Click here for the report.
Note: On March 2, From The G-Man published the following editorial.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Louisiana Becomes First State to Postpone Election Due to Coronavirus
Click here for the report.
Public Housing Chair Statement on NYCHA Budget Hearing
Alicka Ampry-Samuel
Chair of the New York City Council’s Public Housing Committee, Alicka Ampry-Samuel, was unable to attend the NYCHA FY2021 Preliminary Budget Hearing out of an abundance of caution related to the COVID 19 outbreak.
On Tuesday, March 10, Chair Ampry-Samuel received notice that a teacher in her son’s school tested positive for COVID 19. At that time, as advised by NYC DOH, unless you have symptoms related to a cold or flu, continue to be vigilant and there is no cause for alarm. On Thursday, March 12 at 9pm, Chair Ampry-Samuel received another email from her son’s school stating a second teacher tested positive for COVID19.
As a result of the latest development, Chair Ampry-Samuel decided not to jeopardize the health and safety of her fellow colleagues and New Yorkers. After contacting Council staff, the City Administration and NYCHA, all agreed to continue with the budget hearing. Although the Chair requested the hearing be postponed for two weeks, because of the tight budget hearing schedule and in accordance with the City Charter, the hearing must move forward in her absence.
Chair Ampry-Samuel stated, “As Chair of the Public Housing Committee, I understand the need to put the safety of vulnerable families first. We are all feeling a little uneasy with this new outbreak, and now, pandemic. As we move forward with conducting the business of New York City, I will continue to work with NYCHA ensuring that our seniors are protected while buildings and centers are cleaned and sanitized. We all have a job to do but our first priority is to ensure that all New Yorkers are healthy and safe.” She went on to state, “Thank you Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson for stepping in to chair today’s budget hearing and for your leadership when advocating for the residents of public housing.”
Source: Naomi Hopkins
OMH and OASAS Announce Additional Measures to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19
Easing Regulations Will Allow More Healthcare
Providers to Practice Telehealth During the Emergency
Providers to Practice Telehealth During the Emergency
The
New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of
Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) announced new measures to help
stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and ensure that New Yorkers have
safe access to the mental health and addiction treatment services they
need. Streamlining the approval process and regulations governing
telehealth services will quickly allow more healthcare providers to
utilize the practice for the duration of the of the COVID-19 emergency.
OMH Commissioner, Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Individuals who are self-quarantined or concerned about the spread of COVID-19 may understandably choose not to keep appointments with their therapists and healthcare providers. By easing telehealth regulations, we will allow people living with mental health or addiction issues to safely and conveniently receive the services they need and provide peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.”
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sanchéz said, “Governor Cuomo’s measures to streamline the approval process for telehealth services is a crucial step in ensuring that individuals in need of mental health and addiction treatment services receive the professional help they need without comprising their well-being and the safety of others.”
Although the risk of contracting the virus remains low, many healthcare providers report that their recipients are expressing anxiety about leaving their homes. Streamlining and waiving the rules that regulate telehealth services will allow more healthcare providers to conduct therapy sessions with their patients will ensure continuity of care throughout the emergency.
By waiving sections of OMH regulations, Part 596, and OASAS regulations, Part 830, the agencies will be able to quickly approve the use of telehealth to deliver mental health services and addiction treatment. This will streamline the written approval process, expand the list of providers who can deliver the service and ease certain requirements, such as the need for an initial in-person assessment prior to the delivery of telehealth services.
The streamlined regulations will allow a practitioner to file a Self-Attestation of Compliance, certifying that they meet the State’s licensing standards, that confidentiality of patients will be maintained, and all sessions will be conducted on secure transmission lines.
Providers who submit a Self-Attestation will be authorized to deliver services via telehealth. The regulatory waiver will be in effect for a time-limited period during the disaster emergency. The waiver will help ensure that regardless of the extent of the crisis, mental health services can be maintained for our most vulnerable citizens. More information on the regulatory waiver is available on the OMH website and the OASAS website.
