Dear Neighbor,
First and foremost, continue following best practices to keep yourself and your community healthy!
As of this evening, March 13th, 2020, there are four hundred and twenty-one (421) confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York State. Of
the confirmed cases, one hundred and fifty-eight (158) are located in
Westchester County, one hundred and fifty-four (154) are located in New
York City, fifty-one (51) are located in Nassau County, twenty-eight
(28) are located in Suffolk County, nine (9) are located in Rockland
County, five (5) are located in Ulster County, three (3) are located in
Dutchess County, three (3) are located in Orange County, three (3) are
located in
Saratoga County, two (2) are located in Albany, one (1) is located in
Broome County, one (1) is located in Delaware County, one (1) is located
in Herkimer County, one (1) is located in Monroe County, one (1) is
located in Schenectady County.
Today Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the FDA has approved
New York State to authorize the state's 28 public and private labs to
begin manual, semi-automated and automated testing for the Novel
Coronavirus COVID-19. These additional labs will significantly
increase the state's testing capacity from 3,000 to date to about 6,000
per day in the next week. A drive-thru testing site has also been set-up in Glen Island Park in New Rochelle to increase testing capacity within the containment area, which is slated to provide 200 – 500 tests per day.
School and Education Update: State guidance regarding school closures remains the same, and can be accessed in full here.
The Governor’s recent executive order
will also eliminate the aid penalty for schools directed to close by
state or local officials or those closed under a state or local
declaration of emergency that do not meet 180-day requirements if they
are unable to make up school days.
Our office has received many questions regarding the need for
school closures during the the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak,
and I recognize your frustration. In conversation with the Governor’s
Office, the New York City Mayor’s Office, and the Westchester County
Executive Office, I continue to advocate for the temporary
closure of schools to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus, and to
enact an immediate nutrition and remote instruction plan for students.
Ultimately, the decision will be made by each locality, in coordination
with their local health department and school district superintendent.
Small Business Update: The State Department of Health released further
guidance for businesses regarding the new regulation on public events and mass gatherings, which is now in effect.
New York City will provide relief for small businesses
across the City seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. If
your business is in need of assistance as a result of the Coronavius,
fill out their survey here. Further guidance for small business owners in New York City can be accessed in full here. More information can be found on the NYC Department for Small Business Services website here.
If you own a business within District 34 and are
experiencing revenue loss due to the Coronavirus outbreak, please
contact our office at biaggi@nysenate.gov or 718-822-2049 – we want to hear from you.
Here
is a list of recent event cancellations and temporary business closures
due to the Coronavirus outbreak, including arts and culture
institutions. For organizations and businesses that you often
frequent, be sure to call ahead to check for any changes in operation.
If you are an arts and culture institution experiencing difficulties at
this time, fill out the survey here.
Employment Update: Governor Cuomo issued an executive order today waiving the 7-Day waiting period for workers to claim unemployment insurance due to COVID-19 related layoffs. The Domestic Employers Network released guidance for those who employ domestic workers on fair treatment of employees during the Coronavirus outbreak and how to keep workers safe.
Housing Update: Today Governor Cuomo directed the Department of Public Service to suspend utilities from cutting off service to residents as a result of COVID-19. This includes utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.
Tenants can access the latest update from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) here.
Aging Community and Nursing Home Update: As of 5pm
this evening, the New York State policy prohibiting all non-medical
visits to nursing homes is in effect, and can be accessed in full here.
Staff will be required to wear masks and will be screened. If you have
questions regarding access to your loved ones, please contact your
nursing home provider.
NYC Health and Hospitals has provided further guidance for their patients on the nursing home and patient visitor policy.
Reminder: Out of an abundance of caution, all
in-person constituent services will be suspended until further notice –
our office will continue to provide full constituent services to
residents of District 34 via email and phone, by contacting biaggi@nysenate.gov or calling 718-822-2049.
This is an evolving situation. For updated information on
the Coronavirus (in multiple languages) from trusted sources for your
designated area, please visit:
Text “COVID” to 692-692 to receive NYC alerts. Also available in Spanish: Text “COVIDESP” to 692-692.
I recognize that there are many feelings of anxiety and
uncertainty at this time, and I urge you to do what you can to create
space for your physical and emotional wellness.
We have a long road ahead of us, and the coming weeks are going to
be difficult. That being said, New Yorkers are always stronger when we
stand together (even virtually), and that is what will get us through. Remember
to be kind to one another, support our most vulnerable community
members, call your friends and loved ones, and take a moment for
yourself.
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
______________________________
PREVIOUS EMAIL UPDATE FROM MARCH 12TH
Dear Neighbor,
I want to acknowledge that this has been a trying time for our
community and that the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) has
created a sense of uncertainty in District 34. At this time it is
important that we all remain calm, and also remain vigilant in following
best practices and protocols as it is advised by our federal, state,
and city health departments and medical professionals.
