COVID-19 Updates

Restrictions 

COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted, as 70% of adults have received their first dose of the vaccine. New York State’s health guidance and industry specific guidelines are now optional across commercial and social settings. Effective May 19, New York State has adopted the CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People for most businesses and public settings. See more information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html. See New York’s guidance for implementing the new CDC recommendations on https://forward.ny.gov/.

 

Front Line Healthcare Workers

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this week that more than 40,000 workers in city-run hospitals and health clinics will soon be required to either be vaccinated or be tested on a weekly basis.

 

Delta Variant 

The Delta variant is now the dominant strain of the coronavirus in New York City and is more contagious than previous coronavirus strains. According to Yale Medicine, symptoms can be different from those associated with the original coronavirus strain. It seems like cough and loss of smell are less common with the Delta strain, and headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are more common based on the most recent surveys carried out in the U.K., where more than 90 percent of the cases are due to the Delta strain.

 

NYC Schools Reopening for In Person Learning  

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced New York City schools will fully reopen this fall with no remote option for the city’s one million public school students. Click here for more information on the City’s academic recovery plan for schools for the upcoming academic year.                     

 

COVID-19 Vaccines 

On Monday, July 12, DOH tweeted that the reason it is known that COVID-19 vaccines are safe is because they were shown to be safe during clinical trials, which involved testing the vaccine on tens of thousands of volunteers. “These trials were closely monitored by @US_FDA and outside experts: on.nyc.gov/vaccinefacts.” For the latest information on vaccine facts, go here.

 

Meanwhile, on Monday, The New York Times and other outlets reported that the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen & Janssen) vaccine received another set-back following the decision by the F.D.A. to attach a warning of a rare nerve syndrome to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. It followed findings of the syndrome among some people who had received the vaccine, and despite the fact that the syndrome has also been found in people who have not had the vaccine. Federal regulators concluded that the risk of developing the syndrome was low, and that the benefits of the vaccine still strongly outweigh the risk of developing the syndrome. The F.D.A.’s fact-sheet on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been updated accordingly.

 

Mass Vaccination Sites

All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first served basis. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or call (877) 829-4692.

 

COVID-19 Testing Sites

For a full list of COVID-19 testing sites, text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 or go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page.

 

In-home Vaccinations:

The City has expanded its in-home vaccination program to all New Yorkers aged 12+. You can select which of the vaccines you prefer at no cost. To request your in-home vaccination visit https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/home. Schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting New York City’s Vaccine Finder. More details are available at nyc.gov/homevaccine or by calling 877-829-4692.

 

Seniors without computer access can make a vaccine appointment at Walgreens by calling 1-800-WALGREENS. New Yorkers should continue to check for appointments at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or if they require assistance, call the hotline at 877-VAX4NYC.To find out if you are eligible to be vaccinated, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccinedistribution.

 

NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses

NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide J&J vaccines in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found here. Walk-ups are welcome and you can also book in advance through the Vax4NYC website.

 

Vaccinations at Summer Rising Sites Citywide 

Additionally, for families, find free COVID-19 vaccinations for New Yorkers aged 12 to 17 at 25 Summer Rising sites citywide through August 13 at Schools.nyc.gov/covid19.

 

Health Insurance

The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through December 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or directly through insurers. Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

 

Public Library Service Restoration

As of July 6, The New York Public Library has reopened all available locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island (except those undergoing improvements or being used by the City). NYPL is offering nearly full service, including general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, laptop and computer access, and more. In-person programs and classes will also resume at some locations in July and expand over the coming months. Masks are still required for all persons in NYPL locations. Van Cortlandt Library has a number of initiatives on offer for young people. Check out their teen newsletter and more at https://www.nypl.org/locations/van-cortlandt.

