Business Re-Opening, Health Insurance: Rockland COVID-19 Update

To local businesses and non-profits think through the pandemic, Rockland County will livestream its third informational session for viewing at 11 a.m. Thursday. The focus is on the role of technology and industry in the wake of the new coronavirus outbreak.

Watch at these links:

• YouTube
• Rockland County Government on Facebook
• LCM Digital Media

Meanwhile, Rockland County Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe wants to make residents aware of a state health insurance program available to anyone who lost coverage due to the pandemic shutdown.

“The need to shut down most businesses in order to fight the spread of COVID-19 and reduce fatalities has led to significant financial stress that in some cases has forced the termination of health insurance coverage for employees, as well as owners themselves,” Wolfe said. “Some are under the impression that they have to go on without coverage until things begin to normalize, but that’s not the case. The NY State of Health program offers coverage, and, in many cases, significantly reduced rates will be available.”

Uninsured New Yorkers can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health program or directly through insurers during a special enrollment period that has been extended until June 15. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Visit the NY State of Health page by June 15 to enroll.

As of Wednesday, 586 Rockland residents have died of COVID-19 out of 12,543 cases. There are currently 138 people hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases. The outbreak is worst in Haverstraw and West Haverstraw, where the infection rate tops 5 percent.