COVID-19 is an upper respiratory virus that first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Despite attempts to contain the virus, the virus spread world-wide within a matter of weeks. On March 1, 2020, New York City reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case in Manhattan. New York City raced to increase existing hospital and Intensive Care Unit capacity and secure critical medical equipment, staffing, and Personal Protective Equipment among other necessary resources.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases peaked in early April and were in steady decline until October. New York City began reopening in early June. In order to ensure safe continuous reopening, testing, contract tracing, and isolation of infected persons are critical to preventing an increase in infection rates and an associated “Pause” which would have devastating effects on New York City’s economy. Increased accessibility to testing is critical to preventing a resurgence of cases.

NERIS staff provided FEMA Public Assistance Grant Management services including Grant Application Preparation, Procurement Compliance, Contract Review, Risk Assessment, Implementation Planning, and Monthly Reporting to NYC's Department of Design and Construction in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals for the expedited construction of two temporary hospitals throughout the height of the pandemic and for six Testing Centers in Manhattan to support New York’s phased reopening.