[BwayDems] Fwd: Assembly Member O'Donnell Aug 14 Updates - Columbia Update and Back to School Forums

Fri Aug 14 17:05:28 EDT 2020

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Dear Neighbor,

At the height of the pandemic in New York, we set a goal of 'flattening the curve', and we have done a remarkable job. By limiting the spread of coronavirus, we are buying medical researchers time to develop a vaccine, creating space for hospitals and healthcare providers to adequately care for those who have severe symptoms, and protecting our neighbors from getting sick. As we come toward the end of Summer, our communities are facing another round of questions on how to operate in the coming months.  Many of you have reached out to me with questions and concerns for our safety, health, and livelihoods. As we continue to discuss our options, we will prioritize safety, while balancing other vital needs in our lives. 

Just this afternoon, Columbia University announced that they are no longer having undergraduate students return to campus, opting instead for all virtual classes. This decision helps keep students and the surrounding communities safe as we all work to ensure local coronavirus rates stay low. Last week, I worked with a coalition of elected officials to send a letter with dozens of questions for Columbia on how they planned to keep the surrounding communities safe if they brought students back. I am extremely glad that Columbia has made this decision for the good of their students and the surrounding neighborhoods, and I will continue engaging Columbia to ensure that our communities stay safe and protected.  

Below please find information on the ongoing discussion regarding NYC schools, updates on the eviction moratorium, and more. My office is open, with all staff continuing to work from home. If you need face masks, food, help with unemployment, housing, or other support, please reach out! Please leave a voicemail at 212-866-3970 or email me at odonnelld at nyassembly.gov and we will respond as quickly as possible, prioritizing time sensitive issues.

Truly Yours, 
Danny
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|  My office is working with the Bloomingdale Family Program and nonprofit Brighter Bites to provide free fresh produce to our neighbors.  |

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|  By ensuring kids, seniors, and food insecure community members have access to free healthy food, we keep our community strong.  |

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|  Back to School Guidance From the Department of Education
The Department of Education has presented guidance for the 2020-2021 school year. The proposal includes health and safety protocols for schools, as well as options for blended or all remote learning. 

Chancellor Richard Carranza will be having a citywide Family and Student Information online forum on August 27th from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm (register below). In addition, our local Community Education Council District 3 (CEC3) has provided guidance and resources for the schools in District 3, and Community Schools District 3 Superintendent Christine Loughlin and Executive Superintendent Marisol C. Rosales will have a virtual meeting on August 18th at 6:30pm to provide more information.   
   - Link for information on school re-opening:    
 https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/return-to-school-2020
   - Registration for the August 27 online forum with Chancellor Carranza:   
 https://learndoe.org/face/
   - Recording of a previous forum with Chancellor Carranza:   
 https://livestream.com/ltevents/events/9219669
   - CEC3 Resources: https://www.cec3.org/
   - Registration for CEC3:    
 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrfuqtpzMrGtEjHw-VsCNMMWPwGeP1J0qE
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|  Update on the Eviction Moritorium 

The NYS Courts recently issued new guidance stating that no residential evictions can be carried out until October 1, 2020. Evictions filed on or after March 17, 2020 continue to be suspended, while cases filed on or before March 16, 2020 may proceed. Under the Tenant Safe Harbor Act, tenants who experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 any time between March 7, 2020 and the date that all COVID-related safety restrictions are lifted in NYS, cannot be evicted for failing to pay rent during that period. For further information on the status on eviction proceedings, please refer to the NYS court memo: https://www.nycourts.gov/whatsnew/pdf/Rev_Ev_8_12.pdf 
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|  Saturdays on Amsterdam Avenue
Every Saturday from 12pm-9pm, Amsterdam Ave. from 97th- 110th St. will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow for your favorite restaurants to expand outdoor dining into the street. Enjoy great food and support our local businesses. During this period, buses will be rerouted to Broadway, and there will be a 15-foot emergency and bike lane down the center of Amsterdam with a 5 mph speed limit. See more information and a list of restaurants participating here.   |

