Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

Dear Neighbors,

As our City collectively works to limit the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), my District Office in Bayside will be CLOSED from Tuesday, March 17th until Sunday, March 22nd. My staff will continue to operate and provide constituent services remotely and can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 718-619-8611. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. Any emergencies should be referred directly to 911.

For the duration of the outbreak, the following precautions are encouraged to keep you and your family healthy:

Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds every time, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Do not touch your face unless you recently washed your hands.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.
Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.
If you are an older adult or have a chronic health conditions, avoid unnecessary gatherings and events.

We will continue to share the latest updates with the community as they are reported to help ensure everyone stays informed. Please also visit nyc.gov/coronavirus for the latest accurate information. For real-time updates, text “COVID” to 692-692.

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

NYC Public School Classes Suspended

Last night, Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio announced the decision to suspend classes in all NYC public schools, beginning March 16 until April 20. Find the latest available timeline below, per the DOE.

Mon 3/16: Citywide closure. Students, teachers, & principals do not report.

Tue 3/17-Thu 03/19: All staff reports. Teachers & principals participate in professional development on remote learning.

Thu 03/19-Fri 03/20: Students who need it will begin process of picking up necessary tech for remote learning.

Mon 03/23: Remote learning launches & Regional Enrichment Centers open.

Additional guidance will be provided during the week. Visit http://schools.nyc.gov and schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus for the latest official updates.

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Assistance & Guidance for Businesses Impacted by Novel Coronavirus

The City is offering relief for small businesses in the five boroughs seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.

The City is also offering small businesses with fewer than five employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees.

Eligible owners who would like to learn more about these programs should fill out the Department of Small Business Services' COVID-19 Business Assistance Survey.

Additional resources can be found on the NYC SBS webpage

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POSTPONED: MTA Workshops

The March 18th and 19th MTA Workshops in Whitestone and North Shore Towers have been POSTPONED out of an abundance of caution due to COVID19. Please stay posted for the new dates in the coming weeks.

In the interim, we are encouraging Northeast Queens residents to share their specific concerns about the draft plan directly to the MTA here and to sign our petition to improve, not slash service.

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POSTPONED: Discussion about the Queens Economy with Queens Chamber

PLEASE NOTE: The Thursday, March 19 Discussion about Jobs and Economic Development in partnership with the Queens Chamber of Commerce has been postponed.

Please stay posted for more information on the Queens Chamber website.

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Imagine Schools Session in Bayside

Thank you to the New York City Department of Education for holding an Imagine Schools NYC info session in Bayside last week and to all of the local students, educators and parents who participated.

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Census Jobs

The U.S. Census Bureau needs to recruit 84,000 applicants in New York City to conduct the 2020 Census. To ensure New York City gets a complete count, it is crucial that census jobs, especially door-knocking jobs, go to New Yorkers who reflect the demographics in their communities. At a time when distrust of government is high, census takers must be able to communicate with and have the trust of the neighbors they are counting.

New Yorkers can apply NOW to be part of the 2020 Census field operation. Census taker, recruiting assistant, office clerk, and office supervisor positions in NYC will pay $25-28/hour based on position. The field positions are part-time and have flexible hours. Paid training is provided, no prior skills are necessary, and a 2020 Census job could be an entry point to a career with the Census Bureau.

To apply, go to 2020census.gov/jobs or call 1-855-JOB-2020 (call 800-877-8339 for TTY/ASCII). Click here for more information on how to apply. To apply for professional and managerial positions, go to USAJOBS.gov.