Updates on NYC Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear Neighbor, It can be overwhelming to hear around-the-clock updates on the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as our city's preparedness and response, Because of this, I have enclosed a compilation of the changes implemented to-date for your easy reference. You can also register to receive any new developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in English when you text COVID to 692-692 or in Spanish when you text COVIDESP to 692-692. As a precautionary measure, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the New York City Council has suspended all hearings, stated meetings and postponed events until further notice. Council staff are not to report to offices at City Hall, 250 Broadway, or individual districts throughout the five boroughs.  Additionally, the Participatory Budgeting Vote Week has been suspended. Although our offices will be closed, our team will continue to provide Constituent Services by phone at (718) 629-2900 and via email at District45@Council.nyc.gov , Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.  We will share additional updates on these adjustments as soon as possible via email, website, and social media (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) pages listed as @cmfarahlouis. To subscribe to our listserv, text ‘CMFARAHLOUIS’ to 22828. In this midst of this global pandemic, there have been reports of price gouging. If you see any such occurrence in your neighborhood, please call 311 or click here . Sincerely, Farah N. Louis Council Member, 45th District

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

All subways, buses, railroads, and Access-a-Ride are running on a normal weekday schedule.  Click here to learn more about the sanitizing procedures in place to disinfect our transit system clean. If you have any questions at all, the MTA is available 24/7 on Twitter at @NYCTSubway, and @NYCTBus, and via phone at 511.

Ride Sharing in Uber, Lyft, Via

In order to institute social distancing, rideshares and carpools have been banned. Only one customer per vehicle with the exception of families, couples, and those who reside in the same household.

Alternate Side Parking

Starting today, Wednesday, March 18th and continue through Tuesday, March 24th, alternate side parking rules.will be suspended. Meters will remain in effect.  Suspension may be extended based on street cleanliness & workforce availability. New Yorkers who have received tickets can appeal to the Department of Finance.

NYC Public Schools

New York City public schools will be closed to students and staff on Monday, March 16. Starting Tuesday, March 17, schools will move toward a new Remote Learning Model for all school days until Spring Recess on Monday, April 20, 2020. Grab-and-go meals will be available for students throughout the entirety of the closure. . NYCDOE-specific instructional resources in English for students in grades Pre-K through 12 are currently available online at schools.nyc.gov/learnathome. More information about remote learning, meals, and other core services will be made available for families at schools.nyc.gov. To help all students adjust to remote learning environments, Apple and T-Mobile will ensure that in the coming weeks, 300,000 New York City public school students who don’t currently have an internet-connected device will have one for their schoolwork, beginning with 25,000 iPads that will be distributed next week. Effective Monday, March 23, Regional Enrichment Centers will be available for the children of first responders, healthcare workers, and our most vulnerable populations, with more details to follow.  Additionally, remote learning will go into effect for grades K-12. DOE will support schools at all levels of readiness to deliver remote learning, and more information will be provided to families about online platforms.  For more information, click here. NOTE: Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K- 12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Fore more information, click here.

CUNY & SUNY

The State University of New York and the City University of New York will implement plans to maximize distance learning and reduce in-person classes, beginning March 19th, for the remainder of the Spring semester in light of the evolving novel coronavirus situation in New York.  All campuses will develop plans catered to the campus and curriculum-specific needs while reducing density in the campus environment to help slow possibility for exposures to novel coronavirus. Distance learning and other options will be developed by campuses.    For more information visit CUNY or SUNY.

Eviction Moratorium in Place

Effective Monday, March 16th, all eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders will be suspended statewide until further notice. There are exceptions for landlord lockout cases, serious housing code violations, and repair orders. Council Member Farah N. Louis was among those who joined the Right to Counsel NYC Coalition in securing this major victory.  For more information, click here.

Brooklyn District Attorney

During this public health emergency, it is imperative that we also protect those who might be exposed to the coronavirus during the procedures of arrest, processing, and detention in Central Booking. In the interests of public health and safety, and in appropriate exercise of prosecutorial discretion, the Office of the Brooklyn District Attorney will immediately decline to prosecute low level offenses that don't jeopardize public safety.

