— 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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"Local lawmakers provide struggling restaurants with temporary relief from food delivery fees"

"With the survival of many independent restaurants hanging in the balance, lawmakers are stepping in to limit how much third-party delivery companies like DoorDash and Grubhub can charge restaurants for orders for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.

The New York City Council on Wednesday voted to restrict food delivery fees paid by restaurants to delivery providers like Grubhub’s Seamless to 15% or less of the order. The council also voted to approve caps of 5% for nondelivery services. Mayor Bill de Blasio still has to sign the bill into law, but he has previously voiced support.

Without restrictions on delivery fees, restaurants typically pay between 15% and 30% on orders placed with delivery providers."

Proud to co-sponsor these two bills by NYC Council colleagues Mark Gjonaj and Francisco Moya that will limit commissions from food delivery apps and keep profit in the hands of the local small businesses who need it!

Read the full article on CNBC

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City Council Budget Hearings

On Thursday, I participated in the New York City Council's Budget Hearings for the Committees on Public Safety and Aging. During COVID-19, public safety and reliable senior services are more important than ever and remain top priorites. Watch my testimony at both hearings at the 2:40:00 and 4:45:00 mark in the video below.

Virtual Budget Hearings for the Committees on Public Safety and Aging

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"NYC Ferry Announces Service Modifications That Save New York City $10 Million"

On Friday, NYCEDC announced changes to NYC Ferry service. These include service modifications enacted in response to the COVID-19 crisis as well as permanent changes to service that improve system-wide efficiency and cost-savings. Together, these modifications save the City approximately $10M.

To increase cost-savings, improve system-wide efficiency, and implement a more connected service for riders, starting Monday, May 18th service modifications will be enacted, which will result in an additional 20% service reduction. These changes include an additional, temporary reduction in service during the PAUSE period. On both weekdays and weekends, NYC Ferry service will end at approximately 9 PM.

Expansion of the system to serve Staten Island, Coney Island, and Ferry Point Park in the Bronx will go ahead as planned. The St. George route is expected to launch in Summer 2021, and the Coney Island and Ferry Point Park landings by the end of 2021.

"New York City's ferry system connects all five boroughs using our abundant waterways and provides a safe and healthier mode of transportation during COVID-19,” said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. “These important changes will keep in-demand ferry service operational and efficient, while at the same time saving taxpayer dollars at a time when our City faces unprecedented fiscal challenges."

Read the full press release at NYC EDC

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Queens Interfaith Virtual Vigil

Honored to join the Interfaith Council's Virtual Vigil on Thursday night and be in community with many Queens religious leaders and representatives to mourn those lost to COVID-19 and to gather in strength and resilience. We will weather these uncertain times as one borough, one community!

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"More Queens streets opened to walkers, bikes"

"The city on Wednesday added just under two miles of open streets and nearly a full mile of temporary bike paths in Queens to its roster of temporary open space.

The aim is to set up areas for bikers and pedestrians to gather that are free from most motor vehicles while allowing for social distancing. The hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m."

With warmer weather on the horizon, more of our New Yorkers will be bound for recreation in our parks and green spaces. Creating a temporary Open Street on Roosevelt Avenue between Northern Boulevard and 155th Street will enable residents to safely enjoy sunnier days while allowing for greater social distancing, a critical component to the City's COVID-19 response.

Read more at the Queens Chronicle

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ICYMI: 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.

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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Food Pantry Assistance

Our local food pantries in College Point, Flushing and Whitestone are offering assistance to hundreds of families and need our help. Please donate if you are able and spread the word! Thank you CEC D25!

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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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Please note the following City and State guidelines and determinations:

New York on "PAUSE" has been extended for NYC until 11:59 p.m. on May 28. 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 and 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.
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 will resume for one week, 5/18 to 5/24, for street cleaning. NYCASP will then be suspended again from 5/25 to 6/7.

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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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

14-year-old Bay Terrace resident Jeremy Golub is leading an effort to deliver meals to Flushing Hospital Medical Center EMS. Well done!

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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Meal Delivery for Those in Need

NYC is assisting New Yorkers by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves: http://NYC.gov/GetFood 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 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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— MORE NEWS —

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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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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 My2020Census.gov to complete the census online today

— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —