We're living through an unprecedented moment in our shared history, and as a State Senator, I've been focused on doing everything I can to support my constituents during this impossible time. With so much change taking place so quickly, it can be hard to keep track of everything that effects you and your family. To help, I've created a newsletter called Nassau Coronavirus Update, which you can have delivered straight to your inbox by clicking the button above or below. My staff and I have also assembled this comprehensive resource guide to help you access important programs and services.
It's my great honor and privilege to be your Senator, and I want you to know that I'm here for you through this, and I'm always here to help you and your family with whatever I can. Don't hesitate to contact my office at any time if I can be of service.
Our District staff is fully available to assist you over the phone or email. Please reach out to us if you have any questions! We would love to hear from you.
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
Limit of one order per residential address
One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
Orders will ship free starting in late January
Remember: get your booster (or get vaccinated for the first time), get tested if you're not feeling well or have been exposed, wear a mask when needed, check on others safely, and stay informed...
Trying to get a test? Find a testing location near you here, or call us at the District Office: 516-746-5924. We're here to help!
SUNY & CUNY Updates: As of 1/15/22, both students and faculty returning to campuses must be BOOSTED on their vaccinations AND show proof of a negative COVID test. Private colleges are being encouraged to follow the same policy.
Looking for the vaccine? To find New York State-run locations, visit https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ (see more links in the vaccinations tab below). All New Yorkers age 5 and older are now eligible for the vaccine! Vaccines.gov allows for you to find COVID and Flu vaccination locations - both private and public, by appointment or walk-in.
ALL New Yorkers previously vaccinated are now eligible and encouraged to receive their COVID-19 booster shot. See where to get your booster dose. Walk-ins are available at State-run sites and pop-up locations, and appointments can be made at many local pharmacies at Vaccines.gov
Need more information on vaccines? No problem. FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers on each vaccine are available: Pfizer; Moderna; Johnson & Johnson.
COVID vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other locations across the state. Use the Vaccine Finder to find appointments near you or contact your local pharmacy or provider, or call our District Office at 516-746-5924 and Kevin will be happy to help you navigate the process of your choice.
The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through December 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly through insurers.
It's been a difficult time, and it's OK to ask for help when you need it. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services.
Need help with all this? Call Senator Anna Kaplan’s District Office at 516-746-5924. We are happy to help our constituents navigate the system and answer questions. If we cannot answer the phone due to high call volume, please leave a message.
Need a COVID-19 test? Click here, or Call 1-888-364-3065.
Vaccinated and looking for information on the new Empire Passport? New Yorkers can download the Excelsior Pass Wallet app for Android here and for iOS here. Interested businesses can download the Excelsior Pass Scanner app for Android here and for iOS here.
ALL teachers, administrators and other school employees are required to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass, based on a determination made by the NYS Health Commissioner and following an emergency resolution passed by the NYS Public Health and Health Planning Council. Read more.
The Governor also announced that the New York State Department of Health has finalized and released official guidance for classroom instruction:
The guidance prioritizes in-person learning and details recommendations and requirements for vaccinations, face masks, physical distancing, and testing to monitor potential transmission, among other areas.
The guidance largely tracks with the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. It is also intended as a floor and schools have the flexibility to go beyond the guidance.
If You or Someone You Know is Looking to Get Involved in the NYS Vaccination effort...
Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention for Residents and Small Businesses
The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act of 2021 provided immediate relief to renters and homeowners in BOTH residential and commercial eviction and foreclosure cases in New York State, including freezing proceedings until at least August 31, 2021 in Proceedings and Actions where a tenant-respondent or defendant-mortgagor submits a completed Hardship Declaration.
Has COVID-19 affected your utility payments? A new law provides temporary protections for residential customers, and there are immediate steps you can take to protect your utility service. To learn more, visit NYS Division of Consumer Protection’s website for more information, including their section on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
New York State Office for Aging is offering the "CV19 CheckUp" to all New Yorkers: a free, confidential, and easy to use questionnaire. It is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic by answering just 5 to 10 minutes of questions.
You'll immediately receive a custom report based on your life and habits to find out how likely you are to get or spread COVID-19, how severe it might be if you get sick, steps to reduce your risks, and ways to have your needs met during the pandemic.
Your report will provide guidance from leading experts and organizations based on research, science, and recommendations published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
To report violations of health and safety restrictions and requirements for businesses, gatherings and individuals, please choose the appropriate link below:
Please note: You must apply within 60 days of losing your previous coverage.
New York State's Cancer Services Program (CSP) may be able to help if you lost your health coverage, or you’re uninsured. The CSP provides free breast and cervical screenings to women over 40 years of age, as well as free colorectal cancer screenings to men and women over the age of 50 years. For more information, contact them by:
Mail: Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control, New York State Department of Health, Riverview Center, Suite 350, Albany, NY 12204-0678
Remember: Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline:
Dial 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. Self-care matters more than ever.
Health care workers can text “NYFRONTLINE” to 741-741 for access to 24/7 emotional support services.
The latest news from New York State Department of Health is always available through the following their website; 1-888-364-3065 (the State information hotline); and through the "Ask Us A Question" inbox.
