March 18, 2020 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

We continue to stay 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 announced today that all business that are offering non-essential services (essential includes: pharmacies, grocery stores, healthcare, etc) should be operating at no more than 50% of their workforce. If you have a business in Ulster County and have questions about this mandate, call the Economic Development office: 845-340-3556.
  • I have decided to close playgrounds in the City of Kingston. Parks will remain open but we are discouraging children from using playground equipment where germs may be spread. 
  • In an effort to help support our community's response to this crisis, I have authorized the City's funding of Family of Woodstock and People's Place in the amount of $30,000 each.
  • We will continue to post about places for those in need to pick-up food. For those who aren't able to reach these locations, please Request Meal Delivery Assistance
I will be going live on Radio Kingston each afternoon at 3:30pm to provide updates and to answer listener call-in questions. 

I want to mention a big thank you to Brad Jordan and Herzogs for their help with acquiring masks and cleaning products for DPW, KFD and KPD!

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! 

As always, th e County's COVID-19 phone service is available from 9:00am to 7:00pm everyday: 845-443-8888. 

-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. 
Project Resilience: Community Food Fund 

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced a countywide effort - Project Resilience - to help direct this surge of support and goodwill towards those in need throughout the county. The effort will include: a community fund, in partnership with the United Way; an online portal for anyone in need to ask for help; a robust food distribution network; and a partnership program for businesses and community groups to provide food and other critical services. 
 
Residents in need can apply online to receive meals and other support from participating local restaurants and community groups. UCAT (Ulster County Area Transit) will be partially re-purposed to work with municipalities and community organizations to deliver meals to residents in need. County Executive Ryan has secured over $2 million dollars in funding in under 24 hours along with announcing partnerships with municipal governments, local businesses, and not-for-profits. 
 
Initial Participating Restaurants include: 
  • Santa Fe Restaurants in Kingston and Woodstock
  • Tony & Nicks Italian Kitchen in Ellenville
  • Country Club Grill in Ellenville
  • Palizzata in Kingston
  • Sue's Restaurant in Saugerties
  • Frida's Bakery & Café in Milton
  • Main Street Bistro in New Paltz
  • Rosendale Café in Rosendale
  • Hudson Valley Dessert Company in Saugerties
  • Dallas Hot Wieners in Kingston, Lake Katrine and Saugerties
  • Savona's Plaza Pizza in Kingston
  • Provisions in Woodstock
United Way is currently accepting donations and setting a goal of raising $5 million dollars. To donate, request meal delivery, assistance, or to sign up as a participating business or service provider visit: https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus
People's Place and YMCA Providing Prepared Food and Groceries

People's Place (17 St James Place, Kingston) continues to offer Bag Student Hunger, which provides bags of essential groceries for students breakfast/lunch/snacks during the school closure. Open to anyone in need in the community, 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.


Resources for Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration has set up a website with information for small businesses as they plan for and respond to Coronavirus: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Empire State Development has set up a webpage with resources and the most up-to-date information:  https://esd.ny.gov/esd-covid-19-related-resources

The SBA website also has a portal where businesses and not-for-profits can submit questions that will be reviewed and answered regularly by ESD or other relevant staff of the state.

NYS is working on securing the disaster declaration from SBA for all counties in NYS.  The SBA disaster loan application can be found here:  SBA  
Red Cross Needs Blood Donations

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak.  Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.
 
Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood.  Watch this video on the safety and need for blood donations. 

Right now, eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to give soon. But please postpone your donation for 28 days following travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea, or if you've been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. 
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. 
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: