COVID-19 and Related Information
As we try to make sense of the Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19), it is important that we stay informed. The information below will help you to learn more about the Pandemic and it will also provide you with ways to stay connected and involved during these unsettling times
Next Stage Network eSurvey: A specially designed survey for Westchester County residents ages 60 plus
In this unprecedented time of COVID-19, we are seeking to understand what our residents ages 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, are experiencing. To this end, access the tab, Next Stage Network eSurvey, below to learn more about taking this survey and to access the survey link.
The CV19 CheckUp Tool has been created to help you be safer and healthier
A lot of misinformation about COVID-19 and the risks associated with contracting and spreading the virus continue to circulate. CV19 CheckUp, available to all New Yorkers, helps individuals understand their risks based on their life situation and personal behavior and offers recommendations to reduce those risks while also connecting people to services, if needed. Access the tab, CV19 CheckUp Tool, below for more information.
Stay at Home Together Events and Activities
To this end, we've assembled a compendium of museum and zoo trips, ballet performances, NPR Tiny Desk concerts and a diverse variety of other events and activities that you can "go to" from the comfort and safety of your own home. Open and download Stay at Home Together Events, compiled especially for you by DSPS. Save it to your computer so you can open it to go on a visit any time you're ready to explore a museum or enjoy the ballet.
Everyone, no matter their age or situation in life, needs to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. First and foremost, it is crucial to follow the guidelines issued by New York State and Westchester County so we all remain as safe and healthy as possible. The information below was created with you in mind.
Covid-19 Updates
We would like your input. We are seeking to understand what issues are important to you during this unprecedented time of COVID-19. Next State Network has designed a survey specifically for Westchester County residents ages 60 and older, as well as caregivers for older adults and those nearing retirement.
We encourage all who fall into these populations to complete and submit the survey, Next Stage Network eSurvey. Responses will help provide a better understanding of the needs of older adults in Westchester.
All responses are anonymous and confidential. However, you may you choose to provide your contact information if you would like us to contact you. The anonymous results will be shared with local and county governments to help form policies and priorities to address the challenges and opportunities of older adults in Westchester.
It should take less than 20 minutes to complete the entire survey. Thank you in advance for your participation.
The CV19 CheckUp Tool is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This free, anonymous, personalized online tool was launched in New York State by the New York State Office for the Aging, in partnership with BellAge, Inc., and the Association on Aging in New York. It's purpose is to evaluate an individual’s risks associated with COVID-19 based on their life situation and individual behavior, and provides recommendations and resources to reduce those risks.
CV19 CheckUp fills a critical need for a comprehensive resource that educates, advises, and empowers individuals to help protect themselves from COVID-19.
CV19 CheckUp employs artificial intelligence to analyze data each person provides by completing an online questionnaire. It is designed for those who are considered high risk, including older adults, low income individuals, ethnic and racial minorities, and LGBTQ communities.
The tool’s algorithms are driven by science and medicine, using data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. The tool does not require a name, e-mail address, or identifier of any type.
Upon completion of the anonymous questionnaire, CV19 CheckUp immediately delivers a personalized report. The report answers questions such as:
- How likely am I to get COVID-19 or spread it to others?
- If I get COVID-19, how severe would it likely be?
- What steps can I take to reduce my risks of getting COVID-19?
- Where can I find help to ensure my needs are met during the pandemic?
Medicare worshops will continue to be held virtually in 2021. Below are some virtual workshop options covering the materials presented at the sessions.
Phone counseling and assistance is available by calling the Department of Senior Programs and Services Medicare Information Line at (914) 813-6100 or the Senior Benefit Information Counseling Line at (914) 231-3260. Questions can be sent by e-mail to
All counseling is free, confidential, and provided by HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program) trained counselors. The HIICAP program helps to educate the public about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, and other health insurance and government benefit programs.
Fall 2021 Virtual Medicare Basic Workshops dates, 10 a.m. to noon.
To register for these workshops, send an e-mail to Vaughn Mosley at
- Sept. 23, 2021
- Oct. 13, 2021
- Nov. 18, 2021
- Dec. 1, 2021
Virtual Medicare Basics Presentations (NYS Office of the Aging)
The Virtual Medicare Basics Presentations covers information on Medicare enrollment, cost-sharing, Medicare Advantage, Part D and low income subsidy programs. Watch the presentation.
