Judy Griffin headshot

Assemblywoman

Judy Griffin

Assembly District 21

Coronavirus Updates - Updated as of 5-8-2020

Dear Neighbor,

As we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to assure you that my Assembly colleagues and I have been fighting hard to slow the spread of the virus and do what’s best for each and every New Yorker. Recently, I helped pass legislation that provided $40 million in emergency funding to purchase lifesaving medical equipment and hire and train additional health care workers (Ch.23 of 2020). I also helped pass a law that provides guaranteed sick leave and other benefits to all New York employees who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19 (Ch. 25 of 2020). No one should have to face financial hardship for responsibly following the advice of health officials and due to circumstances out of their control.

It’s more important than ever to work together and take the necessary precautions that will help flatten the curve and keep others safe. If you or anyone you know are experiencing symptoms, including fever, coughing and shortness of breath, contact your health care provider before seeking treatment in person.

I hope you and your family remain healthy and well. We are resilient New Yorkers. Working together, we will get through this by watching out for each other and following medical advice gleaned from sound science. As we continue to practice social distancing and adjust our daily routines, I’ll continue working closely with local and state officials to ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep our communities safe. Please remember my family and I are in this with you. Please reach out to me if you need support at 516-561-8216 or griffinj@nyassembly.gov

Sincerely,
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin

Assistance:

Returning to Work:

Price Gouging:

Elections:

To ensure no one has to risk their health to make their voice heard, the following is being done regarding the June 23 elections:

  • New York is sending postage-paid absentee ballot applications to all eligible voters to vote by mail
    • When filling out the application, simply check the box for “temporary illness or physical disability.”
  • The ballot applications will be sent out in Mid-May
  • June 16 is the deadline to mail in the absentee ballot applications
  • June 22 is the deadline to postmark absentee ballots

Report Noncompliance:

The Attorney General is urging employees to file complaints against employers who are ignoring NYS Executive Orders. They can be filed by clicking here.

LIRR Ticket Refunds

Now that 100 percent of all non-essential businesses must work from home, many commuters have already acted to get a partial refund of March tickets. If your April ticket is on auto-renew, you must act immediately, to receive the full refund. Please follow these instructions:

  • If you purchased your monthly through the MTA eTix app, you can initiate directly through your e-ticket.
  • If you are normally mailed a ticket, return the yellow section in the enclosed envelope ensuring that the return ticket address shows through the envelope window. Do not remove the ticket from the clear seal. If the MTA receives your ticket back prior to April 2nd, they will not charge your account for the ticket. Any tickets received after April 3rd will be billed and then refunded back to the account after the MTA receives the ticket. There will be no $10 fee in either case.
  • May’s ticket production will be on April 14th, if you do not intend to use May’s ticket please go online at www.mailandride.com to skip May’s ticket no later than April 10th. You can also contact all Mail and Ride at 718-217-5477 Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and a representative will be available to assist you.
  • I have been in contact with the LIRR and MTA and at the present time they are not financially able to waive the $10 service fee on refunds in March. I will continue discussions with them to see how they can provide assistance to commuters in the future.

How Can I Help?

For Up-to-Date information:

Department of Health

CDC’s Novel Coronavirus

General Information/Hotlines:

  • A 24/7 New York State Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
  • Nassau County Coronavirus Hotline: 516-227-9570
  • You can also Text COVID19NC to 888777 for secure SMS updates with important guidance on COVID-19 in Nassau County
  • Nassau County Executive COVID-19 FAQ
  • Nassau County on Coronavirus
  • Nassau County Mental Health & Support Services
    • Phone: 516-277-Talk (8255)

Prevention:

The best ways to prevent getting the virus are:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • You could use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay at home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough/sneeze
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Testing:

  • If you have questions about symptoms you are experience, or about getting tested for COVID-19, please call your primary care provider or an urgent care center to discuss your situation
    • If you do not have a primary care provider, call the 24-hour state hotline at 1-888-364-3065
    • Do not go without calling first!
  • On March 17, 2020, a drive-thru COVID-19 test site has opened at Jones Beach State Park.
    • In order to get tested, you MUST have an appointment
  • Testing is also available at Hempstead Health Center and the South Ocean Care Health Center
    • For more information, click here

Cleaning and Disinfection Guides:

Small Business Administration Loan

  • Realizing that this virus is having catastrophic effects on our economy, especially our small businesses, the Federal Small Business Association is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.
  • This program offers assistance up to $2 million per small business experiencing financial difficulties.
  • For more information and to apply for this SBA loan, visit https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources.

Nursing Homes/Long Term Care/Senior Centers:

  • As older adults are the most vulnerable from COVID-19, currently non-medical visits at nursing homes and long-term facilities are PROHIBITED. You should reach out to the facility to discuss setting up a virtual visit.
  • Resources For Seniors:
    • Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs Senior HELP Line – 516-227-8900
    • LICC Senior Helpline: 516-679-0000

Emergency Paid Sick Leave

  • On March 18th, the State passed emergency legislation to enact paid sick leave for New Yorkers facing quarantine and isolation due to the COVID-19.
    • Employers with 10 or fewer workers – Employees will receive unpaid sick leave, they are eligible for paid family leave program
    • Employers with between 11 and 99 employees – Employees will receive 5 days of paid sick leave
    • Employers with more than 100 employees and all public employers – Employees will receive 14 days of paid sick leave

Essential Business