English: Dr. Oxiris Barbot, then-Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, participates in a virtual COVID-19 Tele Town Hall hosted by New York City Council Member Ben Kallos on April 7, 2020. During the town hall, Dr. Barbot provided an update on the COVID-19 outbreak in NYC, noting over 70,000 positive cases at the time [35:16]. She emphasized the importance of slowing the virus's spread and maintaining healthcare system capacity.

Key recommendations shared by Dr. Barbot included:

Layered approach to prevention: Good hand-washing, covering nose and mouth when coughing, staying indoors when symptomatic, and wearing a mask if going out for essentials [45:54].

Physical distancing, not social isolation: She clarified that while physical separation is necessary, emotional and virtual connection is crucial during the pandemic [36:34].

Face coverings: New evidence suggested that pre-symptomatic individuals could spread the illness, leading to the recommendation for New Yorkers to wear cloth face coverings when outdoors, reserving N95s and surgical masks for frontline workers [38:17].

Exercising outdoors: For activities like running or walking dogs, if six feet of distance can be maintained, a face covering isn't strictly necessary, but having one available for closer interactions (e.g., in elevators) was advised [47:15].

Support for neighbors: She encouraged New Yorkers to offer assistance to neighbors with COVID-19, such as dropping off groceries, while maintaining distance [50:04].

Dr. Barbot also addressed concerns about the timeline for lifting social isolation measures, urging caution to prevent a "rebound effect" of cases [41:31], and highlighted NYC Well as a critical mental health resource for those experiencing anxiety or depression [43:43].

The full video, "Council Member Kallos Hosts COVID-19 Tele Town Hall with Dr. Oxiris Barbot," is available on the New York City Council Member Ben Kallos YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CdtVFj_mq8