Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday that since the COVID-19 crisis began, New York City has served 32 million meals across city programs.

He says over the course of the lockdown, there have ben 500,000 grab-and-go meals per day at 500 schools citywide.

The mayor says by next week there will be over 1 million meals per day through emergency food delivery.

He says the city will continue to hold high standards for food, especially for seniors and those with requirements including sodium limits and minimum servings of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond
TRACKER: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coronavirus cases and deaths 

New York City is currently working with about 30 food providers, actively hiring and expanding non-profit and for-profit providers to increase capacity, variety and cultural competence.

Mayor de Blasio says the city ended contracts with two providers because they did not meet standards. He says any issues with food should contact 311.

With summer around the corner, the mayor announced the city’s plan for preventing violence in communities, especially gun violence.

He announced Summer All Out which will consist of around 300 officers across 10 commands. He says Manhattan PSA 5, Bronx precincts 40, 42, 44, Brooklyn PSA 3 and precincts 67,73,75,77 and Queens Precinct 113 will participate in the summer initiative for curbing violence.

Since starting the nightly subway cleaning the mayor announced hundreds of homeless New Yorkers have been taken to shelters and hospitals. He says in its first week (May 4 to May 10), 201 individuals accepted placement and 102 were still in shelters by the end of the week. He says in its second week (May 11 to May 17), 181 individuals accepted placement with 114 still in shelters by the end of the week.

Mayor de Blasio says more than 1,400 individuals accepted services since May 4. He says 378 accepted placements in shelters and 211 remained in shelters. There have been 301 total referrals to hospital care with an average of 25 referrals per night.

The mayor announced Thursday that the Staten Island Ferry will begin increased service beginning this afternoon. He says 30-minute service frequency will begin during rush hour, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, the mayor announced that urgent blood donations are needed. He says many blood drives have been canceled due to COVID-19 and that blood centers are in need. Those who would like to donate blood should contact nybc.org or call (800) 933-2566.