OMH Commissioner, Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Individuals who are self-quarantined or concerned about the spread of COVID-19 may understandably choose not to keep appointments with their therapists and healthcare providers. By easing telehealth regulations, we will allow people living with mental health or addiction issues to safely and conveniently receive the services they need and provide peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.”
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sanchéz said, “Governor Cuomo’s measures to streamline the approval process for telehealth services is a crucial step in ensuring that individuals in need of mental health and addiction treatment services receive the professional help they need without comprising their well-being and the safety of others.”
Although the risk of contracting the virus remains low, many healthcare providers report that their recipients are expressing anxiety about leaving their homes. Streamlining and waiving the rules that regulate telehealth services will allow more healthcare providers to conduct therapy sessions with their patients will ensure continuity of care throughout the emergency.
By waiving sections of OMH regulations, Part 596, and OASAS regulations, Part 830, the agencies will be able to quickly approve the use of telehealth to deliver mental health services and addiction treatment. This will streamline the written approval process, expand the list of providers who can deliver the service and ease certain requirements, such as the need for an initial in-person assessment prior to the delivery of telehealth services.
The streamlined regulations will allow a practitioner to file a Self-Attestation of Compliance, certifying that they meet the State’s licensing standards, that confidentiality of patients will be maintained, and all sessions will be conducted on secure transmission lines.
Providers who submit a Self-Attestation will be authorized to deliver services via telehealth. The regulatory waiver will be in effect for a time-limited period during the disaster emergency. The waiver will help ensure that regardless of the extent of the crisis, mental health services can be maintained for our most vulnerable citizens. More information on the regulatory waiver is available on the OMH website and the OASAS website.
Sources: The New York State Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports
FDA Gives New York State Authority to Conduct All COVID-19 Testing at Public and Private Labs
The Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo: After weeks of demanding federal approval, Governor Cuomo today announced the FDA has approved New York State to authorize the state's 28 public and private labs to begin manual, semi-automated and automated testing for novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The approval also extends to the Roche high-volume platform for testing.
The Governor has made increasing capacity a priority, and these approvals will increase the state's testing capacity dramatically - from 3,000 to date to about 6,000 per day in the next week.
Governor Cuomo also issued an Executive Order to help relieve the economic impact of COVID-19 on workers and assure school aid for schools that have been directed to close. As part of the Governor's Executive Order, the state will waive the 7-day waiting period for workers to claim unemployment insurance for those that have been put out of work by COVID-19.
The Executive Order will also eliminate the aid penalty for schools directed to close by state or local officials or those closed under a state or local declaration of emergency that do not meet 180-day requirements if they are unable to make up school days.
The Governor also directed the New York State Department of Public Service to suspend public utilities from cutting off service - including power and heat - to customers affected by COVID-19. The State's major utilities will take immediate action to suspend service shutoffs to households during the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to offer deferred payment plans for customers struggling financially due to the outbreak.
Governor Cuomo Opens the State's First Drive-Through COVID-19 Mobile Testing Center
Governor Andrew Cuomo today opened the state’s first drive-through
COVID-19 mobile testing center in New Rochelle. In partnership with
Northwell and BioReference, the mobile testing center, which serves all
parts of Westchester County, will perform up to 200 tests today, growing
to 500 tests per day in the coming days.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York Bishop Excusing Catholics from Mass and Holy Day Obligations
All other parish events, including Confirmations and Lenten penance services, are postponed until the end of March.
Click here for the report.
Source: 13newsnow.com
All NYPL Locations to Close from March 14 Through March 31
The following statement was submitted by Anthony W. Marx, president of the New York Public Library.
After carefully considering a multitude of factors and the rapidly changing situation in New York City around novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all New York Public Library locations will be closed to the public beginning on Saturday, March 14 through at least Tuesday, March 31.
