NYC Test & Trace Corps Launches Digital Video Series With Practical Guidance On Safe Living During the Pandemic

As critical developments around COVID-19 happen at a whirlwind pace, the NYC Test & Trace Corps has announced the launch of a new digital video series, "NYC, Let's Talk COVID!", to present the latest public health information in easily digestible format to help New Yorkers stay engaged and cope during the pandemic. Premiering online today, the first-of-its-kind series will feature the City's top public health experts interviewed about timely issues and answering direct questions from everyday New Yorkers, facilitated by a host and correspondents from the world of improv performance. The series is part of the Test & Trace Corps' ongoing efforts to educate New Yorkers about living safely in the time of COVID-19.

"NYC, Let's Talk COVID!" will premiere on Tuesday, February 2, at 6:00 p.m. EST, on facebook.com/nycletstalkcovid

"With the amount of new information that constantly becomes available about COVID-19, New Yorkers need a trusted source to help them sort through the sea of headlines and get to the information that is most relevant and useful for their daily lives," said NYC Test & Trace Corps Executive Director Dr. Ted Long. "We are excited to launch this new digital video series that leverages the world-class resource of our City's public health experts to help New Yorkers and their loved ones stay safe with reliable and timely information delivered in an innovative way."

"NYC, Let's Talk COVID!" is hosted by actor Matt Richards with street reporting from correspondents Milly Tamarez and Lida Darmian, who will go into neighborhoods to talk with real New Yorkers and share their questions with the expert guests. A native of Queens, Richards currently hosts the popular game show app, HQ Trivia, and has appeared on networks such as CBS, Nickelodeon, Disney, E! and more. Work by Tamarez and Darmian has previously been featured on HBO, Buzzfeed, and VICE.

In the debut episode, Richards interviews Dr. Jay Varma, Senior Advisor for Public Health in the Mayor's Office, to give New Yorkers the latest updates on COVID-19 testing and what to expect, advice on how to stay safe during the winter surge of the virus, and counter misinformation with scientific facts. The episode also features street talk with New Yorkers who share personal experiences and ask Dr. Varma practical and candid questions about the virus.

The "NYC, Let's Talk About COVID!" series will consist of six 15-20-minute episodes, each of which will be individually shareable. Topics to be covered include types of testing and how to prepare for a test, vaccine science and distribution, the ins and outs of contact tracing, isolation and quarantine tips, advice on mental health and navigating intimate relationships, how to safely return to the workplace, travel, and more.

"There is nothing more important to our economic recovery than our health, and central to our health is our ability to deliver clear information to everyday New Yorkers," said James Patchett, President and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation. "We're thrilled this new digital series will help all New Yorkers stay informed with expertise from public health leaders. As we build on New York City's leadership in pandemic response, we're laying the foundation to ensure that our City is safer and stronger for generations to come."

"One of the biggest challenges of COVID is uncertainty and a feeling of powerlessness. This digital video series seeks to educate and inform New Yorkers about the powers each of us has to fight COVID," said Dr. Jay Varma, Senior Advisor for Public Health in the NYC Mayor's Office. Wearing a mask, keeping physical distance, washing hands, getting tested regularly, and getting vaccinated when our turn in line comes up - these are actions we can take to reduce the risk of COVID to ourselves and our community."

"The landscape of information around COVID-19 is always evolving, and when it comes to staying safe from the virus, timely and accurate guidance can empower every New Yorker to protect themselves and their loved ones," said Dr. Amanda Johnson, Director of the NYC Test & Trace Corps Take Care Program. "This new digital video series will help us reach audiences in a creative way with practical tips and life-saving information."

Preview the new digital video series, "NYC, Let's Talk COVID!" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLaIIrJ3kLU

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