COVID-19 Vaccinations & Excelsior Pass Read More
All New Yorkers 12 and older* are now eligible for vaccination
(*check which ages apply to each brand, i.e. Pfizer is the only approved for 12-16 year olds)
NEW: The Federal Government has launched Vaccines.gov website to find locations public and private offering vaccinations (powered by VaccineFinder, a collaboration with Harvard Medical and the CDC)
New York State continues to offer vaccinations without appointment at large megasites, including at SUNY Old Westbury, Aqueduct Racetrack, CUNY York College, SUNY Stony Brook and Suffolk Community College's Brentwood Campus.
Local vaccination information for Nassau County residents to consider:
Seniors in Nassau County can call 516-227-9550 from 9am-4:45pm (Monday-Friday), or email: seniors@hhsnassaucountyny.us
Veterans can call Nassau County's Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-6565
Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC): Click here to check for appointments.
Northwell Health: Click here to find an appointment near you.
Vaccines are available at State and National Guard-run megasites without appointment. Appointments may still be required at retail pharmacies, hospitals, local health departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers statewide – please contact your provider of choice to schedule your vaccine appointment. Vaccination can be booked online or by phone:
NY State and National Guard-Run Sites: Use the Am I Eligible app, or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.
VaccineFinder.org, a co-production of Boston Children's Hospital, the CDC, and Harvard Medical, allows residents to search by ZIP code for independent local pharmacies as well as supermarkets offering vaccinations.
Remember: The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses for effectiveness. For these vaccines, second-dose appointment will be scheduled automatically at the time you receive your first vaccine dose. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose. Appointments are not transferrable.
Instructions for New York State-Operated Vaccination Sites
Determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. New York State's online scheduling tool is the quickest way to confirm you're eligible and make an appointment. You can also call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Once you have successfully scheduled an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a barcode. You will need to bring this to your appointment.
Complete the Vaccine Form. Once you have a confirmed appointment, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form should be filled out online and you will receive a submission ID indicating completion. You will need to bring the submission ID to your appointment. If you cannot submit the form online, it will be available at the vaccination sites.
Bring proof of eligibility to your appointment. Individuals must bring proof of age. For individuals younger than the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for vaccination. A parent or legal guardian must provide verbal consent either while accompanying the minor to the vaccination appointment, or by phone at the time of the vaccination appointment. If the minor is 12-15 years old, they must arrive with a parent or guardian OR they need to bring another adult caregiver who has a signed designation from the parent or guardian and the parent/guardian must be available by phone.
If you are getting the Pfizer vaccine, your second dose appointment will be scheduled automatically when booking your first vaccine dose. Your second appointment will be scheduled for the same time and at the same location, three weeks following your first dose. You will receive a confirmation email with details about your second dose appointment within a few days of receiving your first dose. Please keep this in mind when scheduling a first dose appointment. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose.
Excelsior Pass provides secure, digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results.
There are currently three types of Passes:
COVID-19 Vaccination Pass (available 15 days after the final dose of the vaccine was administered; valid for 180 days, at which time a new Pass may be retrieved)
COVID-19 PCR Test Pass (valid until midnight on the third day after a test)
COVID-19 Antigen Test Pass (valid for 6 hours from the time of a test)
At this time, Passes may only be retrieved for COVID-19 vaccinations or negative test results received in the State of New York.
Businesses and venues can use Excelsior Pass to aid their compliance with State reopening guidelines.
Similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, New Yorkers can store Passes digitally on their smartphones or print them out to present at participating businesses and venues.
How do I use Excelsior Pass?
Participation in Excelsior Pass is voluntary. If you choose to participate, you can download the Excelsior Pass Wallet app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and follow the instructions to retrieve your Pass after you have been fully vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 in the State of New York.
Alternatively, you may retrieve your Pass from the Excelsior Pass website at https://epass.ny.gov. From the website, you can print a paper Pass, take a screen shot of your Pass, or save it to the Excelsior Pass Wallet mobile app. More details about retrieving a Pass are available in the "Retrieving a Pass" section of the FAQs.
Participating businesses and venues will use the Excelsior Pass Scanner app to prove that your Pass is valid. They will also ask you to present a photo ID that contains your name and your birth date to ensure that you are using a Pass belongs to you.
Adults can hold Passes for accompanying minors.
Why do I need Excelsior Pass?
Excelsior Pass is part of New York's effort to support the safe reopening of businesses and return to public places.
Excelsior Pass is a free, fast and secure way to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results and is one of many precautions, such as mask-wearing and capacity restrictions, set in place to accelerate the return to pre-pandemic activities.
How is a Pass generated?
Your Pass serves as digital proof of your COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results and is generated based on data provided by your provider or testing laboratory to the secure New York State and New York City immunization and COVID-19 testing databases.
Some entities that are not under the regulatory authority of the State of New York (e.g., federal entities, first nations and jurisdictions outside of New York State) may not report into these systems, which may make a Pass unavailable at this time
Am I required to use Excelsior Pass?
No. Participation in Excelsior Pass is voluntary. However, Excelsior Pass is a free, fast and secure way to present proof of your COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results to businesses that may require it as part of State reopening guidelines or for other purposes.
How much does it cost to use Excelsior Pass?
Excelsior Pass is free. If you need help setting up your Excelsior Pass, please feel free to call Senator Anna Kaplan's District Office at (516) 746-5924.
Housing Read More
Housing (Updated 1/2)
Reminder: The Nassau County Sheriff has been directed to stop all eviction proceedings, and now Governor Cuomo has signed into law the State Legislature's bill to freeze all eviction and foreclosure proceedings until May 1, 2021. If you are experiencing eviction or harassment, call the Nassau Sheriff's Department at 516-571-2120.