New York Courts

Notice of Court Status: If conditions warrant court closure or any change in operations, notice will be posted on the court system’s web site at: www.nycourts.gov, and at: 800-268-7869. Notifications also will be sent out via the New York Courts Alert Emergency Portal (to sign up to receive alerts, visit: www.nycourts.gov/alerts/)  If you have specific questions about your juror service, a case already in court, or you need to start a court case, call: the Coronavirus Telephone Hotline: 833-503-0447. Juror Service: If you have been summoned for juror service or are serving on a jury, please see the notice from the Commissioner of Jurors regarding coronavirus and the flu. Health Info: For the latest information on coronavirus and guidance on how to protect yourself, visit: the New York State Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control. The State Department of Health also has a coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065. Your healthcare professional always is the best person to consult for questions about your personal health and well-being.  For more information, click here.

Department of Correction

To reduce exposure for COVID-19, the Department of Correction is suspending in-person visitation beginning Wednesday, March 18. The City is also taking additional measures to help detainees stay in contact with their families and communities, including increased access to phones and postage stamps. For the first time, the City is also working to implement a televisit initiative that will allow people contacting detainees the convenience of using their own personal PC or mobile device to complete the teleconference.‎  For more information, click here.

Con Edison

Con Edison will not shut off electric, natural gas or steam service due to payment difficulties resulting from the health crisis. They are waiving new late-payment charges for all customers and suspending the fee usually charged to a customer who is unable to grant access to their property. They will continue to shut off service when there is a safety issue.  For more information, click here.

National Grid

National Grid is temporarily suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on our customers. These policies are effective immediately and will be in place through the end of April. We will evaluate their continued need at that time. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers. For more information, click here.

Brooklyn Public Library

Beginning Monday, March 16, all our locations will be closed through at least March 31. All library card accounts with an expiration date from February 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020 have automatically been renewed for an additional six months from the original expiration date. These cardholders can continue to access our eBook and eAudiobook collection without renewing their cards in person. Learn more about these collections and find download guides here. As of March 13, all library materials that had been checked out or renewed with a March 1st-31st due date will be automatically extended to Monday, April 6th to prevent accrual of fines.  For more information, click here.

Department of Parks and Recreation

As of Tuesday, March 17, all City recreation centers and nature centers are closed to the public until further notice. Many events being held in parks by outside groups are being canceled or rescheduled. Before attending, please check with the organizing group to confirm. In response to the State and City’s directive, NYC Parks has cancelled all events with 50 or more expected attendees through April 12, 2020.  For more information, click here.

Human Resource Administration (HRA) Centers

New Yorkers can continue to apply for, access, and manage a range of benefits online via ACCESSHRA, including SNAP benefits/food assistance and one-shot emergency assistance, such as rent arrears and utilities grants.  Additionally, effective tomorrow, via ACCESSHRA and our website, we are advising clients who have appointments at any of our Cash Assistance offices or programs that we will grant good cause if they are unable to keep those appointments.  This will limit in-office appointments to clients who have emergency Cash Assistance needs that are not addressed by the moratorium of evictions and utility shutoffs. HRA’s Offices remain open and ready to serve those in need. However, we understand the current situation and for individuals unable or unwilling to come to our offices for scheduled appointments, NO NEGATIVE CASE ACTIONS WILL BE TAKEN. This includes, but is not limited to, appointments for services such as with the Office of Child Support Services as well as appointments or assigned activities with Career Service providers. For clients who are seeking benefits or services but do not wish to report to their assigned center, HRA Centers will assist clients no matter which center they report to. During these difficult times, ACCESS HRA remains a vital tool for clients and is a great way to skip the trip! For those seeking SNAP benefits or those already in receipt but with a recertification coming due, ACCESS HRA can be used to submit the application/recertification form and to upload pictures of documents needed for eligibility determinations. After submitting, clients can call anytime Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5pm for a telephone interview. For those in receipt of cash assistance benefits, ACCESS HRA can be used to submit requests for special grants and emergency assistance without having to come to your Job Center! ACCESS HRA can also be used by those with a scheduled recertification appointment to submit your recertification form. For all clients, ACCESS HRA can also be used to update your contact information. It is important during these times that HRA has a way to contact you and this is the fastest and easiest way to keep us updated.

Senior Centers

Mayor Bill de Blasio is instructing all programs run by Department for the Aging to close and cancel all congregate meal, recreational, and educational services and activities, effective immediately. Senior centers will operate strictly to deliver food to seniors, either as take-home meals or meals delivered to homes.  Centers are advised to create a phone bank to call the center’s participants to ensure they are well and to help avoid social isolation.

