— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe during these challenging
times. Please find below the latest COVID-19 related updates and resources
and stay informed.

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

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Vallone and Speaker Johnson Double Funding

to Expand Free Senior Transportation Program

Council Member Paul A. Vallone is proud to announce that, in partnership
with New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, the Free Senior
Transportation Program is extended this year thanks to an additional
$150,000 in funding. This allocation is in addition to the initial $150,000
in funding allocated to the program this past fall by the Council Member,
Queens Delegation and Queens Borough President.

With this new allocation, Vallone has now increased the budget for this
successful program nearly eightfold since 2017, when his office earmarked
$40,000 to pilot the program.

Most importantly, this critical service remains operational during the
COVID-19 crisis. To schedule a ride to an essential medical appointment,
Queens seniors should call the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center at
718-224-7888 between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon and leave their name and
phone number in a voicemail to schedule their next-day rides. The Selfhelp
team will return their call and arrange the ride.

“Since my office created the initiative four years ago, the Senior
Transportation Program has provided thousands of free rides to and from
important medical appointments, and I’m happy to announce that the program
will offer this vital service to even more of our borough’s seniors this
year,” said Council Member Vallone. “Most importantly, the program
continues to run during the COVID-19 crisis, providing seniors with some
peace of mind during these difficult times. I want to thank Speaker Johnson
for his support and commitment to this initiative and Selfhelp Community
Services for always being an outstanding community partner.”

“During these uncertain times, we must do everything we can to protect and
support vulnerable New Yorkers, including our seniors,” said Speaker Corey
Johnson. “Additional funding for this senior transportation program is so
important now. Aging residents have enough to worry about during the
coronavirus crisis. They should not have to worry about how to get around.
I thank Council Member Vallone and Selfhelp Community Services for their
partnership as we help our City’s seniors during this pandemic.”

Read More:

[1]Queens Courier

[2]Patch

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Over 2,000 Face Masks Donated and Distributed in Northeast Queens

Thanks to a donation from the Greater New York Automobile Dealers
Association, my office joined forces with the Office of the Queens Borough
President and Assemblyman Ed Braunstein to deliver over 2,000 face masks to
local organizations Commonpoint Queens Sam Field Center, Selfhelp Community
Services, Inc., and Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York,
Inc. (KCS) on Friday.

We are stronger together!

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College Point Residents Organize Fundraiser to Deliver Meals

As our City continues to battle the effects of COVID-19, Northeast Queens
residents continue to organize and offer a helping hand. College Point
residents Jennifer Shannon, Cathy Shannon, James & Kathryn Cervino, and
Margaret Loughlin have launched a fundraiser to help take care of College
Point essential workers who are on the frontlines of the Covid-19 crisis,
as well as struggling residents who are in need of food.

Organizers write: "We are raising funds to provide lunch as a thank you to
the staff of Waterview Nursing Home, Woodcrest Nursing Home and Cliffside
Nursing Home (where 16 residents have died from Covid-19). Funds will also
purchase food for College Point's only active food pantry, which is serving
many more individuals as a result of Covid-19."

I was proud to contribute to this local effort. Please offer a helping hand
if you are able!

Find more information on [3]GoFundMe

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Please note the following City and State guidelines and determinations:
* New York on PAUSE is extended in coordination with other states to May
15. Non-essential workers must continue to stay home. Social distancing
rules remain in place.
* All NYS K-12 schools and college facilities will remain closed for the
rest of the academic year and will continue to provide distance learning.
* Effective April 17, all New Yorkers must wear a cloth face covering or
a mask when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot
be maintained.
* New York State will begin expanding testing criteria to include first
responders, health care workers and essential workers.
* 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 [4]here.
* U.S. SBA has resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
applications as of 10:30 am. These loans are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. See
more and [5]apply here
* All New Yorkers will be able to vote via absentee ballot for the June
23rd election and will automatically recieve an application in the mail.
See more at [6]vote.nyc.
* The New York State Board of Elections has canceled the Presidential
Primary scheduled for June 23, 2020.
* 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.
* Alternate Side Parking regulations are suspended through May 12

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 [7]Facebook and [8]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [9][link removed].