NEW for Homeowners, Renters, & Landlords: The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020
On December 28, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 (L. 2020, c. 381; “Act”). The Act provides immediate relief to respondents and defendants in residential eviction proceedings and foreclosure actions in New York State, including, among other things:
Staying (freezing) pending residential eviction proceedings (“Proceedings”) and residential real property mortgage foreclosure actions (“Actions”) for sixty days, as well as staying Proceedings and Actions filed within thirty days of December 28, 2020 for sixty days.
Publishing “Hardship Declaration" forms to be used by tenant-respondents in eviction matters and defendant-mortgagors in residential foreclosure actions in reporting financial hardship during or due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
Renters/Tenants: Hardship Declaration in Eviction Matters: English, and Español (Declaración de Penuria).
Homeowners with a Mortgage: Hardship Declaration in Foreclosure Matters: English, and Español (Declaración del Deudor Hipotecario de Penuria Debida al COVID-19).
NEW for Renters: New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) announced the COVID Rent Relief Program will be reopened for application with expanded eligibility criteria in an effort to serve New Yorkers who may have not had the opportunity to initially apply and those who may have been previously ineligible.
HCR will accept online applications from households through Monday, February 1, 2021.
Throughout the application period, residents who need help or have questions about their application can contact HCR’s COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or email: covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. Call Center representatives are available Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
HCR will also allow to applicants who are unable or uncomfortable applying online to do so over the phone rather than by mail. More information on this assistance and expanded language support on the hotline and will be available on HCR’s website in the coming days.
Program eligibility has been changed to no longer require households to have been considered “rent burdened” prior to the pandemic in order to qualify. Rent burden is defined as paying more than 30 percent of monthly gross income towards rent.
Residents that previously applied for COVID Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered. HCR will re-evaluate all applications that were denied according to the new criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants.
To qualify, renters impacted by the pandemic must meet ALL of the following criteria:
Must be a renter and have a primary residence in New York State;
Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;
Before March 7, 2020, household income must have been at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size; and
Households must be “rent burdened” during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.
For the purposes of assessing applicant income, cash benefits and unemployment benefits are both included in the calculation.
Homeowners: The State Department of Financial Services has issued a new directive to New York mortgage servicers to provide 90-day mortgage relief (forbearance) to mortgage borrowers impacted by the coronavirus. Click here for more information.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has also released a new mortgage directive in the wake of coronavirus. If your ability to pay your mortgage is impacted, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period. Click here for more information.
Renters & Landlords: The Governor has issued an executive order putting in place a rent freeze to prohibit rent prices from rising during the coronavirus crisis. Please contact the Attorney General’s office for more information and to file a report.
Generally, all travelers entering New York from a state that is not a contiguous state* (see below), or from a CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notice country, shall quarantine for a period of 14 days, consistent with Department of Health regulations for quarantine. There is now a two-step exception for travelers who obtain timely testing:
For travelers who traveled outside of New York for more than 24 hours, such travelers must
(1) obtain testing within 72 hours prior to arrival in New York, AND
(2) upon arrival in New York, quarantine according to Department of Health guidelines, for a minimum of 3 days, measured from time of arrival, and on day 4 may seek a diagnostic test to exit quarantine.
For travelers that meet the criteria above, the traveler may exit quarantine upon receipt of the second negative test result.
*"Contiguous states" are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Travelers from these states are not subject to this guidance because of the nature of cross-border commerce and activity.
Travelers who leave New York State for less than 24 hours do not need to obtain a diagnostic test before departing and do not need to quarantine upon return. However, such travelers must fill out the traveler form upon entry and must obtain a diagnostic test on the fourth day after arrival in New York.
Travel Advisory Exceptions for First Responders and Essential Workers: Exceptions to the travel advisory are permitted for essential workers traveling from a noncontiguous state or Level 2 or Level 3 country and are limited based on the duration of time in New York.
Short Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period of less than 12 hours.
This includes instances such as an essential worker passing through New York, delivering goods, awaiting flight layovers, and other short duration activities.
Essential workers must stay in their vehicle and/or limit personal exposure by avoiding public spaces as much as possible.
Essential workers must monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces.
Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public, contact with strangers, and large congregate settings.
Medium Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period of less than 36 hours, requiring them to stay overnight.
This includes instances such as an essential worker delivering multiple goods in New York, awaiting longer flight layover, and other medium duration activities.
Essential workers must monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces.
Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public, contact with strangers, and large congregate settings.
Long Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period
of greater than 36 hours, requiring them to stay several days.
This includes instances such as an essential worker working on longer projects, fulfilling extended employment obligations, and other longer duration activities.
Essential workers must seek diagnostic testing for COVID-19 on day 4 after arriving.
First responders and essential workers and their employers are expected to comply with previously issued DOH guidance regarding return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or after the employee had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID19.
Additionally, this guidance may be superseded by more specific industry guidance for a particular industry (e.g., for nursing home and adult care facility staff, a negative PCR test result is required before returning to work).
Teachers, school employees, and child care workers must quarantine for a minimum of 3 days after returning to New York from a designated state or country due to the nature of education and child care services and the risk and difficulty of adherence to the guidelines that govern such exemptions, and must be tested on day 4 after arriving, pursuant to EO 205.2.
Although such workers are essential, the travel advisory exemption for essential workers does not apply to teachers, school employees, or child care workers, due to the sensitivity of these congregate settings.
