What’s New Today
- New York State has 30,811 total positive cases of coronavirus and 5,146 new positive cases. New York City has 17,856 total positive cases and 2,952 new cases. The State is anticipating the apex of need could occur in 21 days. So far, 285 people have died in the state.
- The Governor announced that he will be implementing a NYC pilot program of closing streets to vehicular traffic and implementing mandatory playground social distancing including banning contact sports.
- The Governor announced that 6,175 mental health professionals have volunteered to staff a mental health hotline (1-844-863-9314).
- Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer have reached a bi-partisan deal on a $2 trillion economic stimulus package. The Senate intends on passing the bill today, though legislative text is not yet available. This morning the House of Representatives quickly adjourned without taking up any measures and will reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m. Speaker Pelosi has said that the house will review the bill. According to Schumer’s office the Senate bill includes:
- Direct payments of $1,200 to most individuals making up to $75,000, or $2,400 for couples making up to $150,000. The amount decreases for individuals with incomes above $75,000, and payments cut off for those above $99,000.
- Expanded unemployment benefits that boost the maximum benefit by $600 per week and provides laid-off workers their full pay for four months
- $367 billion in loans for small businesses
- $150 billion for state and local governments
- $130 billion for hospitals
- $500 billion in loans for larger industries, including airlines
- Creation of an oversight board and inspector general to oversee loans to large companies
- Measure prohibiting companies owned by President Trump and his family from receiving federal relief
- The Governor said during his daily briefing that the Senate bill would be “terrible” for New York because it lacks the funding that the state needs. He is asking the NY House delegation to fight for more money for New York. Under the Senate bill New York would receive $3.8 billion, under the House’s proposal New York would have received $17 billion.
- The State Liquor Authority (SLA): Emergency Reopening of Price Posting Module to Allow Manufacturers and Wholesalers to Reduce Previously Certified April Retail Prices on Liquor and Wine (Wednesday 3/25/20 through Friday 3/27/20)
- Empire State Development continues to update its guidance on essential employers.
- New additions include lending institutions, pet food stores, mental health and substance abuse services, movers, medical billing support, animal shelter and care, and remote learning support staff.
- The provision determining that any business which only has a single occupant/employee (i.e. gas station) is exempt has been removed.
- The NYS Department of Health has published emergency regulations in the NYS Register.
- The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities: COVID-19 Suspension of Community Outings and Home Visits
- State Education Department: Updated Guidance on Driver and Traffic Safety Education in Response to COVID-19
Up-To-Date Guidance
Attached please find a comprehensive document with guidance from across government agencies. We will be updating this document as information becomes available and including it in our daily updates.
In addition to our regular email updates, Ostroff Associates has established two dedicated webpages that will be updated in real time with any new information from government sources relating to COVID-19. Please use these websites as a resource and share with others who would benefit.
Update Page: https://www.ostroffassociates.com/covid-19-updates/
News Page: https://www.ostroffassociates.com/category/covid-19/