Please note that Friday, March 13 will be the last day that patrons can pick up holds or borrow books until library locations reopen.
We made this decision to support the overall health and wellness of our communities and for the safety of our patrons and staff. It was a difficult decision, as we care deeply about serving the public, but the responsible thing to do—and the best way to serve our patrons right now—is to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. While we have been proud to stay open to serve the public amid storms and other emergencies, the best way we can serve our patrons now is to help contain the virus, especially as our patrons include many seniors and others at high risk.
After carefully considering a multitude of factors and the rapidly changing situation in New York City around novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all New York Public Library locations will be closed to the public beginning on Saturday, March 14 through at least Tuesday, March 31.
Please note that Friday, March 13 will be the last day that patrons can pick up holds or borrow books until library locations reopen.
We made this decision to support the overall health and wellness of our communities and for the safety of our patrons and staff. It was a difficult decision, as we care deeply about serving the public, but the responsible thing to do—and the best way to serve our patrons right now—is to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. While we have been proud to stay open to serve the public amid storms and other emergencies, the best way we can serve our patrons now is to help contain the virus, especially as our patrons include many seniors and others at high risk.
We know the Library is a critical resource
for New Yorkers of all ages, so we are taking steps to support our
patrons as much as possible during this temporary closure:
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The safety and health of our patrons and staff are the Library’s top priority. Please continue to check our coronavirus webpage for updates and contact Ask NYPL with questions. It is important that we all do our part to keep our communities healthy and safe.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Pentagon Silent on Coronavirus Test Kits at Overseas Military Bases
The Huffington Post: The Department of Defense has not said if all facilities abroad have the means to test people for the virus.
Click here for the report.
Chelsea Manning Released from Jail
The Huffington Post: The former Army intelligence analyst had served two months in custody after refusing to testify before a grand jury in March 2019.
Click here for the report.
Trump 'Not Concerned' About Contact with Brazilian Official with Coronavirus
Politico: “We did nothing very unusual. We sat next to each other for a period of time and had a great conversation,” Trump said.
Click here for the report.
NYPD Says 'No Plans' to Shut Down Transit Despite Text Messages
NBC News: There are no plans to shut down transit or movement to and
from New York City, according to a senior NYC law enforcement official.
A spokesperson for NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio also emphasized that the text messages were not true.
Many
people in the New York City area have reported receiving text messages
on Thursday afternoon claiming that the city would be shut down in
coming days.
Click here to review the message.
Statement from Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa
"To be clear, the state has the legal authority to overrule any locality's decision to issue an order of mass quarantine or shut down. No locality will be closing down. The mass transit system is not shutting down. These rumors, caused by undue anxiety, are just that - rumors."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Speaks on the Coronavirus Pandemic
State of Emergency Declared in the City
EU Condemns Trump’s Travel Ban Between U.S. and Europe
Global News: The European Union condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a travel ban from many European countries on Thursday, with EU Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying in a joint statement that the decision was “taken unilaterally and without consultation.”
Click here for additional information.
Governor Cuomo: New York State Will Contract with 28 Private Labs to Increase Coronavirus Testing
This video was published on YouTube on March 11.
NYPL's Public Programs and Events Suspended During March
The following statement was submitted by Anthony W. Marx, president of the New York Public Library.
Dear New Yorkers,
As you know, we are all facing a difficult public health situation, the
spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It is an unsettling time for
all, and I assure you that the Library—a trusted institution providing
critical services in every neighborhood—is in close communication with
the City and doing everything possible to protect its patrons and our
staff. In that vein, and in support of the City's efforts to limit the
spread of COVID-19, the Library has decided to suspend all public-facing programs beginning Friday, March 13, through at least the end of March.
This includes all events (classes, programs, workshops, etc.) at our 92
locations, which as of now remain open with regular operating hours.
Please know that this was not an easy decision for us to make. The Library's robust schedule of programs is an important resource for New Yorkers of all ages. However, out of an abundance of caution, we feel that this is the best way that the Library can support the City's efforts to discourage crowds during this challenging time.
All our libraries across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island remain open. The Library continues to provide free and open access to books, public computers and Wi-Fi, and the expert recommendations and help of our staff. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Library to complete the critical 2020 Census and learn about why an accurate count is so important. NYPL also offers an array of resources that patrons can access at all times outside of our branches, including the free e-reader app SimplyE and several online databases.
As we receive new information, we will continue to update you on our coronavirus webpage. Please use the resources on our website and reach out to Ask NYPL with any questions you may have. And thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to best serve and protect our patrons and staff. At times like these, even if we cannot physically gather together, we need to support one another.
Please know that this was not an easy decision for us to make. The Library's robust schedule of programs is an important resource for New Yorkers of all ages. However, out of an abundance of caution, we feel that this is the best way that the Library can support the City's efforts to discourage crowds during this challenging time.
All our libraries across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island remain open. The Library continues to provide free and open access to books, public computers and Wi-Fi, and the expert recommendations and help of our staff. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Library to complete the critical 2020 Census and learn about why an accurate count is so important. NYPL also offers an array of resources that patrons can access at all times outside of our branches, including the free e-reader app SimplyE and several online databases.
As we receive new information, we will continue to update you on our coronavirus webpage. Please use the resources on our website and reach out to Ask NYPL with any questions you may have. And thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to best serve and protect our patrons and staff. At times like these, even if we cannot physically gather together, we need to support one another.
Thank you.
New York State Division of Consumer Protection Issues Guidance to New Yorkers on Completing the Census
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) today issued
guidance to New Yorkers to follow when completing the Census. From
March 12-20, New York households will be receiving the official Census
Bureau mailing with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020
Census online, by phone, or by mail.
“As we gear up to begin the count for the 2020 Census, we want to
make sure all New Yorkers are armed with key information about the
process to ensure a complete count,” said New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado.
“Under the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, we are engaging with
our hard-to-reach communities, helping to ensure every single New
Yorker is counted and New York gets its fair share of federal funding.
Completing the Census is safe and easy, and there are a variety of
resources available to New Yorkers who may need additional help.”
Below is key information on the upcoming Census count for all New Yorkers to keep in mind when completing the Census:
Be Aware of Key Dates. Between March 12 and March
20, New York households will be begin receiving the official U.S. Census
Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond. You should
complete the Census questionnaire as soon as you get it. Once you
complete the form, you cannot make any changes so you should complete
the form to include everyone living in your home on April 1, 2020,
Census Day. From May to July, Census takers will begin visiting homes
that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is
counted.
Three Ways to Respond. There are three ways to
respond to the 2020 Census: online, by phone or by mail. Households will
receive information in the mail with detailed information on how to
respond.
Questions Asked. The Census asks how many people are
living in your house as of April 1, 2020. The Census will ask 10 basic
questions: name; number of people living or staying in the home on April
1, 2020; whether residence is a house, apartment, or mobile home;
telephone number (only to be used if needed for official Census Bureau
business); sex; age; date of birth; Hispanic origin; race; relationship
with other household members.
The Census will never ask for immigration status,
social security numbers, money or donations, anything on behalf of a
political party or for your bank or credit card account numbers.
Protecting your Data. The U.S. Census Bureau is
bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly
confidential. In fact, every employee takes an oath to protect your
personal information for life. Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the
Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you,
your home, or your immigration status, even to law enforcement agencies.
The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your
answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.
The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics.
- S. Census Workers in your Neighborhood. You may see census takers, known as enumerators, in your neighborhood as they help conduct quality check interviews and collect responses to the 2020 Census. Census takers will start visiting some neighborhoods in April 2020 and will follow up with homes who have not yet responded online, by phone, or by mail from May through July. All census workers will identify themselves and carry an ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. They will only ask questions that are on the questionnaire.