 

Woodlawn Cemetery – Woodlawn Landscape Restoration Program

Woodlawn Cemetery is offering a five-month career training program for young adults in landscape restoration. It includes a paid internship at the Woodlawn Conservancy. Expert instructors from the Davey Institute will review string trimming, tree pruning, lawn care, and more. The program is open for people aged 18 to 24 as of September 2021, who are residents of New York City. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED/equivalency, authorization to work in the United States, and cannot currently be working or in school. Successful applicants will receive a paid internship, OSHA-30 Safety Certification, CPR/First Aid Certification, career counseling, and job placement. Please contact Brian Scheibe at bscheibe@door.org with questions. Apply at https://forms.gle/xPgbM8MU2GZFnoBm6.

 

Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC)

Black entrepreneurs face enormous barriers and are vastly underrepresented among New York City’s business owners. While the Black community currently makes up 22% of New York City’s population (1.9 million), just 3.5% of NYC businesses are owned by Black entrepreneurs. There is tremendous potential for more Black-owned businesses to start and grow. In September 2019, in partnership with community members, organizations, advocates, and leaders, Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC), was launched to help create equity of opportunity by advancing Black entrepreneurship. More information is available here.

 

NYC Parks Summer 2021 Lifeguard Recruitment

Try out to become an NYC lifeguard! Qualifying tests for summer 2021 begin this winter. Click here to sign up and receive updates on the test schedule. Visit nyc.gov/parks/lifeguards or call 311 for more information and come to a training location to be tested. All you need is a bathing suit, towel, lock, and photo ID. Goggles are optional.

 

New York City Cooling Centers Open

New York City Cooling Centers are open in cases of extreme heat. These centers are spaces where people can go to enjoy air conditioning during a heat emergency. You can find a cooling center near you by calling 311.

 

New Gas Meter Liability Legislation Passed 

A new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, has been passed that will strengthen State law which prohibits the illegal installation of any gas meters by expanding the law to include any installation that is not performed by a gas company or their licensed contractor. The law also expands liability for any illegally installed gas meters to include the property owner in question, in addition to the person who illegally installed the meter.

 

NW Bronx Food Justice Project- Emergency Food Resources

The NW Bronx Food Justice Project- Emergency Food Resources operate at the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC), located at 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace, Summit Place, Bronx 10463, weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 2:30 p.m. For more information go to: https://www.khcc-nyc.org/program/food-pantry or email Will Littleton at wlittleton@khcc-nyc.org. Other options are Bailey Fridge at 3016 Bailey Avenue, and the Friendly Fridge at 5977 Broadway (242nd Street and Broadway). Contact: thefriendlyfridgebx@gmail.com. For more information on the NW Bronx Food Justice project, contact foodjusticebronx@gmail.com.

 

Funeral Cost Reimbursement for COVID-19 Deaths

FEMA provides financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses. On June 29, 2021, FEMA amended the funeral assistance policy to assist with COVID-19 related deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic. This policy change will allow applicants to submit a signed statement from the certifying official on the death certificate or the local medical examiner, or coroner, that attributes the death to COVID-19 deaths that occurred between Jan. 20 and May 16, 2020.

 

NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship

The NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program offers five distinct scholarships, each worth $1000. All scholarships require that the applicant is currently a NYCHA public housing resident, is currently enrolled as an undergraduate at CUNY, has earned 30 or more credits, and has a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application are open until August 2, 2021. To apply go to this website: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/ovsa/scholarships/nycha/

 

Emergency Rental Assistance Program 

The emergency rental assistance program opened on June 1, 2021. Apply for ERAP online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once the application is started, all questions must be answered and it must be signed and saved to submit the application. There is currently no way to save a partially completed application. Applicants are encouraged to gather all the information needed before starting the application, including income of household members and rental amounts. Elected officials, including State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi and others are available to help with any questions.

Applicants who previously started, but did not complete and sign an application, must start a new application. Applicants who have completed and signed an application can upload required documentation at any time. Ready to Apply? Get Help Applying for ERAP.

Excluded Workers Fund

Applications for the Excluded Workers Fund launch next month. Interested New Yorkers can subscribe for updates and get more information at on.ny.gov/ewf. This $2.1 billion State fund will provide financial relief for New Yorkers state-wide who have suffered income loss during the pandemic and were left out of the various federal relief programs, including unemployment and pandemic benefits.

