The COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline is open 7AM - 10PM, 7 days week, to help New Yorkers determine if they are eligible and schedule vaccination appointments.
The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:
* Charge you for the vaccine
* Charge you directly for any administration fees, copays, coinsurance, or the balance of the bill after appropriate reimbursement
* Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network
* Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination
* Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate
Vaccinations for Homebound Residents
In-Home Vaccination
Vaccinating all New Yorkers is essential to restarting our economy and defeating this virus once and for all. But not everyone is able to travel to one of the many sites that are offering COVID-19 vaccines.
New York State, in partnership with counties, established local points of contact to expand access to vaccines through an in-home vaccination program for those who are homebound due to physical limitations, cognitive impairment, other chronic conditions, a lack of transportation, and/or visual impairments, and who do not have access to supports that may help them physically go to an existing vaccination provider.
The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) has announced additional availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for those who are homebound. Any homebound individual, of any age, is eligible to receive the vaccine if you live in Westchester. Caregivers for the homebound are also eligible. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, DSPS has vaccinated over 3,000 homebound individuals across the County.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Getting the vaccine is the one thing we all can do to protect ourselves and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
To make an appointment, reach out to DSPS at 914-813-6300. If all information specialists are on the phone assisting other callers, please leave a message and your call will be returned immediately. The Westchester County Department of Health, in coordination with Empress EMS Services, has been vaccinating the homebound throughout Westchester County.
Westchester County, (914) 813-6300, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm jsw1@westchestergov.com; aqpj@westchestergov.com
Westchester County is providing Free ParaTransit Transportation for Seniors and Constituents with Disabilities
Westchester County Executive Latimer is offering senior and disabled constituents, who are not registered with ParaTransit, free transportation to receive their vaccinations. Call ParaTransit reservations at (914) 995-7272 24 hours prior to your vaccination date. For additional questions, send an e-mail to Evan Latainer, Director of the Office for People with Disabilities, at ehl2@westchestergov.com.
How many New Yorkers have been vaccinated (click for NYS dashboard)
The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker: Vaccination Progress To Date dashboard shows all vaccinated individuals according to their county of residence. Residency is self-reported by the individual being vaccinated.
What We Know
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.
COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19.
What We’re Still Learning
How effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Early data show the vaccines may work against some variants but could be less effective against others.
How well the vaccines protect people with weakened immune systems, including people who take immunosuppressive medications.
How long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people.
As we know more, CDC will continue to update recommendations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Vaccine Hesitancy
White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Isabel Villar of El Centro Hispano and Sunshine Pharmacy, Pharmacist address issue relating to the Covid 19 vaccine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdtcJZMLXc
Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in the US.
The Center for Disease Control Vaccine Safety and Monitoring reports:
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.
CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can
LoHud Some are Hesitant to receive the COVID 19 vaccination
White Plains Hospital Covid 19 Fact vs Fiction
Medical experts are strongly urging everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible, for the protection of themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors.
We know there are still a lot of questions about the new Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and here we dispel some common myths:
White Plains Hopsital COVID 19 Vaccine Facts:
FICTION: The vaccines are not effective.FACT: Clinical studies have shown the vaccines are safe and effective. The Pfizer vaccine, which requires two injections 21 days apart, has an efficacy rate of 95%. The Moderna vaccine, which requires two shots 28 days apart, has been shown to be 94% effective.
FICTION: The COVID-19 vaccines have severe side effects.
FACT: According to the CDC serious side effects are very rare, in fact it is at the same rate as the annual influenza vaccine.
FICTION: The vaccine will give me COVID-19.
FACT: Neither the Pfizer nor Moderna vaccines contain the live viruses that cause COVID-19, so you will not get COVID-19 from getting vaccinated. In fact, the vaccine will initiate a response that will cause your body to start making antibodies that will help you build up an immunity to the virus.
FICTION: I’ve already had COVID-19, so I don’t need the vaccine.
FACT: There’s no guarantee you’ll be protected if you’ve already had COVID-19, and it’s not clear how long any immunity could last. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who have had COVID-19 get vaccinated because reinfection is possible.
FICTION: I can stop following safety precautions after I get vaccinated.
FACT: No. Health experts want to be sure how long the vaccine’s immunity will last before recommending easing safety precautions. You should still wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing to protect anyone you come in contact with.
For up-to-date information, please visit White Plains Hospital’s Vaccine Resource page.
What Can I Do After I Have Been Fully Vaccinated?
