Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Resources

Beginning January 18th, free at-home COVID-19 test kits are now available for order online at: https://special.usps.com/testkits

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:

• Limit of one order per residential address
• One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
• Orders will ship free starting in late January

Remember: get your booster (or get vaccinated for the first time), get tested if you're not feeling well or have been exposed, wear a mask when needed, check on others safely, and stay informed...

• Trying to get a test? Find a testing location near you here, or call us at the District Office: 516-746-5924. We're here to help!

• To read the State Education Dept. "Test to Stay" policy to keep schools open and increase student/parent testing, click HERE

• SUNY & CUNY Updates: As of 1/15/22, both students and faculty returning to campuses must be BOOSTED on their vaccinations AND show proof of a negative COVID test. Private colleges are being encouraged to follow the same policy.

• Looking for the vaccine? To find New York State-run locations, visit https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ (see more links in the vaccinations tab below). All New Yorkers age 5 and older are now eligible for the vaccine!  Vaccines.gov allows for you to find COVID and Flu vaccination locations - both private and public, by appointment or walk-in.

  • ALL New Yorkers previously vaccinated are now eligible and encouraged to receive their COVID-19 booster shot. See where to get your booster dose. Walk-ins are available at State-run sites and pop-up locations, and appointments can be made at many local pharmacies at Vaccines.gov
  • Need more information on vaccines? No problem. FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers on each vaccine are available: Pfizer; Moderna; Johnson & Johnson.
  • COVID vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other locations across the state. Use the Vaccine Finder to find appointments near you or contact your local pharmacy or provider, or call our District Office at 516-746-5924 and Kevin will be happy to help you navigate the process of your choice.
• Governor Hochul signed into law a new moratorium on COVID-related residential and commercial evictions, which is in effect until January 15, 2022.
• The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through December 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly through insurers.
• It's been a difficult time, and it's OK to ask for help when you need it. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services.
• Need help with all this? Call Senator Anna Kaplan’s District Office at 516-746-5924. We are happy to help our constituents navigate the system and answer questions. If we cannot answer the phone due to high call volume, please leave a message.​
• Need a COVID-19 test? Click here, or Call 1-888-364-3065. 
• Vaccinated and looking for information on the new Empire Passport? New Yorkers can download the Excelsior Pass Wallet app for Android here and for iOS here. Interested businesses can download the Excelsior Pass Scanner app for Android here and for iOS here.

New York State’s Reopening: Quick Reference Guide

• The Governor has announced a mask requirement for everyone in school buildings during instructional hours and extracurricular activities.
• ALL teachers, administrators and other school employees are required to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass, based on a determination made by the NYS Health Commissioner and following an emergency resolution passed by the NYS Public Health and Health Planning Council. Read more.
• The Governor also announced that the New York State Department of Health has finalized and released official guidance for classroom instruction:
  • The guidance prioritizes in-person learning and details recommendations and requirements for vaccinations, face masks, physical distancing, and testing to monitor potential transmission, among other areas.
  • The guidance largely tracks with the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. It is also intended as a floor and schools have the flexibility to go beyond the guidance. 

• ​If You or Someone You Know is Looking to Get Involved in the NYS Vaccination effort...

  • Please sign up to volunteer or apply for temporary work at a vaccination site.
  • Note: There is special need for any healthcare medical professional looking to support vaccination efforts, as well as any college, graduate, or post-graduate student looking to get involved.

​

• Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention for Residents and Small Businesses

  • The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act of 2021 provided immediate relief to renters and homeowners in BOTH residential and commercial eviction and foreclosure cases in New York State, including freezing proceedings until at least August 31, 2021 in Proceedings and Actions where a tenant-respondent or defendant-mortgagor submits a completed Hardship Declaration.

• Has COVID-19 affected your utility payments? A new law provides temporary protections for residential customers, and there are immediate steps you can take to protect your utility service. To learn more, visit NYS Division of Consumer Protection’s website for more information, including their section on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

• New York State Office for Aging is offering the "CV19 CheckUp" to all New Yorkers: a free, confidential, and easy to use questionnaire. It is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic by answering just 5 to 10 minutes of questions.

  • You'll immediately receive a custom report based on your life and habits to find out how likely you are to get or spread COVID-19, how severe it might be if you get sick, steps to reduce your risks, and ways to have your needs met during the pandemic.
  • Your report will provide guidance from leading experts and organizations based on research, science, and recommendations published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

• To report violations of health and safety restrictions and requirements for businesses, gatherings and individuals, please choose the appropriate link below:
  • File a complaint about a business, location or incident in your community.
  • File a complaint against your employer or place of work.

• Are you or someone you know a New Yorker without Health Insurance during this pandemic? Apply through NY State of Health:

  • Visit https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/plansmap for plan options.  
  • Need help enrolling? New York State of Health has a Broker/Navigator Finder.
  • Please note: You must apply within 60 days of losing your previous coverage.

• New York State's Cancer Services Program (CSP) may be able to help if you lost your health coverage, or you’re uninsured. The CSP provides free breast and cervical screenings to women over 40 years of age, as well as free colorectal cancer screenings to men and women over the age of 50 years. For more information, contact them by:

  • Phone: 1-866-442-CANCER (2262),
  • Email: CanServ@health.ny.gov
  • Mail: Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control, New York State Department of Health, Riverview Center, Suite 350, Albany, NY 12204-0678

• Remember: Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline:

  • Dial 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. Self-care matters more than ever.
  • Health care workers can text “NYFRONTLINE” to 741-741 for access to 24/7 emotional support services.

• The latest news from New York State Department of Health is always available through the following their website; 1-888-364-3065 (the State information hotline); and through the "Ask Us A Question" inbox.

All New Yorkers 12 and older* are now eligible for vaccination
(*check which ages apply to each brand, i.e. Pfizer is the only approved for 12-16 year olds)

• FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers on each vaccine are available: Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
• NEW: The Federal Government has launched Vaccines.gov website to find locations public and private offering vaccinations (powered by VaccineFinder, a collaboration with Harvard Medical and the CDC)
• New York State continues to offer vaccinations without appointment at large megasites, including at SUNY Old Westbury, Aqueduct Racetrack, CUNY York College, SUNY Stony Brook and Suffolk Community College's Brentwood Campus.

Local vaccination information for Nassau County residents to consider:

• Seniors in Nassau County can call 516-227-9550 from 9am-4:45pm (Monday-Friday), or email: seniors@hhsnassaucountyny.us 
• Veterans can call Nassau County's Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-6565
• Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC): Click here to check for appointments.
• Northwell Health: Click here to find an appointment near you.
• Vaccines are available at State and National Guard-run megasites without appointment. Appointments may still be required at retail pharmacies, hospitals, local health departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers statewide – please contact your provider of choice to schedule your vaccine appointment. Vaccination can be booked online or by phone:
  • NY State and National Guard-Run Sites: Use the Am I Eligible app, or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.
  • CVS: Click here or Call 1-800-SHOP-CVS
  • Rite Aid: Click here or Call 1-800-RITE-AID
  • Walgreens: Click here or Call 1–800–925–4733
  • VaccineFinder.org, a co-production of Boston Children's Hospital, the CDC, and Harvard Medical, allows residents to search by ZIP code for independent local pharmacies as well as supermarkets offering vaccinations.
    • Remember: The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses for effectiveness. For these vaccines, second-dose appointment will be scheduled automatically at the time you receive your first vaccine dose. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose. Appointments are not transferrable. 
       
• Instructions for New York State-Operated Vaccination Sites

1. Determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. New York State's online scheduling tool is the quickest way to confirm you're eligible and make an appointment. You can also call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Once you have successfully scheduled an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a barcode. You will need to bring this to your appointment.
2. Complete the Vaccine Form. Once you have a confirmed appointment, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form should be filled out online and you will receive a submission ID indicating completion. You will need to bring the submission ID to your appointment. If you cannot submit the form online, it will be available at the vaccination sites.
3. Bring proof of eligibility to your appointment. Individuals must bring proof of age. For individuals younger than the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for vaccination. A parent or legal guardian must provide verbal consent either while accompanying the minor to the vaccination appointment, or by phone at the time of the vaccination appointment. If the minor is 12-15 years old, they must arrive with a parent or guardian OR they need to bring another adult caregiver who has a signed designation from the parent or guardian and the parent/guardian must be available by phone.
4. If you are getting the Pfizer vaccine, your second dose appointment will be scheduled automatically when booking your first vaccine dose. Your second appointment will be scheduled for the same time and at the same location, three weeks following your first dose. You will receive a confirmation email with details about your second dose appointment within a few days of receiving your first dose. Please keep this in mind when scheduling a first dose appointment. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose.

About Excelsior Pass

Testing & Health Care

• PMIS: New York State took the lead by being the first state in the US to issue a formal health advisory defining the criteria for what is now being officially referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS).  If your child is experiencing symptoms such as prolonged fever, severe abdominal pain, change in skin color, racing heart and chest pain, make sure you call your doctor.  For more information, click here.

• Be an informed participant in your own health care! Review The 5 Steps to Safer Health Care, a helpful resource for individuals and their families who are preparing to navigate the healthcare system. 

• Mammograms and Breast Cancer Support: Amid reports that many people have chosen to postpone preventative cancer screenings and mammograms during the pandemic, we remind residents of safety measures that are in place to protect patients during screenings, and urging residents in Nassau County to continue to receive their annual, potentially life-saving mammograms:

  • The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program: The NYS Cancer Services Program is still open and providing free or low-cost cancer screening services for anyone who is worried about breast cancer, or who needs support, referrals, information, or other related services.

    • If someone you know feels a lump or a mass and need someone to talk to, please contact Angelica Medina at 516-877-4331 or via email at amedina@adelphi.edu.
    • The Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program also has numerous virtual breast cancer support groups available to residents in our community. Read more and pre-register at: https://breast-cancer.adelphi.edu/we-can-help/support-groups/
  • Cancer Services Program of Nassau County provides breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings at no cost to men and women who do not have health insurance, and people whose health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of these screenings, regardless of immigration status.  Staying healthy right now doesn’t just mean from coronavirus: please consider getting a cancer screening today in a safe environment with all necessary precautions being taken to protect your health.  For more information, call 516-470-4165, email csp@northwell.edu, or check “Cancer Services Program of Nassau County” on Facebook.