 

Childcare for Essential Workers 

The New York Office of Children and Family Services is administering $25 million in funds to provide child care support for children of essential workers. The Essential Worker Scholarship is only available to residents of New York State and will be awarded weekly through payments made directly to child care providers on the parents’ behalf. Parents will be responsible for paying any tuition amount that is greater than the market rate. Families currently receiving child care scholarships under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act are strongly encouraged to also apply for this new funding opportunity. For more information and to apply visit https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/contracts/funding/COVID-relief/essential-workers.php.

 

Child Tax Credit

As reported, important changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families get advance payments of the credit starting this summer. The IRS has started to pay half the total credit amount in advance monthly payments, since July 15. Applicants can claim the other half when they file their 2021 income tax return. These changes apply to tax year 2021 only.

To qualify for advance Child Tax Credit payments, applicants and their spouses, if they filed a joint return, must have:

• filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return and claimed the Child Tax Credit on the return; or
• given the IRS their information in 2020 to receive the Economic Impact Payment using the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool; and
• a main home in the United States for more than half the year (the 50 states and the District of Columbia) or file a joint return with a spouse who has a main home in the United States for more than half the year; and
• a qualifying child who is under age 18 at the end of 2021, and who has a valid Social Security number; and
• made less than certain income limits.

 

The IRS will use the information provided to determine if applicants qualify and will automatically enroll them for advance payments. Applicants do not need to take any additional action to get advance payments. For more information, go to: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021

 

Sewage Waste Back-Ups

Sewage waste back-ups continue to be a problem for residents, worsened by recent heavy flooding caused by recent storms. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said he has sent a pair of letters, along with Council Member Eric Dinowitz, to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection about several locations that appear to be overflowing. The assemblyman said he believes there is an underlying insufficiency with the City’s sewage and stormwater system and that the City needs to take tangible steps towards separating the currently combined sewer and stormwater system, which he said is a flawed urban design from decades passed.

 

He said the City needs to identify areas where development has outpaced the sewage system and upgrade the infrastructure to have larger pipes that can move more waste in shorter periods of time. To help illustrate the full extent of the problem, the assemblyman is asking for residents to share certain information with him if your house or building has experienced issues with sewage waste backing up into your home.

 

He is looking for your name, address, phone number, the 311 request numbers (if you have not filed a 311 complaint already, please do so using this link – and continue to do so every time it happens) and the frequency of the problem (e.g., during every rain storm, during heavy rain storms, happened one time, etc). He said there is a difference between stormwater flooding and sewage waste flooding. If you experienced stormwater flooding in/from the street, you can submit a complaint here instead.

Training for Small Businesses

The NYC Department of Small Business Services is providing no-cost, online training to help business owners and employees in NYC. Click here for more information: https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-means-business-training-for-your-employees.

 

Bronx Community Relief Effort Updates

Sign up for Bronx Community Relief Effort updates. Applications for grant funding from the Bronx Community Relief Effort are currently closed but the next round of applications will open soon. Head to their website to sign up for updates, or periodically check here: https://thebronx.org/ to see when the application window reopens. Check out https://www.uschamber.com for a list of current grants, loans and programs for small businesses.

 

New York Forward Loan Fund

The New York Forward Loan Fund is continuing to accept applications to assist those impacted by COVID-19. This program will target small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of income or rental income. If approved, these loans will need to be paid back over a five-year term with interest. Go to: https://www.connect2capital.com/partners/new-york-forward-loan-fund/ for more information and the application.

 

Volunteer Events

The Bronx River Alliance is hosting volunteer events at Starlight Park (1490 Sheridan Boulevard) every Thursday in July from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, you can contact their volunteer coordinator at volunteer@bronxriver.org, call 718-542-4284, or visit www.bronxriver.org.

 

Expanded Unemployment Benefits Winding Down

The NYS Department of Labor has shared that on September 5, 2021, several federal unemployment programs will be expiring nationwide. These include Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which was intended to help those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits such as independent contractors, Pendemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which authorized up to 53 weeks on top of traditional unemployment benefits, Extended Benefits (EB), which also authorized up to 20 weeks of additional unemployment benefits based on the state unemployment rate, and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provided an additional $300 per week to standard unemployment benefits.