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated; How to Protect Yourself and Others
If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
If you’ve been fully vaccinated:
You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
If you travel in the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
You need to pay close attention to the situation at your international destination before traveling outside the United States.
You do NOT need to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it.
You still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the United States.
You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel.
You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.
If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?
In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:
2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.
New York State Excelsior Program ; Be a Part of New York's Safe Reopening
Excelsior Pass provides a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results.
GET A PASS
Get Back to Your Favorite Businesses and Venues with Digital Proof of Your COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative Test Results.
Attend sporting events, arts performances and more! Excelsior Pass supports a safe reopening of New York by providing a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. Think of it as a mobile airline boarding pass, but for proving you received a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test.
You can store your Pass digitally on your smartphone with the Excelsior Pass Wallet app, available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You can also print your Pass from the Excelsior Pass website and bring it with you.
Businesses and venues can scan and validate your pass to ensure you meet any COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry. Along with your Pass, you’ll be asked to show a photo ID that shows your name and birth date to verify that the Pass belongs to you. Adults may hold passes for accompanying minors.
Once you and your party enter an establishment, you will still be asked to follow State and CDC guidance regarding social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene.
Participation in Excelsior Pass is voluntary. New Yorkers can always show alternate proof of vaccination or testing, like another mobile application or paper form, directly at a business or venue.
NYS Masks Requirements
MAY 17, 2021, Albany, NY
Governor Cuomo Announces New York State to Adopt New CDC Guidance on Mask Use and Social Distancing for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Effective May 19, New York Adopts CDC's "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" for Most Businesses and Public Settings
Pre-K to 12 Schools, Public Transit, Homeless Shelters, Correctional Facilities, Nursing Homes, and Healthcare Settings will be Exempt Until More New Yorkers are Fully Vaccinated
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that beginning May 19, New York State will adopt the CDC's "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" for most business and public settings. Consistent with the CDC guidance, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings will continue to follow State's existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.
New York is lifting its mask mandate indoors for fully vaccinated people to align with the CDC’s new mask and social distancing guidance. However, masks are still required on planes, in public transit, schools, nursing homes, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and healthcare facilities. Private venues or businesses still retain the right to require masks within their facilities. People who are immunocompromised or are unvaccinated should continue to wear masks and socially distance
The people of New York and visitors alike should take solace in the lifting of mask requirements, but be respectful of those who may still feel safest wearing their mask in public and business owners who may still ask patrons to don their mask.
To implement the CDC's guidance, New York State will be revising the following reopening guidelines to take effect on May 19:
Business Mask Rules
Given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks and over 52 percent of New Yorkers over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, the State will authorize businesses to continue to require masks for all in their establishments, consistent with the CDC guidance. In most settings, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance must wear masks in all public settings.
The Department of Health strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Mask requirements by businesses must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
This recommendation will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.
Business Capacity Rules
As previously announced, most business capacities — which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy — will be removed on May 19. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.
However, given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to maintain social distance, businesses may eliminate the 6 feet of required social distancing, and therefore increase capacity, only if all patrons within the establishment -- or a separate designated part of the establishment -- present proof of full vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.
For areas where vaccination status of individuals is unknown and for patrons who do not present proof of full vaccination status, the required social distance of 6 feet still applies until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. This change will apply across all commercial settings, except the exempt settings outlined by the CDC.
Small- and Large-Scale Event Rules
Small-scale events will be able to apply the revised business mask and capacity rules. Specifically, for events below the State's social gathering limit of 250 indoors or 500 outdoors, event venues will be able to require masks for all patrons -- and DOH strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status is unknown -- and social distancing of 6 feet will be required between parties of attendees, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status. Unvaccinated people should still wear masks.
For large-scale events that exceed the State's social gathering limits, event venues will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required distance, as follows:
Unvaccinated attendees and attendees who have an unknown vaccination status must be spaced 6 feet apart in assigned sections. Masks will be required in indoor event settings, except while seated and eating or drinking.
Fully vaccinated attendees may be spaced directly next to one another at 100 percent capacity instead of 6 feet apart in assigned sections that are designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals. Masks are optional. Venues must verify vaccination status to take advantage of reduced social distancing requirements.
Children under the age of 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible, and under the age of 16 who have not yet been able to be vaccinated, may accompany and be seated with a vaccinated adult in a fully vaccinated section.
Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by attendees through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.
For large-scale events, proof of recent negative COVID-19 test result for attendees who are over the age of four remains required for unvaccinated attendees in indoor event settings above the State's social gathering limit but will become optional in outdoor event settings.