As always, please consult the NYS DOH website and resources for additional details and information regarding isolation procedures for when a person under quarantine is diagnosed with COVID-19 or
develops symptoms.
Medical Appointments or Procedures: If you have a health care procedure or appointment scheduled in New York that cannot be postponed, you (and your support person/companion) may travel to the extent necessary to maintain that appointment but must otherwise remain quarantined. For further information, see the Department’s guidance on this topic.
For details about applying for the New York Forward Loan Fund, targeted toward small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords, and for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, visit: esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans.
You can also use the NY Forward Business Reopening Lookup tool to help determine whether your business is able to reopen and to review the public health and safety standards with which your business must comply: https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward
New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering free remote counseling sessions with business advisers. Get assistance with how to start a business, the small-business loan application process and more. You must schedule an appointment, and you can do so by calling at 800-732-7232, or visiting nysbdc.org/appointment.html
In addition to business advising, New York SBDCs provide business training to startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners across New York State. Most of their business training is free and focuses on starting or growing an existing small business. Upcoming training topics range from business plan writing, crowdfunding, startup tips, preparing to sell a business, to digital marketing and more.
The SBDC has a newsletter highlighting these resources and more, including webinars, the Empire State Digital, National Veterans Small Business Week, and COVID-19 Tax Assistance.
PSEG-LI is launching a Small Business First program to provide upwards of $2,500 in rebates to upgrade on items like HVAC systems (important for COVID-19 safety) or more efficient lighting, which can help lower electric bills. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
If you were unable to attend my recent webinar, “Reinventing Your Small Business in a Reopened Community,” don't worry: you can catch a replay anytime at facebook.com/annamkaplan. The event featured practical advice and a thought-provoking discussion with experts from the US Small Business Administration, the Farmingdale Small Business Development Center, and Empire State Development.
Long Island SCORE in Hauppauge is a nonprofit organization offering free mentoring and educational workshops for entrepreneurs/small business owners. For more information, visit http://longisland.score.org/ or call 631-454-0771 .
Unfortunately, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program has exhausted its funding, and the SBA will no longer take applications for the $10,000 grants.
However, the companion program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) continue to take applications. To apply, go to https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership is holding a series of webinars to help Manufacturing Businesses survive our present situation. Check out their archive https://newyorkmep.org/covid19-webinars/
Earlier this year, the State launched the New York Forward Loan Fund: a $100 million to provide flexible and affordable loans to help our small businesses, especially MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) that did not receive federal COVID-19 assistance.
The program is intended to take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on truly small businesses, with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues.
If you’re a small business who did not get federal assistance, you should learn more about this program:esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the entire Town Board unanimously approved resolutions designed to help businesses impacted by COVID-19: The package of legislation will be eligible for a vote on June 18th and includes proposals like refunds for certain building department fees, extended hours for commercial construction, local preference in contracting, and expanded opportunity for outdoor seating for restaurants. For more information, click here.
The National SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Information Clearing House has extensive, industry-specific resources to help your small business weather the coronavirus outbreak and navigate a safe reopening. There’s information, guidance, tools, and support for a wide variety of businesses, from restaurants, to retailers, to service businesses, manufacturers, and so much more. Check it out here.
This office has held two webinars of our own on Facebook Live to help local small business owners make sense of the different relief programs that exist to help during this difficult time. You can watch the replays here.
Newsday also hosted a webinar on Helping Long Island Businesses Survive Coronavirus: the latest on the paycheck protection program and economic injury disaster loans. Click here to watch the webinar.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) held a webinar on the topic of “Small Business and COVID-19: PPP Loan Forgiveness Explained and Other Questions Answered. To watch, click here.
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service center can be contacted with any questions about SBA disaster assistance by calling 800-659-2955.
SBA Express Bridge Loans, which enable small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly
SBA Debt Relief, which provides financial reprieve to small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic
Hofstra University’s Business Development Center provides education and support to business owners through seminars, workshops, boot camps, and its Entrepreneurship Assistance Center. For more information, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/community/bdc/index.html or contact bdc@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-7214.
The Farmingdale Small Business Development Center provides education and support to business owners in Nassau and Suffolk. Visit farmingdale.edu/sbdc for more information, or call 934-420-2765
La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corp. provides economic growth opportunities to low-income, minority and women owned enterprises. It serves Nassau and Suffolk counties. For information about SBA disaster relief, visit https://lafuerzacdc.org/ or call or text 516-666-5071, or email Covid19@Lafuerzacdc.org
Long Island Development Corporation in Hauppauge provides low cost loans and technical assistance to help small businesses grow. For more information, visit www.lidc.org or call 516-433-5000
The Main Street Lending Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is intended to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-the-main-street-lending-program
Child Care Providers Read More
Child Care Providers
The Office of Children and Family Services is working closely with the New York State Department of Health to supply child care providers with the most up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus.
Resources for Parents and Expecting Parents Read More
Resources for Parents and Expecting Parents
Adelphi University has an Institute for Parenting "Warmline" (calls are returned Mondays & Thursdays) for parents, caregivers, and educators of young children (ages 0-6) who have questions regarding babies' and young children's development and wellbeing, especially in times of heightened stress. Your call will be returned by an infant and early childhood specialist from the Institute for Parenting at Adelphi University. Contact: 516-515-1948.
Expecting mothers understandably are experiencing a lot of fear and concern right now, and to help address their concerns and get answers to their questions, Northwell Health has set up a hotline for expecting parents. If you’ve got questions, call: 833-487-2273.
