Westchester Reopening Update 5-28-2020
May 28, 2020
Dear Friends:
This week, the New York State legislature was back in session for the first time since we adopted a budget for FY 2020-2021. Our focus this week was to address the many challenges that have arisen since the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic. We passed bills to extend the moratorium on utility shut-offs for those who have been financially impacted by the pandemic (S.8113A, Senator Parker); require state chartered banks to make applications for forbearance (payment relief) widely available to qualified mortgagors (S.8243C, Senator Kavanaugh); extend paratransit certifications through August and allow riders to refuse & reschedule shared rides without penalty (S.8119C, Senator Comrie); and expand what qualifies as telemedicine for purposes of reimbursement by including audio-only and video-only services (S.8416, Senator Metzger), among other measures.
REOPENING WESTCHESTER COUNTY
County Executive George Latimer announced this week that over 145,000 Westchester residents have been tested for the coronavirus. This is over 14% of the entire county population and a great accomplishment. The Mid-Hudson Region, which includes Westchester County, is in control of all 7 metrics required to begin re-opening, and we are moving forward through Phase 1 of the re-opening process. I am including information in a section below to help small businesses navigate the re-opening requirements.
OUTDOOR GRADUATION CEREMONIES
On Wednesday, May 27th, I spearheaded a letter with my Senate colleagues to Governor Andrew Cuomo urging that New York State permit outdoor, in-person graduation ceremonies in July.
The letter states: “The high school graduating class of 2020 should be permitted to embrace their achievements, celebrate their successes and be fully recognized as they embark on the next chapter of their lives...We are confident a safe, carefully managed outdoor and in person high school graduation can be achieved in New York, during the month of July, and under guidance set by the Department of Health. We urge you to find a way to allow this to happen."
Click here to read the full letter.
Students have already sacrificed so much due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. High school graduation is a momentous milestone in their lives, and I am confident we can find a way to allow them to safely celebrate.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING IN PORT CHESTER: June 1st - June 4th
Thanks to many colleagues in all areas of government and especially Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Governor Cuomo, we are able to bring free COVID-19 testing to Port Chester from June 1st to June 4th at Segunda Iglesia Pentecostal Juan 3:16, 58 Poningo Street, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Those interested in getting tested must call 1-833-422-7369 to make an appointment. Flyers in English and Spanish are available to share with community members.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING IN TUCKAHOE: June 4th & 5th
Shiloh Baptist Church at 15 Marble Place in Tuckahoe will host a COVID-19 testing site on June 4th & 5th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You must schedule your appointment to be tested. For appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM call Yolanda at 914-961-2664; for appointments from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM call Sarah at 347-495-9578. Health insurance will be accepted, but no one will be turned away.
FIRST IN A SERIES EDUCATION VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
On Tuesday, June 2, from 6 to 7:30 PM, I will host a First in a Series Education Virtual Town Hall to discuss the successes, challenges, and lessons learned during a period of remote learning and to consider what September should look like for New York's school children, families, teachers, staff and community.
Featuring Special Guests:
- Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Chancellor, NYS Board of Regents, 12th Judicial District
- Dr. Frances G. Wills, Regent, 9th Judicial District
- Dr. Robert Glass, Superintendent, Eastchester Union Free School District
- Beth Sniffen, Region Director, Westchester-East Putnam PTA.
- Joe Liberti, AP Government Teacher, Mamaroneck Public Schools
- Rev. Stephen Lopez, President, Board of Trustees, Yonkers Public Schools
Click here for a flyer to share with interested friends and colleagues. The event will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) and livestreamed on my Facebook page: Facebook.com/ShelleyMayerSD37.
LOCAL MUNICIPAL UPDATES
Municipalities throughout the 37th District have posted coronavirus information, resources and local updates on their websites. I am including links to the updates and resources that have been posted on their websites in a section below. If we missed an important link, please email me and we will add it.
As always, feel free to contact my office at (914) 934-5250 or smayer@nysenate.gov as we continue to assist constituents to receive unemployment insurance or clear up questions about the re-opening process.
Warm regards,
Shelley B. Mayer