• The Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) Education Center website at https://www.dpcedcenter.org/ is a helpful resource dedicated to improving kidney patients’ quality of life and reducing the impact of End Stage Renal Disease through education and awareness of dialysis and kidney disease issues.  While the website can be translated into multiple languages via Google Translation, there is also a dedicated Spanish language section (https://www.dpcedcenter.org/resources/spanish/) for those who prefer to read content in Spanish.

Housing (Updated 1/2)

Reminder: The Nassau County Sheriff has been directed to stop all eviction proceedings, and now Governor Cuomo has signed into law the State Legislature's bill to freeze all eviction and foreclosure proceedings until May 1, 2021.  If you are experiencing eviction or harassment, call the Nassau Sheriff's Department at 516-571-2120.

• NEW for Homeowners, Renters, & Landlords: The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020

  • On December 28, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 (L. 2020, c. 381; “Act”).  The Act provides immediate relief to respondents and defendants in residential eviction proceedings and foreclosure actions in New York State, including, among other things:

    • Staying (freezing) pending residential eviction proceedings (“Proceedings”) and residential real property mortgage foreclosure actions (“Actions”) for sixty days, as well as staying Proceedings and Actions filed within thirty days of December 28, 2020 for sixty days.

    • Publishing “Hardship Declaration" forms to be used by tenant-respondents in eviction matters and defendant-mortgagors in residential foreclosure actions in reporting financial hardship during or due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

      • Renters/Tenants: Hardship Declaration in Eviction Matters: English, and Español (Declaración de Penuria).

      • Homeowners with a Mortgage: Hardship Declaration in Foreclosure Matters: English, and Español (Declaración del Deudor Hipotecario de Penuria Debida al COVID-19).

• NEW for Renters: New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) announced the COVID Rent Relief Program will be reopened for application with expanded eligibility criteria in an effort to serve New Yorkers who may have not had the opportunity to initially apply and those who may have been previously ineligible. 

  • HCR will accept online applications from households through Monday, February 1, 2021.

  • Throughout the application period, residents who need help or have questions about their application can contact HCR’s COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or email: covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. Call Center representatives are available Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

  • HCR will also allow to applicants who are unable or uncomfortable applying online to do so over the phone rather than by mail. More information on this assistance and expanded language support on the hotline and will be available on HCR’s website in the coming days.

  • Program eligibility has been changed to no longer require households to have been considered “rent burdened” prior to the pandemic in order to qualify. Rent burden is defined as paying more than 30 percent of monthly gross income towards rent.

  • Residents that previously applied for COVID Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered. HCR will re-evaluate all applications that were denied according to the new criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants.

  • To qualify, renters impacted by the pandemic must meet ALL of the following criteria:

    • Must be a renter and have a primary residence in New York State;

    • Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;

    • Before March 7, 2020, household income must have been at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size; and

    • Households must be “rent burdened” during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. 

    • For the purposes of assessing applicant income, cash benefits and unemployment benefits are both included in the calculation.

• Homeowners: The State Department of Financial Services has issued a new directive to New York mortgage servicers to provide 90-day mortgage relief (forbearance) to mortgage borrowers impacted by the coronavirus.  Click here for more information.
  • ​The Federal Housing Finance Agency has also released a new mortgage directive in the wake of coronavirus.  If your ability to pay your mortgage is impacted, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period. Click here for more information.
• Renters & Landlords: The Governor has issued an executive order putting in place a rent freeze to prohibit rent prices from rising during the coronavirus crisis.  Please contact the Attorney General’s office for more information and to file a report.

Interim Guidance for Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in New York State Following Out of State Travel
(updated 11/19/20)

• Quarantine Criteria for Travel

  • Generally, all travelers entering New York from a state that is not a contiguous state* (see below), or from a CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notice country, shall quarantine for a period of 14 days, consistent with Department of Health regulations for quarantine. There is now a two-step exception for travelers who obtain timely testing:

    • For travelers who traveled outside of New York for more than 24 hours, such travelers must
      • (1) obtain testing within 72 hours prior to arrival in New York, AND
      • (2) upon arrival in New York, quarantine according to Department of Health guidelines, for a minimum of 3 days, measured from time of arrival, and on day 4 may seek a diagnostic test to exit quarantine.
      • For travelers that meet the criteria above, the traveler may exit quarantine upon receipt of the second negative test result.
    • *"Contiguous states" are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Travelers from these states are not subject to this guidance because of the nature of cross-border commerce and activity.
    • Travelers who leave New York State for less than 24 hours do not need to obtain a diagnostic test before departing and do not need to quarantine upon return. However, such travelers must fill out the traveler form upon entry and must obtain a diagnostic test on the fourth day after arrival in New York.
• ​Travel Advisory Exceptions for First Responders and Essential Workers: ​​Exceptions to the travel advisory are permitted for essential workers traveling from a noncontiguous state or Level 2 or Level 3 country and are limited based on the duration of time in New York.
  • Short Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period of less than 12 hours.
    • This includes instances such as an essential worker passing through New York, delivering goods, awaiting flight layovers, and other short duration activities.
    • Essential workers must stay in their vehicle and/or limit personal exposure by avoiding public spaces as much as possible.
    • Essential workers must monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces.
    • Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public, contact with strangers, and large congregate settings.
  • Medium Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period of less than 36 hours, requiring them to stay overnight.
    • This includes instances such as an essential worker delivering multiple goods in New York, awaiting longer flight layover, and other medium duration activities.
    • Essential workers must monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces.
    • Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public, contact with strangers, and large congregate settings.
  • Long Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period
    of greater than 36 hours, requiring them to stay several days.
    • This includes instances such as an essential worker working on longer projects, fulfilling extended employment obligations, and other longer duration activities.
    • Essential workers must seek diagnostic testing for COVID-19 on day 4 after arriving.
    • First responders and essential workers and their employers are expected to comply with previously issued DOH guidance regarding return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or after the employee had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID19.
    • Additionally, this guidance may be superseded by more specific industry guidance for a particular industry (e.g., for nursing home and adult care facility staff, a negative PCR test result is required before returning to work).
    • Teachers, school employees, and child care workers must quarantine for a minimum of 3 days after returning to New York from a designated state or country due to the nature of education and child care services and the risk and difficulty of adherence to the guidelines that govern such exemptions, and must be tested on day 4 after arriving, pursuant to EO 205.2.
    • Although such workers are essential, the travel advisory exemption for essential workers does not apply to teachers, school employees, or child care workers, due to the sensitivity of these congregate settings.
    • As always, please consult the NYS DOH website and resources for additional details and information regarding isolation procedures for when a person under quarantine is diagnosed with COVID-19 or
      develops symptoms.
       
• 
  Medical Appointments or Procedures: If you have a health care procedure or appointment scheduled in New York that cannot be postponed, you (and your support person/companion) may travel to the extent necessary to maintain that appointment but must otherwise remain quarantined. For further information, see the Department’s guidance on this topic.
   

Updates from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and changes that impact drivers, are found on the DMV's Reopening Guidance page:

• Reminder: All driver licenses and permits that expired March 1, 2020, or after continue to be extended by Executive Order at least through January 1, 2021. In addition, the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline has been extended until October 1, 2021. To renew your driver license, please see the DMV's How to Renew a License page.
• Please Note: December 1, 2020 was the deadline to get your car inspected if it expired earlier during the pandemic. Vehicle registrations - including temporary auto dealer registrations and non-driver identification cards that expired March 1, 2020, or after - and vehicle inspections that expired March 31, 2020 or after, are no longer valid. After that, the NYS DMV reminds that it is illegal to drive with an expired inspection: find an inspection facility near you, or see below for further information on contacting your local DMV.
• You can make reservations for limited in-person transactions at state-run DMV offices. Reservations will be required and will only be offered for a limited number of critical services that cannot be done online, by mail, or dropbox.
  • DMV offices in the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and the five boroughs of New York City will continue to process registrations and other transactions by mail, and secure drop boxes located at each office.
  • To make a reservation at state-run DMV offices like those in Nassau County, or for more information about services offered at county-operated offices visit our Office Locations and Reservations page. Many transactions are online.
• Safety Requirements for State-run DMV offices
  • Only the customer will be allowed in the office unless another person is needed to complete the transaction, for example, a parent/guardian of a minor or an interpreter. All others will be required to wait outside of the office.
  • You must always wear a face covering and maintain 6 feet from others in the office whenever possible. Acceptable face coverings include cloth or surgical masks, N-95 respirators, and face shields.
  • You should not visit a DMV office if you have traveled within 14-days of your visit to a state with significant community spread of COVID-19, as outlined in the travel advisory.  
  • For a current list of restricted states, please see the NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Travel Advisory site.  
• Updating to REAL ID or Enhanced licenses
  • Limited appointments are now available in state-run DMV offices to upgrade your Standard license or non-driver identification card to a REAL or Enhanced ID when it is due for renewal. You can also renew your current license or non-driver ID online now and upgrade to a REAL ID or an EDL in a DMV office when we resume those services. The federal REAL ID enforcement deadline has been extended one year until October 1, 2021.

• Empire State Development COVID-19 Resources:

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Businesses in New York State.
  • ESD also has a “Submit Your COVID-19-Related Business Questions” inbox.
  • For details about applying for the New York Forward Loan Fund, targeted toward small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords, and for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, visit: esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans.
  • You can also use the NY Forward Business Reopening Lookup tool to help determine whether your business is able to reopen and to review the public health and safety standards with which your business must comply: https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward
  • Additional resources for Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) can be found here: https://esd.ny.gov/mwbe-covid19-resources.

• 
  New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering free remote counseling sessions with business advisers. Get assistance with how to start a business, the small-business loan application process and more. You must schedule an appointment, and you can do so by calling at 800-732-7232, or visiting nysbdc.org/appointment.html  

  • ​In addition to business advising, New York SBDCs provide business training to startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners across New York State. Most of their business training is free and focuses on starting or growing an existing small business. Upcoming training topics range from business plan writing, crowdfunding, startup tips, preparing to sell a business, to digital marketing and more.
  • The SBDC has a newsletter highlighting these resources and more, including webinars, the Empire State Digital, National Veterans Small Business Week, and COVID-19 Tax Assistance.
     
• PSEG-LI is launching a Small Business First program to provide upwards of $2,500 in rebates to upgrade on items like HVAC systems (important for COVID-19 safety) or more efficient lighting, which can help lower electric bills. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
• If you were unable to attend my recent webinar, “Reinventing Your Small Business in a Reopened Community,” don't worry: you can catch a replay anytime at facebook.com/annamkaplan. The event featured practical advice and a thought-provoking discussion with experts from the US Small Business Administration, the Farmingdale Small Business Development Center, and Empire State Development.  
• Long Island SCORE in Hauppauge is a nonprofit organization offering free mentoring and educational workshops for entrepreneurs/small business owners. For more information, visit http://longisland.score.org/ or call 631-454-0771 .
• Unfortunately, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program has exhausted its funding, and the SBA will no longer take applications for the $10,000 grants. 
  • However, the companion program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) continue to take applications. To apply, go to https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ 
• The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership is holding a series of webinars to help Manufacturing Businesses survive our present situation. Check out their archive https://newyorkmep.org/covid19-webinars/
• Earlier this year, the State launched the New York Forward Loan Fund: a $100 million to provide flexible and affordable loans to help our small businesses, especially MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) that did not receive federal COVID-19 assistance. 
  • The program is intended to take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on truly small businesses, with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. 
    • If you’re a small business who did not get federal assistance, you should learn more about this program: esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans
• Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the entire Town Board unanimously approved resolutions designed to help businesses impacted by COVID-19: ​The package of legislation will be eligible for a vote on June 18th and includes proposals like refunds for certain building department fees, extended hours for commercial construction, local preference in contracting, and expanded opportunity for outdoor seating for restaurants. For more information, click here. 
• The National SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Information Clearing House has extensive, industry-specific resources to help your small business weather the coronavirus outbreak and navigate a safe reopening.  There’s information, guidance, tools, and support for a wide variety of businesses, from restaurants, to retailers, to service businesses, manufacturers, and so much more.  Check it out here.
• This office has held two webinars of our own on Facebook Live to help local small business owners make sense of the different relief programs that exist to help during this difficult time.  You can watch the replays here.
• Newsday also hosted a webinar on Helping Long Island Businesses Survive Coronavirus: the latest on the paycheck protection program and economic injury disaster loans.  Click here to watch the webinar.
• Guidance for determining whether a business enterprise is subject to a workforce reduction under recent executive orders
• The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) held a webinar on the topic of “Small Business and COVID-19: PPP Loan Forgiveness Explained and Other Questions Answered.  To watch, click here.
• The US Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service center can be contacted with any questions about SBA disaster assistance by calling 800-659-2955.
  • The US Small Business Administration is offering several temporary programs to help small businesses during the Covid-19 outbreak, including:
    • Paycheck Protection Program, which is a loan program that provides forgiveness for retaining employees
    • EIDL Loan Advance - Economic Injury Disaster Loan, which is a loan advance that will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties
    • SBA Express Bridge Loans, which enable small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly
    • SBA Debt Relief, which provides financial reprieve to small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Hofstra University’s Business Development Center provides education and support to business owners through seminars, workshops, boot camps, and its Entrepreneurship Assistance Center. For more information, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/community/bdc/index.html or contact bdc@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-7214.
• The Farmingdale Small Business Development Center provides education and support to business owners in Nassau and Suffolk.  Visit farmingdale.edu/sbdc for more information, or call 934-420-2765
• La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corp. provides economic growth opportunities to low-income, minority and women owned enterprises. It serves Nassau and Suffolk counties. For information about SBA disaster relief, visit https://lafuerzacdc.org/ or call or text 516-666-5071, or email Covid19@Lafuerzacdc.org
• Long Island Development Corporation in Hauppauge provides low cost loans and technical assistance to help small businesses grow.  For more information, visit www.lidc.org or call 516-433-5000
• The Main Street Lending Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is intended to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion.  For more information, visit http://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-the-main-street-lending-program

• Has COVID-19 affected your utility payments? A new law provides temporary protections for residential customers, and there are immediate steps you can take to protect your utility service. To learn more, visit NYS Division of Consumer Protection’s website for more information.

  • Information is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Bengali, and Korean.
• New York State Public Service Law provides temporary protections for essential utility and municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you experienced a change of financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, utilities and municipalities may not shut off your service for nonpayment, must reconnect your service within 48 hours, and must offer you a deferred payment agreement to pay any balance due.  
• There are immediate steps you can take to protect your utility service:
  • Contact your service provider:  
    Your first step is always to contact your utility or municipality. Some utilities and municipalities may require you to self-certify that you’ve experienced a change in financial circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect your account from shutoff.
  • Ask for a deferred payment agreement:
    A deferred payment agreement allows you to pay your balance due in affordable, installment payments. Until March 31, 2021, utilities and municipalities are required to offer deferred payment agreements with no money down, late fees or penalties. You may be required to submit a financial statement or documentation to your service provider. You are still responsible for paying your utility or municipality bill during and after the moratorium period.
  • Pay what you can:  
    While your account may be protected from shutoff, you will still be responsible for the charges for service. Paying what you can now will help you avoid a larger bill later. 
  • Don’t wait until it’s too late.  
    These temporary protections are only available until March 31, 2021. The sooner you contact your utility, the sooner your account will be protected from shutoff.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  • Q: Who is eligible for these protections?
    A: Residential customers.

  • Q: What about small business and commercial customers?
    A: The new law does not cover small businesses and commercial customers. However, many utilities are offering assistance to their small businesses and other commercial customers. Contact your utility to inquire.

  • Q: What utility and municipal services are covered?
    A: Electricity, natural gas, steam, landline telephone, and water.

  • Q: Which water systems are covered?
    A: These protections are available to residential customers of private water companies and municipal (water districts, city, town, village) water systems.

  • Q: What about cable, internet, and cell phone service?
    A: These services are not covered by the law. However, you provider may be offering other, similar protections. Contact your provider to inquire.

  • Q: How do I certify to my utility or municipality that I’ve been financially impacted by COVID?
    A: Contact your utility or municipality and explain that you’ve experienced a change in financial circumstances since March 7, 2020 due to COVID-19. Your utility or municipality must accept your self-certification and cannot require you document a job loss, pay cut, unemployment filing or other change in your finances as part of the self-certification.

  • Q: What can I do if my service was shutoff for nonpayment?
    A: Contact your utility or municipality and ask for your service to be turned on. By law, utilities and municipalities must reconnect you within 48 hours until the moratorium expires on March 31, 2021. You can also ask for a deferred payment agreement to help you keep current on your bills.

  • Q: I need help paying my heating bill this winter.
    A: Eligible customers should apply to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for help paying their winter heating bills. HEAP opens in November and covers utility and municipal electric and heating services as well as heating oil, propane, and wood. Contact your local Department of Social Services or otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ for more info.

  • Q: What can I do if my utility does not protect my account?
    A: Your first step is always to contact your utility and try to work it out with them. If you still need help after speaking with your utility, contact the Department of Public Service Helpline at 1-800-342-3377 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm) or www.dps.ny.gov/complaints.

• For more specific questions and concerns, contact them by email: utility.moratorium@dps.ny.gov

Colleges & Universities

• The SUNY and CUNY systems have gone to all-remote learning until a DELAYED start to the Spring 2021 semester in February. SUNY adopted a system-wide policy requiring all on-campus students to be tested for COVID-19 prior to Thanksgiving Break. Students had to test negative for COVID-19 within the 10 days prior to leaving campus.

  • Please note: while most of the guidance provided by NYS is dominated by SUNY requirements, private colleges in the state are being strongly encouraged to pattern their plans on the SUNY system.

• SUNY Comprehensive Plan to Expand Access to Mental Health Services to Every Student: 
  • The App: Thriving Campus is a HIPAA-compliant web app that is meant to bridge the gap between campus counseling services and local mental health and wellness service providers.
  • Seeing the value of Thriving Campus at Purchase College and SUNY Oswego, SUNY administration has secured funding to expand it system-wide.
  • When campus counseling centers determine that a student needs more specialized, long-term care, the easy-to-access, mobile-friendly Thriving Campus App is meant to facilitate the handoff to a licensed local provider.
  • Providers manage their own profiles, posting up-to-date information on their specializations and time availability. Their profiles are hidden if they are not accepting new patients, breaking down a frequent barrier to services by preventing students from reaching out, being turned down, getting frustrated, and ultimately abandoning their search.
     
• NYS has launched a SUNY Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker for every campus and community college. 
• The federal government has announced they will waive the interest on all federal student loans, but this does not mean federal and private student loan payments are being stopped. Please continue to check with your individual lender/school.
• If you have student loans and need guidance, the Community Service Society EDCAP program is providing remote counseling services to help you.
  • The helpline is available Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm at 1-888-614-5004. You can also visit edcapny.org for more info.

Nassau Courts & Visiting the County Jail

• Jury Duty: New Yorkers will no longer be called for jury duty until further notice. The Office of Court Administration will suspend new jury trials - civil and criminal - to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the New York State court system. Trials already underway, including those with a jury, will continue until their conclusion. All non-jury trials and hearings will be conducted virtually until further notice.

• Jail Visitation: All inmate visitations are cancelled until further notice. Please see the Nassau County Sheriff's webpage for further informaton, or call 516-572-4200:

  • The Sheriff's Department's Corrections Division reminds that to ensure everyone’s safety during the State of Emergency, and until further notice, no persons should come to the facility to pick up or drop off any property or money (except for bails). All property will be retained at the facility for future release/pick-up.​​
• For those with ongoing legal matters, See Executive Order 202.72: "Pursuant to Executive Order 202.67, the suspension for civil cases in Executive Order 202.8, as modified and extended in subsequent Executive Orders, that tolled any specific time limit for the commencement, filing, or service of any legal action, notice, motion, or other process or proceeding as prescribed by the procedural laws of the state, including but not limited to the family court act, the civil practice law and rules, the court of claims act, the surrogate’s court procedure act, and the uniform court acts, or by any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or part thereof, is hereby no longer in effect as of November 4, 2020, provided any criminal procedure law suspension remains in effect and provided that all suspensions of the Family Court Act remain in effect until November 18, 2020 and thereafter continue to remain in effect for those juvenile delinquency matters not involving a detained youth and for those child neglect proceedings not involving foster care."

