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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Face Mask Distribution for

Northeast Queens Healthcare Heroes!

On Wednesday, my office distributed 1,500 critical face masks from the City to Ozanam Hall, The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing and AABR College Point.

Our local Healthcare Heroes are working tirelessly on the front lines of the COVID19 response and proper PPE is critical. THANK YOU!

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Free Transportation Program

for Queens Seniors Extended

"Created by City Council Member Paul Vallone in 2017, the program enables elderly residents across Queens to schedule next-day rides by calling the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center in Bayside.

Vallone, who represents northeastern Queens, teamed up with City Council Speaker Corey Johnson to use $150,000 in city funds to extend the program during the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

"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," Vallone said in a statement Thursday. "Most importantly, the program continues to run during the COVID-19 crisis, providing seniors with some peace of mind during these difficult times."

The program will last until funding runs out.

To schedule a ride for the following day, seniors should call the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center at 718-224-7888 between 9 a.m. and noon."

Patch

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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 GoFundMe

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"NYC To Produce Coronavirus Testing Kits"

"New York City will partner with local manufacturers to produce tens of thousands of coronavirus tests per week to enhance the city's testing capacity as it looks toward an eventual relaxation of social distancing measures, mayor Bill de Blasio announced.

The initiative, which will result in the manufacturing of 50,000 coronavirus cases per week, will allow New York City to expand its testing capacity independent of the federal and state governments, de Blasio said."

A rapid-response partnership between NYCEDC and NYC businesses will result in the local production of 50k Coronavirus test kits per week to accommodate widespread testing - a critical component to the eventual re-opening of our City.

Read more about this initiative at Patch

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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.
Gov. Cuomo announces for tenants:
-Ban of late fees for renters who miss payments.

-Ability to put security deposit toward rent

-Extention of ban on evictions through August 20
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 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 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 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 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.

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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.

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."

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."

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."

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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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: https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing

Read more at The Architect's Newspaper

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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 http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals
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 http://flushinghospital.org/donate-now/!
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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