Photo Credit: Getty Images
August 17, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sabrina Rezzy
rezzys@nyassembly.gov
718-940-0428
Governor Cuomo Allows Gyms to Reopen With Precautions

Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

U.S. Postmaster Louis DeJoy Will Testify Before House Panel Next Week; City Issues More Guidance on School Reopening; Democratic National Convention Starts Tonight; and More!
NYS Confirmed: 425,916
NYS Deaths: 25,256
NYC Confirmed: 230,458
Brooklyn Confirmed: 63,913
NYS: GOVERNOR CUOMO
Photo Credit: Zack DeZon/NYT
  • Governor Cuomo announced today that gyms and fitness studios can open as soon as August 24, but localities have until September 2 to decide whether or not to open them.
  • Localities must inspect every gym before it opens or within 2 weeks of opening.
  • Localities can use their discretion to stop gyms from holding indoor classes.
  • Gyms must have a sign-in form to assist with contact-tracing efforts.
  • The following restrictions will apply:
  • Gyms may not exceed 33% capacity;
  • Mask wearing is mandatory; and
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems must meet guidelines.
  • The governor announced last week that museums will reopen as soon as August 24.
  • Timed ticketing will be in place, and they will have to operate at 25% capacity.
  • For more information on reopening and entrance requirements, visit here.
  • Bowling alleys are allowed to open at 50% capacity.
  • The COVID-19 infection rate is below 1% for NYS for the tenth consecutive day.
  • New York state will provide health personnel to allow the 9/11 Tribute Light Show to happen safely.
  • The state offered new guidance for police reform.
  • Per the governor's executive order, every locality must adopt a plan by April 1 to be eligible for future state funding.
  • The governor also issued a letter to 500 jurisdictions with police departments outlining what issues must be addressed.
  • The governor will speak at the Democratic National Convention tonight. Watch here.
NYC: MAYOR DE BLASIO
Photo Credit: NYC Mayor's Office
  • Mayor de Blasio announced the city will partner with Mercato, a grocery store delivery business, to increase the amount of home delivery grocery service available in the hardest-hit communities. 
  • The mayor said that schools will be subject to random inspections by the Department of Education Chancellor, Richard Carranza, to make sure social distancing and cleaning guidelines are followed.
  • The mayor also said that the following supplies would be made available to schools:
  • 4 million face masks;
  • 3.5 million bottles of hand sanitizer; and
  • More than 80,000 containers of disinfecting wipes.
  • School principals will have a direct line to the city to request PPE supplies.
  • Mayor de Blasio announced the city will begin moving people experiencing homelessness from hotels back into shelters. Read more here.
  • The city will open 21 more streets for Open Restaurants.
  • Over 50 people were shot in NYC over the weekend.
  • 6 of the shootings were fatal.
  • President Trump threatened to send federal agents to NYC over gun violence concerns.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Photo Credit: Andrew Kelly/Reuters
  • U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called lawmakers back to session to vote on the Delivering America Act, which would block the U.S. Postal Service from making operational changes.
  • Postmaster General Louis DeJoy implemented changes which has caused mail delays.
  • Delays would adversely effect absentee voting and has already effected medication and check deliveries.
  • The postmaster has agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee on August 24.
  • The CDC has asked California, Florida, Minnesota, North Dakota and the City of Philadelphia to come up with a plan to distribute the coronavirus vaccines when it becomes available, possibly as early as this fall. Read more here.
  • President Trump has finalized a plan to open part of the Arctic National wildlife Refuge for oil and gas drilling.
  • The plan overturns 60 years of protections for the wilderness refuge.
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Tune in tonight from 9-11 PM ET for the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Viewers will hear from the many Americans who are rising up to take on the crises facing our country. To watch, click play in the link above or visit here.
FREE ONLINE CITIZENSHIP CLASSES
To sign up for the free online classes click here.
CUNY CITIZENSHIP NOW!
Attorneys Shawn Rahman and Marisara Quinones will give the latest immigration news during two upcoming Facebook Live events. The English session will be hosted on Wednesday, August 19, at 3 p.m., and the Spanish session is on Thursday, August 20, at 3 p.m., watch by clicking here.
NAMC
To participate in this informational webinar where you will hear from M/WBE community leaders please register here.
RESIDENTIAL EVICTION MORATORIUM EXTENDED
To read more information on the extension click here.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
YMCA Census Phone Bank Party
Assemblymember Bichotte, alongside other leaders, giving words of encouragement to volunteers during the YMCA census phone bank party on August 13.
Summer Office Hours at Newkirk Plaza (B/Q) Subway Station
Assemblymember Bichotte with constituents at the Newkirk Plaza train station on August 14.
Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek Supply Giveaway
Assemblymember Bichotte presented a citation to the family of Dr. John Elefterakis in honor of his legacy as a doctor and community advocate during a supply giveaway on August 15th at the Dr. John's Playground.
Business PPE Distribution
Assemblymember Bichotte and Lauren Elvers Collins, Executive Director of Flatbush Avenue BID & Church Avenue BID, distributed PPE to businesses on August 15.
Pilgrim Wesleyan Church
Assemblymember Bichotte greeted and provided updates to the congregants of Pilgrim Wesleyan Church on August 16th.
ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING
Photo Credit: NYC DOT
  • NYC Alternate Side Parking (ASP) is in effect from Monday, August 17 - Saturday, September 5.
  • Monday, September 7: ASP is suspended for Labor Day.
  • For more information visit here.
COVID-19 TESTING IN FLATBUSH
We have a COVID-19 testing site in the 42nd Assembly District. You must make an appointment before visiting the center or you will be turned away. To make an appointment you must contact the NYS Department of Health at 888-364-3065.
MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN (MIS-C)
Photo Credit: Norton Children's
NYC FOOD VENDORS
Governor Cuomo announced that a new investigation is underway regarding potential COVID-19 related cases in children. Symptoms can be compared to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock-like syndrome.  The Department of Health issued an advisory of what’s called the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C, and now requires health care providers to immediately report all related cases. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a health advisory detailing current findings.
  • New Yorkers should seek immediate care if a child has:
  • Prolonged fever (more than five days)
  • Difficulty feeding (infants) or is too sick to drink fluids
  • Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting
  • Change in skin color - becoming pale, patchy and/or blue
  • Trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly
  • Racing heart or chest pain
  • Decreased amount of frequency in urine
  • Lethargy, irritability or confusion
THANK YOU ESSENTIAL WORKERS
During these unprecedented and difficult times, we thank our essential workers who are serving on the front lines. Today, we thank our First Responders for being there for us when we have our greatest needs. We appreciate your contributions to our community during this time.
COMPLETE THE 2020 CENSUS
As we face unprecedented challenges in the fight against COVID-19, we must remember to complete the 2020 Census. The census asks just 10 simple questions that can be answered in just a few minutes online by visiting here or by calling 844-330-2020.
AVOID SCAMS
Photo Credit: Pixabay/CDC
  • Notify NYC: Beware of COVID-19 scams!
  • Report price gouging to 311 or NYC.gov/dcwp. You can also file a complaint to the Attorney General's office by filling out a complaint form.
  • NYS Price Gouging Hotline: 800-697-1220.
  • CDC staff will NOT go door-to-door. If you experience this, call 911.
SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Photo Credit: Ansi.org
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on New York City's workforce, the City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The list below will be updated frequently.