Official U.S. Census Bureau workers will never ask to enter your home. They will never ask for money, threaten detainment or deportation, or request additional documentation.
If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
- First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
- If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.
Avoiding Scams Online: It is important to know that
the U.S. Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your
participation in the 2020 Census. The use of any website that mentions
being affiliated with the U.S. Census should be verified. The easiest
way to verify the site is to check if address includes “.gov,” as only
official U.S. and state government websites can use “.gov.” Fraudulent
sites purporting to be official government service providers may steal
personal
information.
Reporting Suspected Fraud: If you suspect fraud,
call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If
it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work
for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department.
Official Census information can be found by visiting the U.S. Census Bureau website and by visiting New York State’s Census website.
The New York State Department of State also offers the following resources to help New Yorkers:
Office for New Americans Hotline 1-800-566-7636: The
Office for New Americans’ free hotline is available from Monday through
Friday from 9AM to 8PM and can help new Americans in more than 200
hundred languages. Hotline experts assist eligible immigrants in
connecting with a team of experienced immigration lawyers through the
Liberty Defense Project, which provides free immigration law
consultations to newcomers, and technical legal assistance to immigrant
service providers across New York State. For more information on the
Office for New Americans, visit the website at https://www.newamericans.ny.
The Office can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSNewAmericans or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
DCP Consumer Helpline 1-800-697-1220: The DCP
Consumer Helpline offers safe, direct assistance for any New Yorker who
believes they have been treated unfairly while in the marketplace. To
report suspected Census fraud or scams, call the DCP Consumer Helpline
at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP
website at www.dos.ny.gov/
Source: The New York State Division of Consumer Protection
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
White House Coronavirus Task Force Announces Community Mitigation Strategies for New Rochelle, NY
The White House Coronavirus Task Force today recommended 30-day mitigation strategies for New Rochelle, New York due to widespread transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These mitigation activities are designed to address the effects of COVID-19 on areas that are experiencing community spread.
“President Trump has made clear that the Task Force must move decisively to protect the health and safety of the American people,” said Vice President Mike Pence. “These recommendations outline a whole-of-community approach to immediately minimize the impacts of coronavirus in this area. I look forward to the continued partnership between the Task Force and State and local leaders.”
Earlier today, Vice President Pence spoke with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo about these community mitigation strategies. The Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have worked closely with state and local leaders in New York and around the Nation to develop these strategies. Additionally, CDC has teams in these areas working with public health partners to respond to the situation on the ground.
Cooperation with communities, businesses, and healthcare organizations is necessary to implement extensive community mitigation activities with the goal of protecting: individuals at risk for severe illness, including persons with underlying health conditions including immune suppression and especially seniors with underlying health conditions; the healthcare workforce; and critical infrastructure workforces.
Due to widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in these communities, examples of mitigation strategies for these areas include, but are not limited to: individuals should practice protective measures (e.g., hand washing); schools should conduct regular health checks of students, staff, and visitors; senior living facilities should implement social distancing measures; workplaces should encourage staff to telework and expand sick leave policies; community and faith-based organizations should move gatherings of any size to video-accessible venues or postpone/cancel; and healthcare facilities should implement triage before entering facilities.
In making these recommendations, the Task Force considered guidance from multiple Federal agencies, including technical advice from the CDC. These community mitigation strategies are recommended for 30 days, after which local and state public health officials, in coordination with the CDC will reassess the individual community situations.
Click here to read the New Rochelle Community Mitigation Strategy.
Source: The Office of the Vice President
“President Trump has made clear that the Task Force must move decisively to protect the health and safety of the American people,” said Vice President Mike Pence. “These recommendations outline a whole-of-community approach to immediately minimize the impacts of coronavirus in this area. I look forward to the continued partnership between the Task Force and State and local leaders.”