Movie Theaters on Long Island Were Able to Open Again as of October 23, 2020, but with new safety rules. What are the details?

Movie theaters in counties outside of New York City that have a COVID-19 positivity rate below 2% on a 14-day rolling average and that do not currently contain any cluster zones may reopen in accordance with New York State guidance.

Many of you may have questions about the reopening requirements for theaters. The following is a summary of newly issued New York State regulations and guidelines. For further information, Governor Cuomo's office has provided a checklist.

Mandatory Movie Theatre Guidelines for Employers and Employees from the State:

• Physical Distancing, including:
  • “Ensure that the workforce and patron presence in any movie theater is limited to no more than 25% of the maximum capacity, inclusive of employees and patrons, both of whom must only be permitted entry into the movie theater if they wear an acceptable face covering at all times (except while eating or drinking, during which time they must be seated), provided that they are over age 2 and able to medically tolerate such covering.”
  • “Limit the capacity of any individual movie showing or screening to the lesser of 25% of the maximum occupancy or 50 people, as of October 19, 2020.”
  • “For any food services, operate in accordance with DOH’s ‘Interim COVID-19 Guidance for Food Services,’ and discontinue food/beverage self-service (e.g., condiments, soda) and only allow employee served food/beverages at concessions areas.”

• Protective Equipment, including:
  • “Ensure that employees and patrons are only permitted entry into the movie theater (both the overall facility and individual theaters) if they wear an acceptable face covering, provided that they are over age 2 and able to medically tolerate such covering.”
  • “Ensure that individuals wear a face covering at all times, except when eating or drinking, during which time they must be seated.”
  • Provide employees with an acceptable face covering at no cost to the employee.
  • Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth (e.g., homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), surgical masks, N95 respirators, and face shields.

• Air Filtration and Building Systems, including:
  • “Ensure central HVAC system filtration meets the highest rated filtration compatible with the currently installed filter rack and air handling systems, at a minimum MERV-13, or equivalent or greater (e.g. HEPA), as applicable, and as documented by a certified HVAC technician, professional, or company, ASHRAE-certified professional, certified retro-commissioning professional, or New York licensed professional building engineer.”

• Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection, including:
  • Adhere to hygiene and sanitation requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH); maintain logs that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection.
  • Provide and maintain hand hygiene stations on site, including handwashing with soap, running warm water, and paper towels, as well as an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60% or more alcohol for areas where handwashing is not feasible.

• Communication, including:
  • Post signage inside and outside of the movie theater to remind employees and patrons to adhere to proper hygiene, social distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning and disinfection protocols.

• Screening, including:
  • Implement mandatory health screening practices for employees and, where practicable, contractors and vendors, but such screening shall not be mandated for patrons and delivery personnel.

Best Practices Recommended by the State of New York include:

• Where possible, minimize the number of groups seated in each row to avoid close contact when individuals leave to use the restroom or go to the concession area.
• Have employees direct or guide patrons to their seats to ensure adherence to social distancing requirements and avoid any unnecessary congestion.
• Leave the lights on in the theater for as long as possible before the showing/screening so that patrons can be seated according to social distancing requirements.
• Close common seating areas (e.g., in lobbies) that are not within the theater.
• Minimize the handling of cash, credit cards, reward cards, and mobile devices, where possible.
• Encourage patrons to purchase tickets in advance online or through mobile application, as applicable and practicable.
• Modify the use and/or restrict the number of workstations and employee seating areas to maintain 6 ft. of distance in all directions. If not feasible, enact physical barriers (e.g. plastic shielding walls), in accordance with OSHA guidelines, in areas where they would not impair air flow, heating, cooling, or ventilation.
• Clearly designate separate entrances and exits, where possible.
• Place signage near hand sanitizer stations indicating that visibly soiled hands should be washed with soap and water; hand sanitizer is not effective on visibly soiled hands.
• Place receptacles around the movie theater for disposal of soiled items, including PPE.
• Perform screening remotely (e.g. by telephone or electronic survey), before individuals report to the movie theater, to the extent possible. Temperature checks may also be conducted per U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission or DOH guidelines.

See: "Interim COVID-19 Guidance for Movie Theaters" for further details on specific regulations and best practices.

Please note:

• These guidelines apply to all movie theaters permitted to operate; these guidelines do not apply to drive-in movie theaters, live performances, or performing arts venues.
• During the COVID-19 public health emergency, all owners and operators of movie theaters should stay up to date with any changes to state and federal requirements related to movie theater activities and incorporate those changes into their operations.
• This guidance is not intended to replace any existing applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and standards.

Child Care Providers

• The Office of Children and Family Services is working closely with the New York State Department of Health to supply child care providers with the most up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus.
  • Please see: OCFS Coronavirus Resources for Parents and Child Care Providers

Resources for Parents and Expecting Parents

• Adelphi University has an Institute for Parenting "Warmline" (calls are returned Mondays & Thursdays) for parents, caregivers, and educators of young children (ages 0-6) who have questions regarding babies' and young children's development and wellbeing, especially in times of heightened stress. Your call will be returned by an infant and early childhood specialist from the Institute for Parenting at Adelphi University. Contact: 516-515-1948. 
• Expecting mothers understandably are experiencing a lot of fear and concern right now, and to help address their concerns and get answers to their questions, Northwell Health has set up a hotline for expecting parents. If you’ve got questions, call: 833-487-2273.
• New York State will provide child care scholarships to essential workers. Child care costs will be covered for essential staff whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level — or $78,600 for a family of four. Essential workers (including health care providers, law enforcement, food delivery workers, grocery store employees and others) can use these scholarships to pay for their existing care arrangement.If an essential worker needs child care, they can use the below link to begin the application process (select by language spoken)
  • English Application
  • Spanish Application
  • Chinese Application

Below, you can find some helpful Online Education Resources to supplement your child's online learning: 

• Khan Academy
• TED
• Fun Brain
• National Geographic Kids
• Learn to Code
• Tips for talking to your kids about coronavirus.
•  Port Washington residents Dr. Lauren Block and Adam Block PhD created a beautifully illustrated e-book for kids aged 4-11 to help them make sense of the coronavirus and the world we’re living in today. The book is called “Kelly Stays Home: The Science of Coronavirus” and it's available FREE for download to anyone who is interested. If you have children in your family, visit https://www.kellystayshome.com/ and check it out!

Mental Health° and Substance Abuse* Resources

The outbreak of the coronavirus is a source of significant stress, anxiety and fear for many people, potentially causing overwhelming emotions in adults and children. If you begin to feel these or related emotions, please reach out to friends, family, or the resources below. We are all in this together.

• LICADD 24/7 Substance Use Hotline*: 516-747-2606 or 631-979-1700 (secure video sessions available), 
• Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 Crisis Hotline°: 516-679-1111, 
• Family & Children's Association°*: 516-746-0350
• RESPONSE Suffolk Crisis Hotline°: 631-751-7500
• Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services°*: 516-822-6111
• DASH (Diagnostic Assessment and Stabilization Hub)°*: 631-952-3333
• Mobile Crisis Intervention Team for Adults and Children°: 516-227-8255
• Phone and Online AA Meetings*
• SMART Recovery Online Community*
• NA Meetings Online*
• The State’s volunteer mental health hotline° is available for anyone who wants to call and make an appointment to talk to a professional, free of charge. We’re all going through a lot right now, and there are people who are standing by to help you through it. Call 844-863-9314
• In order to ensure New Yorkers have equitable access to critical mental health and substance abuse treatment, Governor Cuomo and the NY Department of Financial Services issued proposed regulations that would improve access to coverage for services and safeguard all New Yorkers rights under state and federal parity laws. For more information, visit Governor Cuomo’s website.  
• Headspace has teamed up with the New York Governor’s Office to offer free meditation and mindfulness content, curated specifically for the people of New York. To access this offering, please simply visit headspace.com/ny.
• Long Island’s two leading, county-based mental health organizations have begun offering online bereavement support groups designed to provide comfort, support, and “grief tools” to those who have lost loved ones to the COVID-19 virus. For more information and to register, go to www.bereavement.mhaw.org.
• Opioid overdoses have skyrocketed since the pandemic began, so knowing how to stop an overdose and save a life is more important than ever.  While in-person opioid overdose prevention trainings may be on pause for a while, you can now do it remotely just like everything else these days. Check out the NYS Community Calendar of Opioid Overdose Prevention Trainings to learn more: https://nyoverdose.org/Home/Calendar

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault

Amid an uptick in domestic violence incidents, NYS has launched a new 24/7 texting program and confidential online service to help abuse victims safely interact with the Domestic Violence hotline without being overheard by their abuser. If you’re in an unsafe situation, know that you’re not alone, and you’re not trapped. There is help—text 844-997-2121 or visit opdv.ny.gov.  

The Safe Center LI provides the following services to anyone in need:

• 24/7 Hotline for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, always operational and answered by a live person at 516-542-0404
• Ongoing Legal, Counseling, Advocacy, and Case Management (services will be continue remotely)
• The Child Advocacy Center is always operational to assist children and families
• As Nassau County’s only domestic violence shelter, it will remain open during the pandemic.
• For more information on The Safe Center, please visit:  http://www.tscli.org/
• Thanks to the support of Uber, Nassau County residents who need to escape a dangerous situation, or access support services, will have one less thing to worry about when seeking help:
  • Anyone in need can call The Safe Center’s 24/7 hotline at 516-542-0404, and operators will deploy an Uber to their location to bring them to a safe shelter or someplace else in order to access services, and the caller’s privacy will always be protected by personnel at the hotline.

Consumer Protection Tips 

Price Gouging

• If you become aware of any stores that may be price gouging on items such as cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer, please call the State Division of Consumer Protection at 1-800-697-1220 or call 311 to file a complaint. Report incidents of price gouging in Nassau County by email to: pricegouging@nassaucountyny.gov. 
• New York Attorney General Leticia James has created a dedicated price gouging complaint form specifically for offenses related to coronavirus.  

