OCTOBER 19th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
The plastic bag ban, and 5 cent fee on paper bags, was supposed to go into effect on March 1, 2020 but implementation was delayed due to legal challenges to the law. Implementation of the law is starting today, October 19, 2020. To avoid the 5 cent fees, use your own bags.
OCTOBER 9th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
New York State is taking determined action to head off the spread of COVID-19 through and from the hot spots in areas in and around New York City. Governor Cuomo outlined a plan, categorizing areas in, adjacent to, and outlying the hotspots as red, orange and yellow and has devised a chart outlining the specific actions to be taken.
MEND NYC is a new program, launched by the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and the Office of Nightlife, to mediate quality-of-life disputes between NYC residents and hospitality venues. If you are a New York City resident experiencing a chronic or urgent quality-of-life issue that you believe is related to a neighboring hospitality business, like a bar or restaurant, then MEND NYC may be a solution for you.
OCTOBER 5th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
The Governor announced the State's Tenant Safe Harbor Act will be expanded until January 1, 2021 to protect additional residential tenants from eviction if they are suffering financial hardship during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
SEPTEMBER 28th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
On Wednesday, September 30th, restaurants in New York City can reopen for indoor dining starting at 25 percent. All restaurants that choose to reopen must adhere to strict safety protocols, including increased ventilation and air filtration standards, temperature checks and face coverings when not seated, among other safety protocols.
SEPTEMBER 18th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
The deadline for health insurance special enrollment has been extended through December 31, 2020. New Yorkers without health insurance can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health Marketplace, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, or by connecting with a free enrollment assister.
SEPTEMBER 14th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
Starting September 30th, restaurants in New York City can reopen for indoor dining with a limit of 25 percent capacity. All restaurants that choose to reopen must adhere to strict safety protocols, including temperature checks, face coverings when not seated, increased ventilation and air filtration standards, among other safety protocols.
SEPTEMBER 8th RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
For the fourth straight week, New York's positive infection rate is below 1 percent. All of the State's COVID reporting data, including the number of tests conducted and the positive infection rate broken down by region, is available here.
PDF: 61st St., 62nd St. btw 5th Ave. and York Ave. WHH
AUGUST 31st RESOURCES AND UPDATES:
Tomorrow is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Election Day is fast approaching and the New York State and Local Board of Elections are asking registered voters to pitch in and help work the polls (a paid position). To be eligible, you must be a registered voter in New York State.
