— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

Dear Neighbors,

Having recently experienced mild symptoms compounded with my underlying
Sarcoidosis that I have been battling for twenty years, I was recently
tested for COVID-19 and the results have come back positive. My family and
I remain at home and have been self-quarantining, resting, and healing
together. I feel blessed to have had manageable symptoms and I am on the
road to recovery.
My prayer is for the health of our families, our first responders, our
healthcare workers, and all those on the front lines every day working to
get our city through this pandemic. Together, we will weather these
uncertain times and come through stronger.
THANK YOU, local healthcare heroes!
My staff are all safely working from home and have not been in direct
contact with me since the beginning of March. As we continue to work on
behalf of Northeast Queens, my office can be reached at 718-619-8611 or
[email protected].
Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

Please note the following City and State guidelines and determinations:
* New York State on PAUSE is extended to April 15. As the City approaches
the height of the curve in the number of cases, the order for non-essential
workers to work from home is also extended until April 15th.
* All non-essential businesses statewide will be closed until further
notice.
* Non-essential construction statewide has been suspended to help prevent
the spread of coronavirus.
* The CDC is urging residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to
refrain from non-essential domestic travel.
* Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and
bowling alleys are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are
closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
* All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason
are still banned.
* NYC public schools remain closed until April 20th as Remote Learning
continues.
* NYC Alternate Side Parking rules will be suspended Wednesday, April 1
through Tuesday, April 14.

For the duration of the outbreak, the following precautions are strongly
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.
* When in public, practice social distancing of at least six feet from
others.
* If you are an older adult or have a chronic health conditions, avoid
unnecessary gatherings.
* Most importantly, #StaySafeStayHome!

Healthy or sick, all New Yorkers must stay home unless they are essential
workers or need urgent health care.

We will continue to share the latest updates and resources with the
community as they are reported to help ensure everyone stays informed.
Follow our [1]Facebook and [2]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [3][link removed].

_________________________________________________________________________

Assistance & Guidance for Small Businesses Impacted by Novel Coronavirus

Relief for NYC small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19
outbreak is available NOW through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance

Apply: [4][link removed]

* In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business
owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to
apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.

* The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small
businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide
vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary
loss of revenue they are experiencing.

* The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are
currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will
not have to be repaid.

Paycheck Protection Program

Apply: [5][link removed]
ions/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

* The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct
incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

* SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for
eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or
utilities.

* You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any
federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union,
and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated
lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and
enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to
whether it is participating in the program.

* Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3,
2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30,
2020.

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program

Apply: [6][link removed]
rogram-guide

* This program allows small businesses who currently have a business
relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
* These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to
help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can
be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA
Economic Injury Disaster loan.
* If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for
decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may
qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

Visit [7][link removed] to see if you
qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program and other COVID-19 assistance
programs and apply EARLY. Please spread the word!

_________________________________________________________________________

Food for the Fearless!

"A trio of Queens businesses is collaborating on a campaign to raise money
to provide meals for those on the front lines of COVID-19.

Bourbon Street, One Station Plaza and Austin’s Ale House started “[8]Food
for the Fearless,” a fundraising effort that would allow the restaurants to
provide “quality meals” for healthcare workers at hospitals in Queens,
Manhattan and Long Island.

“Bourbon Street, One Station Plaza and Austin’s Ale House are dedicated to
the support of the fearless physicians, registered nurses, physical
therapists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, respiratory
therapists, and all other healthcare workers serving our community,” the
group said in a statement on the GoFundMe page.

The group’s goal is to raise $50,000, which equates to “hundreds of
meals” to various hospital units including NewYork-Presbyterian, Jamaica
Hospital Medical Center and Northwell Health."

Our healthcare workers and first responders are working tirelessly
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and need our support. Thank you to Mark
Boccia and the team at Bayside's Bourbon Street Queens and OSP for doing
this important service!

[9]Click here to learn more about the fundraiser

Read the full story at the [10]Queens Courier

_________________________________________________________________________

Meals for Seniors

Starting March 30th, DFTA phased out of "grab and go" meal service and
shifted to meal delivery in an effort to keep our seniors healthy and safe.

Call your local senior center with questions about how to receive delivered
meals. You can also call Aging Connect at 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469) or
311.

_________________________________________________________________________

Grab and Go Meals for ALL

Starting Friday, April 3, 2020, three free meals will be available daily
for ALL New Yorkers in more than 400 Meal Hubs across the 5 boroughs.

Locations in Northeast Queens include Bayside High School, MS 158, PS 169
Bay Terrace and PS 107 Flushing.