Scams

Unfortunately, there are people who are seeking to exploit our crisis in order to scam people in our community.  Please be vigilant and visit the following resources to learn more about the types of scams that exist, and how to avoid them.

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Information on Coronavirus Scams
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Look Out for Coronavirus-Related Investment Scams – Investor Alert web page
• New York Office of the Attorney General Guidance on Coronavirus Scams and Fraud

Employment Protections and Assistance

The New York State Department of Labor administers unemployment insurance benefits for New York State, and their website is a great first-stop if you're looking for answers to questions about unemployment benefits.

As Long Island continues to reopen, the New York State Department of Labor Jobs Express Website has a growing number of positions available in our region, with over thousands of jobs available in a number of different fields from businesses looking to hire immediately. Visit the Jobs Express website at jobs.ny.gov to check out what’s available. 

The CARES/HEROES Act

• HEROES ACT: The House of Representatives has passed a COVID-19 stimulus bill called the HEROES Act. This proposal calls for more than $3 trillion in aid to state and local governments, increases testing, extends unemployment insurance and provides for expansion of voting by mail.

  • The bill also proposes to give Americans another $1,200 in direct payments and additional mortgage relief. While the bill will likely pass the House, it will have an uphill battle in the US Senate. However, it is vital that state and local governments which have been devastated by the effects of this virus be given financial assistance in order for them to continue to fund basic public services including education, police and fire departments, road maintenance and sanitation services. I am hopeful that reason prevails, and this bill does not fall victim to another series of partisan divides. New York cannot wait any longer!
• The federal CARES Act was signed into law March 27, 2020 after passing both houses of Congress.
  • The Act provides enhanced UI benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers. 
    • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides payment to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (including people who are self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus emergency.  For more information, click here.
       

Coronavirus Emergency Paid Sick Leave Bill 

• On March 19, 2020, the State Legislature passed an emergency bill to enact paid sick leave for New Yorkers facing quarantine due to exposure to the virus, and waiving the 7-day waiting period for unemployment insurance. Effective immediately, employees in New York subjected to mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation are eligible for some form of paid leave. Sick leave for coronavirus will not be charged against existing accrued sick leave. 

​Who does this apply to? 

• Employers with 10 or fewer workers - unpaid sick leave until the termination of the emergency order. Eligible for paid family leave program ($840.70 per week) with any difference made up by disability insurance program (up to $2,043 per week). 
• Employers with between 11 and 99 employees, also includes high earning small employers - 5 days paid sick leave 
• Employers with 100 or more employees and all public employers - 14 days of paid sick leave during the order.  

To find out if you are eligible, and to apply for paid quarantine leave if you are, call 1-888-364-3065 or visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/paid-sick-leave-covid-19-impacted-new-yorkers. 
 

Additional Employment Protections and Resources: 

• NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus closures or quarantines. You can apply for UI benefits here
• The legislature passed a new law to provide death benefits for public frontline workers who died from COVID-19 during the state of emergency: See the bill here.
• Workers in New York State have up to 10 weeks of paid leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. This leave may not be used for your own health condition. For more information, please visit the NYS Paid Family Leave resource site or call the Paid Family Leave toll-free helpline at (844)337-6303. 
• The Family and Medical Leave Act provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave if you have a serious health condition or are caring for a family member with a serious health condition. You must have worked for your employer for a year and your employer must have 50 or more employees. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
• If you are sick, you may also be able to request unpaid leave as a reasonable accommodation under laws that prohibit disability discrimination. For more information, please visit the NYS Division of Human Rights
• If you have questions about your rights in the workplace or if you believe your employment protections have been violated, including violations of workforce reduction mandates and essential business guidance, please contact the OAG’s Labor Bureau: 212-416-8700.
• Short term disability insurance is potentially available to workers who take time off due to illness. For more information, please visit the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board
• Attorney General Letitia James’ office is closely monitoring the treatment of employees across the state as the workforce reduction mandates go into effect, and she’s publicized a hotline and email address for anyone to report a violation of existing state labor laws or any recent executive orders that are potentially putting workers in harm's way. Her office can be reached is 212-416-8700 or by email at labor.bureau@ag.ny.gov

Student and Medical Debt Relief

• New York Attorney General Letitia James has temporarily suspended medical and student debt collections referred to her office amid the coronavirus crisis for at least 30 days.
• New Yorkers with non-medical or non-student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the OAG, may also apply to temporarily halt the collection of state debt. Individuals seeking to apply for this temporary relief can fill out an application online or visit the OAG's coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. If an individual is unable to fill out the online form, they can also call the OAG hotline at 1-800-771-7755 to learn more.

Food Assistance and Food Banks

• In addition to operating food banks around Nassau, Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you. Give them a call at 631-873-4775 for assistance.
• Long Island Cares has a Find Food Pantries search tool and provides several mobile outreach programs that deliver emergency food to seniors, veterans, children and the homeless. A list of mobile events can be found on their Facebook page. If you are unable to get to any of these locations and are in need of immediate help or you know of someone, please call 631-582-FOOD (3663) ext. 109 or email emergencyresponse@licares.org.
• Pet Supply Help: Long Island Cares also provides Baxter's Pet Pantry and people who get food from their food bank locations can ask specifically to be provided with pet supplies including pet food and other supplies (bedding, cat towers, etc.).
• Grocery stores in our district are now offering special shopping hours for the elderly and immuno-comprimsed.  For a list of participating stores and further details, click here.
• Meals on Wheels provides meal services to seniors and other at-risk individuals.  For more information, click here or call 1-888-998-6325.
• Many restaurants in our community are still open for delivery and takeout service.  For a comprehensive list of restaurants in our district, along with details as to who is offering takeout and delivery, click here.
• S.N.A.P (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has expanded benefits and eligibility in response to COVID-19.  To see if you're eligible, click here.

Pet and Animal Care

Below are some helpful tips and information for keeping your fur-family members healthy and safe during this time. We all deserve to care for our pets best we can, no matter how hard a time we're going through: 

• Long Island Cares runs Baxter's Pet Pantry - "Initiated as a result of 2009 media coverage of families putting their pets up for adoption as a result of not being able to afford pet food, veterinary care and/or other services, Baxter’s Pet Pantry also offers toys, pet clothes, feeding bowls, cat litter and other pet supplies. Free pet food is available to pet owners through many of our local member agency food pantries."

  • Need free pet food or supplies? Contact one of Long Island Care's First Stop Pantries.
• Veterinarian practices are allowed to resume full operations statewide. Please refer to the Interim Guidance for Animal Care Operations for important information regarding essential animal care services
• Ensure you have enough food and treats for your four-legged family member! Online distributors and pet retailers remain open for these needs. 
• Consider fostering an animal! Contact your local shelter to see if they are in need of foster homes during this difficult time.  To find animal shelters in your area, click here.
• The Nassau County SPCA has launched a Coronavirus Hotline for Pet owners. The hotline will help pet owners get information they need, as well as help find important resources for their pets, including accessing pet food, medical services, temporary shelter, and supplemental care. Call 516-843-7722 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance.

​Considerations for COVID-19 patients under home care and isolation who have pets or other animals: 

• Let your public health point of contact know that you have pets or other animals in your home.
• Limit interaction with pets and other animals. Specifically, while symptomatic, maintain separation from pets as you would with other household members.
• Service animals are permitted to remain with their handlers. 
• Designate another household member to care for pets in the home. If this is not possible, ensure good hand washing before and after caring for pets.

Utilities

• 
  The governor has announced that more than $328 million in home heating aid is now available for low- and middle-income New Yorkers who need assistance keeping their homes warm during the coming winter season.
  • Applications are now being accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides federal funding to assist homeowners and renters with their heating costs during the cold weather months. HEAP may be able to help you if you heat your home with: oil, natural gas, electricity, or propane.  Find out more or apply online: here.
  • Eligible homeowners and renters may receive assistance of up to $741 from HEAP, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,019 or an annual gross income of $60,226 and still qualify for benefits, which is a modest increase from the previous year's threshold. 
  • If you'd rather not apply online, applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The following are Nassau County HEAP contacts:
    • 
      Nassau County Department of Social Services
      60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
      Uniondale, NY 11553
      Phone: (516) 227-8519
      Days Open: Monday - Friday
    • Nassau County Office for the Aging
      60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
      Uniondale, NY 11553
      Phone: (516) 227-7386
      Days Open: Monday - Friday
    • EAC (Education & Assistance Corp.)
      175 Fulton Avenue, 4th floor
      Hempstead, NY 11550
      Phone: (516) 565-4327
      Days Open: Monday - Friday
       
• New York State Public Service Law provides temporary protections for essential utility and municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you experienced a change of financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, utilities and municipalities may not shut off your service for nonpayment, must reconnect your service within 48 hours, and must offer you a deferred payment agreement to pay any balance due.
• There are immediate steps you can take to protect your utility service:
  • Contact your service provider: Your first step is always to contact your utility or municipality. Some utilities and municipalities may require you to self-certify that you’ve experienced a change in financial circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect your account from shutoff.
  • Ask for a deferred payment agreement: A deferred payment agreement allows you to pay your balance due in affordable, installment payments. Until March 31, 2021, utilities and municipalities are required to offer deferred payment agreements with no money down, late fees or penalties. You may be required to submit a financial statement or documentation to your service provider. You are still responsible for paying your utility or municipality bill during and after the moratorium period.
  • Pay what you can: While your account may be protected from shutoff, you will still be responsible for the charges for service. Paying what you can now will help you avoid a larger bill later.
  • Don’t wait until it’s too late. These temporary protections are only available until March 31, 2021. The sooner you contact your utility, the sooner your account will be protected from shutoff.
     
• Utility companies (PSEG LI, National Grid, and local water authorities) have been ordered to maintain service - even if an account becomes delinquent. Additionally, there is a moratorium on all new rate increases during the crisis.  An explanation of your rights under the Executive Order can be found here.
  • If you experience a service shut-off, please let my office know by calling 516-746-5924 or emailing kaplan@nysenate.gov, and contact the Department of Public Services (DPS) here.

