New York Reopening Continues
New York City moved into Phase one of reopening on Monday June 8th. The Mid-Hudson Valley moved into phase two of reopening yesterday June 9th and Long Island is on track to enter phase two today. Click here for guidance and allowable activity for each phase.
Houses of worship will be permitted to reopen with 25 percent occupancy with all social distancing protocols in place during phase two of reopening.
Outdoor, socially distanced, graduation ceremonies of up to 150 people will be allowed beginning June 26th. This is subject to change with outbreaks or significant changes in the metrics.
Day Camp Openings
As we reported in our previous email, Day Camps are allowed to open statewide on June 29th. No decision has been made yet on Overnight Camps. Yesterday, New York State released guidelines for Day Camps. Click here and here for the full guidelines.
Special Education Services
Special education services and instruction may be provided in-person this summer; the Department of Health released interim guidance for these services.
Agudath Israel’s Project LEARN has been hard at work these past months, advocating on behalf of the special needs community. Mrs. Leah Steinberg, Director of Project LEARN, said, “Agudath Israel is relieved by this executive order. I have spoken to many parents who have witnessed their child’s regression over the past months. Hopefully, this Executive Order will stop the regression and allow our children’s health to finally progress.”
With this executive order in place, New York City Department of Education, as well as other Education Departments throughout the state, can begin to administer the necessary services to eligible children.
Property Tax Abatement
Governor Cuomo has signed legislation extending the deadline for filing property tax abatements to July 15, 2020. This legislation will authorize local governments to extend the deadline in recognition of the hardships many families and businesses continue to face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alternate Side Parking
Mayor de Blasio announced that Alternate Side of the Street Parking is suspended through Sunday, June 21st. Parking meters will remain in effect.
Upcoming Primary Day Update
Please be reminded that Tuesday June 23rd is Primary Day across New York State. Early voting begins June 13th and ends on June 21st.
This year, all registered, eligible voters may apply to vote by Absentee Ballot. Voters affected by COVID-19, including the risk of contracting the virus, should check the box “Temporary Illness” as the reason for requesting an Absentee Ballot. The definition has been temporarily expanded to include those affected by COVID-19 and/or the potential of contracting the virus.
All registered voters should have received an absentee ballot application in the mail. It is important to mail it back in the envelope provided as soon as possible. New York City residents can also email the application to [email protected] or fax it to 212-487-5349.
If you did not receive an application, New York City residents may apply by clicking here.
For those out of New York City, please click here to find your local county Board of Elections and receive an application.
Agudah Live
Tune into Agudah Live today, June 10th at 3:00 pm EDT. Join Rabbi Shai Markowitz and Rabbi Avi Schnall as they discuss Corona Travel: Israel, Canada, visas, passports, and borders with Rabbi A.D. Motzen, National Director of State Relations, Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi Paysach Freedman, CEO, Chaim V’Chessed.
To listen go to Agudah.org, TorahAnytime.com/agudahlive, or TheYeshivaWorld.com.