Earlier today, Vice President Pence spoke with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo about these community mitigation strategies. The Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have worked closely with state and local leaders in New York and around the Nation to develop these strategies. Additionally, CDC has teams in these areas working with public health partners to respond to the situation on the ground.
Cooperation with communities, businesses, and healthcare organizations is necessary to implement extensive community mitigation activities with the goal of protecting: individuals at risk for severe illness, including persons with underlying health conditions including immune suppression and especially seniors with underlying health conditions; the healthcare workforce; and critical infrastructure workforces.
Due to widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in these communities, examples of mitigation strategies for these areas include, but are not limited to: individuals should practice protective measures (e.g., hand washing); schools should conduct regular health checks of students, staff, and visitors; senior living facilities should implement social distancing measures; workplaces should encourage staff to telework and expand sick leave policies; community and faith-based organizations should move gatherings of any size to video-accessible venues or postpone/cancel; and healthcare facilities should implement triage before entering facilities.
In making these recommendations, the Task Force considered guidance from multiple Federal agencies, including technical advice from the CDC. These community mitigation strategies are recommended for 30 days, after which local and state public health officials, in coordination with the CDC will reassess the individual community situations.
Click here to read the New Rochelle Community Mitigation Strategy.
Source: The Office of the Vice President
Dallas County Judge Approves Super Tuesday Election Result Recount After 44 Thumb Drives Discovered
This report was published on YouTube on March 10.
President Trump Addresses the Nation on US Response to Coronavirus
CNBC Television: President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House amid the coronavirus outbreak. The World Health Organization declared the virus a global pandemic on Wednesday as the new coronavirus, which was unknown to world health officials just three months ago, has rapidly spread to more than 124,000 people across the world, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
COVID-19 in New York: Schomburg Center Suspends Public Programs and Special Events Through March
The following announcement was submitted by Kevin Young, Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Dear Community,
As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus and support the
City's efforts to promote social distancing, the Schomburg Center has
suspended all programming and events at our location through March 31.
At this time, our location remains open during our regular hours.
Please know that this was not an easy decision for us to make since we know how important our programs are to our patrons. However, out of an abundance of caution, we feel that this is the best way that the Schomburg Center can support the City's efforts to discourage crowds and encourage social distancing during this challenging time.
As we receive new information, we will continue to update you on our website. We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to ensure that we are following all recommended practices and are supporting the health and wellness of both our staff and our patrons.
Please use the resources on our website or reach out to Ask NYPL with any questions.
Thank you.
Please know that this was not an easy decision for us to make since we know how important our programs are to our patrons. However, out of an abundance of caution, we feel that this is the best way that the Schomburg Center can support the City's efforts to discourage crowds and encourage social distancing during this challenging time.
As we receive new information, we will continue to update you on our website. We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to ensure that we are following all recommended practices and are supporting the health and wellness of both our staff and our patrons.
Please use the resources on our website or reach out to Ask NYPL with any questions.
Thank you.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Issues Semi-Annual Report to Congress
There was an audio issue during the first several minutes of the broadcast. Coverage begins at the 4:28 mark.
How Those with Pre-Existing Conditions Should Handle Preparing for the Coronavirus
This report was published on YouTube on March 9.
Several Schools Close Amid COVID-19 Outbreak, But Calls for Others to Shut Down Grow
This report was published on YouTube on March 9.
Seniors Learn How to Protect Themselves Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
This report was published on YouTube on March 9.
Governor Cuomo Makes Major Announcement on Efforts to Contain the Spread of COVID-19
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Monday, March 9, 2020
The Week Ahead in Washington and Campaign 2020
Steven Dennis and Daniel Strauss are the featured guests.
Secretary Azar Comments to Reporters at the White House
C-SPAN: Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar speaks briefly to
reporters about the strength of the economy amid volatility in the stock
market, and the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus. He
declines to answer from reporters.
Click here for the report.
