Essential Updates from Mayor Patterson-Howard
Dear Mount Vernon Community,
As of today, we have 950 confirmed cases and several deaths in Mount Vernon; Westchester County has 15,887 cases in total as of today. In the Governor’s daily briefing, he pointed out that social distancing is working. We need to vigorously maintain it. Lives depend on it. I urge everyone to keep maintaining a 6-foot distance, washing your hands, and I can’t stress this enough, staying home.
I would like to remind everyone, especially those who live in apartment buildings, to make sure we are socially distancing while riding an elevator!
Census Updates
As of April 4,2020, our city has the lowest response rate in Westchester County at 30.8 %.
· The Mount Vernon Complete Count Committee (MVCCC) has decided to promote the Census by hosting its first Club Census Party scheduled for Friday, April 10 from 7pm to 10pm on Facebook live. This week we will feature DJ Scottie G — he grew up in Mount Vernon and is the host of Heights Reunion in Mount Vernon. This will be a weekly party — that will include fun (clean version) music play list. Facts and flyers about the Census. Please stay tuned for updates.
Mount Vernon stands to lose $800,000,000 in funding over the next ten years if we are undercounted again.
This Federal funding directly impacts many City programs, including emergency response services. For this reason, I encourage everyone to complete the US Census while at home with your family and to call their neighbors, friends and other family members and urge them to complete the 2020 Census. The deadline has been extended to August 14th.
Complete it online by following this link: Census Response.
. Complete it over the phone 7 days a week from 7am-2am at 1–844–330–2020.
. Complete and mail the US Census Form if you receive one in the mail.
Important Updates from Mount Vernon City Hall
For COVID-19 Updates you can visit the City Website at https://cmvny.com/covid19/
City Hall remains closed to the public. All departments will continue to operate at full service by phone or email.
Alternate side parking and parking meters have been suspended until further notice.
To pay your taxes you can pay them online at: https://cmvny.com/pay-a-fee/
Please utilize the city website to find information on other issues you may have during this State of Emergency.
For those small businesses who need assistance there is also a county hotline at 914–995 — 2900. You can also find more information at https://esd.ny.gov. You can also seek more information from 211.
. The City of Mount Vernon will continue to provide FREE Grab & Go Lunches at different sites. Last week, we delivered over 1000+ bags of food to seniors and families. Please call 914–665–2420 for more information or check us out on social media.
COVID-19 Updates / Helpful Resources
Governor Cuomo directed flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of those we have lost to COVID-19. The flags will remain lowered while New York is on pause.
· Governor Cuomo has directed the state nonessential workforce to continue to work from home through April 29th.
Statewide school closures are extended until April 29th.
The state is increasing the maximum fine for violations of the state’s social distancing protocol from $500 to $1,000 to help address the lack of adherence to social distancing protocols.
Governor Cuomo directed the State Department of Labor to immediately make $600 in additional weekly unemployment benefits available to all New Yorkers. The additional benefits were included in the Federal CARES Act, but, unlike other states, New York began delivering the extra unemployment insurance to unemployed individuals before Federal funds are disbursed to the states. New York is also extending the period covered by unemployment benefits for another 13 weeks, for a total of 39 weeks.
Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines are offering free travel to New York for COVID-19 medical workers. To date, more than 90,000 health professionals, including more than 25,000 out-of-state individuals, have signed up to serve as part of the state’s surge healthcare force during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor mentioned that all New Yorkers will be able to vote absentee on the June 23rd primaries. His office will decide closer to the date regarding polling locations being open.
We would like to remind everyone that domestic violence is never okay and there are resources available. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the state hotline at 1–800–942–6906.
· Mental Health resources are available through Westchester County and New York State. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress that has begun to affect your daily life and you feel you need support, call the Westchester County Office of Community Mental Health (914) 995–1900 (8am — 8pm) or text (914) 461–7281
The state is partnering with Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, to offer free meditation and mindfulness content for all New Yorkers as a mental health resource for residents coping with the unprecedented public health crisis. New Yorkers can access a collection of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home mindful workouts, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety at www.headspace.com/ny.
New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through May 15, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
Consumers and Small Businesses Experiencing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19 May Defer Paying Health Insurance Premiums through June 1, 2020.
· Disaster Loan Assistance: All businesses and nonprofits in New York State are now eligible to apply for federal low-interest disaster relief loans if they have suffered significant economic injury due to COVID-19. You can find more information and apply online.
Governor Cuomo also announced the launch of www.ny.gov/covid-19tracker, which will provide New York State’s comprehensive coronavirus testing data to the public. The website, which will be updated daily with the latest data, presents visualizations of statewide and county-level testing and results.
The Governor announced that we are still looking for more PPE supplies. If you are able to help, please call 212–803–3100 or visit covid19supplies@esd.ny.gov
New Yorkers without Health Insurance can apply through NY State of Health within 60 days of losing coverage.
Westchester County has created an email address to respond to inquires regarding the Coronavirus: COVID19FAQ@westchestergov.gov
Note: You should expect an expert response within 24 hours of your message. These emails are monitored and answered by County DSS.
I urge you to remember to make time to take care of yourself. Stay hydrated, read positive affirmations, and virtually connect with your loved ones.
Best Regards,
Mayor Shawyn Patterson- Howard