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Unemployment Support

My office continues to help hundreds of individuals resolve issues with their Unemployment Insurance/Pandemic Unemployment Assistance cases. Most people we have helped have been approved and are receiving payments. We are still working with constituents who continue to have issues with their cases, including missed backpay, receiving an incorrect benefit determination, and delayed payments. If you currently have issues with your Unemployment Insurance/Pandemic Unemployment Assistance application, please reach out to my office at 212.866.3970 or email me at odonnelld at nyassembly.gov.
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|  How to Get Tested for COVID-19
Testing sites are open, and all New Yorkers are advised to get tested now, whether or not you have symptoms or are at increased risk. If you would like to find the nearest testing site by you, the New York State Department of Health has provided this tool depicting antibody or diagnostic testing: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. Tests are also offered at NYC Health and Hospital sites: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/covid-19-testing-sites/.  |

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Ongoing COVID-19 Information

For the latest updates, please continue to consult the following sources:   
   - New York City Department of Health        
      - https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page

   - New York State Department of Health       
      - https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

   - Sign up to receive regular text messages from the City on the coronavirus by texting “COVID” to 692-692.
   - 24-Hour Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065
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|  Resources for Responding to COVID-19:   
   - Domestic or Gender Based Violence:       
      -  https://www1.nyc.gov/nychope/site/page/home or call 1-800-621-4673 (HOPE). In an emergency call 911

   - Food Access:       
      - Daily Meals For All at Schools: https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx 
      - Kosher meals available at PS 75 locally, as well as these sites citywide: https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/kosher_service.aspx
      - GetFoodNYC meal delivery, for those with no way to leave the house, including seniors: https://cv19engagementportal.cityofnewyork.us/#/display/5e7555117ad6750216160409
      - For a map of food pantries and food banks, see       
 https://www.foodbanknyc.org/get-help

   - Mental Health:       
      - Visit NYC WELL for a range of services for all ages, including resources from connections to therapy and meditation support: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/, call 1-888-NYC-Well (692-9355), or text "Well” to 65173

   - Older New Yorkers:       
      - All Department For The Aging (DFTA) meals are now delivery only. 
      - Seniors can contact agingconnect at aging.nyc.gov or call Aging Connect at 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469) or 311 to get set up for food deliveries 
      - Mental Health and Bereavement Counseling from Service Program for Older People: https://www.spop.org/

   - Overnight MTA Service:         
      - If you need to travel between 1am, and 5am, see the adjusted bus schedules at https://new.mta.info/coronavirus/overnight 
      - If you are an essential worker, you are eligible for a free trip in a for-hire vehicle each night if your bus trip would take more than 1 hour and 20 minutes, would require more than two transfers, or the bus stop is more than a ten minute walk. To register for this service, follow the instructions at the link above or contact my office for support.

   - Student Loan Debt Tips During COVID-19       
      - https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/Student-Loan-Debt-Tips-During-COVID19.page

   - LGBTQ New Yorkers:       
      - Website with nearly 100 listings of LGBTQ+ affirming services still available citywide, including food programs, legal services, health resources & more: nyc.gov/lgbtqcovid

   - Small Business Loans and Grants:       
      - SBS is offering daily webinars to help you learn about a range of assistance available for small businesses in NYC impacted by COVID-19.           
         - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nyc-department-of-small-business-services-5423713077 

      - Information from the Federal Small Business Administration, including on PPP Loans via the CARES Act: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

   - Pet owner impact by COVID-19       
      - Call the Pet Hotline at 1-877-204-8821
      - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, 7 days a week

   - Volunteer Opportunties:       
      - West Side Federation for Senior & Supportive Housing, Inc (WSFSSH): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeD-LmLSmymaWvzuZiVWPH33A1m5Q1y8V5F3ykEa2ZLupFDGw/viewform
      - West Side Campaign Against Hunger: http://www.wscah.volunteerhub.com/
      - NYC Service: https://www.nycservice.org/pages/index.php?bitpage_id=214

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 Our mailing address is: 
 Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell245 West 104th StreetNew York, NY 10025
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