Reopening our Kehilos
Last Friday Agudah released guidelines, under the direction of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. Agudah worked closely with prominent rabbanim and infectious disease specialists to develop a roadmap towards reopening our kehillos. The goal of this comprehensive document is to lay out a plan to return to davening b’tzibbur in a safe and halachically sanctioned way through 3 different phases. In New York State, according to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202:10, as well as Empire State Development Guidance, no congregate services of any size are permitted in houses of worship or any other area until at least Friday May 15. That means we have not yet reached Phase 1. When current restrictions are lifted this document will be a clear game plan on how to move forward. The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah approved guidelines contained in the Roadmap are designed to achieve this purpose. Please see below for the comprehensive document.
State of Emergency Extended
Governor Cuomo has announced that although the current NY on PAUSE is set to expire on May 15, the state of emergency that allowed him to implement the current policy has been extended to June 7th. On May 15th new guidance will be issued for regions based on the metrics outlined by Governor Cuomo earlier this week.
Sector Advisory Councils
Mayor de Blasio has announced the formation of 10 Sector Advisory Councils to contribute ideas of how to get New York City restarted. The councils are in the areas of Non-Profit and Social Services, Public Health and Healthcare, Faith-based, Construction and Real Estate, Education, Surface Transportation, Labor and Workforce, Large Business, Small Business and Arts, Culture, and Entertainment. The councils will consist of a collection of individuals diverse in background that reflect the life of this city. Each sector will be lead by 1-2 Deputy Mayors. Agudath Israel’s Executive Vice President Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel has been selected to the Education Council.
Advanced 311 Support
Mayor de Blasio announced that New York City will provide additional support for the 311 call centers with its 311 Action Plan, which includes:
- 285 newly trained call-takers
- 4 newly developed call centers
- Help from NYPD and FDNY leadership to strategize important calls
- Express Lanes created for COVID-19 and food calls
- Reduced wait time (dropped by 75%)
Free Face Masks
New York City will continue distributing face coverings in parks across the city free of charge through Tuesday, May 12th.
All New Yorkers are required to wear a mask or face covering when out in public and in situations where a 6-foot distance from others cannot be maintained. Click here to find location near you.
Relief for Renters
Governor Cuomo has announced additional rent relief measures for NY residents.
New York State will extend the moratorium on evictions for those facing coronavirus related hardships for an additional 60 days, until August 20.
The Governor has also announced that late fees and missed payment fees are banned during this period, and that tenants can use their security deposit as payment. The security deposit can then be repaid over time.