New York State will provide child care scholarships to essential workers. Child care costs will be covered for essential staff whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level — or $78,600 for a family of four. Essential workers (including health care providers, law enforcement, food delivery workers, grocery store employees and others) can use these scholarships to pay for their existing care arrangement.If an essential worker needs child care, they can use the below link to begin the application process (select by language spoken)
Port Washington residents Dr. Lauren Block and Adam Block PhD created a beautifully illustrated e-book for kids aged 4-11 to help them make sense of the coronavirus and the world we’re living in today. The book is called “Kelly Stays Home: The Science of Coronavirus” and it's available FREE for download to anyone who is interested. If you have children in your family, visit https://www.kellystayshome.com/ and check it out!
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources Read More
Mental Health° and Substance Abuse* Resources
The outbreak of the coronavirus is a source of significant stress, anxiety and fear for many people, potentially causing overwhelming emotions in adults and children. If you begin to feel these or related emotions, please reach out to friends, family, or the resources below. We are all in this together.
The State’s volunteer mental health hotline° is available for anyone who wants to call and make an appointment to talk to a professional, free of charge. We’re all going through a lot right now, and there are people who are standing by to help you through it. Call 844-863-9314
In order to ensure New Yorkers have equitable access to critical mental health and substance abuse treatment, Governor Cuomo and the NY Department of Financial Services issued proposed regulations that would improve access to coverage for services and safeguard all New Yorkers rights under state and federal parity laws. For more information, visit Governor Cuomo’s website.
Headspace has teamed up with the New York Governor’s Office to offer free meditation and mindfulness content, curated specifically for the people of New York. To access this offering, please simply visit headspace.com/ny.
Long Island’s two leading, county-based mental health organizations have begun offering online bereavement support groups designed to provide comfort, support, and “grief tools” to those who have lost loved ones to the COVID-19 virus. For more information and to register, go to www.bereavement.mhaw.org.
Opioid overdoses have skyrocketed since the pandemic began, so knowing how to stop an overdose and save a life is more important than ever. While in-person opioid overdose prevention trainings may be on pause for a while, you can now do it remotely just like everything else these days. Check out the NYS Community Calendar of Opioid Overdose Prevention Trainings to learn more: https://nyoverdose.org/Home/Calendar
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Read More
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
Amid an uptick in domestic violence incidents, NYS has launched a new 24/7 texting program and confidential online service to help abuse victims safely interact with the Domestic Violence hotline without being overheard by their abuser. If you’re in an unsafe situation, know that you’re not alone, and you’re not trapped. There is help—text 844-997-2121 or visit opdv.ny.gov.
Thanks to the support of Uber, Nassau County residents who need to escape a dangerous situation, or access support services, will have one less thing to worry about when seeking help:
Anyone in need can call The Safe Center’s 24/7 hotline at 516-542-0404, and operators will deploy an Uber to their location to bring them to a safe shelter or someplace else in order to access services, and the caller’s privacy will always be protected by personnel at the hotline.
Consumer Protection Tips Read More
Consumer Protection Tips
Price Gouging
If you become aware of any stores that may be price gouging on items such as cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer, please call the State Division of Consumer Protection at 1-800-697-1220 or call 311 to file a complaint. Report incidents of price gouging in Nassau County by email to: pricegouging@nassaucountyny.gov.
Unfortunately, there are people who are seeking to exploit our crisis in order to scam people in our community. Please be vigilant and visit the following resources to learn more about the types of scams that exist, and how to avoid them.
The New York State Department of Labor administers unemployment insurance benefits for New York State, and their website is a great first-stop if you're looking for answers to questions about unemployment benefits.
As Long Island continues to reopen, the New York State Department of Labor Jobs Express Website has a growing number of positions available in our region, with over thousands of jobs available in a number of different fields from businesses looking to hire immediately. Visit the Jobs Express website at jobs.ny.gov to check out what’s available.
The CARES/HEROES Act
HEROES ACT: The House of Representatives has passed a COVID-19 stimulus bill called the HEROES Act. This proposal calls for more than $3 trillion in aid to state and local governments, increases testing, extends unemployment insurance and provides for expansion of voting by mail.
The bill also proposes to give Americans another $1,200 in direct payments and additional mortgage relief. While the bill will likely pass the House, it will have an uphill battle in the US Senate. However, it is vital that state and local governments which have been devastated by the effects of this virus be given financial assistance in order for them to continue to fund basic public services including education, police and fire departments, road maintenance and sanitation services. I am hopeful that reason prevails, and this bill does not fall victim to another series of partisan divides. New York cannot wait any longer!
The federal CARES Act was signed into law March 27, 2020 after passing both houses of Congress.
The Act provides enhanced UI benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides payment to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (including people who are self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus emergency. For more information, click here.
Coronavirus Emergency Paid Sick Leave Bill
On March 19, 2020, the State Legislature passed an emergency bill to enact paid sick leave for New Yorkers facing quarantine due to exposure to the virus, and waiving the 7-day waiting period for unemployment insurance. Effective immediately, employees in New York subjected to mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation are eligible for some form of paid leave. Sick leave for coronavirus will not be charged against existing accrued sick leave.
Who does this apply to?
Employers with 10 or fewer workers - unpaid sick leave until the termination of the emergency order. Eligible for paid family leave program ($840.70 per week) with any difference made up by disability insurance program (up to $2,043 per week).
