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 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 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 Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving COVID-19 situation at https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates.

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.

Click here to learn more about the fundraiser

Read more at 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: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

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: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/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: https://www.sba.gov/document/support--express-bridge-loan-pilot-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 https://sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance 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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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 http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals
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 https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-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: https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing
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: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/share-your-space-survey.page
DonateNYC: Find out how you can safely and responsibly donate or find needed goods here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/donate/site/

Visit http://nyc.gov/helpnownyc for the latest ways you can safely help, or seek help, from your fellow New Yorkers.

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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 website

Visit http://schools.nyc.gov and schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus for the latest official DOE updates.

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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:

https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/new-york-paid-family-leave-covid-19-faqs

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