COVID-19 Update June 13th

Senator David Carlucci

June 13, 2020

COVID-19; HEAP; Health Insurance; PPE

LATEST UPDATES

Early Voting Begins Today

Starting today, eligible voters across the state can vote early for the state and federal primary elections on June 23rd. Specific locations are open for early voting from June 13th until June 21st, including four locations in Rockland County and more than twenty locations in Westchester. I am proud to have voted in favor of early voting last year to ensure that every New Yorker has the opportunity to have their voice heard.

COVID-19 Cases and Deaths

So far, there have been 382,630 total positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, including 13,411 in Rockland and 34,253 in Westchester. Sadly, we have lost 24,527 people statewide.

Five Regions Have Entered Phase Three

On Friday, the North Country, Finger Lakes, Central NY, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier entered phase three of the New York Forward reopening plan. In phase three, inside dining is permitted, though restaurants must limit capacity to 50 percent, must seat customers at least six feet apart, and patrons must wear masks when not seated. In addition, nail salons, spa services, tattoo parlors, and other personal service business will be permitted to reopen with similar restrictions. The Mid-Hudson region, which includes Rockland and Westchester, will be eligible for phase three on June 23rd. Click here for more detailed information on the reopening phases.

Governor Cuomo Pushes New Vision for Law Enforcement

On Friday, Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order to require all local governments and police agencies to develop plans to reinvent and modernize police strategies and related programs in their communities. These plans must be enacted in local law by April 1st in order for the local police agency to be eligible for state funding.

Police Reform

Additional HEAP Assistance Available

An additional $12 million was allocated to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to help New Yorkers weather the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are receiving HEAP and are in danger of running out of heating fuel or heaving your utility service shut off, you can apply for a third emergency benefit. For more information on the emergency benefit or regular HEAP, click here. The deadline for applications has been extended to June 30th.

Health Insurance Marketplace Open for Special Enrollment

Through June 15th, New Yorkers can enroll in health insurance on the individual marketplace through New York State of Health. Enrollment is open for New Yorkers who are uninsured or for those who have recently lost their job or health coverage due to COVID-19. Visit the New York State of Health website for more information and guidance on how to enroll.

Fighting Cuts to OPWDD Service Providers

Earlier this month, OPWDD announced that it would cut their service delivery system by $238 million, striking a major blow to non-profit service providers across the state. This year, I fought hard to secure additional funding for direct service professionals who care for our state's most vulnerable residents. If these cuts are realized, that secured funding will be eviscerated, and the workers who tend to our loved ones with developmental disabilities will continue to be devalued. I wrote a letter to OPWDD Commissioner Kastner opposing these cuts, and I will continue to fight to prevent these cuts from materializing.

Delivering Hand Sanitizer and other PPE

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, it has become exceedingly difficult for our local non-profits to secure adequate amounts of hand sanitizer and PPE to keep their staff and visitors safe. This week, I was able to secure and deliver nearly 50 gallons of hand sanitizer to Jawonio, Inc. in New City and Feeding Westchester in Elmsford. I am working hard to ensure that our local non-profits have the tools that they need to weather this crisis.

hand sanitizer

My Office is Here to Help

Please remember my staff is working remotely and has closed hundreds of cases since the start of the pandemic. We are here to assist with unemployment claims, health insurance enrollment, local resources and services, and any other challenges you may encounter during the pandemic. If you have any questions or issues, please call my New City office at 845-623-3627.

Get Answers to Commonly Asked Questions on COVID-19, here.

For the latest updates, you can: