Dear Neighbor:

I hope you and your loved ones are doing well and safe.

Here are some updated citywide resources, so please share the information.

Things happening now:

● MTA Closures: The MTA announced an unprecedented plan to close stations nightly for deep cleaning. This will help keep out essential workers safe and allow us to better help homeless individuals into our shelter system.

● Grading Policy for Remote Learning: The adjusted K-12 citywide grading policy will maintain a high bar for student achievement and give flexibility and support for students grappling with COVID-19. More information is available here.

● Alternate Side Parking: Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended through Tuesday, May 12. Parking meters and all other parking rules remain in effect. The City may extend the suspension based on street cleanliness and workforce availability.

● Hotel Isolation Program: Community healthcare providers can now refer clients who are COVID positive or COVID-symptomatic and unable to isolate where they live to the hotel isolation program. To learn more about the program, visit nyc.gov/covid19hotel.

● Grab & Go Meals for All New Yorkers: No one is turned away, and participants are able to pick up three meals. To find a location, text “NYCFOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877 or check here: Free Meal Sites.

○ Kosher Meals: Kosher meals, now available at 14 sites. Details are here.

○ Halal Meals: Halal meals are available at all 400+ grab-and-go sites. There will be 25% more capacity at 32 DOE sites during the month of Ramadan.

● New York State on PAUSE through 5/15: Non-essential workforce is directed to continue to work from home until at least 5/15.

● Paid Sick Leave: New Yorkers can call the City’s Call Center at 855-491-2667 or call 311 to facilitate claiming paid sick leave. For questions about how to obtain the necessary medical documentation, see Health Department’s FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions.

● Health Insurance Special Enrollment: Open through 5/15, health insurance enrollment is open for uninsured New Yorkers as part of a Special Enrollment Period: Get Covered

● NYPD Social Distancing Enforcement: NYPD officers are visiting supermarkets, pharmacies, bars and restaurants, public places, and personal care facilities for Social Distancing Enforcement. Please report any problematic areas in your neighborhood. Fines will be up to $1,000. Text photos to 311-692 or use the 311 app to report social distancing complaints.

● Mental Health Resources: Resources are available for New Yorkers by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL or texting “WELL” to 65173. Visit: NYC Well – Talk. Text. Chat. 24/7. Additional mental health resources, including for veterans and caregivers, visit: Mental Health Support New Yorkers Can Access While Staying Home.

● Friendly Visiting Program: We’re connecting older New Yorkers who are feeling isolated with volunteers to talk with over the phone by calling 212-AGING-NYC.

● Family Justice Centers: All borough centers are available from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by phone. You may find more information here or call 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-4673.

My office will continue to provide additional updates when they are available.

If you need any assistance or information from my office, please call (718) 468-0137 or email BGrodenchik@council.nyc.gov.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home (if you can), and stay connected!

Sincerely,

Barry S. Grodenchik

Council Member

***If you wish to contact Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik, do not hit reply. Instead, please

direct your message to BGrodenchik@council.nyc.gov. Thank you for your cooperation.***

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73-03 Bell Boulevard, Oakland Gardens, New York 11364

(718) 468-0137