Honoring our Men and Women

in Uniform on Memorial Day

These last few months, we have found heroes that were always among us, heroes who have made sacrifices to keep us healthy and safe while we are told to stay home. But this day, our country recognizes heroes of another kind: the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for us and our great country.

That is why today is not a holiday, but a sacred day. A day to reflect, pray and give solace to the families of our fallen brothers and sisters. If we have learned anything during this pandemic, it is how much we value our American freedoms. That is why this Memorial Day, perhaps even more than most, we must reflect on the sacrifices made for us, acknowledge the freedoms earned for us, and pray comforting peace be given to the families of our fallen. It is on this sacred day we understand what we have been given: the chance to live today, tomorrow and every day in the greatest country in the world.

Thank you to State Senator John Liu for organizing this afternoon's unique virtual Memorial Day Observance, where I was honored to join with my fellow elected officials, community leaders and the great heroes of our armed forces to honor the memory of Flushing's very own hero, William Costello and his family, and our honorees, Petty Officer Michael O'Kane, and dear friend, Specialist 4th Class, Sebastian D’Agostino. We never dreamed of a day where we couldn’t stand together and march in our local parades, but once again we have overcome! God bless!

_________________________________________________________________________

Remembering a Local American Hero

Decorated WWII combat veteran William Costello succumbed to COVID-19 on April 21, 2020 at the age of 95 and was laid to rest on May 14, 2020. Mr. Costello was born in Flushing, New York on New Year's Day, 1925. He was drafted for service at the age of 18 and soon thereafter took part in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy as a rifleman in the Army’s 4th Infantry 20th Armored Division.

In addition to the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained, Commander Costello received many awards for his service to our nation, including the Combat Infantry Badge, WWII Victory Medal, Euro-East Campaign Medal, D-Day Medal, and four Campaign Bronze stars.

“I join with the Northeast Queens community in mourning the loss of highly-decorated veteran and lifelong Flushing resident, William Costello," said Council Member Paul Vallone. “Mr. Costello served the country bravely during World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient who truly lived a life dedicated to the welfare of his community. We were blessed to call an American hero like Mr. Costello, 'neighbor.' I wish his family peace during this difficult time in the comfort that his spirit and service will not be forgotten."

Mr. Costello was honored at this morning's virtual Northeast Queens Memorial Day commemoration. The video is available at www.facebook.com/Liu.NYC/.

Learn more about Mr. Costello at NY1

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 National EMS Week concludes, I want to deeply thank our City's EMS personnel for their dedication to our communities and tireless work, during the COVID-19 crisis, and every day. Thanks to your life-saving efforts, resilience, and compassion, we stay New York Strong.

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
_________________________________________________________________________

"When will NYC reopen for shopping and tourism?"

"On March 22 at 8 p.m., the city that never sleeps was sent into hibernation when Gov. Andrew Cuomo forced all non-essential businesses to shut down.

The billboards of Times Square have continued to sparkle, but there have been few visitors to take in the sight – save for the visiting doctors and nurses in town to help battle the virus who have taken up residence in otherwise-empty hotels nearby.

...

But Councilman Paul Vallone, the Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, said it’ll be up to New Yorkers to show the rest of the world it’s safe to visit.

“First, New York City residents are going to have to come back to the city and then we will be the template for tourism. Once we start going back to Times Square and Bell Boulevard in Queens then the world will see New York City has got this,” Vallone, who recently introduced a bill to create an Office of Interagency Tourism Affairs, told The Post.

“And once we show the world that we got it then you’ll see the tourists follow right behind them.”

Read the full article at NY Post

_________________________________________________________________________

New Guidance for COVID-19 Testing

NYS is increasing COVID19 testing capacity and has issued NEW GUIDANCE for New Yorkers seeking tests.

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider when:

An individual is symptomatic or has a history of symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, and/or trouble breathing), particularly if the individual is 70 years of age or older, the individual has a compromised immune system, or the individual has an underlying health condition

OR, An individual has had close (i.e. within six feet) or proximate contact with a person known to be positive with COVID-19

OR, An individual is subject to a precautionary or mandatory quarantine

OR, An individual is employed as a health care worker, first responder, or other essential worker who directly interacts with the public while working

OR, An individual presents with a case where the facts and circumstances – as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state or local department of health officials – warrant testing

OR, An individual is included under other criteria set by the NYS Dept. of Health based on an individual's geographic place of residence, occupation, or other factors that the Department may deem relevant for COVID-19 testing purposes

OR, Any individual who would return to workplace in Phase 1

Find a full list of criteria for diagnostic testing and local testing sites here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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 through the summer. Full information at schools.nyc.gov/summer
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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________