New York State Pause Order
As you may know, Governor Cuomo has issued an executive order putting New York on pause. This means that all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
Other Essential services exempt from the order include:
· Banks and related financial institutions
· Bike repair shops
· Grocery and food production
· Healthcare providers
· Laundromats
· Media
· Restaurants, bars and cafes (limited to food take-out and delivery only. These establishments will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol.)
· Pharmacies
· Shipping
· Taxis and car services
· Utilities
· Warehousing
New York City Social Distancing Enforcement
Social distancing in public outdoor areas will be enforced. Those not abiding by the guidelines will be asked to breakup the crowd and may further be asked to disperse. This new enforcement will be monitored to determine if further restrictions are required. So ALL are asked to abide by the guidelines to avoid further action. Several departments have been enlisted help with social distancing including NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, Parks and Recreation.
Recommendations from the NYC Department of Health
NYC Health Department issued these guidelines to help prevent unnecessary visits to New York Hospitals:
– If you are sick, stay home. If you do not feel better in three to four days, consult your healthcare provider
– Avoid the emergency department and other places you seek healthcare if you are not severely ill
– If you need help getting medical care, call 311. You can get care in NYC regardless of immigration status or ability to pay
– If you have family or friends who are older adults or have chronic conditions, do not visit them if you feel sick
– Stay home for seven days after your symptoms started and for three days after your fever has stopped without the use of fever-reducing drugs, and your cough or sore throat symptoms have improved
Alternate Side Parking
New York City announced today that Alternate Side of the Street Parking will be suspended until March 31
Mortgage Assistance
In response to the financial hardships brought upon by the Coronavirus, Agudath Israel’s SBCO division has set up an emergency mortgage hotline to assist you with all mortgage and other bank loan matters. Please call the hotline at 718-435-1300 extension 120. Leave a clear message as prompted, and a SBCO Counselor will return your call as soon as possible.
Assistance for Business
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on March 8 that the City will provide relief for small businesses across the City seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help retain employees and ensure business continuity. See here for full details of the application process
NYS Sales Tax Filing and Payment Relief
If you are a quarterly or annual sales tax vendor, and you were unable to file or pay your March 20, 2020, sales tax return due to COVID-19, you may be eligible to apply to have penalty and interest waived.
There has been no change yet to future filing and payment deadlines.
https://www.tax.ny.gov/press/alerts/sales-tax-relief-for-covid-19.htm
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/notices/n20-1.pdf
ConEd Coronavirus Relief
Con Edison has announced the following relief for their customers:
· Your service will not be shut off for non-payment.
· Waiving new late-payment fees.
· Suspending no-access fees if we can’t read your meter.
· No fees for making payments with credit cards or debit cards
· Suspending fees for refusing smart meter installations