To find a location near you visit [11][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

_________________________________________________________________________

Get Involved: How You Can Help

* Governor Cuomo is calling on health care professionals, schools of
public health or medicine and PPE products providers and manufacturers to
volunteer and help support the state’s
response. Visit [12][link removed]-
can-help to find out how you can volunteer today.
* Supplies: NYC EDC is seeking local businesses that want to support the
COVID-19 emergency response effort. Please visit this webpage for
more: [13][link removed]
* Information about space: The NYC Share Your Space Survey is critical to
helping the City prepare for emergencies and outreach to all of the City's
communities. Organizations citywide are encouraged to participate. Visit:
[14][link removed]
* DonateNYC: Find out how you can safely and responsibly donate or find
needed goods here: [15][link removed]

Visit [16][link removed] for the latest ways you can safely
help, or seek help, from your fellow New Yorkers. ​

_________________________________________________________________________

— MORE NEWS —

_________________________________________________________________________

Coronavirus FAQ

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
• Commonly reported symptoms include:
o Fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees F or 38 degrees C)
o Cough
o Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
o Sore throat
• If you have any of these symptoms, and they are not due to a preexisting
health condition like asthma or emphysema, you may have COVID-19 and you
must stay home.

What should I do if I get sick with COVID-19 symptoms?
• If you have mild to moderate symptoms, stay home. You should not seek
medical care or try to get tested. By staying home, you reduce the
possibility of transmission to others, including health care workers who
are needed to care for the more seriously ill.
• If you are over 50 years old or have chronic conditions, consult your
doctor. They may want to monitor you more closely.
• If your symptoms do not go away or get worse after three to four days,
consult with your doctor.
• Stay home for at least seven days after your symptoms started. Make sure
that you have been fever-free for three days without the use of
fever-reducing drugs, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. Also, make sure that
your cough and sore throat are better before you go back to your routine.
If you never had a fever, stay at home for at least three days after your
symptoms start improving.
• If you go out to see your doctor, wear a face mask if available. If
possible, take a private car, sit in the back seat and roll down the
window.
• If you have more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and very
high fever, go to an emergency department. Call 911 if you need help right
away.

Via NYC Department of Health

_________________________________________________________________________

NYC Public School Remote Learning

The DOE has commenced Remote Learning.

If you are a family in need of a device, please use the resources below and
visit the NYC Department of Education [17]website

Visit [18][link removed] and [19]schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus for
the latest official DOE updates.

_________________________________________________________________________

New York State Issues Guidance on

COVID-19 Paid Leave Law

On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law Senate Bill S8091 to
provide paid sick leave and job protection for workers during the COVID-19
crisis (“COVID-19 Leave”).

This leave is provided in the event that a worker, or their minor children,
are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or
isolation issued by the State of New York, the Department of Health, local
board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such
order due to COVID-19.

Find a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements and benefits here:

[20][link removed]

_________________________________________________________________________

SUSPENDED: Participatory Budgeting

Due to recent developments and concerns regarding COVID19, the NYC Council
is temporarily suspending Participatory Budgeting until further notice.
This was a difficult decision to make, but the health and well-being of our
communities is priority number one.

Updates to come!

_________________________________________________________________________

POSTPONED: Spring Rain Barrel Events

The spring Whitestone, College Point and Little Bay Park Rain Barrel events
have been postponed.

Please stay posted for rescheduled dates.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Complete the 2020 Census!

* It's quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10
minutes to complete.
* It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are
protected.
* Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to
local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
* Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of
seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all
levels of government.

Visit [21]My2020Census.gov to complete the census online today

— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —

718-268-5011

Commonpoint is also offering free full day childcare to families working as
essential workers. [22]Inquire here

_______________________________

_______________________________

— UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY INFO —

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

​

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

Thanks for reading! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do
not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Hon. Paul A. Vallone

New York City Council, District 19

42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507

Bayside, New York 11361

718.619.8611

[email protected]

Follow me on [23]Facebook, [24]Twitter and [25]Instagram

References

1. [link removed]
2. [link removed]
3. [link removed][0]=AT0cPYPCqQ0hsbblLHBLX29PFYcCzyvrFqUPltfjB8-SAeC6Zx6S4dbXXcutjdF54y-SN-MAEw-gAgEvysGzQTymCTX8s_by-YtUHXrSvHOCH-EFf6o4Nrud3x2_Ogbp888OU6tZQQYRc-P9Nw58WGwFqsfN_Ps_KqtwRPZLpyFcpp7Ms9iboPFrurLm9wY
4. [link removed]
5. [link removed]
6. [link removed]
7. [link removed]
8. [link removed]
9. [link removed]
10. [link removed]
11. [link removed]
12. [link removed]
13. [link removed]
14. [link removed]
15. [link removed]
16. [link removed]
17. [link removed]
18. [link removed]
19. [link removed]
20. [link removed]
21. [link removed]
22. [link removed]
23. [link removed]
24. [link removed]
25. [link removed]
This message was sent to [email protected] from [email protected]
Council Member Paul Vallone | Paul Vallone | 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507 | Bayside, New York 11361
Unsubscribe:
[link removed]