Because New York fell under the established rate for Extended Benefits eligibility, these benefits will only be available for 13 weeks (instead of 20) starting on August 9, 2021. There will be a 30-day period after September 5, 2021 where the Department of Labor can evaluate new PUA claims and backdate benefits where appropriate.

Unemployment benefits will continue to be paid to eligible claimants for the first twenty-six (26) weeks of unemployment after September 5. People who have reached the end of their current benefit year can reapply for unemployment benefits, but they must have worked and earned enough wages in covered unemployment during the past five quarters in order to be determined eligible.

Everyone who is currently receiving unemployment benefits should have received (or should soon receive) correspondence from the NYS Department of Labor explaining these changes. Numerous resources are available on the NYS Department of Labor website to help people find jobs or acquire new certifications and skills. These resources include:

• Career Services, which offers resume writing tools, interview tips, job postings, and specialized services (on.ny.gov/findajob)
• JobZone, which currently has more than 180,000 jobs posted from all regions of New York State (jobzone.ny.gov)
• Coursera, which offers free, online programs and certificate courses to unemployed New Yorkers (on.ny.gov/coursera)
• SUNY For All, which offers free skill-building, college prep, and employment certification programs with one-on-one career coaching (suny.edu/sunyforall)
• Career Fairs & Workshops, which are no-cost and virtual (on.ny.gov/careercalendar)

 

Local Open Positions

Oval Pharmacy – 255 East Gun Hill Rd

– Pharmacy Cashier & Customer Service

– Pharmacy Tech

Contact Ajay at (718) 654-2200

 

Space Beauty Spa – 268 E Gun Hill Rd

– Hair Washing

– Manicurist

Contact Elizabeth at (347) 346-4677

 

13 Barber –  250 E Gun Hill Rd

– Barber

Contact manager at (914) 979-0893

 

Game Stop – Jerome Avenue

– Guest Advisors

– Manaagement

Contact the manager at (718) 994 7831.

 

Youth Run Farm Stand

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance reopened its Youth Run Farm Stand on July 7. This is the 10th anniversary of selling locally grown produce and other locally sourced goods. The farm stand is located in the Train Park, at Orloff Avenue and Gale Place and is open on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Organizers accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, SNAP, cash and credit/debit cards. For every $2 spent on EBT/SNAP, visitors will receive $2 in Health Bucks (maximum of $10/day), including new Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits for all families that have school-aged children.

 

Foster a Guinea Pig

Friends of Pelham Parkway recently reported having found 11 abandoned guinea pigs under a tree, off Pelham Parkway. Animal Care Centers of NYC now has over 80 guinea pigs and is running out of housing. Anyone interested in owning or fostering a guinea pig and has a cage/set up to do so should contact foster@nyacc.org.

 

SBA 7(a) and SBA Community Advantage Loans

The SBA 7(a) loan program makes funding from $50,000 to $5 million possible for startups and growing businesses in any qualified industry. The SBA 7(a) rates fluctuate, and the rate is determined by your financing needs. The SBA Community Advantage loan program, which provides loans of up to $250,000, is a unique type of 7(a) loan designed to provide additional support for businesses operating in underserved areas. For more information, visit: https://pursuitlending.com/business-loans/products/sba-7a-community-advantage/

 

SmartLoan

The SmartLoan provides fast, small business loans with flexible terms. Through this program, you can access up to $100,000 in funding at a fixed interest rate with affordable monthly payments. You can apply online for the SmartLoan and be funded in as soon as five business days. For more information, go to: https://pursuitlending.com/business-loans/products/smartloan/

 

The Small Business Resource Network

The Resource Network is a newly established team of 22 dedicated Small Business Specialists embedded within the City’s five Chambers of Commerce to help small businesses navigate a range of challenges including technology, real estate, legal and accounting services, procurement opportunities, marketing, and sources of loans and grants. Help with navigating the complex new regulatory environment established to contain the pandemic is also available. Business owners can access these resources by contacting a Recovery Specialist in their borough via: https://www.nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org/.