Out of an abundance of caution, all in-person constituent
services will be suspended until further notice – our office will
continue to provide full constituent services to residents of District
34 via email and phone, by contacting biaggi@nysenate.gov
or calling 718-822-2049. For budget and legislative questions, our
legislative team in Albany will continue to be available via email or
phone, by contacting biaggi@nysenate.gov or calling 518-455-3595. Our operating hours will remain Monday through Friday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM. Team Biaggi and I are committed to providing the support and assistance our community needs, and will continue to do
so during this unprecedented time.
This decision does not come from a place of fear or panic –
it comes from the responsibility we each hold in doing our part to
contain the spread of this pandemic, and to protect the health of our
most vulnerable community members.
As of this evening, March 12th, 2020, there are three hundred and twenty-five (325) confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Of
the confirmed cases, one hundred and forty-eight (148) are located in
Westchester County, ninety-five (95) are located in New York City,
forty-one (41) are located in Nassau County, twenty (20) are located in
Suffolk County, seven (7) are located in Rockland County, four (4) are
located in Ulster County, three (3) are located in Saratoga County, one
(1) is located in Monroe County, one (1) is located in Orange County,
one (1) is located in Albany,
one (1) is located in Broome County, one (1) is located in Delaware
County, one (1) is located in Dutchess County, and one (1) is located in
Herkimer County.
Today Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new regulations on mass gatherings and events. Public
health experts agree mass gatherings with people making sustained close
contact are a place where the novel coronavirus can easily infect many
people quickly and continue its spread. These new regulations
will go into effect Friday, March 13th at 5pm, with the exception of
Broadway Theaters where the limits have gone into effect as of this
evening. See guidelines below:
-
Events with 500 or more individuals in attendance to be cancelled or postponed.
-
Events, gatherings, or places of business with less than 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent, with exceptions being made for spaces where individuals do not make sustained close contact, such as schools, hospitals, public buildings, mass transit, grocery stores and retail stores.
Additional cleaning and disinfection guidance for places of worship can be accessed in full here.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH LOVED ONES IN NURSING HOMES: In
an effort to protect some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers, the
Governor also announced only medically necessary visits will be allowed
at nursing homes. Staff will be required to wear masks and will be
screened. If you have questions regarding access to your loved ones,
please contact your nursing home provider. This policy will be effective Friday, March 13th at 5pm, and can be accessed in full here.
The New York State Health Department also issued guidance for adult care facilities, which can be accessed in full here.
Housing Update: Today my colleagues and I in the New
York State Senate sent a letter to Chief Judge Janet DiFiore of the New
York State Court of Appeals, urging her to institute an immediate
moratorium on evictions in New York State, by staying all
eviction proceedings before the courts, staying all outstanding warrants
of eviction, and ordering all State and local marshals cease executing
warrants of eviction. Housing is a critical factor in maintaining the
health of New Yorkers, and it is imperative that during this public
health crisis we do everything that we can to protect New York families. Read the full letter here.
Transportation Update: Contrary to rumors, there
is no plan to shutdown public transportation. Subways, buses, and other
modes of mass transit will remain in regular operation. The MTA is doubling their cleaning and sanitizing protocol, which can be accessed in full here.
Employment Update: The New York State
Department of Health issued further guidance for employers for
procedures in identifying employees with concerns of COVID-19 exposure,
which can be accessed in full here.
Library Update: In support of the City's
efforts to limit the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), all New
York City public libraries are suspending public programming, outreach
activities and community room rentals from Friday, March 13 until
Tuesday, March 31. Details can be found on their website - nypl.org.
The Town of Pelham Public Library has suspended programming and
events through March 31 to help limit the spread of the novel
coronavirus and support efforts to promote social distancing. To that
end, they are also discouraging large groups of unaccompanied minors
from gathering in the library and we have suspended interlibrary loans
until March 31.
This is an evolving situation. For updated information on
the Coronavirus (in multiple languages) from trusted sources for your
designated area, please visit:
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
______________________________
PREVIOUS EMAIL UPDATE FROM MARCH 11TH
Dear Neighbor,
As of this evening, March 11th, 2020, there are two hundred and sixteen (216) confirmed cases in New York State. Of
the confirmed cases, one hundred and twenty-one (121) are located in
Westchester County, fifty-two (52) are located in New York City,
twenty-eight (28) are located in Nassau County, six (6) are located in
Rockland County, six (6) are located in Suffolk County, two (2) are
located in Saratoga County, one (1) is located in Ulster County.
Today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the implementation of a Mitigation Plan and Strategy for local communities experiencing the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
New Rochelle Containment Area Update: The New York State Department of Health will grant $200,000 to a local food bank in New Rochelle to
help the community as it faces a cluster of positive cases of the novel
coronavirus, and ensure any student or family who relies on free school
lunches can continue to access it during this containment effort. There
are currently nine (9) schools closed within the containment area.
School and Education Update: Today Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that all State
University of New York (SUNY) campuses, and City University of New York
(CUNY) campuses will develop plans for distance learning and reduce
in-person classes for the remainder of the semester, beginning March
19th, 2020. All campuses will develop plans catered to the
campus and curriculum-specific needs while reducing density in the
campus environment to help slow possibility for exposures to Novel
Coronavirus. Distance learning and other options will be developed by
campuses.
