March 16, 2020 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

I want to assure everyone that I am staying updated on the progression of the Coronavirus in our area. In order to keep our community safe, we are taking every available measure to stop the spread of the virus locally. 

What you need to know:
  • Governor Cuomo has ordered all bars and restaurants to close to the public, and only operate take-out and delivery. 
  • All gyms, including the Kingston YMCA, will be closed after 8pm tonight. 
  • We will be suspending parking enforcement in the City of Kingston and will be bagging the meters. 
  • The Kingston hospital will be closed to visitors 
  • City Court is closing. Essential court work will be consolidated to the County Courthouse
  • Cuomo has also ordered that all local governments operate at 50% of their workforce with only essential personnel reporting to work. Please stay tuned as to how this will affect City services. 
Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, Kingston City School District will provide free to-go breakfast and lunches for KCSD students Monday-Friday from 11am-1pm.  Meals will be distributed via walk-up or drive through at John F. Kennedy Elementary School and J. Watson Bailey Middle School. 

The County's COVID-19 phone service is available from 9:00am to 7:00pm everyday: 845-443-8888. For other questions, call the  NYSDOH Hotline 24/7: 1-888-364-3065.

I will be going live on Radio Kingston each afternoon as the situation changes and develops to provide updates and to answer listener call-in questions. Timing may change each day based on incoming information, so stay tuned. 

We are asking everyone to abide by the guidelines of staying home if you are sick, distancing yourself from others even if you are well, and washing hands and surfaces often. For the sake of yourself and your community, stay safe and take good care! 

-Steve
NYS Waives 7-Day Waiting Period for Unemployment  

New York State  is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Visit the Department of Labor website for more information. 

Do you work for a school or school district? See Unemployment Insurance Rules for Teachers and Other School Workers. 
Q&A for Businesses and Organizations 

Ulster County businesses are invited to join  County Executive Pat Ryan on  Tuesday, March 17 at 10:00am for a teleconference during which businesses can ask questions and discuss issues they are facing such as Supply Chain disruption; customer flow and spending disruptions; sick and leave time issues and staffing shortfalls along with any other problems being experienced.  Register   here.  

The County Executive will address:
  • Updates on Corona Outbreak in Ulster County
  • Input sought from the business community on disruptions to local business
  • Information on SBA EILD (Disaster Relief) Loans 
  • Other Possible Funding Solutions
  • If you would like to speak to someone in advance of the meeting about business issues you are experiencing, please call 845-340-3556. 
People's Place Launches Bag Student Hunger Program

Starting Monday, March 16 and continuing until schools reopen, People's Place (17 St James Place, Kingston) will be launching, Bag Student Hunger, which provides bags of essential groceries for students breakfast/lunch/snacks during this challenging time. People's Pantry is also providing a Fresh Air Food Pantry, Take-Out Cafe, and capacity-monitored thrift store.  Check People's Place Facebook for hours, or call  845-338-4030. 


Charter Offers Free Wi-Fi Access for Students' Households

Beginning Monday, March 16, Charter Communications will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. 

For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program. 

As the Kingston City School District is now closed for two weeks, Charter is helping to enable students to continue to learn and for their parents to work remotely. 
Coping with Stress During COVID-19

While we encourage everyone to heed the recommended safety precautions to keep your family safe, we understand that stress can also take a toll on your health and well-being. Click below for resources on how to recognize and deal with stress. 

Kingston 311
The  Kingston 311 app, website and phone  system allow residents to quickly and easily report issues and submit service requests. The Kingston 311  app, available for  Android  &  iPhones , is a fast and simple way to connect to City officials in non-emergency situations. 

This system is a valuable resource to submit service requests for streetlight replacement, roadwork, City signage, traffic calming measures and other concerns. Issues with snow removal and reporting of vehicles and sidewalks not in accordance with the Snow Emergency restrictions can also be submitted via Kingston 311.  Photos can also be attached to illustrate service orders. Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us. 
Kingston Happenings
The City of Kingston often receives requests to share upcoming events happening in our community. Our partners at 
KingstonHappenings.org  do an excellent job of centralizing this community information. So while our website is the best resource to gain information about City of Kingston sponsored events and important municipal information, Kingston Happenings can give you a greater preview of community events. Check them out today!
Sent on behalf of:
Mayor Steven T. Noble
845.334.3902
mayor@kingston-ny.gov

The purpose of this newsletter is to share important information, project updates, pictures and news from the City of Kingston. For more detailed information, visit: