Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement today announcing new workforce safety measures being implemented in the office of the Public Advocate to limit congestion and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"As our city adapts to the spread of the coronavirus, it is important for us to put facts over fear. We should not panic, but rather adapt, and act preventatively. In an effort to limit congestion and exposure among our city's workforce, the vast majority of employees at the Office of the Public Advocate will be telecommuting effective immediately, and we will be re-assessing on a continual basis over subsequent weeks. When possible, both the public and private sector should adopt similar telecommuting policies and employ staggered schedules to mitigate contact by employees with New Yorkers at the greatest risk. The city must also support businesses and nonprofits directly impacted by the outbreak with additional aid to help them adapt to the evolving economic and workforce implications. "It is incumbent on our office to protect the most vulnerable, often marginalized people in our city. We know that in the days and weeks ahead, we will see an increase of positive tests, but 80-90% of individuals who contract the virus will not experience the most serious symptoms. The city must work to ensure the safety of the 10-20% of individuals who may experience more severe symptoms. Our office is committed to uplifting and protecting the most vulnerable people around our city in the coming weeks and months, addressing the needs of New Yorkers while putting into practice our own strategies to mitigate the spread of this virus."
Due to the office's new workplace policies, the Public Advocate's Department of Constituent Services has temporarily restricted in-person access. New Yorkers seeking help can continue to contact the office through its website, advocate.nyc.gov, email at gethelp@advocate.nyc.gov, or by calling our Constituent Services hotline at (212) 669-7250.