It has information on the following categories:
  • Employment Resources
  • Food Assistance
  • Health & Medical Assistance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Rent Arrears and Public Assistance
  • Emotional Support & Spiritual Care
  • Other Assistance

Visit this website for resources.

NYS Department of Health Hotline for people who want to be assessed and get appointment for test (888-364-3065). NYC residents should call (844-692-4692).


Free Internet Services:
Charter is offering free spectrum broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to household with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have Spectrum broadband subscription. To enroll, call 844-488-8395.
Until further notice, all Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the "xfinitywifi" SSID. For more information visit here.

FreshDirect meals:
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams in partnership with FreshDirect is providing free food packages. Each box contains the following:
  • Rice, 2 bags, 16oz
  • Pasta, 2 boxes, 16oz
  • Canned beans, 2 cans, 10-16oz
  • Canned Meat/Fish, 2 cans, 3 to 5 oz
  • Canned Vegetable, 2 cans, 8 to 15 oz
  • Raisins / Dry Fruit, 4 boxes, 2 oz per box
  • Cereal/Oatmeal, 1 Box, 10 to 20 oz
  • Milk / Milk Substitute, 1 container, 32 oz
  • Corn, 2 ears
  • 2 Potatoes
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 Carrot
  • Orange / Apple, 2 in total

The packages will arrive by FreshDirect vehicles to locations listed here. If you have any questions, call (718) 802-3700.

Adult Education: Access to free adult education programs are accessible starting July 6th to August 14th. Register by calling 917-612-7831 or emailing here.
IMMIGRATION
  • If you or a loved one is in need of free immigration assistance, please call CUNY Citizenship Now at 646-664-9400 or text at 929-334-3784, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visit their website for more information.
  • Open Society Foundation has established the Immigrant Emergency Relief Program which is a $20 million fund that will provide 20,000 undocumented immigrants with a one-time monetary emergency relief.
  • $400/individual
  • $800/couple or single parent with children
  • $1,000/family with multiple adults and children
  • for more information, click here.
SMALL BUSINESS
  • The Federal Government is offering programs to support small businesses:
  • Paycheck Protection Program provides a loan that will be forgiven if employees are retained on payroll for a period of time. For more information, click here.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan is a low interest loan to cover expense beyond payroll costs. For more information, click here.
  • New York City Small Business Services has a host of other services for small businesses including grant and loan opportunities. For more information, click here.
In-District Businesses open/closed provided by Flatbush Avenue BID and Church Avenue BID: Visit Flatbush Avenue Business Directory here and Church Avenue Business directory here. Businesses open/closed list provided by Flatbush Development Corporation: Visit Flatbush Business Corridor Directory here. Includes businesses located in:
  • Cortelyou Road (Coney Island Ave. - Ocean Ave.)
  • Coney Island Avenue (Cortelyou Road - Foster Ave.)
  • Newkirk Plaza
  • Newkirk Avenue (Coney Island Ave. - Ocean Ave.)
  • Foster Avenue (Coney Island Ave. - Ocean Ave.)
  • Ditmas Park
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK WITH COVID-19
STAY INFORMED

Health officials are working tirelessly to protect public health and contain this virus. And, as your representative in Albany, I am working to ensure that our state is putting the health and safety of our families first.

Remember COVID-19 can affect any community and we must stand by one another during this time, not alienate, threaten or discriminate against others.

For questions you can also reach out to the New York State’s novel coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065. For continuous updates, you can visit the following websites:


The CDC also now has the option for you to sign up for weekly updates on COVID-19.
New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Email Updates Here and Ask

Questions About COVID-19 Here

New Yorkers Can Find More Information About the New COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Law Here
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn covering Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She is also a member of the Task Force on Women's Issues and sits on Governor Cuomo's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor De Blasio's MWBE Task Force.

As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.

  
Learn more about 
Rodneyse Bichotte by visiting her websites: