TESTIMONY
Myra Batchelder, Leader of the COVID Advocacy Initiative, on Enhancing COVID-19 Prevention and Support in New York City
2:36:45
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146 sec
Myra Batchelder testifies on the need for continued and enhanced COVID-19 prevention and support measures in New York City.
- Emphasizes continuing funding for free, high-quality N95 and KN95 masks and COVID-19 tests to combat the ongoing pandemic.
- Highlights the financial inability of many New Yorkers to afford essential protection against COVID-19, citing the significant portion of residents unable to afford basic necessities.
- Advocates for the provision of free masks and tests at health facilities, to community groups, public locations, and through mail distribution.
- Calls for the New York City Council to mandate mask usage and other COVID-19 prevention efforts in local healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of safety for at-risk individuals.
- Urges legislative support for INT 03322024, which proposes free mask and test distribution through mail, and emphasizes comprehensive strategies for COVID-19 prevention.
Myra Batchelder
2:36:45
Hi.
2:36:45
Thank you.
2:36:46
My name is Meyer Batchelder, and I lead COVID advocacy initiative.
2:36:51
I and COVID advocacy New York.
2:36:53
We are still in the midst of the COVID pandemic.
2:36:55
We are still losing around 1000 to 2000 people in the US every week to COVID.
2:37:00
Millions of people are still struggling with long COVID and other serious health issues brought on by COVID.
2:37:05
As New York City Council discusses the budget, there are a number of things New York City should do to improve COVID prevention.
2:37:11
I'm here to highlight several.
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First, New York City must continue to provide funding for free, high quality N95 and KN95 math and COVID tests.
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Everyone should have access to the tools needed to protect themselves and their families and others from COVID.
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Many New Yorkers can't afford to purchase high quality mass and tests.
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In 2022, approximately 23% of New York City residents were unable to afford basic necessities like housing and food.
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Your ability to protect yourself in your family from getting COVID and to know whether you have COVID should not depend on your bank account.
2:37:40
CDC's decision to end the 5 day COVID isolation guidance puts even more people at risk.
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Free high quality mass and test should be provided at H and H facilities to community groups at public locations across the city and also directly to the public.
2:37:53
And these programs should continue.
2:37:55
I also urge New York City Council to provide funding in Passville INT 03322024 that will provide free masks other PPE and rapid tests to New Yorkers through the mail.
2:38:06
Thank you, chairperson, Narcis, for introducing this important bill.
2:38:09
Mass and rapid tests should be distributed through the mail so that everyone can access including those at higher risk who are avoiding indoor public spaces.
2:38:16
The federal government ended their free math and rapid test programs, and people need to have access to these essential tools.
2:38:22
In addition, New York City Council must do everything it can to require masks and other COVID prevention efforts in healthcare settings that New York City Council has oversight of, including New York City H and H.
2:38:33
Ending the mask requirement in healthcare settings has led to more unsafe medical settings and more people postponing needed medical care.
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Particularly people at higher risk.
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Polls indicate that healthcare settings are the top place the public supports requiring masks.
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No one should have to risk their life and health to access healthcare.
2:38:49
It was great to see New York City reinstate their massive climates in H and H during the worst of the winter surge, but that is not enough.
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I urge the New York City council to do everything they Ken to ensure masks continue to be required at New York City H and H facilities and that other COVID prevention efforts are also taken.
2:39:05
I urge New York City to provide funding and support for these and other COVID efforts.
2:39:10
Thank you for your time.