Employers with between 11 and 99 employees, also includes high earning small employers - 5 days paid sick leave
Employers with 100 or more employees and all public employers - 14 days of paid sick leave during the order.
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus closures or quarantines. You can apply for UI benefits here
The legislature passed a new law to provide death benefits for public frontline workers who died from COVID-19 during the state of emergency: See the bill here.
Workers in New York State have up to 10 weeks of paid leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. This leave may not be used for your own health condition. For more information, please visit the NYS Paid Family Leave resource site or call the Paid Family Leave toll-free helpline at (844)337-6303.
The Family and Medical Leave Act provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave if you have a serious health condition or are caring for a family member with a serious health condition. You must have worked for your employer for a year and your employer must have 50 or more employees. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
If you are sick, you may also be able to request unpaid leave as a reasonable accommodation under laws that prohibit disability discrimination. For more information, please visit the NYS Division of Human Rights
If you have questions about your rights in the workplace or if you believe your employment protections have been violated, including violations of workforce reduction mandates and essential business guidance, please contact the OAG’s Labor Bureau: 212-416-8700.
Short term disability insurance is potentially available to workers who take time off due to illness. For more information, please visit the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board
Attorney General Letitia James’ office is closely monitoring the treatment of employees across the state as the workforce reduction mandates go into effect, and she’s publicized a hotline and email address for anyone to report a violation of existing state labor laws or any recent executive orders that are potentially putting workers in harm's way. Her office can be reached is 212-416-8700 or by email at labor.bureau@ag.ny.gov
Student and Medical Debt Relief Read More
Student and Medical Debt Relief
New York Attorney General Letitia James has temporarily suspended medical and student debt collections referred to her office amid the coronavirus crisis for at least 30 days.
New Yorkers with non-medical or non-student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the OAG, may also apply to temporarily halt the collection of state debt. Individuals seeking to apply for this temporary relief can fill out an application online or visit the OAG's coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. If an individual is unable to fill out the online form, they can also call the OAG hotline at 1-800-771-7755 to learn more.
Food Assistance Read More
Food Assistance and Food Banks
In addition to operating food banks around Nassau, Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you. Give them a call at 631-873-4775 for assistance.
Long Island Cares has a Find Food Pantries search tool and provides several mobile outreach programs that deliver emergency food to seniors, veterans, children and the homeless. A list of mobile events can be found on their Facebook page. If you are unable to get to any of these locations and are in need of immediate help or you know of someone, please call 631-582-FOOD (3663) ext. 109 or email emergencyresponse@licares.org.
Pet Supply Help: Long Island Cares also provides Baxter's Pet Pantry and people who get food from their food bank locations can ask specifically to be provided with pet supplies including pet food and other supplies (bedding, cat towers, etc.).
Grocery stores in our district are now offering special shopping hours for the elderly and immuno-comprimsed. For a list of participating stores and further details, click here.
Meals on Wheels provides meal services to seniors and other at-risk individuals. For more information, click here or call 1-888-998-6325.
The governor has announced that more than $328 million in home heating aid is now available for low- and middle-income New Yorkers who need assistance keeping their homes warm during the coming winter season.
Applications are now being accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides federal funding to assist homeowners and renters with their heating costs during the cold weather months. HEAP may be able to help you if you heat your home with: oil, natural gas, electricity, or propane. Find out more or apply online: here.
Eligible homeowners and renters may receive assistance of up to $741 from HEAP, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,019 or an annual gross income of $60,226 and still qualify for benefits, which is a modest increase from the previous year's threshold.
If you'd rather not apply online, applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The following are Nassau County HEAP contacts:
Nassau County Department of Social Services
60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone: (516) 227-8519
Days Open: Monday - Friday
Nassau County Office for the Aging
60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone: (516) 227-7386
Days Open: Monday - Friday
New York State Public Service Law provides temporary protections for essential utility and municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you experienced a change of financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, utilities and municipalities may not shut off your service for nonpayment, must reconnect your service within 48 hours, and must offer you a deferred payment agreement to pay any balance due.
There are immediate steps you can take to protect your utility service:
Contact your service provider: Your first step is always to contact your utility or municipality. Some utilities and municipalities may require you to self-certify that you’ve experienced a change in financial circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect your account from shutoff.
Ask for a deferred payment agreement: A deferred payment agreement allows you to pay your balance due in affordable, installment payments. Until March 31, 2021, utilities and municipalities are required to offer deferred payment agreements with no money down, late fees or penalties. You may be required to submit a financial statement or documentation to your service provider. You are still responsible for paying your utility or municipality bill during and after the moratorium period.
Pay what you can: While your account may be protected from shutoff, you will still be responsible for the charges for service. Paying what you can now will help you avoid a larger bill later.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. These temporary protections are only available until March 31, 2021. The sooner you contact your utility, the sooner your account will be protected from shutoff.
Utility companies (PSEG LI, National Grid, and local water authorities) have been ordered to maintain service - even if an account becomes delinquent. Additionally, there is a moratorium on all new rate increases during the crisis. An explanation of your rights under the Executive Order can be found here.
If you experience a service shut-off, please let my office know by calling 516-746-5924 or emailing kaplan@nysenate.gov, and contact the Department of Public Services (DPS) here.
