New York Opens Five Regions – Others Remain on Pause
Yesterday Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.31 which extended NY on PAUSE until May 28th. This order extends the restrictions on businesses and requires postponement or cancellation of all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason such as parties, celebrations, games, meetings or other social events. At the same time, the governor announced that five regions of the state (all in upstate) have met all seven metrics required for reopening and can begin phase one of limited opening. New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties are all not included in those five regions, so the PAUSE requirements remain in effect for those areas. To see the full metrics dashboard for the entire state click here.
Expanding Testing Capacity
Earlier this week, Mayor de Blasio announced that any person with COVID-19 symptoms is now eligible to receive a test in New York City. Those who have been exposed to a positive case or work in a congregate residential setting are also eligible for testing regardless of symptoms. The city is adding 2 new sites beginning May 18th and an additional 10 sites one week later. One of the sites opening this Sunday will be at 1223 Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. To view all the new testing sites please click here.
Alternate Side Parking Update
New York City has announced that Alternate Side of the Street Parking (ASP) is suspended through Sunday, May 17. The City will resume ASP for the week of May 18 – 24 for a citywide “clean sweep”. ASP will be suspended again for the next two weeks from May 25 – June 7, during which DSNY will reassess cleanliness.
Paycheck Protection Program
On Monday, May 12th, Agudath Israel hosted a webinar in partnership with Roth & Co. on the topic of maximizing Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness. Click here for a recap of the webinar and to watch a recording of it.
Agudah Live
Earlier this week Rabbi Shai Markowitz and Rabbi Avi Schnall spoke with Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois, and Rabbi Avi Greenstein, executive director of the Boro Park JCC, about Klal Yisroel’s response to COVID-19. To view and listen to the program please click here.