COVID-19 Update
April 27, 2020

The Arc New York Webinar: "The Future"
Join us on Thursday April 30 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. as an internal panel discusses what the OPWDD service system might look like post-COVID and what that might mean for providers, service recipients, and families going forward.  Please register for webinar here.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
 
OPWDD COVID-19 Data
On Friday, April 24, The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) shared data regarding the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, and deaths due to COVID-19 within the service system. The following was shared:
  • 1,926 individuals supported have been confirmed to have COVID-19
  • There have been 276 deaths relating to COVID-19, with 90% occurring in the downstate region. 
  • 85% of the deaths involved people 50 years of age or older.
  • This population consisted of 63% men and 37% women.
  • 80% of the deaths included a co-morbidity (e.g., cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, etc.)
OPWDD has not yet supplied more detailed data regarding COVID-19 cases by setting.  As a reminder, New York state maintains data on cases by county here.

Updated COVID-19 Testing Protocols 
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) released updated guidance on COVID-19 testing protocols, clarifying the prioritization of essential workers, including Direct Support Professionals, in receiving testing. 
 
Candid Searchable Grants Database 
Candid is offering a searchable database of grants related to COVID-19 relief. This is a national database, but currently includes local funding opportunities in the Adirondack and New York City regions, as well as Cattaraugus, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence counties, with more opportunities posted weekly. 

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.

 
CONTACT: 
Josh Christiana , Associate Executive Director for Quality, Compliance & Chapter Relations

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