Public Transportation

• Nassau Inter-County Express / NICE Bus: Per Governor Cuomo's order: Passengers are REQUIRED to wear a face mask or face covering while on the bus for the safety of other riders and operators.  Any passenger not wearing a mask may be refused service. NICE has provided their updated cleaning, precautions, and response policy online.
  • NEW: The NICE GoMobile app allows you to buy tickets anywhere, anytime in just seconds, without having to touch more than your phone. It's the quick and easy way to pay your fare, while reducing contact with public surfaces.
  • UPDATE: The Shore Road Shuttle pilot service is now known as the Port Washington Shuttle, offering weekday commuter service for Soundview and W. Shore Road to/from the Port Washington LIRR station. 
    • This innovative pilot service provides morning and evening PEAK commuter service for Soundview area residents to the Port Washington LIRR. The shuttle then continues its mid-day service along West Shore Road servicing Roslyn businesses surrounding the Clock Tower, Industrial Park and Fairway Drive, among other established stops.
      
      
• The Long Island Rail Road has resumed regular service, except on weekends for Third Rail Project construction. Please see the MTA's "Traveling safely during the coronavirus pandemic" page for further information on COVID-19 precautions.

Resources for Frontline Healthcare Professionals

• Health care workers can text “NYFRONTLINE” to 741-741 for access to 24/7 emotional support services from NYS.
• Hotels in our area are offering discounting rates for healthcare professionals during the coronavirus crisis.  Click here for more information.
• And most of all, our community says "THANK YOU!" for your work during this difficult year.

Nursing Homes, Long Term Care Facilities, & Senior Centers

• The State Health Department has concluded an in-depth analysis of Covid-19 data from the state’s nursing homes in an effort to learn for the future from what took place during the earliest days of the pandemic.  ­­The study demonstrated that Covid fatalities in nursing homes were related to infected nursing home staff, and that, like in other congregate settings such as workplaces, hospitals, and houses of worship, asymptomatic carriers helped the virus to spread quickly throughout the facilities.  The report details extensive findings with significant supporting data, and I can’t do it justice by summarizing it in just one paragraph, so if you’re interested in learning more about this topic, I strongly encourage you to learn more about the study and its findings or read the report it in its entirety.

• 
  Starting July 20th, New York began to allow visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities on a limited basis. Visits will be allowed at facilities that have been free of new Covid-19 cases for at least 28 days in alignment with CDC guidance. There will be a limit of two visitors able to visit a resident at a time, with one of them being at least 18 years old, and all visitors must undergo a temperature check upon entry, wear a mask, and practice social distancing.   

On March 20, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced Matilda's Law to protect NYers aged 70+ and those with compromised immune systems. The guidelines are as follows: 

• Do not go to the homes of your relatives or homes with multiple people in them.
• Limit visits in your own home to immediate family members or close friends for emergency purposes only. 
• Any visitors to your home should be screened for fever before being allowed to enter.
• Everyone in the home of a senior or vulnerable person (including the vulnerable person themselves) should wear a mask for the duration of the visit.
• Engage only in solitary outdoor exercise activities (taking a walk, etc.)
• Stay home unless necessary to obtain supplies, medical care, or emergency services.

Additionally, please find the below resources for Seniors: 

• LICC Senior Helpline: 516-679-0000
• RSVP Suffolk Senior Reassurance Line: 631-979-9490
• Circulo de la Hispanidad, Inc – Project SALVA 24/7 Billingual Domestic Violence Hotline: (516) 889-2849
• Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs Senior HELP-LINE Available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm: (516) 227-8900
• Supervisor Bosworth and the Town of North Hempstead launched a new program to provide our seniors with remote companionship during these isolating times.  The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program matches volunteers with seniors in the Project Independence program, and is designed to provide a sense of reassurance and comfort.  To participate or to volunteer, call 311 or 516-869-6311.​
• The Alzheimer's Association is running support groups via telephone/webinar, as well as a 24/7 hotline for those in need.  For more information, call (800) 272-3900 or click here.

Governor Cuomo announced efforts to provide further oversight of the conditions inside New York’s nursing homes. The State DOH and Attorney General Tish James will be reviewing compliance with all DOH directives, CDC directives, and executive orders, and will inspect any facilities found out of compliance with any of these rules, including staffing policies, family/resident notification policies, staff safety provisions, and policies around usage of PPE.

• Are you concerned that a family member of yours isn't getting proper care in a nursing home? If so, we encourage you to file a complaint by calling 833-249-8499 or by visiting www.ag.ny.gov/nursinghomes.

Island Harvest has launched a free food package distribution program specifically to help out our seniors in need.  Food packages include items like cereal, rice, pasta, beans, canned vegetables and fruits, canned proteins, cheese, shelf-stable milk, juice, peanut butter, and soup.  To qualify, you must be 60 or over, a NY State resident (US & Non-US citizens are eligible) and verify your income.  To see if you qualify, contact marilyn@islandharvest.org or call 631-873-4775

In order to help our seniors during this difficult time, the Town of North Hempstead has waived all Project Independence taxi ride fees for regular food shopping, medical appointments, and COVID testing during the pandemic, and they have expanded the shopping program to seven days per week, town-wide. TONH Residents can call 311 to make an appointment.

Veterans 

• New York State Division of Veterans' Services (DVS) offices are re-opening across the state. For the safety of all involved, they have new operating procedures in place, including:
  • Create an appointment for an online consultation (though in-person can be done upon request)
  • Wear PPE or face coverings during in-person visits, maintain social distancing, and be ready for temperature checks
  • You can contact DVS in the following ways:
    • Send an email with your name, county, contact information, and brief description of your concern to DVSInfo@veterans.ny.gov
    • Call 888.838.7697 to speak to a representative to assist you
    • Contact your Veterans Benefits Advisor by phone or email, if you are already working with one, or
    • You can always call our District Office at 516-746-5924 for further guidance or assistance.

• The Nassau County Veterans Services Agency is continuing to provide critical services to our county's heroes.  If you are a Vet in need, please do not hesitate to call the VSA at 516-572-6565. 

  • Counseling services for veterans will take place over the phone
  • Transportation services will continue to drive Veterans to important medical procedures.
    • Vehicles are thoroughly cleaned before and after each trip. 
• Nassau County's "Vet Mart" food pantry is open to vets in need, and now has a drive-up program. If you can't pick up, volunteers can come to you. The pantry is located at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building Q, on the campus of Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, and is open Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Contact: 516-572-6526

How You Can Help

• The Nassau Veterans Association is in need of drivers to help with deliveries and transportation services. Call 516-572-6565 for more info. 
• New York State is seeking highly trained technologists to assist with our Covid-19 Technology SWAT team. Individuals from leading global technology companies are being deployed across high-impact and urgent coronavirus response activities across a range of functions, including Web/Mobile Development, Data Science/Analytics, End User Support and Digital Content Strategy. Individuals, technology companies, universities, nonprofits, research labs, and other organizations with technology expertise are invited to submit an expression of interest. Learn more at https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-covid-19-technology-swat-team
• In order to help research effective treatments for Coronavirus, plasma donations are needed from people who tested positive for coronavirus but have since resolved and gotten better. Your plasma will be used to help save lives of ill patients using the convalescent plasma method, and you can learn more and donate by visiting https://www.nybc.org/donate-blood/convalescent-plasma/
• The State established a new partnership with the New York State Court System to create a pro bono network of volunteer lawyers to provide New Yorkers in need with free legal assistance. Volunteers will begin to receive training and start offering assistance next week. Lawyers interested in volunteering can sign up at www.nysba.org/covidvolunteer
• To help support our First Responders, New York created the First Responders Fund. The fund will assist COVID-19 health care workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care. The State Department of Health is accepting donations for the fund, and received an anchor $10 million contribution from Blackstone. Donations can be made electronically at www.healthresearch.org/donation-form.
• If you see people putting themselves and others at risk of infection by defying the Governor’s executive orders, the Nassau Police urge you to contact shutdownenforcement@nassaucountyny.gov or call Nassau County Fire Communications - Firecom on their 24/7 hotline at 516-742-3170 for a more urgent situation.
  • The Governor increased the maximum fine for violations of the state’s social distancing protocols from $500 to $1,000.  If you would like to report a violation of social distancing protocols, call 1-833-789-0470.
• Amid a shortage of personal protective equipment — or PPE — products in the state, including gloves, masks and gowns, the Governor is asking all PPE product providers to sell to the state any products that are not essential or not currently being used. Businesses interested in selling products to the state should contact Simonida Subotic at 646-522-8477 or covid19supplies@exec.ny.gov.
• The Governor is encouraging any company with the proper equipment or personnel to begin to manufacture PPE products if possible. The state is willing to provide funding to any company to obtain the proper equipment and personnel. Businesses interested in receiving state funding to manufacture PPE products should contact Eric Gertler at 212-803-3100 or covid19supplies@exec.ny.gov.
• NYS is accepting donations of essential goods, services, and spaces to support New York’s response to the coronavirus public health emergency. For more information, click here.
• New York Blood Center is reporting critical shortages of donated blood, which is becoming even more important during this national emergency. If you are unsure if you can donate, but would like to, call the NYBC experts at 800-688-0900 or visit nybloodcenter.org for more information.
• RXR Realty has created a platform called RXR Volunteer, where accountants, attorneys, consultants and others with important skill sets, can offer their services to small business owners, non-profit leaders and others trying to navigate through our present crisis.  The site is currently open to volunteers and those seeking help.  Click here for more information.
• Frontline Foods is now in Nassau County and they need donations to do their great work supporting our local restaurants and our healthcare heroes. This innovative nonprofit organization takes your 100% tax-deductible donation, uses it to purchase food at local restaurants in our community, and brings the food to our healthcare heroes in local hospitals. Visit https://www.frontlinefoods.org/nassaucounty to learn more and make a donation.
• The Village of Flower Hill has established a Volunteer Corps with the goal of identifying village residents who may not be able to get their own food, supplies, or need other assistance during the crisis, and to help them. For any Flower Hill resident in need of assistance, or any resident interested in volunteering, contact 516-627-5000 or email them: volunteer@villageflowerhill.org .

