Senator Roxanne Persaud

March 26, 2020


Dear Constituents:

 

During this past week our society has changed.  The way we work, interact with others, and live our lives have all been altered by the COVID-19 virus.  New York remains on ‘PAUSE.’  Right now, we must stay at home and “socially distance” away from others as much as we possibly can (at least 6’).  These measures will help decrease the spread of the virus and provide relief to the doctors, nurses, and first responders who are still working every day to keep us safe.  Senate District 19 and all of New York will get through this crisis if we are diligent, vigilant, compassionate, and respectful of others.  

I want to reflect on the passing of Ms. Dez-Ann Romain, the 36 year old principal of Brooklyn Democracy Academy.  Ms. Romain’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the education community of our District.  Her dedication towards her students was unparalleled and my heart bleeds for her family at this time.  

Additionally, Ms. Ronda Phillips, principal of Kappa V High School, which is in the same building as Brooklyn Democracy Academy, is hospitalized with the virus.  My prayers go out to her and her family that she makes an expeditious recovery.

The most current information from the New York State Department of Health regarding the spread and transmission of this virus can be accessed here or by calling the NYS Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.  Additionally, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a dedicated site that is also frequently updated and can be accessed here.

In my continuing effort to keep the public informed, I am asking everyone reading this newsletter to share the "Sign Up For Coronavirus Updates" link: to get email updates on the evolving COVID-19 situation from New York State.

Lastly, as I have said several times before, I will not stand for the panic and hysteria happening fueled by racism and xenophobia.  Misinformation and racism are more dangerous than any virus. If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, you can report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 and saying “human rights.”  

Let us work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in SD-19!


Sincerely,

Roxanne J. Persaud

NYS Senate

19th District



 

“WE ARE HERE TO SERVE, AND YOU DESERVE TO BE SERVED.”


 

 


 

 

About Us

 

The Office of Senator Roxanne J. Persaud proudly serves constituents in the communities of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, and Starrett City.

 

For more information, check the official website.  To stay updated on events and meetings, frequent the Senate District 19 Calendar.  If assistance is needed, an upcoming event requires sharing, or someone wishes to sign up for this newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  Our office can also be followed via Facebook or Twitter.


 

Coronavirus Resource Guide

I have a continuously updated resource guide that answers many questions and concerns during the Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis.  Please click on the banner below for SD-19 specific information.


 

SENATE DISTRICT 19 CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE GUIDE

 

 

Flattening the Curve and What that Entails

Flattening the curve is a phrase you've been hearing a lot for about a week now; but what exactly does it mean? It's pretty simple, really.  If we do nothing, more people will get COVID-19 sooner, making the curve a steep mountain on a graph. 

That's when health care facilities will get overwhelmed with overworked staff and not enough equipment and supplies.  If we follow recommendations like social distancing, the curve becomes flatter on that graph, closer to a molehill. It may not mean fewer people get sick in the long run; however, there will be fewer people getting sick at one time. That way, there won't be such a strain put on equipment, supplies and staff members. 

So, how do we flatten the curve?

By all the measures that have been taken so far... Isolate people who are sick... Try to find out who those sick people may have had contact with... Quarantine people who may have been exposed to the virus... Close schools and businesses... Avoid crowds and live with social distance.

 

 Mental Health Resources

You do not have to feel alone.  If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, please contact the New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline.  Thousands of mental health professionals are available to help us during this pandemic.  

 

 

Census 2020

Census forms have been distributed to households across this State and Nation.  I cannot overstate the importance of your participation in the Census. Every ten years, each living person in the United States is required to be accounted for; this includes YOU!  The Census is extremely important because over $675 billion of your federal funds are allocated among the States which provides funding for our schools, hospitals, senior centers, public transportation, roads and bridges.  Even our representation in Washington, D.C. is in jeopardy as New York is currently set to lose up to two Congressional members due to lack of proper count.

Unfortunately, Brooklyn is one of the worst offenders in our lack of participation.  There is too much at stake to have this continue. Beginning this month, 95% of households will receive an invitation to participate in the Census, and 5% will have their invitation dropped off by a Census worker or be interviewed in person.  The Census Bureau is required by law to keep all personal information safe and confidential. Your responses to the census cannot be used against you by law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or to determine eligibility for government services.  Visit my2020census.gov to respond online.  To respond by phone, call 1-844-330-2020

 

Office of Children & Family Service (OCFS)

OCFS has provided a listing of resources to assist parents who are looking for childcare during the COVID-19 outbreak.  For a full listing of facilities and referral services, you can click here.  Please note: if you or your child are instructed to quarantine, your child may not attend a child care program during the specified timeframe.

 

New York State Department of Labor

To file unemployment claims or to make complaints regarding working during this pandemic, please click here.  

 

 


 

 

 

***COVID-19 Scams are becoming a pandemic in themselves.  Do not be fooled by anyone offering free testing. Always contact your healthcare provider or call 311 for real information.***

 

Social Security Scams During COVID-19 Pandemic

Be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments but that is not true.  Don’t be fooled. To protect you and help stop the spread of this coronavirus, Social Security offices cannot accept visitors at this time.  There are several other ways you can get help. Many services are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov.   If you have a critical need that you cannot address online, they can help you over the phone.

Please visit the Social Security COVID-19 web page at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/ to find out what services are continuing and which ones are suspended; and important information about deadlines they are extending to ease the burden on you and medical providers during this pandemic.  

 

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  

All USCIS field offices, asylum offices, and Application Support Centers (ASCs) will not provide in-person services until at least April 1. This includes interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and biometric collection appointments. If you have an emergency service request, please contact the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS field offices will send de-scheduling notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments impacted by this closure.  USCIS will send de-scheduling notices to naturalization applicants scheduled for naturalization ceremonies. All applicants will be rescheduled when USCIS resumes normal operations.

USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews. When the interview is rescheduled, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location of the interview.

USCIS will also automatically reschedule ASC appointments due to the office closure. Those impacted will receive a new appointment letter in the mail. Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments at the field office must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center once field offices are open to the public again. Please check to see if your field office has been reopened before reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center.

 

Local Advisories

 

2020 Alternate Side Parking & Street Cleaning Calendar

Guide to Accessible Transit on Buses & Subways

NYC Department of Transportation Special Traffic Advisories

 

 

 


 

 

 

Public Safety - NYPD

Find out more on the New York City Police Department Precincts in the district, including crime statistics so you are aware of the trends and able to identify changes to help us fight for a safer community.

61st Pct

63rd Pct

69th Pct

73rd Pct

75th Pct

PSA 1

PSA 2

 

 

 

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Albany Office:
409 Legislative Office Bldg
Albany, NY 12247
518-455-2788
District Office:
1222 East 96th St
Brooklyn, NY 11236
718-649-7653
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