Public Transportation Read More
Public Transportation
Nassau Inter-County Express / NICE Bus: Per Governor Cuomo's order: Passengers are REQUIRED to wear a face mask or face covering while on the bus for the safety of other riders and operators. Any passenger not wearing a mask may be refused service. NICE has provided their updated cleaning, precautions, and response policy online.
NEW: The NICE GoMobile app allows you to buy tickets anywhere, anytime in just seconds, without having to touch more than your phone. It's the quick and easy way to pay your fare, while reducing contact with public surfaces.
UPDATE: The Shore Road Shuttle pilot service is now known as the Port Washington Shuttle, offering weekday commuter service for Soundview and W. Shore Road to/from the Port Washington LIRR station.
This innovative pilot service provides morning and evening PEAK commuter service for Soundview area residents to the Port Washington LIRR. The shuttle then continues its mid-day service along West Shore Road servicing Roslyn businesses surrounding the Clock Tower, Industrial Park and Fairway Drive, among other established stops.
The Long Island Rail Road has resumed regular service, except on weekends for Third Rail Project construction. Please see the MTA's "Traveling safely during the coronavirus pandemic" page for further information on COVID-19 precautions.
Resources for Frontline Healthcare Professionals Read More
Resources for Frontline Healthcare Professionals
Health care workers can text “NYFRONTLINE” to 741-741 for access to 24/7 emotional support services from NYS.
Hotels in our area are offering discounting rates for healthcare professionals during the coronavirus crisis. Click here for more information.
And most of all, our community says "THANK YOU!" for your work during this difficult year.
Nursing Homes, Long Term Care, & Senior Centers Read More
Nursing Homes, Long Term Care Facilities, & Senior Centers
The State Health Department has concluded an in-depth analysis of Covid-19 data from the state’s nursing homes in an effort to learn for the future from what took place during the earliest days of the pandemic. The study demonstrated that Covid fatalities in nursing homes were related to infected nursing home staff, and that, like in other congregate settings such as workplaces, hospitals, and houses of worship, asymptomatic carriers helped the virus to spread quickly throughout the facilities. The report details extensive findings with significant supporting data, and I can’t do it justice by summarizing it in just one paragraph, so if you’re interested in learning more about this topic, I strongly encourage you to learn more about the study and its findings or read the report it in its entirety.
Starting July 20th, New York began to allow visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities on a limited basis. Visits will be allowed at facilities that have been free of new Covid-19 cases for at least 28 days in alignment with CDC guidance. There will be a limit of two visitors able to visit a resident at a time, with one of them being at least 18 years old, and all visitors must undergo a temperature check upon entry, wear a mask, and practice social distancing.
On March 20, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced Matilda's Law to protect NYers aged 70+ and those with compromised immune systems. The guidelines are as follows:
Do not go to the homes of your relatives or homes with multiple people in them.
Limit visits in your own home to immediate family members or close friends for emergency purposes only.
Any visitors to your home should be screened for fever before being allowed to enter.
Everyone in the home of a senior or vulnerable person (including the vulnerable person themselves) should wear a mask for the duration of the visit.
Engage only in solitary outdoor exercise activities (taking a walk, etc.)
Stay home unless necessary to obtain supplies, medical care, or emergency services.
Additionally, please find the below resources for Seniors:
Circulo de la Hispanidad, Inc – Project SALVA 24/7 Billingual Domestic Violence Hotline: (516) 889-2849
Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs Senior HELP-LINE Available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm: (516) 227-8900
Supervisor Bosworth and the Town of North Hempstead launched a new program to provide our seniors with remote companionship during these isolating times. The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program matches volunteers with seniors in the Project Independence program, and is designed to provide a sense of reassurance and comfort. To participate or to volunteer, call 311 or 516-869-6311.
The Alzheimer's Association is running support groups via telephone/webinar, as well as a 24/7 hotline for those in need. For more information, call (800) 272-3900 or click here.
Governor Cuomo announced efforts to provide further oversight of the conditions inside New York’s nursing homes. The State DOH and Attorney General Tish James will be reviewing compliance with all DOH directives, CDC directives, and executive orders, and will inspect any facilities found out of compliance with any of these rules, including staffing policies, family/resident notification policies, staff safety provisions, and policies around usage of PPE.
Are you concerned that a family member of yours isn't getting proper care in a nursing home? If so, we encourage you to file a complaint by calling 833-249-8499 or by visiting www.ag.ny.gov/nursinghomes.
Island Harvest has launched a free food package distribution program specifically to help out our seniors in need. Food packages include items like cereal, rice, pasta, beans, canned vegetables and fruits, canned proteins, cheese, shelf-stable milk, juice, peanut butter, and soup. To qualify, you must be 60 or over, a NY State resident (US & Non-US citizens are eligible) and verify your income. To see if you qualify, contact marilyn@islandharvest.org or call 631-873-4775
In order to help our seniors during this difficult time, the Town of North Hempstead has waived all Project Independence taxi ride fees for regular food shopping, medical appointments, and COVID testing during the pandemic, and they have expanded the shopping program to seven days per week, town-wide. TONH Residents can call 311 to make an appointment.
Veterans Read More
Veterans
New York State Division of Veterans' Services (DVS) offices are re-opening across the state. For the safety of all involved, they have new operating procedures in place, including:
Create an appointment for an online consultation (though in-person can be done upon request)
Wear PPE or face coverings during in-person visits, maintain social distancing, and be ready for temperature checks
You can contact DVS in the following ways:
Send an email with your name, county, contact information, and brief description of your concern to DVSInfo@veterans.ny.gov
Call 888.838.7697 to speak to a representative to assist you
Contact your Veterans Benefits Advisor by phone or email, if you are already working with one, or
You can always call our District Office at 516-746-5924 for further guidance or assistance.
