— IN THE PAST WEEK —

A blessed and joyous Easter and Passover to everyone! Let us all hope and
pray that this time of rebirth heals what needs to be healed for all of
us.

I want you to know that all of your prayers and well wishes will not be
forgotten and we will be forever thankful. Let us all look forward to the
promise of new beginnings and rebirth during this Spring season!

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

Dear Neighbors,

After having tested postive for COVID-19 at the end of last month, I am
blessed to report that my condition has improved and I am nearly recovered.
I want to thank the many people who reached out with well wishes over the
last two weeks. Your kindness and support during my illness was deeply
felt and appreciated.
As my staff and I continue to work on behalf of Northeast Queens, my office
can be reached at 718-619-8611 or [email protected]. Please don't
hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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 29. 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 29th.
* DOE schools will continue Remote Learning. The Mayor has signaled that
school buildings will not reopen for instruction for the rest of the
2019-20 school year​. Students who need devices for online learning should
request them [1]here.
* NYSED announced cancellation of the June 2020 Regents Exams​.
* All New Yorkers will be able to vote via absentee ballot for the June
23rd election. See more at [2]vote.nyc.
* 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.
* 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 Alternate Side Parking rules will be suspended through April 17th.

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 [3]Facebook and [4]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [5][link removed].

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Food for the Fearless!

Our healthcare workers and first responders are working tirelessly
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and Northeast Queens continues to find
new and creative ways to rise and support the essential workers combating
this pandemic every day.

Through their Food for the Fearless initiative, Mark Boccia and the team at
Bayside's Bourbon Street Queens and OSP have raised over $60,000 and
counting to provide hundreds of meals to healthcare workers at our NYC
hospitals and the first responders stationed at Fort Totten.

I'm proud to have contributed to this effort and worked with the Bourbon
Street team to provide meals to our officers at the 109th and 111th
Precincts. We are deeply grateful for your service on the front lines of
this health crisis!

I continue to pray for the health of our families and all those working
every day to get our city through this pandemic. I believe we will weather
these uncertain times and come through stronger, together.

[6]Click here to learn more about the fundraiser

Read more at the [7]Queens Courier

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COVID-19 Emergency Supply Sourcing & Manufacturing

As chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Development, I'm encouraged
to see over 2,000 NYC businesses have answered the call for aid from our
healthcare workers, who need proper supplies & protection to continue
fighting COVID19.

Are you able to help support the City's response to COVID19? Volunteer to
help today:
[8][link removed]

Read more at [9]The Architect's Newspaper

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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: [10][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: [11][link removed]
tions/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: [12][link removed]-
program-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 [13][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!

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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.

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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 [14][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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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 [15][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: [16][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:
[17][link removed]
* DonateNYC: Find out how you can safely and responsibly donate or find
needed goods here: [18][link removed]

Visit [19][link removed] for the latest ways you can safely
help, or seek help, from your fellow New Yorkers. ​

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— 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

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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 [20]website

Visit [21][link removed] and [22]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:

[23][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 [24]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. [25]Inquire here

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— UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY INFO —

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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 [26]Facebook, [27]Twitter and [28]Instagram

References

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