$100,000 Awarded to Help Renovate 14-Bed Emergency Shelter in Rochester
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance today announced $100,000 to help complete needed repairs at a 14-bed emergency homeless shelter near downtown Rochester. Operated by Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach, Nielsen House provides shelter for individuals re-entering the community after periods of incarceration, homelessness or treatment at in-patient rehabilitation facilities.
“For New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, emergency shelters are often the first stop along their path to housing stability,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Mike Hein said. “We have an obligation to ensure these facilities are safe and welcoming to those who seek refuge there as they transition into more permanent housing. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we continue to help these facilities make the improvements necessary to help the individuals they serve onto the path toward housing stability.”
The funding from the state’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) will help Spiritus Christi undertake necessary repairs to Nielsen House, including structural reinforcements and a floor replacement in its kitchen. The funding will also help the facility build new cabinets, install new countertops and upgrade a bathroom.
“Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach is extremely grateful to Governor Cuomo and New York State for the $100,000 for essential renovations of the Nielsen House Program,” said Jim Smith, executive director of the Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach. “New York State continues to be a wonderful partner in this critical work of offering quality housing and support services to men and women as they transition into the community, rebuild their lives after incarceration and homelessness.”
Nielsen House provides a safe and structured home environment for adult men within Monroe County. Residents undergo an intake process with program staff and must agree to live in a structured environment that includes chemical dependency and mental health evaluations.
Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program provides capital grants and loans to not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations and municipalities to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate housing for persons who are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance. The program also provides up to $1 million annually for nonprofit organizations and agencies to perform emergency shelter repairs that are critical to the health and safety of its residents or to help the facility come into compliance with state regulations. Each shelter can apply for up to $100,000 from this funding.
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed executive budget this year doubles the funding for HHAP from $64 million to $128 million – an unprecedented increase to support projects to house those experiencing homelessness. This funding builds on the Governor's historic $20 billion, five-year plan to combat homelessness and advance the construction of affordable housing, which will ultimately create 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing across the state.
Source: The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
What You Need to Know About the 2020 Census
PBS NewsHour: This week, the United States Census Department rolls out their 2020 census nationwide, aiming to count everyone living in the country and the U.S. territories. The findings will determine how federal dollars are distributed. Hansi Lo Wang, a national correspondent for NPR, has been reporting on the 2020 census and joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss what to expect.
State Department Advising Americans Not to Get on Cruise Ships
This report was published on YouTube on March 8.
First Lady Melania Trump to Deliver Remarks at the National PTA Legislative Conference
On March 10 at 1:30 p.m., Mrs. Trump will participate at the National PTA Legislative Conference in Alexandria, Virginia.
The PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. With nearly 3.5 million members, the mission of the PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
The PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. With nearly 3.5 million members, the mission of the PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
Each year, the PTA hosts
this conference as an opportunity for its members to meet with
policymakers, hear PTA advocacy success stories and learn how to shape
public policy in the best interest of children.
The First Lady’s Be Best initiative is dedicated to promoting established organizations, such as the PTA, who dedicate their work to helping children overcome the issues they face on a daily basis.
The First Lady’s Be Best initiative is dedicated to promoting established organizations, such as the PTA, who dedicate their work to helping children overcome the issues they face on a daily basis.
Source: The Office of The First Lady
Central African Refugees Return Home After Seven Years in Cameroon
FRANCE 24 English: Seven years after the start of the civil war that devastated Central African Republic and one year after the signing of the Khartoum peace agreements, the country is seeking to rebuild itself. This fragile process includes the return of some 600,000 Central African refugees, almost 270,000 of whom are in neighbouring Cameroon. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees is coordinating a major repatriation operation for 25,000 of them this year. Our team made the trip home with a group of these Central African refugees, some of them still traumatised by the violence they experienced.
WHO Provides Update on Spread of COVID-19
Global News: Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), based in Geneva, will provide an update on the COVID-19 outbreak on Monday, as much of Italy faces major quarantines and the virus continues to spread.