The Nassau County Veterans Services Agency is continuing to provide critical services to our county's heroes. If you are a Vet in need, please do not hesitate to call the VSA at 516-572-6565.
Counseling services for veterans will take place over the phone
Transportation services will continue to drive Veterans to important medical procedures.
Vehicles are thoroughly cleaned before and after each trip.
Nassau County's "Vet Mart" food pantry is open to vets in need, and now has a drive-up program. If you can't pick up, volunteers can come to you. The pantry is located at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building Q, on the campus of Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, and is open Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Contact: 516-572-6526
How You Can Help Read More
How You Can Help
The Nassau Veterans Association is in need of drivers to help with deliveries and transportation services. Call 516-572-6565 for more info.
New York State is seeking highly trained technologists to assist with our Covid-19 Technology SWAT team. Individuals from leading global technology companies are being deployed across high-impact and urgent coronavirus response activities across a range of functions, including Web/Mobile Development, Data Science/Analytics, End User Support and Digital Content Strategy. Individuals, technology companies, universities, nonprofits, research labs, and other organizations with technology expertise are invited to submit an expression of interest. Learn more at https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-covid-19-technology-swat-team
In order to help research effective treatments for Coronavirus, plasma donations are needed from people who tested positive for coronavirus but have since resolved and gotten better. Your plasma will be used to help save lives of ill patients using the convalescent plasma method, and you can learn more and donate by visiting https://www.nybc.org/donate-blood/convalescent-plasma/
The State established a new partnership with the New York State Court System to create a pro bono network of volunteer lawyers to provide New Yorkers in need with free legal assistance. Volunteers will begin to receive training and start offering assistance next week. Lawyers interested in volunteering can sign up at www.nysba.org/covidvolunteer
To help support our First Responders, New York created the First Responders Fund. The fund will assist COVID-19 health care workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care. The State Department of Health is accepting donations for the fund, and received an anchor $10 million contribution from Blackstone. Donations can be made electronically at www.healthresearch.org/donation-form.
If you see people putting themselves and others at risk of infection by defying the Governor’s executive orders, the Nassau Police urge you to contact shutdownenforcement@nassaucountyny.gov or call Nassau County Fire Communications - Firecom on their 24/7 hotline at 516-742-3170 for a more urgent situation.
The Governor increased the maximum fine for violations of the state’s social distancing protocols from $500 to $1,000. If you would like to report a violation of social distancing protocols, call 1-833-789-0470.
Amid a shortage of personal protective equipment — or PPE — products in the state, including gloves, masks and gowns, the Governor is asking all PPE product providers to sell to the state any products that are not essential or not currently being used. Businesses interested in selling products to the state should contact Simonida Subotic at 646-522-8477 or covid19supplies@exec.ny.gov.
The Governor is encouraging any company with the proper equipment or personnel to begin to manufacture PPE products if possible. The state is willing to provide funding to any company to obtain the proper equipment and personnel. Businesses interested in receiving state funding to manufacture PPE products should contact Eric Gertler at 212-803-3100 or covid19supplies@exec.ny.gov.
NYS is accepting donations of essential goods, services, and spaces to support New York’s response to the coronavirus public health emergency. For more information, click here.
New York Blood Center is reporting critical shortages of donated blood, which is becoming even more important during this national emergency. If you are unsure if you can donate, but would like to, call the NYBC experts at 800-688-0900 or visit nybloodcenter.org for more information.
RXR Realty has created a platform called RXR Volunteer, where accountants, attorneys, consultants and others with important skill sets, can offer their services to small business owners, non-profit leaders and others trying to navigate through our present crisis. The site is currently open to volunteers and those seeking help. Click here for more information.
Frontline Foods is now in Nassau County and they need donations to do their great work supporting our local restaurants and our healthcare heroes. This innovative nonprofit organization takes your 100% tax-deductible donation, uses it to purchase food at local restaurants in our community, and brings the food to our healthcare heroes in local hospitals. Visit https://www.frontlinefoods.org/nassaucounty to learn more and make a donation.
The Village of Flower Hill has established a Volunteer Corps with the goal of identifying village residents who may not be able to get their own food, supplies, or need other assistance during the crisis, and to help them. For any Flower Hill resident in need of assistance, or any resident interested in volunteering, contact 516-627-5000 or email them: volunteer@villageflowerhill.org .
Stay Connected Read More
Stay Connected
While we are all doing our best to ensure that we practice effective physical distancing, it's important that we remain socially connected. Below are some virtual activities for you to engage in to keep healthy both physically and mentally during this difficult time.
Organize weekly virtual hangout sessions with family and friends where you watch a movie, drink tea, talk about life and helpful coping mechanisms, play games and enjoy each others’ company!
Sign up for Senator Anna M. Kaplan’s Coronavirus Update Emails here.
Remember to virtually celebrate important milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, test grades and more.
The Herstory Writers Workshop is offering free community workshops in English and Spanish for students, as well as parents, grandparents, and guardians, helping empower you to find your voice and raise it up. If you’re already an avid writer, or you’ve never taken the journey on your own, now is a great time to explore your story. Learn more at http://www.herstorywriters.org/online-workshops-for-our-time.