Stay Connected

While we are all doing our best to ensure that we practice effective physical distancing, it's important that we remain socially connected. Below are some virtual activities for you to engage in to keep healthy both physically and mentally during this difficult time.

• Organize weekly virtual hangout sessions with family and friends where you watch a movie, drink tea, talk about life and helpful coping mechanisms, play games and enjoy each others’ company!
• Sign up for Senator Anna M. Kaplan’s Coronavirus Update Emails here.
• Remember to virtually celebrate important milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, test grades and more.
• The Adelphi Breast Cancer Program is hosting numerous online self-help programs, including a four-week Paths To Wellness Online Series and a six-week Art Therapy Support Group.  For more information, visit the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program website here.
• Subscribe to one (or more) of our fabulous local news publications.  For a list of community newspapers serving our area, click here
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is hosting weekly Virtual Creativity Exhibits. To learn more and to participate, click here.
• The Herstory Writers Workshop is offering free community workshops in English and Spanish for students, as well as parents, grandparents, and guardians, helping empower you to find your voice and raise it up. If you’re already an avid writer, or you’ve never taken the journey on your own, now is a great time to explore your story. Learn more at http://www.herstorywriters.org/online-workshops-for-our-time.

General Information, Hotlines, Newsletters, and Fact Sheets

• New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Information/Resource Page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• New York State 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065​
• Sign up to get Senator Kaplan's Nassau Coronavirus Update delievered straight to your inbox each day.
• Sign up to get Governor Cuomo's Coronavirus Update delivered straight to your inbox each day
• Nassau County Coronavirus Hotline: 516-227-9570
• Get updates from Nassau County in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Hindi/Urdu
• If you would like to report a violation of social distancing protocols, call 1-833-789-0470 or click here.
• As of April 9, the first round of federal relief payments started and, if eligible, will be deposited directly into your bank account.   For more more information, click here.
• Simple steps help stop the spread of Coronavirus and other viruses (Available in several other languages here) 
• How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Coronavirus (from NYS Department of Health) 
• What to do if you are sick (CDC Guidelines) 
• Nassau County Department of Health
• List of Disinfectant Products Registered in NY for Use Against Coronavirus
• The Nassau County Bar is offering legal help for residents and small businesses of Nassau County. Anyone with legal questions or issues can contact the Bar by emailing covidhelp@nassaubar.org, and your email will be handled by a volunteer attorney who will assist you through a consultation.
• The Hillside Public Library is holding a webinar on Financial Challenges Dues to Illness or Death of a Loved One which will address financial concerns while breaking down activities that need to be done now, soon, and later. The event, which is taking place Wednesday, July 15, is presented by Daniel Mazzola CFA, CPA in partnership with the Hillside Library. You can register by clicking here.

Governor Cuomo has provided extensive details on how New York will proceed with a careful and methodical reopening of our communities. As has been detailed before, each region will be opened on its own timeline, based on the circumstances on the ground in that region. To guide the decision on timing, four key metrics will be used: the number of new infections, health care capacity, diagnostic testing, and contact tracing.  ​For the full details, please click here.

Starting Wednesday, July 8, Long Island will enter Phase Four of reopening.   Phase Four will include everything from Phase Three (see below), plus:

• Higher education: including but not limited to community and junior colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, medical schools, and technical schools. ​
• Low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment: outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agritourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions; and other similar institutions/activities. ​
• Low-risk indoor arts and entertainment: indoor museums, historical sites, aquariums, and other related institutions or activities​.
• Media production: All activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site. ​
• Professional sports competitions with no fans: Stadiums or arenas with professional sports events, except for collegiate sports, horse racing or auto racing.

What won’t be reopening just yet?  Because we continue to make adjustments to our reopening strategy based on the best data we have available to us at all times, Phase 4 will not include casinos or movie theaters, as the state continues to review the science and facts on their reopening.

Malls on Long Island are now open for business after making changes and improvements to meet state standards for air quality and safety. Changes include upgraded HVAC systems with advanced filters that trap the Coronavirus, increasing outdoor airflow into the space, reduced circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks.

Certain outdoor sports and activities can now resume statewide with restrictions, including baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, field hockey, gymnastics, paintball, and no-contact lacrosse.  The guidelines on what type of play is allowed, and guidelines for ensuring player safety, can be found on Governor Cuomo’s website.

In order to protect our hard-won successes, Governor Cuomo announced new regulations for bars and restaurants to ensure compliance with social distancing and face covering orders. The “Three Strikes and You’re Closed” initiative will apply to New York City restaurants, and under it, any establishment that receives three violations will be closed for business. Egregious violations can result in immediate loss of liquor license or closure before a third strike. If the state is alerted to similar noncompliance in other regions of the state, these restrictions will be extended to those areas immediately. This measure became necessary after similar scenes played out across NYC where streets were becoming open-air bars with customers blatantly ignoring social distancing rules and creating an atmosphere ripe for transmission of coronavirus.

• Additionally, all restaurants and bars statewide will be subject to new requirements that they must only serve alcohol to people who are ordering and eating food and that all service at bar tops must only be for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by a physical barrier. Under current law, only establishments that serve food are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. With so many other states starting over and shutting down their economy, we know what’s at stake here—please social distance and please continue wearing a mask in public.

Phase 3 includes everything in Phase 2 (please see below) plus gatherings of up to up to 25 people, personal care services like nail salons, and dine-in restaurants. 

• ​For more information on what businesses are open in Phase 3, as well as guidance for businesses reopening, visit https://forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries
• To monitor Long Island’s reopening progress, visit the regional dashboard and select Long Island in the upper right corner. 

Phase 2 includes:

Restaurants can reopen for outdoor dining with restrictions:

• Servers and staff must wear masks at all times
• Patrons must wear masks when not seated at their table
• All other social distancing rules apply including maintaining 6 feet between tables

All office-based jobs can resume with restrictions:

• Office building will be limited to 50% of occupancy capacity
• Employees will need to undergo daily screenings with tools like temperature checks and questionnaires
• Masks, plexi-glass, or other barriers will be required if 6 feet distance can’t be maintained
• Signage and distance markers will be required in close quarters like bathrooms and breakrooms
• No congregation will be able to take place in small areas and in-person meetings will be limited
• No meetings can take place without social distancing
• No communal sharing of food or beverages.

In-store retail shopping can resume with restrictions:

• Retail stores will be limited to 50% maximum occupancy
• Employees must wear face coverings when interacting with customers and coworkers
• Customers must wear face coverings, if medically able
• Stores must control foot traffic with designated signage and markers
• Stores should continue use of curbside/in-store pickup where possible
• Shared amenities should be closed including self-serve sampling stations and bars
• Store owners can prohibit customers who don’t wear masks
• Malls are closed except stores that have external entrances. All mall retail may proceed with curbside pickup.

Barbershops and hair salons will reopen with limited services and restrictions:

• Salons and barbershops will be limited to 50% of maximum capacity
• Only hair services will be available. Massages, hair removal, beard trimmings, facials, and nail services will remain prohibited.
• Employees must wear face coverings and face shields while performing hair services at all times
• Customers must wear face coverings at all times
• Services will be available by appointment only
• Employees are strongly encouraged to get tested before reopening
• Customers are urged to inquire about employee testing status
• Employees interacting with customers must be tested at least once every two weeks
• Shops will be required to keep a log of customers to perform tracing in the event staff test positive

The CDC posted a detailed guidance document for reopening schools, mass transit, and nonessential businesses. The plan outlines a three-phased approach for reducing social distancing and proposes the use of six “gating” indicators to assess when to move through to another phase. The guidance recommends that schools remain closed in the first phase, along with most child-care programs, and bars, and that restaurants should be limited to takeout only. They also recommend that mass transit remain closed to all but essential workers in the first phase. You can read the full guidance document here.

Certain outdoor sports and activities can now resume statewide with restrictions, including baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, field hockey, gymnastics, paintball, and no-contact lacrosse.  The guidelines on what type of play is allowed, and guidelines for ensuring player safety, can be found on Governor Cuomo’s website

Pre-K - 12 Schools

• Schools in our area are continuing to provide free meals for students who typically receive free or reduced lunch or breakfast in the classroom. 
• ​ Click here for more information about school meal programs being provided in our community
• In response to COVID-19, The College Board is developing AP Exams for this year that students can take from home. Students can take this year's online AP Exams either during the May 11-22 window or the June 1-5 window.  For more information, click here. 
• The State Education Department has suspended all state assessments for grades 3 to 8 for the remainder of the school year. The state has applied for federal waivers for testing, accountability and reporting requirements, and the federal education department has announced that they will grant waivers to states in these circumstances.  Cick here for more information.
• The State Education Department (SED) has cancelled this year's regents exams.
• Governor Cuomo announced that summer school will be conducted through distance learning this year to help reduce the risk of spread of the coronavirus.  
• The State will make a determination on the fall semester and issue guidelines in June so schools and colleges can start to plan for a number of different possibilities.
• The College Board has cancelled the June 6 SAT exam, but plans to expand opportunities for high school students to take the SAT, including offering the college entrance exam once a month beginning in August if public health allows. The organization said it is also considering administering the test at home if schools remain closed in the fall.  More updates on the PSAT and SAT available here.
• The National Federation of State High School Associations released a 16 page guidance document titled “Guidance for State Associations to Consider in Re-opening High School Athletics and Other Activities,” outlining protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. It advises that high school sports return in three phases. In the first, there are highly modified practices in lower- and moderate-risk sports. Only in the third phase do higher-risk sports like football, wrestling and competitive cheerleading begin competition. Now common practices like social distancing, disinfecting equipment and donning face coverings wherever possible are central in each phase. You can read the full guidance document here.
• If you’re looking for a fun activity for your child this summer, consider joining me for this year’s Summer Reading Program!  This year, libraries across the state will be offering a selection of exciting online and virtual programming – special events, reading challenges, fun activities, and more – throughout the summer months from June through August. To sign up for Summer Reading and find out what YOUR local library has planned for summer reading and summer learning programs, check out your local library’s website .  And don’t forget to visit https://www.nysenate.gov/nyread to sign up and record your child’s progress, so that I can recognize their achievement with a special Senate Certificate!
• The Herstory Writers Workshop is offering free community workshops in English and Spanish for students, as well as parents, grandparents, and guardians, helping empower you to find your voice and raise it up. If you’re already an avid writer, or you’ve never taken the journey on your own, now is a great time to explore your story.  Learn more at http://www.herstorywriters.org/online-workshops-for-our-time

Resources for Businesses

• Empire State Development Covid-19 Resources
• PSEG-LI is launching a Small Business First program to provide upwards of $2,500 in rebates to upgrade to more efficient lighting, which can help lower electric bills.  Learn more about the program and how to apply at https://www.psegliny.com/businessandcontractorservices/businessandcommercialsavings/
• If you were unable to attend my recent webinar on “Reinventing your small business in a reopened community,” worry not, you can catch a replay anytime at facebook.com/annamkaplan. The event featured practical advice and a thought-provoking discussion with experts from the US Small Business Administration, the Farmingdale Small Business Development Center, and Empire State Development.  
• Long Island SCORE in Hauppauge is a nonprofit organization offering free mentoring and educational workshops for entrepreneurs/small business owners. For more information visit http://longisland.score.org/ or call 631-454-0771 .
• The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program has exhausted its funding, and the SBA will no longer take applications for the $10,000 grants. However, the companion program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) continue to take applications. To apply, go to https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ 
• Legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through August 8 has been signed into law by the President.  This gives businesses and nonprofits an additional 5 weeks to apply for the loan program and allows the US Small Business Administration to resume approving PPP loan applications.  As of 7/7/20, there is still more than $130 billion available for PPP loans, which are federally guaranteed loans for up to $10 million with an interest rate of 1% and a five-year term. The loans may be forgiven in some cases, and borrowers must have 500 or fewer employees.
• As New York begins Phase 4 reopening of some regions across the state, the Governor’s Office has created yet another helpful online tool to help you navigate the reopening process. The New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool will help you determine whether or not your business is eligible to reopen. Check it out at https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward
• The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership is holding a series of webinars to help Manufacturing Businesses survive our present situation. Check out what’s coming up at https://newyorkmep.org/covid19-webinars/
• On May 26, the state launched the New York Forward Loan Fund, a $100 million fund to provide flexible and affordable loans to help our small businesses, especially MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) that did not receive federal Covid-19 assistance. The program will take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on truly small businesses, with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. If you’re a small business who didn’t get federal assistance, you should learn more about this program. To learn more and apply, visit esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans
• Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the entire Town Board unanimously approved resolutions designed to help businesses impacted by Covid-19. The package of legislation will be eligible for a vote on June 18th and includes proposals like refunds for certain building department fees, extended hours for commercial construction, local preference in contracting, and expanded opportunity for outdoor seating for restaurants. For more information, click here. 
• The National SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Information Clearing House has extensive, industry-specific resources to help your small business weather the coronavirus outbreak and navigate a safe reopening.  There’s information, guidance, tools, and support for a wide variety of businesses, from restaurants, to retailers, to service businesses, manufacturers, and so much more.  Check it out here.
• Senator Kaplan held two webinars on Facebook Live to help small business owners make sense of the different relief programs that exist to help during this difficult time.  You can watch the replays here.
• Newsday hosted a webinar on Helping Long Island Businesses Survive Coronavirus: the latest on the paycheck protection program and economic injury disaster loans.  Click here to watch the webinar.
• Guidance for determining whether a business enterprise is subject to a workforce reduction under recent executive orders
• The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) held its weekly webinar on the topic of “Small Business and COVID-19: PPP Loan Forgiveness Explained and Other Questions Answered.  To watch, click here.
• The US Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service center can be contacted with any questions about SBA disaster assistance at 800-659-2955.
• The US Small Business Administration is offering several temporary programs to help small businesses during the Covid-19 outbreak, including:
  • Paycheck Protection Program, which is a loan program that provides forgiveness for retaining employees
  • EIDL Loan Advance - Economic Injury Disaster Loan, which is a loan advance that will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties
  • SBA Express Bridge Loans, which enable small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly
  • SBA Debt Relief, which provides financial reprieve to small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic
• New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering free remote counseling sessions with business advisers. Get assistance with how to start a business, the small-business loan application process and more. You must schedule an appointment, and you can do so by calling at 800-732-7232, or visiting nysbdc.org/appointment.html  
• Hofstra University’s Business Development Center provides education and support to business owners through seminars, workshops, boot camps, and its Entrepreneurship Assistance Center. For more information, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/community/bdc/index.html or contact bdc@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-7214.
• The Farmingdale Small Business Development Center provides education and support to business owners in Nassau and Suffolk.  Visit farmingdale.edu/sbdc for more information, or call 934-420-2765
• La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corp. provides economic growth opportunities to low-income, minority and women owned enterprises. It serves Nassau and Suffolk counties. For information about SBA disaster relief, visit https://lafuerzacdc.org/ or call or text 516-666-5071, or email Covid19@Lafuerzacdc.org
• Long Island Development Corporation in Hauppauge provides low cost loans and technical assistance to help small businesses grow.  For more information, visit www.lidc.org or call 516-433-5000
• The Main Street Lending Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is intended to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion.  For more information, visit http://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-the-main-street-lending-program

The 2020 Census 

• Please visit https://www.census.gov/ to complete the census survey online or by phone at 844-330-2020. 
• Review these guides for helpful instruction on completing the survey Responding Online Responding by Phone Responding by Mail
• You can complete the census online or by phone in 13 different languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese. For language support, please visit Language Support.

What You Need to Know (Last updated 7/8/20)

• Governor Cuomo has issued an executive order requiring all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public.
  • The CDC has guidelines on how to wear a cloth face covering properly, as well as how to make your own using materials you probably already have around the house. 
• With New York's Contact Tracing program under-way, New Yorkers should be on the lookout from calls that come through on your phone from “NYS Contact Tracing”. 
  • If you get one of these calls, please pick up your phone. It’s important to speak with our local contact tracers if they’re trying to reach you, so that you can make informed decisions about your health. 
• New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to donate blood. Here’s information on how to donate.
• New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through the NY State of Health through August 15, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.  For more information, click here.
• The Emergency Rent Relief program that we passed in the legislature and that was signed into law by Governor Cuomo is now in effect and qualifying New Yorkers may apply through New York State Homes and Community Renewal at https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP Eligible households must meet income requirements and must have lost income during the period of April 1 to July 31. Applications must be submitted by July 30, and HCR will prioritize eligible households with the greatest economic and social need. 
• ​There are more than 145 coronavirus vaccines in the development pipeline around the world, with several progressing to limited human trials, and a handful in phase II and III testing.  If you’re interested in seeing real-time information about vaccines currently in development, check out the New York Times Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker for up-to-date information. 
• The Board of Law Examiners has canceled the September 9-10 bar exam in New York due to concerns over the health and safety of all participants. For more information about the implications of this decision, visit http://nycourts.gov/ctapps/ 
• The CDC has put together a “Resuming Business Toolkit” designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of Covid-19 and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings.  No sure whether you’re ready to resume business?  Use CDC’s decision tools as a start.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/resuming-business-toolkit.html

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020

• Voting on Election Day:
  • Vote in-person at your local poll site, which you can look up here.
  • The time to request an absentee ballot has passed, but:
    • If you still have an absentee ballot, it can be hand delivered to drop boxes at Election Day polling places.
  • Note sure if you are registered? Voters who are unsure of their registration status may either call the Nassau County Board of Elections at 516-571-8683 or search for yourself in the State Board of Elections database.

Dear Participants and our fellow Community Members,

In February through early March, my office recieved dozens of submissions from local students in honor of Black History Month on the theme "A Black Trailblazer Who Inspires Me."

My office is so thankful for these wonderful contributions. They truly brightened our office during such uncertain and often difficult times. We received outstanding artwork and written words that exemplify not only the creativity of New York State’s young people - but their hopes for a better society in which all of us are valued for who we are.

As a proud representative of the 7th Senate District, I would like to offer my wholehearted congratulations to all of the participants in this year’s Black History Month creative arts submissions.

It is my hope that the wider community is able to draw positivity and inspiration from the works of these students here in our online resource guide, just as they would an art display brightening the halls of a government office or public facility before the pandemic.

Until we can all be together again safely, I want to wish you and your families both safety and positivity as we enter the new season of Spring. 

Sincerely,

Anna M. Kaplan

2021 Black History Month Creative Arts Submissions

Clara H. Carlson Elementary School, Elmont

Ariel Amadike, written word (inspired by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles) - 3rd grade
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Abbey Bierd, work of art (inspired paintiner Aaron Douglas) - kindergarten
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Dutch Broadway Elementary School, Elmont

Olivia Amit, work of art (inspired by Rosa Parks) - 2nd grader
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Hampton Street Elementary School, Mineola

"The second grade students created an original heart design in art class to celebrate Black History Month. The heart is our symbol for Love, Respect, Kindness and Empathy towards others." -Jaclyn Altman, Art Teacher 

Eden Ardrovic, work of art
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Luis Marte, work of art
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Paisley Ramclam, work of art
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Brandon Yao, work of art
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Nicholas Young, work of art
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Meadow Drive School, Mineola

"This year for Black History Month, Meadow Drive school celebrated and recognized the theme “A Black Trailblazer Who Inspires Me” through collaborative art projects. Each class in grades Pre-K-2 colored and put together a collaboration mural of a person who inspires them. The halls of Meadow Drive are filled with colorful murals of change makers who influence these young learners and their future goals. Some of these figures below include: Rosa Parks, Booker T. Washington, Ruby Bridges, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan." --Mrs. Sara Ortiz, Principal of Meadow Drive School

Logan B., written word (inspired by athlete Jackie Robinson)
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Annie G., written word (inspired by Olympic athlete Gabby Douglas)
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Vanessa K., written word (inspired by recording artist and director Beyoncé Knowles-Carter)
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Lorenzo P., written word (inspired by civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
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Munsey Park Elementary School, Manhasset

Mark Sabbatino, written word (inspired by Bass Reeves, the 1st Black U.S. Marshal) - 2nd grade
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Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset 

Lily Knapp, work of art (inspired by designer Amsale Aberra, who created her mother's wedding dress) - 5th grade
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