The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is still learning about the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. It is currently unknown whether Omicron is more transmissible than the Delta variant, however, there are early signs it may have the ability to spread rapidly. Early evidence also suggests that those who’ve had COVID-19 in the past may be more easily reinfected with Omicron. It is likely that there is community spread of the Omicron variant in NYC. At the time of writing, there have been five confirmed cases of the Omicron variant found in the NYC metro area.

A case of Omicron was identified in Minnesota that was associated with travel to NYC. The individual attended the Anime NYC 2021 Convention at the Javits Center from November 18-22. Anyone who attended this event should get tested immediately and take additional precautions, including wearing a face covering and social distancing.

Vaccination, masking, and testing remain our most important tools in fighting this new potential variant of concern: 

Vaccination:

All New Yorkers should get vaccinated immediately, including getting a booster dose.

Vaccines are available for anyone 5 and older. NYC recommends boosters for any adult who is fully vaccinated. Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder to find a vaccine near you.

Masking:

This week, the NYC Department of Health Commissioner issued a new mask advisory: all New Yorkers, regardless of vaccination status or past COVID-19 infection, should now wear a mask in all public indoor settings including stores, offices, and other shared spaces. Make sure your mask fits snugly and covers your nose and mouth. Learn more.

Testing: 

New Yorkers should get tested for COVID-19:

• if you have symptoms (please stay at home until you learn your test results)
• five days after having close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• before and after attending a gathering
• three to five days after traveling

Learn more and find a location near you. 

DVS and the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings will host a virtual event to help NYC veterans understand city-issued summonses and navigate the hearing process. The event will also discuss issues faced by veterans who are vendors.

WHEN: Thursday, December 9th | 1:00 - 1:40 pm

Register here.

DVS, the Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA), and the Metro New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association will host a “Heroes Career Event" for veterans and alumni of the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy looking to build a civilian career following their service. This IN-PERSON veteran hiring event will feature employers with open job positions and an opportunity for veterans to network with their peers. 

WHEN: Thursday, December 9th | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE:
Barclays Center
620 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Register here.

DVS and the New York City Department of Education announced that the DOE’s District 7 Administration Building in the Bronx will be named after fallen local veteran Sgt. Jose M. Velez. The building, at 501 Courtlandt Avenue, represents a diverse district comprised of 41 schools.

Velez was assigned to the 773rd Transportation Company, Army Reserves, Fort Totten, NY. He was 35 when he died on June 9, 2006, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his Humvee in Kirkuk, Iraq.

The building naming is part of an ongoing effort led by DVS to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Global War on Terror and to honor New Yorkers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving during the conflict. Over 7,000 US Military Service Members have died in the war, 93 were from NYC.

If you are a Post-9/11 veteran who would like to preserve your story as part of our Veterans Voices Project, DVS’s oral history initiative, visit nyc.gov/vetvoices.

• Episode 1: Stories of the Black Veteran Experience Across Generations 
• Episode 2: Black Post 9/11 Veterans 
• Episode 3: Black Woman. Veteran. (In that Order)