Virtual “Demystifying Medicare” Workshops (Westchester Library System)
Presented in audio chapters, in which the audience can move at their own pace and refer to downloadable handouts. Watch the presentation.
Additional money-saving programs are available:
NYS myBenefits
Personal tool for financial, health, prescription and other savings programs.
Social Security Administration
Get extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs using Prescription Help. Use the button, "Apply for extra help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs."
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage.
A New York State sponsored program that provides savings on prescription drugs.
Medicare.gov
Access the Federal government's Medicare site or call the helpline at (800) 633-4227.
You may also go to YouTube to watch the full personal message.
Dear Friends,
I want to take a few moments to send some words of comfort and kindness during this most difficult time. The Coronavirus pandemic has forced many Westchester County nursing homes to close their doors to visitors, forced families and friends to say good-bye. We recognize what a challenging time this must be for you and the people that you care for, especially when the future is uncertain.
I want to offer my own personal prayer for the continued health of your residents in this short video (featured above). If you can, please take a minute to play this for them. Let them know that they are not alone. That there are many people who love them, and care a great deal about their well-being.
Before our current health crisis unfolded, I would spend many of my days visiting our local Nursing Homes – to spend a few moments at a birthday party, to play a round of bingo, to share a cookie or two. Those moments always brought a smile to my face.
One day this will all be behind us. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and each other.
George Latimer
Westchester County Executive
To help you stay informed, go to the content offered below, bookmark it in your browser and visit these sites and pages from time to time for updates and new information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New York State on Pause: What you need to know
Westchester County Health Department COVID-19 Updates
The Department of Community Mental Health recognizes that this can be a stressful time for many people. The thought of having had family members exposed or being exposed to a virus yourself can create feelings of uncertainty, fear or anxiety. The DCMH office is here to help. If you have specific health-related questions there are people you can contact:
- People under self-quarantine, or exposure to a known case, should call (866) 588-0195.
- The NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline is (888) 364-3065.
- For Westchester County residents who are looking for COVID-19 Information, call 211, where contact specialists can provide assistance.
If you are experiencing anxiety or stress that has begun to affect your daily life and you feel you need support, call our office at (914) 995-1900 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. To send a text message, use #914-461-7281.
In addition, DCMH will continue to operate its Emotional Support Line at (914) 995-1900 for resources, services and ideas to help individuals and families cope during this stressful time.
You may also benefit from Tips to Help Code during the COVID-19 pandemic put together by DCMH.
During these difficult times, AARP is working to make sure the voices and concerns of older New Yorkers continue to be heard on issues critical to their health, well-being and financial security.
As part of AARP's effort, they have been promoting six questions to ask if someone has a loved one in a nursing home. In addition to providing six questions and encouraging people to ask them of their loved one’s nursing home, AARP also is asking people to take a moment to fill out a brief survey about how the nursing home answered the questions. AARP hopes the information collected will help to educate the public and policy makers.
- Has anyone in the nursing home tested positive for COVID-19? This includes residents, as well as staff or other vendors who may have been in the nursing home. The Governor has issued an executive order requiring that families of residents be notified within 24 hours if there are confirmed cases or deaths among residents but currently this is not required for staff or vendors.
- What is the nursing home doing to prevent infections? How are the nursing home staff being screened for COVID-19, especially when they leave and re-enter the home? What precautions are in place for residents who are not in private rooms?
- Does the nursing home staff have the personal protective equipment (PPE) – like masks, face shields, gowns, gloves – that they need to stay safe, and keep their patients safe? Have staff been given specific training on how to use this PPE? If no, what is the plan to obtain PPE?
- What is the nursing home doing to help residents stay connected with their families or other loved ones during this time? Do they help residents call loved ones by phone or video call? Will they set up a regular schedule for you to speak with your loved one?
- What is the plan for the nursing home to communicate important information to both residents and families on a regular basis? Will the nursing home be contacting you by phone or e-mail, and when?
- Is the nursing home currently at full staffing levels for nurses, aides, and other workers? What is the plan to make sure the needs of nursing home residents are met – like bathing, feeding, medication management, social engagement – if the nursing home has staffing shortages?