COVID-19 ... What You Need To Know

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) …WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Important information you should know about coronavirus, what you can do to reduce its impact, and how you can keep yourself and others safe.

• Now in effect, New York State on PAUSE: 100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.

• All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.

• New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844- 863-9314 for mental health counseling.

• Department of Motor Vehicles offices are temporarily closed for in-office visits. Online transactions, including for license renewals, are still be available. License and permit expirations will be extended.

• New York City will pilot closing streets to vehicles and opening them to pedestrians as part of the city's plan to address the lack of adherence to social distancing protocols

• 40,000 healthcare workers, including retirees and students, have signed up to volunteer to work as part of the state's surge healthcare force during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Army Corps of Engineers will begin construction on four temporary hospital sites in New York State in an effort to address imminent capacity issues - the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and locations at SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY Old Westbury and the Westchester Convention Center.

• Enacting Matilda’s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems

~ Can go outside for solitary exercise

~ Remain indoors

~ Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature

~ Wear a mask in the company of others

~ Stay at least 6 feet from others

~ Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary

• All non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions until further notice as part of New York State on PAUSE. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.

• Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.

• The NYS's Wadsworth Lab has developed a new test for COVID-19, which is done through a saliva sample and a self-administered short nasal swab.

• New Yorkers without Health Insurance can apply through NY State of Health within 60 days of losing coverage.

Important phone numbers and websites to help you stay informed as updates are available.

N.Y.S. Coronavirus Hotline 888-364- 3065

Nassau County Coronavirus Call Center 516-227-9570

For news and updates about Nassau County, including a Nassau County Department of Health COVID-19 map of positive confirmed tests by town, log onto www.NassauCountyNY.gov

TEXT Updates… COVID19NC to 888777

Crisis Helpline…. 516-227-TALK (8255) For those experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis.

Nassau County Veteran in need of assistance including essential transportation, food pantry access and counseling services, call: 516-572-6565

Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest guidelines from the President and Center for Disease Control. There is information on how to prepare and protect yourself and what to do if you think you are sick. You can read about the symptoms, find out who is at highest risk and learn more about social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The federal CARES Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. The Act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers. https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/28956/UI- PUA-Need-to-know-3-29-20-1?bidId=

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PAU) provides payment to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits. Check your eligibility for PUA https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/28957/ PUA-Checklist-440-1?bidId=

For small businesses there is a link to the Small Business Administration for business guidance and loan resources for small business owners affected by COVID-19.

It is recommended that you:

• Track your expenses and losses in this period

• Keep all receipts

• SBA disaster assistance program is working to offer loans to affected businesses. You can reach them at Disaster- CustomerService@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955