WATCH: New York City’s Deputy Mayors Emma Wolfe (Administration), Laura Anglin (Operations) and Vicki Been (Housing) Discuss NYC's New Normal

New York City’s deputy mayors Emma Wolfe (Administration), Laura Anglin (Operations) and Vicki Been (Housing) discuss how government has evolved during the COVID-19 crisis and what New Yorkers can do to help build a prosperous new normal.

Over the past 6 months the focus of city government has shifted and activities of everyone in city government have expanded to include COVID-related responses:

• Roles and responsibilities of agencies became more fluid to adapt and react to the ever-changing challenges of COVID-19. For example, the transition to remote learning took a span of just days instead of months under pre-COVID circumstances.
• Before COVID-19 emergency services were more narrowly focused. Today, operations across all emergency services are more nimble allowing essential workers to address a broader set of issues. 

Each of the deputy mayors emphasized that the first priority for all New Yorkers is to get tested for COVID-19 as frequently as possible, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Other ways to get involved in the recovery efforts include:

• Supporting cultural institutions and nonprofits. Museums can reopen as early as August 24 with reduced capacity.
• Shop and eat at local businesses. Over 9,600 restaurants citywide are participating in the Open Dining initiative.  
• Explore volunteer opportunities across the five boroughs via the NYC Service portal. The site connects New Yorkers with nonprofit organizations looking for additional support in areas of education, food insecurity, housing, mental health and others.
• Share NYC WELL with friends, family and colleagues who are seeking mental health support. NYC WELL is a free and confidential 24/7/365 day service that connects individuals with counselors over phone, text or chat.