Reprinted from another thread.Here are the Latest Updates Regarding the City and State’s Response to COVID 19:
-New York State now has 950 confirmed COVID-19 cases; 463 confirmed cases in New York City.
-Until further notice, we will be canceling all of our scheduled community events, such as paper shredding events, community book tables, and electronic recycling events. Specifically, we will be canceling this weekend's paper shredding event scheduled at Gorman Playground and our biweekly legal night will be postponed until further notice. Additionally, our office will not be admitting any constituents for face-to-face meetings, but will still be operating and answering telephone calls. Please take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your family, and if you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at (718) 457-0384 or email at
dendekkerm@nyassembly.gov.
-New York City has Closed All Public School Buildings and will transition to Remote Learning; they are currently scheduled to reopen April 20th.
-Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch will be available at the entrance of every school building from 7:30 am-1:30 pm. Any student can pick up breakfast and lunch at any school building beginning March 17 and until further notice.
-By order of Governor Cuomo, beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, March 16th restaurants and bars in New York will close for on premise service and move to take-out services only. Additionally, theaters, gyms and casinos will be temporarily closed beginning March 16th at 8 p.m.
-All Queens Public Library locations are temporarily closing to the public beginning on Monday, March 15 until further notice.
-The MTA is continuing their enhanced sanitizing procedures across the system.
National Grid has temporarily suspended collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may cause.
-As of Monday, March 16, Queens Community House will begin scaling back and/or temporarily suspending several of its programs, including the Beacon program at P.S. 149.
-On Monday, March 23, NYC will be opening several dozen Regional Enrichment Centers across the City, to serve the children of our City’s first responders, healthcare workers, transit workers, and our most vulnerable populations.
The Federal government has declared a national state of emergency and will release up to $50 billion in aid to states hit worst-hit by COVID-19.
-New York State will waive the 7-day waiting period for unemployment benefits for those laid off due to the virus.
-New York State’s chief administrative judge has indefinitely suspended eviction proceedings in housing court throughout the state amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. The measure takes effect March 16 at 5 p.m.
-Starting March 16th at 8 p.m. crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings will be limited to 50 people in New York State.
-SUNY and CUNY campuses will move to distance-based learning with all in-person classes cancelled beginning on Wednesday, March 19th. Students facing hardship(s) will be allowed to remain in dormitories through contacting their individual university/college campus administration.
-Primary care providers and practices should call (518) 447-4580 to request a test from the NYSDOH - New York State Health Department.
-Visitation to Nursing Homes AND Senior Assisted Living Facilities is prohibited, excluding necessary medical personnel and individual visitors who dress in full, protective-garb. Please check with your individual facility if you have any questions.
-Next week, the state Legislature will vote on a Paid Sick Leave proposal for most private-sector employees in New York State. The state will guarantee two full weeks of paid leave for all state workers who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus. Stay home if you are sick.
-New Yorkers can text COVID to 692-692 to get regular updates on the latest developments regarding COVID-19; Text COVIDESP to 692-692 for updates in Spanish
-Are you experiencing all symptoms of COVID19? Call ahead to your doctor to discuss your symptoms, let them guide you in the right direction, and/or call NYS DOH at 1-888-364-3065.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness and Information
-Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) COVID-19 website:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the NYSDOH recommends that individuals should follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus:
1. Wash your hands regularly, 2. cover your cough or sneeze, 3. avoid touching your face, 4. avoid close contact with others and large public gatherings if possible, and 5. stay home if you are sick. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment in person. Even if you have not been in contact with an infected person or an affected area, but are experiencing all symptoms of COVID-19, you should call NYSDOH at 1-888-364-3065 to receive guidance on what to do and how to self-quarantine.