Tax Filings

Business owners should file their taxes on time. If you have a hardship, you can apply for an extension and if you can prove that your business has been disrupted, we would waive any penalties that you might incur, but the request is that all business owners file taxes as normal to the maximum extent possible and indicate specifically and with a proof if there is a hardship.  Tax Day is April 15, 2020. However, all taxpayers can file their 2019 returns for income totaling $1 million or less until July 15th. During that three-month deferral period, the Internal Revenue Services will not waive interest and penalties. For more information on tax relief, click here.

Businesses

Members of FDNY, the New York City’s Sheriff Office, and the Department of Buildings will actively inspect businesses and issue fines to those who do not comply with the City’s new restrictions and guidance on Sunday and Monday evening of this week. The guidance, issued Friday, requires businesses with an occupancy of 500 persons or less to maintain an occupancy level at or below 50%.  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on March 8 that the City will provide relief for small businesses across the City 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 5 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 our interest form.  For more information, click here. Non-essential businesses are urged to close by 8:00 PM, excluding groceries, gas stations, medical facilities, and pharmacies.

Bars, Restaurants, and Entertainment Venues

Restaurants, bars, and cafes are limited to food take-out and delivery. Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, gyms, and concert venues are closed. Grubhub has announced that it is temporarily suspending collection of up to $100 million in commission payments from impacted independent restaurants nationwide. Their initiative will provide immediate and substantial cash flow relief to qualified independent restaurants -- restaurants that make up the majority of Grubhub's 350,000+ restaurant community and drive more than 80 percent of the company's orders. Grubhub has also created a fund that will enable proceeds from its Donate the Change program to go toward charitable organizations that support restaurants and drivers impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. The program will allow diners to round up the change from every order and donate it to the Grubhub Community Relief Fund -- with donations from Grubhub+ (and Seamless+) members matched by the company. Read the full press release.

Public Gatherings

New Restrictions and Guidance for Large Events Existing and future standalone events with attendance exceeding 50 people, including parades, sports events, performances, races and rallies, are canceled until further notice. Programming will also be canceled at indoor venues with consistent seating capacity over 50. For more information about places of public gathering and scheduled events, contact those facilities or visit their websites. Avoiding Crowds in NYC Private employers should allow employees to work from home or stagger their work hours. Walk or bike to work, if possible. If the train or bus is too crowded, wait for the next one.  Avoid crowded spaces including restaurants and bars that are not following the guidance above.

Houses of Worship

Post signs at all entrances and communicate that people feeling ill should not attend worship/gatherings. When possible, they may participate by internet or livestream - develop the capability if it doesn’t exist and post URLs. All houses of worship should provide hand sanitizing stations in their entry or sanctuary. Christians should suspend the use of holy water stations. Religious leaders and the faithful should refrain from hand shaking, touching, embracing, or reverencing the hands/rings of clergy or other ritual objects. Fist bump, elbow bump, wave, or simply bow. Liturgical greetings should be replaced by a reverent bow. Congregant families may sit together, but distancing of several feet between worshippers should be considered in an enclosed space. It is not recommended, but some congregations have removed shared books and encouraged congregants to bring their own. Or replicate all songs and prayers into single-use photocopied bulletins. Christian congregations who celebrate holy communion from a common cup (chalice) should refrain from self-intinction (dipping). Consider distributing a dipped host/bread into their palm. Guidelines, that can be used for disinfecting worship spaces and ritual objects are provided in “Other Resources” on the next page. Post-liturgy greeting lines should be moved outside or suspended. If your congregation has not done so already, equip your worship space with livestream or webcam capability to allow the ill, elderly, or vulnerable to participate - especially for those feeling isolated in medical or self-quarantine. Pastoral visits too can be conducted virtually via laptops, desktops, and cell phone. Or, at a congregants home by asking them to come outside and take a walk, weather permitting, for private conversations. For more information, click here.

Prevention Tips

Just a friendly reminder... Stay home. All New Yorkers — healthy or sick — need to stay home. You should only leave your home for essential tasks, such as work (if you cannot work from home), getting groceries and supplies or essential medical care. Try to use delivery services when possible. 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. Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump. If you are an older adult or have any of the chronic health conditions listed above, avoid all unnecessary gatherings and events. All New Yorkers should self-monitor. Self-monitoring means you check yourself for fever and remain alert for cough, shortness of breath or sore throat. It is really important that people who have these symptoms stay home and do not attend work, school, public events or group gatherings. Most illness caused by coronavirus is mild. If you do not feel better in three to four days, call your provider.

Council Member Farah N. Louis | Website

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