COVID-19 update: ‘Masks in the wild’: Program calls for artists to create free masks for New Yorkers

May 26, 2020 Editorial Staff

Artist Cameron Loeb and friends wore one-of-a-kind masks of the kind created for "Masks in the Wild." Photo: Patrick MacLeod via Masks in the Wild

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On the front lines of the war on COVID-19, there are many civilian heroes going out of their way, as volunteers and contributors. Also, many who are elected to serve are going the extra mile. In this column the Eagle hopes to give our readers an ongoing update on those fighting in the front lines.

Wallplay and 25 Kent have launched Masks In The Wild, a grassroots public health project that will provide artists with a stipend and materials to create one-of-a-kind masks that will be available to New Yorkers and essential workers for free. The goal of this project is to remove the fear and stigma surrounding wearing a mask in public by turning it into an opportunity for creativity and self-expression. Interested artists may respond to the open call for submissions at www.masksinthewild.com.

U.S. Rep. Max Rose announced on Tuesday that in partnership with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, AdvantageCare Physicians has begun COVID-19 testing and diagnostics at three locations in Bay Ridge and on Staten Island. The three testing locations will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the following ACPNY facilities at 740 64th St., Brooklyn; 2654 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island; and 1050 Clove Road, Staten Island. For questions and to schedule an appointment, individuals may call ACPNY’s COVID-19 screening and testing hotline at 866-749-2660.

On Tuesday, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams announced a new partnership with Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center to provide virtual dance lessons to Brooklynites of all ages. The virtual classes, which will be hosted on Webex, are intended to help ease the stress and isolation associated with quarantine as New York City continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a difficult time for so many in our borough, and being active can help reduce the stress and mental health issues that are unfortunately on the rise during this pandemic,” said Adams.

House Small Business Committee Chair Nydia Velázquez, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng and other members of the New York City delegation sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza on Tuesday pressing the agencies to clarify the eligibility of housing cooperatives for the Paycheck Protection Program. “Cooperatives provide an important source of affordable housing, especially in expensive markets like New York City,” Velázquez said. “Extending PPP eligibility to them during this crisis will ensure they remain viable and continue contributing to New York’s affordable housing stock.”