Information on Public Gatherings
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York and New Jersey Announce Today:
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to Lift Most Industry Capacity Restrictions Beginning May 19 Given Vaccination Progress and COVID-19 Case Decline
Business Capacity Limits to Be Replaced with Space Available to Maintain Six Feet of Social Distancing on May 19 in New York and New Jersey
Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500 on May 10 in New York; Indoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 250 on May 19 in New York
Outdoor Residential Gathering Limit is Removed and Indoor Residential Gathering Limit Increases to 50 on May 19 in New York
Large-Scale Indoor Venue Capacity Increases to 30% and Large-Scale Outdoor Venue Capacity Increases to 33% on May 19, Proof of Vaccination or Recent Negative Test Still Required in New York
Social Distance-based Business Capacities
Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New York and New Jersey. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship.
Increase in Social and Residential Gathering Limits
In New York beginning May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Also, the outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people will be removed, reverting to the social gathering limit of 500 people with space for appropriate social distancing, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. In New York, any event gatherings in excess of the social gathering limits may only occur if all individuals present proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Event Venues
Congregate commercial and social events in New York—such as those at venues that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions—can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated.
Starting May 19, large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30 percent capacity, which is an increase from the current 10 percent capacity limit. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33 percent. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Industry Reopening Requirements
While most industry capacity restrictions will be lifted, industry-specific requirements will remain in effect for a longer period of time, including state or local health authority event notification, health screening, contact information for tracing, enhanced air handling and building system standards, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. The State will continue to provide additional guidance on these provisions as they apply to each industry.
Today's announcement builds on Governor Cuomo's recent measures to further reopen the economy amid a steady decline in New York's COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates. On April 30, Governor Cuomo announced that New York City indoor dining will expand to 75 percent capacity beginning May 7, bringing New York City in line with the rest of New York. The Governor also announced that hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services will expand to 75 percent capacity beginning May 7. New York City gyms and fitness centers will expand to 50 percent capacity beginning May 15. On April 28, Governor Cuomo announced that the food and beverage service, and catered event, curfews would end this month.
What’s Open in White Plains?
All City of White Plains Departments are open with COVID rules in effect.
The White Plains Public Library has opened with COVID rules in effect
White Plains Parks and Playgrounds are open with COVID rules in effect.
The White Plains Farmers Market is open Wednesdays from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM on Court Street between Main Street and Martine Avenue.
The Westchester Mall, The City Center and The Galleria Mall are open with COVID rules in effect.
White Plains restaurants offer eat-in, outside dining and take-out options
To view a list of Downtown White Plains Shops and Businesses
White Plains Business Improvement District
The Westchester County Bee-Line bus Westchester County Department of Transportation
Metro North has resumed full service
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles White Plains District Office - Currently OPEN for mail-in and drop box processing and for limited in-person transactions by reservation only, You MUST have a reservation to complete in-person transactions at a DMV office.
Westchester County government buildings are open for business
White Plains School District
City of White Plains Meetings:
White Plains Common Council meetings are held live with Covid -19 protocols in place.
COPING TOOLS
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many New Yorkers feeling anxious and stressed. The New York State Office of Mental Health offers these resources: COVID-19 Resources
White Plains COVID Angels
White Plains Public Library; Documenting COVID-19
We're living in unprecedented times. Many of us are working from home and adapting to shared living spaces, childcare demands, social isolation. Others have had health challenges or find themselves unemployed.
Meanwhile, we hear examples of adaptation and education, creativity and bravery. Our lives have continued in new ways.
For these reasons, the Library—with your help—is creating a new collection: Documenting COVID-19: White Plains Experiences.
We want to hear about you, what you're doing, how you're doing, what you see outside your window. Contributions can be anything, from a three-line poem to a 200-page diary, from a photograph to an oil painting.
Documenting COVID-19: White Plains Experiences will remain a part of the Library's White Plains Collection and will be available for future students, researchers, and writers who seek to understand life in White Plains during this pandemic.
For more information, Brian Kenney, Library Director bkenney@whiteplainslibrary.org or Kristy Bauman, Programming Librarian, kbauman@whiteplainslibrary.org
ArtsWestchester - Together ApART
COVID-19 has profoundly changed the contours of our daily lives. At this time of great loss and physical distancing, many of us have turned to creative outlets to help us cope, express our anguish, and gain agency when we feel helpless. “Together apART: Creating During COVID” features more than 250 works of painting, photography, sculpture, sewing, crafting, songwriting, poetry and other creative activities by 224 artists and community members from throughout the Hudson Valley. All of the exhibited works were made between March 2020 and March 2021.