Dear Friend,
The COVID-19 virus has unfortunately affected us all in some way. In an effort to help keep up with the quickly changing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, below are some important resources and helpful links:
General updates and information regarding COVID-19 in New York State can be found at the New York State’s Department of Health’s website: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home or by calling the Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065. You can also reach out to your local county health department for information:
- Cayuga County Health Department: 315-253-1560
- Ontario County Health Department: 585-396-4451
- Monroe County Health Department: 585-753-2991
- Seneca County Health Department: 315-539-1925
- Tompkins County Health Department: 607-274-6600
- Wayne County Health Department: 315-945-5749
For unemployment information, New York State is waiving the seven day waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Applying for these benefits must be done online as all unemployment offices are closed. The link to apply for these benefits can be found here: https://www.ny.gov/services/get-unemployment
For business assistance, Empire State Development (ESD) has set up a web portal and FAQ page for individuals and businesses with business-related COVID-19 issues and questions. This information and additional COVID-19 related information can be found here: https://esd.ny.gov/esd-covid-19-related-resources.
The Department of Labor is also reminding businesses of its Shared Work Program that can provide an alternative to laying off employees during business downturns by allowing workers to work a reduced work schedule and collect partial unemployment insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks. Instead of cutting staff, a business is able to reduce the number of hours of all employees or just a certain group. Information about this program can be found here: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/employerinfo/shared-work-program.shtm.
Additionally, Governor Cuomo has issued the proper declaration to allow businesses to apply for disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). Loans will be available to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in designated areas.
Loans up to $2 million will be offered, and can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable or other bills that cannot be paid due to the disaster’s impact. Interest rates for the loans are 3.75% without credit available elsewhere, and 2.75% for nonprofits. Terms are on a case-by-case basis, but a repayment plan can be up to 30 years.
For more information on the loan program, please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. You may also call 1-800-659-2955 or email the SBA at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
As updates are ever changing, please consider watching Governor Cuomo’s daily press conference for the most current updates. These press conferences can be viewed at: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news.
Additionally, I will be maintaining a link on my Senate website which will contain up to date information and resources from around the state and region. Please visit this page at https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/pamela-helming/coronavirus-resources.
Lastly, if you are an individual or group who is interested in helping with the State’s efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak, there are many different ways to help including:
-
Contacting your County’s Office for the Aging and getting involved in Meals On Wheels:
- Wayne County:315-946-5624
- Ontario County: 585-396-4040
- Monroe County: 585-753-6280
- Seneca County: 315-539-1766
- Cayuga County: 315-253-1226
- Tompkins County: 607-274-5482
- Support our local restaurants by purchasing takeout/delivery or a gift card;
- Support local small businesses by paying outstanding invoices, purchasing gift cards or placing orders for future delivery;
- CALL to check in on your neighbors and those who are elderly.
I hope this provides some light on any questions and concerns that you may have. Please continue to check my facebook page in addition to my website for the latest updates. These are unprecedented times and it is vital that we work together. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office whenever I may be of assistance.
Best Regards,
Pamela A. Helming
State Senator 54th District
