— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

Dear Neighbors,

As our City collectively works to limit the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), my District Office in Bayside will remain CLOSED. My staff will continue to operate and provide constituent services remotely and can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 718-619-8611. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. Any emergencies should be referred directly to 911.

During the last week, State officials have made the following determinations:

Governor Cuomo announced today that New York State on PAUSE is extended to April 15. As the City approaches the height of the curve in the number of cases, the order for non-essential workers to work from home is also extended until April 15th.
All non-essential businesses statewide will be closed until further notice.
Non-essential construction statewide has been suspended to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The CDC is urging residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days, effective immediately
Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are still banned.
NYC public schools remain closed until April 20th as Remote Learning continues

For the duration of the outbreak, the following precautions are strongly encouraged to keep you and your family healthy:

Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds every time, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Do not touch your face unless you recently washed your hands.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.
When in public, practice social distancing of at least six feet from others.
If you are an older adult or have a chronic health conditions, avoid unnecessary gatherings.
Most importantly, #StaySafeStayHome!

Healthy or sick, all New Yorkers must stay home unless they are essential workers or need urgent health care.

We will continue to share the latest updates and resources with the community as they are reported to help ensure everyone stays informed. Follow our Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving COVID-19 situation at https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates.

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

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Mourning the Loss of a Community Leader and Friend

My heart is heavy with the news of Joe Brostek's passing. Joe was a true gentleman who greeted every community member with joy, love, and his vast knowledge of all things Queens. His passion for local history, love for his neighbor and warm smile will be with us always.

I wish his family comfort and peace during this very difficult time.

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Coronavirus FAQ

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
• Commonly reported symptoms include:
o Fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees F or 38 degrees C)
o Cough
o Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
o Sore throat
• If you have any of these symptoms, and they are not due to a preexisting health condition like asthma or emphysema, you may have COVID-19 and you must stay home.

Who should get tested for COVID-19?
• Testing should only be used for people who need to be hospitalized for severe illness like pneumonia. This protects health care workers and may affect treatment options.
• At this point, if you have symptoms, assume that you have COVID-19. A positive test will not change what a doctor tells you to do to get better. The best course of action is to stay at home.
• If you are only mildly ill, you can save the life of another New Yorker by staying home to ensure health care resources go to those who need them the most. Take care of others by staying home.

What should I do if I get sick with COVID-19 symptoms?
• If you have mild to moderate symptoms, stay home. You should not seek medical care or try to get tested. By staying home, you reduce the possibility of transmission to others, including health care workers who are needed to care for the more seriously ill.
• If you are over 50 years old or have chronic conditions, consult your doctor. They may want to monitor you more closely.
• If your symptoms do not go away or get worse after three to four days, consult with your doctor.
• Stay home for at least seven days after your symptoms started. Make sure that you have been fever-free for three days without the use of fever-reducing drugs, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. Also, make sure that your cough and sore throat are better before you go back to your routine. If you never had a fever, stay at home for at least three days after your symptoms start improving.
• If you go out to see your doctor, wear a face mask if available. If possible, take a private car, sit in the back seat and roll down the window.
• If you have more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and very high fever, go to an emergency department. Call 911 if you need help right away.

Via NYC Department of Health

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Get Involved: How You Can Help

Governor Cuomo is calling on health care professionals, schools of public health or medicine and PPE products providers and manufacturers to volunteer and help support the state’s response. Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-can-help to find out how you can volunteer today.
Supplies: NYC EDC is seeking local businesses that want to support the COVID-19 emergency response effort. Please visit this webpage for more: https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing
Information about space: The NYC Share Your Space Survey is critical to helping the City prepare for emergencies and outreach to all of the City's communities. Organizations citywide are encouraged to participate. Visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/share-your-space-survey.page
DonateNYC: Find out how you can safely and responsibly donate or find needed goods here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/donate/site/
Visit http://nyc.gov/helpnownyc for more ways you can safely help your fellow New Yorkers.

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"New York City EMS is calling for public’s help during COVID-19 crisis"

"F.D.N.Y. Local 2507, the union representing more than 4,000 uniformed Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics and other first responders for the City of New York is urging residents to help first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating gear and supplies to keep them safe.

Specific gear and supplies currently needed to protect EMTs and the public include N95 masks, surgical masks, medical goggles, hand sanitizer and bleach.

To ensure the items get into the hands of first responders, people are asked to drop off the critically needed gear and supplies in a plastic bag outside the Local F.D.N.Y 2507 office at 150-39 14th Ave. in Whitestone. People who do not have excess gear or supplies can also donate money at www.emsfdnyhelpfund.com/donate."

Our first responders are working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They need gear and supplies to help keep them safe. If you are able to donate, please do so at the address above.

Read More at the Queens Courier

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New York State Issues Guidance on

COVID-19 Paid Leave Law

On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law Senate Bill S8091 to provide paid sick leave and job protection for workers during the COVID-19 crisis (“COVID-19 Leave”).

This leave is provided in the event that a worker, or their minor children, are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the State of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.

Find a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements and benefits here:

https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/new-york-paid-family-leave-covid-19-faqs

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Grab and Go Meals for Students

Beginning Monday, March 23, meals will be distributed at more than 400 DOE sites across the city.

Three meals a day, including breakfast, will be available to all NYC children Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 1:30 pm at locations across the city.

District 25 and 26 locations include PS 21, PS 169, MS 379, MS 158 and Bayside High School.

Find a location near you here

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NYC Public School Remote Learning

The DOE has commenced Remote Learning.

If you are a family in need of a device, please use the resources below and visit the NYC Department of Education website

Visit http://schools.nyc.gov and schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus for the latest official DOE updates.

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— MORE NEWS —

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Assistance & Guidance for Businesses Impacted by Novel Coronavirus

The City is offering relief for small businesses in the five boroughs seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.

The City is also offering small businesses with fewer than five employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees.

Eligible owners who would like to learn more about these programs should fill out the Department of Small Business Services' COVID-19 Business Assistance Survey.

Additional resources can be found on the NYC SBS webpage

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POSTPONED: MTA Workshops

The April 2nd MTA Workshop has been POSTPONED.

As is the case with the postponed March 18th & 19th Workshops in Whitestone and North Shore Towers, the MTA has assured us these dates will be rescheduled. Please stay posted.

In the interim, we are encouraging Northeast Queens residents to share their specific concerns about the draft plan directly to the MTA here and to sign our petition to improve, not slash service.

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SUSPENDED: Participatory Budgeting

Due to recent developments and concerns regarding COVID19, the NYC Council is temporarily suspending Participatory Budgeting until further notice. This was a difficult decision to make, but the health and well-being of our communities is priority number one.

Updates to come!

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POSTPONED: Spring Rain Barrel Events

The spring Whitestone, College Point and Little Bay Park Rain Barrel events have been postponed.

Please stay posted for rescheduled dates.

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Complete the 2020 Census!

It's quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete.
It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected.
Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government.

Visit My2020Census.gov to complete the census online today

— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —