Update From Al Krupski – Suffolk County Legislator – 3-24-2020
Important Links:
Updated guidance from Governor
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 24, 2020 AT 3:25 PM
from https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
What You Need to Know
· New York State on PAUSE: 100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.
· Critically needed supplies are being distributed from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to Hospitals in need across the State, in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester in consultation with the Greater New York Hospital Association and the Healthcare Association of New York State.
· All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
· The FDA approved the use of a new experimental drug in New York on a compassionate care basis to help treat patients with COVID-19.
· Department of Motor Vehicles offices are temporarily closed for in-office visits. Online transactions, including for license renewals, are still be available. License and permit expirations will be extended.
· Enacting Matilda’s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems
· Remain indoors
· Can go outside for solitary exercise
· Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature
· Wear a mask in the company of others
· Stay at least 6 feet from others
· Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
· All non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions until further notice as part of New York State on PAUSE. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure. Click here for Guidance on Essential Services.
· 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.
· Click here for information on Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 Impacted New Yorkers
If you are experiencing ALL of the following and
need to schedule a test:
· Fever
· Cough
· Shortness of breath
NYS Coronavirus Hotline
Suffolk County residents who want to make an appointment for the test can call the NYS Coronavirus Hotline 1-888-364-3065 and they will be triaged by a nurse or a healthcare professional.
Northwell GoHealth Testing-Update March 23, 2020
https://www.gohealthuc.com/
PSEG Long Island-March 23, 2020
PSEG Long Island has suspended shut-offs of electric service to residential customers for non-payment. This will give customers experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the outbreak additional time to pay their bills. For more information, visit www.psegliny.com/myaccount.
In keeping with this effort to minimize the financial difficulties of its customers during the outbreak, PSEG Long Island is also waiving new late payment fees until further notice.
The majority of these policies will be in place through the end of April. PSEG Long Island will evaluate the continued need at that time. For additional, or updated information, about PSEG Long Island’s response and any operational changes associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, visit PSEG Long Island’s coronavirus update webpage: www.psegliny.com/covid19
National Grid-March 23, 2020
Collections activities & disconnections have temporarily been suspended collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These policies will remain in effect at least until the end of April, when PSEG will re-evaluate their continued need. Customers looking for more information on payment assistance programs in general can click here.
For corporations who would like to provide supplies-
Please forward to [email protected] which has been created for donation and purchasing COVID-19 supplies.
[email protected] has been created for realty inquiries.
In addition — NYS landing page for people/businesses who want to get involved in response effort: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-can-help That page has a procurement form for businesses that want to sell gloves, masks and gowns – and an email address for businesses who want to adapt their businesses to produce supplies or have an idea related to supplies they want to pitch.
12 Step Programs – Virtual Meetings and Support
http://www.aa-intergroup.org/directory.php
https://virtual-na.org/https://www.facebook.com/soberdudesny/
Contacting Police Departments for Non-Emergencies
Suffolk County Police Department
County Executive Bellone and Police Commissioner Hart announced on March 21, 2020 that mandatory online or telephone reporting for specific non-emergency incidents, effective Monday, March 23.
The changes will be enacted in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of both police officers and residents. To file a report online, visit www.suffolkpd.org/onlinereporting, to file a report over the phone residents can call 641-852-COPS. A list of the types of reports that can be filed online can be viewed at www.SuffolkPD.org.
Southold Town Police Department
(from Southold Town’s Website)
Altered Police Department Response Policy
In light of the current conditions associated with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Southold Town Police Department has altered our responses to complaints from residents of our community. For most non-emergency calls or incidents that do not require an immediate response from our Department, continue to call 631-765-2600 and officers will be handling calls and completing reports via telephone from our Headquarters. Obviously, we will still be responding to all emergency calls and requests for assistance as received. We ask the public’s patience during this unprecedented national health crisis, and although it contradicts our Department’s goal of community policing, it is necessary for now to maintain a healthy, responsive police department.
Riverhead Town Police Department For non-emergencies, please call 631-727-4500
Requesting Input From Agriculture Industries
Affected By COVID-19
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced the launch of the Business Recovery Unit, a key component of the County’s Business Response Plan, to address the concerns and questions that businesses have amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
There are currently Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs employees dedicated to the Business Recovery Unit to address questions and to track the data and information provided by local businesses, and additional staff will be added on an as needed basis. Local businesses can call Suffolk 311 to be connected to the unit, email [email protected], or visit the newly created webpage. The webpage includes a comprehensive survey for local businesses to complete. Most importantly, understanding the impacts COVID-19 across the business community is essential to advocating for resources to best address needs and facilitate economic recovery. Please take the survey now to help the County in these efforts:
Long Island Counts!
Click here to pledge to be counted and find out more about the 2020 Census.
For more information on the Census log on to: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Elected-Officials/County-Executive/2020-Census