liberty mask
what you need to know

Governor Cuomo said today that summer schools will be closed for in-class instruction due to the coronavirus. It will be distance learning for summer school this year. A big reason for that deals with rare covid-related inflammatory illness cases found in children, that summer school will be conducted through distance learning.  "As we focus on reopening, schools pose unique complications - they have high density and transportation issues causing a greater risk of spread unless protective measures are fully in place," Governor Cuomo said. "Now we have another issue that is complicating the situation even further with COVID-related illness in children. We are continuing to study this new illness and learn more, but for now summer school will remain closed for in-class teaching and will be conducted through distance learning this year."

This week's #RepresentNYC, Assemblymember Niou talks about how #SmallBusinesses in the 65th District have been neglected in receiving financial relief via #PPP loans. This Sunday May 24th at 7pm and Wednesday May 27th at 8pm only on MNN1 (Spectrum 34 & 1995, RCN 82, FiOS 33) or MNNHD (Spectrum 1993).

NYS on PAUSE will continue through May 28 for regions that have not started reopening; a region can enter Phase One of reopening as soon as it meets its required metrics. NYC and Long Island remain closed.

 

What Else You Need to Know:

  • Governor Cuomo released a guide to the state's "NY Forward Reopening" Plan, along with the state's regional monitoring dashboard.

  • The Governor also encouraged New Yorkers to call the Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 if they believe their employer is not following PPE, hygiene or social distancing guidelines as more businesses begin to reopen.

  • New York State has doubled testing capacity to reach 40,000 diagnostic tests per day, and has more than 700 testing sites. We encourage eligible New Yorkers to find a nearby testing site and get tested. Community testing sites operated by NYC Health + Hospitals listed here offer free and convenient testing on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary.

  • The New York State sales tax filing deadline has been extended to June 22, 2020.

  • Results of State's antibody testing survey at churches in lower-income New York City communities show 27 percent of individuals test positive for antibodies, compared with 19.9 percent of New York City's overall population. New York State is partnering with SOMOS to establish 28 additional testing sites at churches and community-based providers in predominately minority neighborhoods.

  • Religious gatherings of no more than 10 people and drive-in and parking lot services will be allowed statewide beginning Thursday, May 21st.

  • Memorial Day ceremonies of 10 people or less will be allowed statewide, with final decisions about ceremonies being left to local governments. 

  • Testing efforts will be increased to help nursing homes meet guidelines stating all staff be tested for COVID-19 twice per week.

  • In coordination with neighboring states, public and private beaches will open with certain restrictions on May 22, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Read more here. 

  • Governor Cuomo issued executive orders 202.17 and 202.18 requiring all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public, including when taking public or private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles.

  • New York has issued first-in-the-nation criteria to healthcare professionals establishing an interim definition for COVID-related inflammatory illness in children.

  • Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services.

  • New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

  • Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.

  • Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.