3/22 Coronavirus Pandemic Update - Please Stay Inside!
March 22, 2020
Dear Friends,
There are many updates to share on how the State is working aggressively to keep every New Yorker safe. In these uncertain and difficult times, it is important that you know my staff and I are always here for you.
While our physical offices closed last week due to the current restrictions, my entire staff has been working remotely for you. Residents can call either (845) 623-3627 or (914) 941-2054 between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and speak with a case worker or email me directly anytime at carlucci@nysenate.gov.
Please be assured, we are working through this crisis and are here for you when you have a problem.
LATEST UPDATES
Tonight at 8:00 p.m. 100% of the workforce must stay home. This does not include essential employees, for more information, click here.
In these challenging times it can feel like there is nothing we can do to help, but this is not the case. There are many things we can do to keep each other safe and not inundate our health care system:
1) Stay home, unless you are an essential employee, need medical care or groceries.
2) Practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet from others.
3) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
4) Wipe down high-touch surface areas with soap and water.
5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6) Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue.
7) Do not call 911 unless its a life threatening emergency.
Right now, our health care workers, firefighters, police, volunteer EMS, public transit workers, childcare workers, grocers, pharmacists, airport workers, Uber drivers, and others are on the front lines. They are ensuring our State can continue to operate. These selfless heroes deserve our sincerest gratitude, and it’s all our jobs to help them stay safe by continuing to stay inside and practice the guidance above.
I will be continuing weekly teleconferences through Facebook Live to update residents on the State's efforts. Please continue to monitor these emails for updates and do not hesitate to reach out with questions by emailing me at carlucci@nysenate.gov.
Here is what you need to know:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Testing
The Department of Health has issued guidance to ensure that New York State prioritizes the resources to meet the most urgent public health need.
Testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider when:
- An individual has come within proximate contact (same classroom, office, or gatherings) of another person known to be positive; or
- An individual has traveled to a country that the CDC has issued a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice, and shows symptoms of illness; or
- An individual is quarantined (mandatory or precautionary) and has shown symptoms of COVID-19 illness; or
- An individual is symptomatic and has not tested positive for any other infection; or
- Other cases where the facts and circumstances warrant as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state and local department of health officials.
- You should call your primary care doctor and seek a prescription for the test if you meet the criteria above or you can contact the NYSDOH - New York State Health Department's 24-hour hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.
Hospital Care
The State has identified four initial sites for temporary hospitals in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers.
The four sites are the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY Old Westbury and the Westchester Convention Center. The Army Corps is expected to immediately begin work to construct the temporary hospitals.
Hospital Equipment
The State has identified 2 million N95 masks for purchase and will send 1 million to New York City and 500,000 to Long Island. New York apparel manufacturers are converting their operations to begin manufacturing masks and other medical equipment. Also, the state purchased 6,000 additional critically needed ventilators. We are now scouring the globe looking for medical supplies. If you can help, with personal protective equipment please call: 646-522-8477 or email: COVID19supplies@esd.ny.gov.
New Drug Therapies Being Explored
New York’s Health Commissioner Dr. Zucker has recommended trials for new drug therapy to help combat COVID-19. The FDA is acquiring 10,000 doses of Hydroxychloroquine and Zithromax for New York State to use on a trial basis.
Mental Health Pandemic
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's critically important we address mental health as part of the public health response. The State is calling on psychologists, therapists and other mental health professionals to volunteer their services to help with New York's Coronavirus response. To sign up, visit health.ny.gov/assistance. If you are need of mental health services or looking for someone to speak with please visit:
Mental Health Association in Rockland County - Speak with a Client and Family Advocate at 845-267-2172 x296.
Mental Health Association in Westchester County
National Alliance on Mental Illness - New York State - 518-248-7634 for inquiries about resources and services, support groups and classes.
Young People: Please Stay Home
We are seeing some not taking this crisis seriously. We need everyone to practice social distancing, especially in parks and outdoors. Younger people aren't invincible: in fact, 54% of New York State Coronavirus cases are ages 18-49. Some may have mild to no symptoms, it's critically important you do not endanger your health or the health of others.
Enacting Matilda's Law
We are taking action to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems. Matilda's Law asks seniors to:
Remain indoors
Can go outside for solitary exercise
Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature
Wear a mask in the company of others
Stay at least 6 feet from others
Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
What's Closed & What's Open?
- Bars and restaurants, but they are open for takeout and delivery
- Barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing salons, nail salons, hair removal services and related personal care services
- Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys
- Pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, gas stations, auto repair, liquor stores, airports, mass transit, hotels, hospitals, childcare services, laundromats, and new media remain open.
Tax Filing Deadline Changes
New York’s tax filing deadline is being moved to July 15th in the wake of the conronavirus. The new deadline applies to individuals and businesses.
DMV Closed For All In-Office Visits
The Department of Motor Vehicles is closed for all in-office visits. The DMV will do online transactions. License and permit expirations will be extended, so if your driver's license is about to expire — don't worry.
Reducing Financial Hardship
Mortgage payments will be waived based on financial hardship, 90 days or 3 months, meaning no evictions of any residential or commercial tenants. In addition, there will be no negative reporting to credit bureaus, a grace period for loan modifications, and a removal of late payment fees or online payment fees. State-chartered banks must waive ATM fees, late fees, overdraft fees and fees for credits cards to help lessen the financial hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Helping Small Businesses
I called on the State to delay the sales tax due for collection last Friday, and this has been honored. Small businesses who missed Friday's (3/20) deadline will not face penalties or interest if they did not make a payment. We want to insure our small businesses will not have to close their doors and can get added support where we can offer it. Small businesses in Rockland and Westchester Counties can also apply for Disaster Recovery Loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by going to: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. If businesses need additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Small businesses will need to create an account and complete the application that references the Disaster # CT-00046. Click here for a step-by-step guide for applying. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2020.
Big Thank You's
Morning Show host Kelly Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos donated $1 million to the State to help purchase ventilators and support WIN, the largest provider of shelter for New York City's homeless families.
Fashion designer, Christian Siriano has reached out to the State and has his team making masks for medical professionals on the front lines.
Norcina, a local New City restaurant had a very generous out of state customer, Eddie Stapleton call in 10 large pies, which they matched and donated 20 pizzas to the health care workers at Good Sam Hospital in Suffern.