Fordham University Students and Parents: To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Fordham University. Out
of an abundance of caution, Fordham has voluntarily decided to suspend
all in-person classes until further notice and will be moving to online
instruction for students. More information regarding the University's
response can be found here.
Pelham Public School Students and Parents: To date there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pelham.
Pelham Public Schools will be voluntarily closed on Friday, March 13th,
2020. More information regarding the school district’s response can be
found here.
The federal government issued several additional key resources and guidance for schools regarding the Coronavirus outbreak:
Information for Aging New Yorkers: LiveOn
for New York has gathered trusted resources to support senior and aging
New Yorkers navigate the evolving Coronavirus spread. Their resource
page can be accessed in full here.
Employment Update: The Governor announced the state will guarantee
two full weeks of paid leave for all state employees who are subject to
a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine as a result of the Novel Coronavirus.
Governor Cuomo also announced a new cooperative effort with New York business leaders to voluntarily implement different work shifts and telecommuting in an effort to reduce density.
Housing and Shelter Update: The New York
City Housing Authority is in close communication with its government
partners in developing plans to keep tenants safe and healthy. You can
access their latest update here and subscribe to future notices.
The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has issued
guidance for operators of facilities providing housing to New Yorkers
who are homeless and supportive housing, or organizations making
referrals to such facilities, which can be accessed in full here.
NYC Small Business Update: New York City
will provide relief for small businesses across the City seeing a
reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. Eligible owners who would like
to learn more about these programs should call 311 for assistance.
Transportation Update: Public transportation remains safe to ride. The MTA is doubling their cleaning and sanitizing protocol, which can be accessed in full here.
Donate Blood to Maintain Product Supply: The
American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals to
schedule a blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation appointment to
help maintain a sufficient blood product supply and avoid any potential
shortages. You can make an appointment here.
Best practices
remain the same, and New Yorkers are encouraged to continue to follow
good hygiene methods to stay healthy! There has been no change in public
risk level. For questions and updates, contact the Novel Coronavirus
hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PREVIOUS EMAIL UPDATE FROM MARCH 10TH
Dear Neighbor,
As of this evening, March 10th, 2020, there are one hundred and seventy-three (173) confirmed cases in New York State. Of
the confirmed cases, one hundred and eight (108) are located in
Westchester County, thirty-six (36) are located in New York City,
nineteen (19) are located in Nassau County, six (6) are located in
Rockland County, two (2) are located in Saratoga County, one (1) is
located in Ulster County, one (1) is located in Suffolk County.
Best practices
remain the same, and New Yorkers are encouraged to
continue following good hygiene methods to stay healthy! There has been
no change in public risk level.
Today Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the State
will be following the recommendation of the State Commissioner of
Health, Dr. Howard Zucker, for new emergency measures to contain the
Novel Coronavirus cluster in New Rochelle, where there are one hundred
and eight (108) confirmed cases which is considered a “cluster.” The
new protocol will include closing schools, houses of worship and other
large gathering facilities within a one-mile radius in New Rochelle for a
two-week period, starting Thursday, March 12th through Wednesday, March
25th. To expedite the cleaning and
sanitizing of public spaces within the containment area, and support the
delivery of food to families, the Governor has deployed National Guard
troops to a Health Department command post in New Rochelle for
assistance. Northwell Labs will also open a satellite testing facility
within the containment area of New Rochelle.
The Governor has also asked the New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, to issue new state tax projections due to the latest developments of the Coronavirus spread.
As we approach a consequential presidential primary election amid the Coronavirus outbreak in New York, I have introduced legislation (S8015)
to allow eligible voters to request an absentee ballot if they are
under quarantine, or are concerned that voting in person could expose
themselves or others to a public health risk. There are many
older New Yorkers and those with underlying health conditions in our
district who are at a heightened risk from the Coronavius virus – they
should not have to choose between safeguarding their own health and
fulfilling their civic duty. Nor should New Yorkers who are in
quarantine be denied their right to participate
on Election Day. While it is my hope that the current public
health crisis will have calmed by the April and June primary elections,
we must prepare for all scenarios, and act now to ensure that every New
Yorker can safely vote and make their voices heard in our upcoming
primary elections. I am urging the Legislature to advance this bill
swiftly. Read the full press release here.
NYC Parent Teacher Conference Guidance: Today
the NYC Department of Education announced that Parent Teacher
Conferences scheduled for Thursday (3/12) and Friday (3/13) will take
place — but not in person, they will occur by phone or virtually.
Guidance is going out for schools to update their school communities on
scheduling and participating in the phone or virtual conferences by
Wednesday 3/11. If families are unable to connect during the 3/12
evening conference or 3/13 afternoon conference time, schools will offer
a more flexible schedule based on school and parent schedules through
the rest of the month.
The most up to date Guidance for Students and Schools from the New York State Education Department can be accessed in full here.
Guidance for Parents Seeking Childcare Support: The
Office of Children and Family Services has shared information with
child care programs regarding ways to respond to the Coronavirus. This
document contains important information and resources to assist parents
who are looking for childcare, which can be accessed in full
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