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CANCELLED: Participatory Budgeting

Our office has been informed that, given the circumstances surrounding the
COVID-19 outbreak, there will not be a voting period for Participatory
Budgeting throughout NYC for this fiscal year, which ends on June 30th,
2020. We want to thank everyone for their time, effort and commitment to
helping better our communities through this grassroots project that has
been wholeheartedly embraced by District 19 year after year.

At this time, the PB Central Staff have begun arranging discussions and
virtual meetings with all the offices to discuss the next steps. As soon as
our office has additional information, we will share it with everyone right
away!

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Northeast Queens Strong!

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 our essential workers on the
front lines fighting 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 nearly $80,000 and
counting to provide hundreds of meals to healthcare workers at our New York
hospitals and the many first responders stationed at our local precincts,
firehouses, and Fort Totten.

[10]Click here to learn more about this fundraiser

A local group has organized to help assemble over 2,800 critical face
shields for healthcare workers at Elmhurst Hospital, Forest Hills Hospital,
Stony Brook University Hospital, Brandywine Nursing Home in Little Neck,
and several others. Organizer Dr. Emily Watkins writes: "Our volunteers
continue to work tirelessly to build face shields. We are grateful to have
some new volunteers joining our ranks this week. The situation seems to be
improving in some places and some of the hospitals we’ve supplied now have
enough face shields for all their staff."

[11]Click here to learn more about Project Face Shield

A group of neighbors have created the "Meals for Visiting Healthcare
Workers in Queens" initiative to provide meals to the many nurses, doctors,
and paramedics from across the country staying at the Adria Hotel and
Conference Center and Best Western on Northern Boulevard. Organizer Amy
Herzog writes: "After 12 hour shifts on the front lines, these medical
workers are exhausted and hungry. Please help us raise money to coordinate
hot meals and other needed supplies."

[12]Click here to learn more about this initiative

The "Help Our Healthcare Heroes" initiative has delivered meals to hundreds
of medical staff throughout Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island. Organizer
Karra Puccia writes: "Every dollar counts and we want to support these
heroes when they leave their families to care for ours. Please share so we
can continue helping them."

[13]Click here to learn more

THANK YOU to these local organizers and to our first responders, our
healthcare workers, and all those on the front lines every day working hard
to get our city through this pandemic. We will weather these uncertain
times and come through stronger, together!

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Economic Impact Payment Information:

What You Need to Know

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the CARES act to help individuals that
are negatively impacted by the coronavirus epidemic. An important component
of individual relief, Economic Impact Payments, will be distributed by the
IRS in the coming weeks.

You don't need to take any action to automatically receive your payment if
you:
* filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and are eligible; or
* received one of these benefits:
+ Social Security retirement benefits and survivor benefits
+ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and survivor
benefits
+ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
+ Railroad Retirement and survivor benefits

If you are not required to file a federal 2018 or 2019 income tax return,
visit the IRS at [14]Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here to submit your
information using the secure IRS Free File fillable form provided. To claim
the $500 benefit for each qualifying dependent child under 17, those who
receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance
benefits and did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, or who receive
SSI, must visit the above link.

The Economic Impact Payment program is managed by the IRS and the United
States Treasury. For accurate guidance, including how to provide or update
direct deposit information, filing directions for those who have not filed
a return, or to check the status of your payment, visit the IRS
at [15]Economic Impact Payments.

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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:
[16][link removed]

Read more at [17]The Architect's Newspaper

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Meal Delivery for Those in Need

NYC is assisting New Yorkers by delivering meals to those who cannot access
food themselves: [18][link removed] or call 311.

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Grab and Go Meals for ALL

Starting Friday, April 3, 2020, three free meals are 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 [19][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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Get Involved: How You Can Help

* Healthcare workers at Flushing Hospital Medical Center are handling
many COVID19 cases and are requesting help. If you are able to donate, or
have any of the necessary PPE supplies, please visit
[20][link removed]!
* 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 [21][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: [22][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:
[23][link removed]
* DonateNYC: Find out how you can safely and responsibly donate or find
needed goods here: [24][link removed]

Visit [25][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 [26]website

Visit [27][link removed] and [28]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:

[29][link removed]

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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 [30]My2020Census.gov to complete the census online today

— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —

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718-268-5011

Commonpoint is also offering free full day childcare to families working as
essential workers. [31]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 [32]Facebook, [33]Twitter and [34]Instagram

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