1. The temporary hospital facility at the Javits Center will now treat COVID-19 patients. The growing number of Coronavirus cases are threatening the capacity of our hospital system. The original plan for the Javits Center was to use it for non-COVID patients in order to free up beds at other hospitals. However, the number of COVID patients has increased to the point that it is prudent for Javits to support and care for COVID patients. I asked President Trump this morning to consider this request and stressed the urgent need and he agreed to it.
2. Today we enacted the 2021 Budget. Now more than ever, the government needs to deliver results for the people. The 2021 Budget includes a comprehensive Paid Sick Leave law, a cap on insulin co-pays, a first-in-the-nation domestic terrorism law and much more. I thank and congratulate my partners in the Legislature, especially Speaker Heastie and Leader Stewart-Cousins, for working with us to get this budget done in these extraordinary times.
3. The special enrollment period to get a healthcare plan on the state's health exchange is extended to May 15. Uninsured New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly to insurers. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, subsidized Qualified Health Plans or Child Health Plus.
4. The State is doing everything we can to make sure we have enough ventilators to meet our needs. The Department of Health has approved a new protocol from Northwell Health allowing BiPAP machines (a kind of breathing aid machine) to be converted into ventilators. The State has purchased 3,000 BiPAP machines from Philips in Pittsburgh, and 750 machines are already in stock and will be distributed to hospitals. This is just one of the extraordinary measures we are taking to secure these life-saving devices.
5. Have questions about how COVID-19 affects housing? The State's Homes and Community Renewal Agency has set up a Frequently Asked Questions page with information about housing issues for tenants, landlords and homeowners.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Apple has donated 1.9 million masks to New York State — with more on the way. New York is deeply grateful to Apple for this gift of critically needed PPE supplies.
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Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
