The Capital Region is set to enter Phase 2 of re-opening tomorrow, June 3rd. If your business is included in the Phase 2 re-opening structure, please remember to check out theNYForward websitefor the list of guidelines specific to your industry.
Governor Cuomo announced that New York dentists can reopen statewide. Dentists' offices will be subject to state guidance on best practices for safety and social distancing.
You can read more on guidance fordentist offices here.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 authorized the payment of P-EBT food benefits to households with children who would have received free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Act, if not for a school closure. These temporary food benefits are to help cover the cost of meals children would otherwise would have received at school.
Families don't need to apply to receive benefits and payments are expected to be delivered by late June. Visitotda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19to learn more.
In response toCOVID-19, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notified the City of Albany that it will receive a Community Development Block Grant Fund (CDBG-CV) allocation to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19). After the announcement of that funding, the City of Albany distributed a community-wide survey that was completed in March to help direct funding priorities.
The City of Albany has created a number of funded program for residents and businesses, including:
$400,000 (grants of up to $15,000)
Provision of meals, groceries and other necessities to Albany residents impacted by the COVID-19 Virus
Provision of PPE and/or cleaning supplies to low income residents
Provision of broadband, WiFi, and/or electronic devices to low income youth/families so that distance learning can continue without access to school buildings, libraries and other facilities
Outreach to vulnerable populations to provide health education and services related to the COVID-19 pandemic
$300,000 (grants of up to $60,000)
Opportunities for summer camp/day care for low to moderate income youth in the City of Albany
$250,000
Organizations to provide rental/mortgage assistance to City of Albany residents
Guidelines for the funding can be found here. Residents and businesses canapply for funding online hereordownload a hard copy of the application here. Applications will be accepted through June 30 on a rolling basis.
Funding information can also be found athttps://www.albanyny.gov/Government/Departments/ACDA.aspx
Anyone who wishes to complete a hard copy of the application will need to make arrangements with ACDA to drop it off at the office at 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard. Please email Faye Andrews atfandrews@albanyny.govto arrange a time to submit an application.
In response to the damage done to numerous City businesses over the weekend, applications will be made available as part of an emergency response using the City of Albany Small Business Façade Improvement and Retail Grant programs administered by Capitalize Albany Corporation.
Application fees and investment match requirements will be waived to ensure there are no impediments to local businesses most at risk.
To obtain an application, learn more about the program’s guidelines or answers to general questions, business owners can contact the City’s economic development organization, Capitalize Albany Corporation at development@CapitalizeAlbany.com, through Virginia Rawlins at 518-434-2532 x 25 or visitwww.CapitalizeAlbany.com/grants.
As part of the Governor’s initiative for antibody sampling of essential workers, food delivery and restaurant workers will be offered the opportunity to receive freeCOVID-19antibody testing conducted by the NYS Department of Health. The testing process takes approximately 15 minutes. No appointment necessary.
When: Monday June 1 through Thursday June 4
Site hours: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Where: SUNY Albany – SEFCU Arena (Albany) SEFCU Arena (please enter via Western Avenue) 1400 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12222
Please note that testing is voluntary, and DOH will not provide any employer with an individual’s test results. Please contactNYS.COVID19.AntibodyTestingSystem@health.ny.govfor questions related to the antibody sampling and testing process.
Remember to support local restaurants and order delivery or take-out from your favorite local spot!
For a comprehensive list of businesses located in the 108th Assembly District who are currently still offering take out or delivery options see below:
City of Albany:
Also, continue to check out theRensselaer County Chamber Facebook Pageand theRensselaer County Tourism Facebook Pagefor daily updates!
Unemployment Insurance - The one-week waiting period for Unemployment Insurance claims for workers directly affected by COVID-19 has been eliminated. The Department has also announced that they are changing the unemployment insurance job search requirement that is currently in place. No work search activities will be required during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information check out the DOL page here: https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm
Those in need can call 2-1-1 from any phone for a free, confidential referral to resources providing food, shelter, rent assistance, childcare options and other essential services. The helpline is also able to answer questions and provide referrals for COVID-19 related concerns. Simply dial 2-1-1 or visit 211neny.org
If you believe your business is an essential service but has not been included on ESD’s list, you can apply for ‘essential service status’ at this link: https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Request%20for%20Designation%20Form_0.pdf
Charter will be providing 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 (where service is available), at any service level up to 100 Mbps, as well as opening up Charter WiFi Hotspots across our footprint for public use. For more information or to enroll in the program please contact 1-844-488-8395
The Capital District YMCA will provide childcare for emergency personnel who do not have the option to work from home, as defined by The New York State Education Department. For more information visit: https://cdymca.org/emergencychildcare/