
Mayor Bill de Blasio and DOE Chancellor Richard Carranza announce the City’s preliminary plan to reopen schools at a socially distanced press conference on July 8, 2020. Image Credit: Mayoral Photography Office
The City’s plan offers three basic models schools can base their scheduling on to rotate students between in-person and remote learning. On July 8, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Education Chancellor Richard Carranza announced the City’s preliminary plan to reopen public schools in September. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have physically been closed since mid-March and operated remotely for the remainder of the school year. The “blended learning” approach will allow for students to rotate in groups to have both in-person and remote instruction every week. (more…)

NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer. Image credit: Office of the New York City Comptroller
Eighty-five percent of the survey respondents expect to go out of business within six months. On July 10, 2020, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released a comprehensive analysis of the economic hardships minority and women-owned enterprises (M/WBEs) are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the survey findings, Comptroller Stringer announced new accountability measures to ensure the City is meeting its M/WBE goals. (more…)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivers briefing on Coronavirus pandemic. Image Credit: Governor’s Office
Renters will not have to repay the rental subsidy. On July 14, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new statewide emergency rent assistance program for low-income families facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)

Mayor Bill de Blasio. Image credit: CityLand
Events will not be permitted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. On July 9, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all large events that require a permit will be canceled through September 30th. The City will instead prioritize social distancing and dedicating open spaces to public use. (more…)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivers briefing on Coronavirus pandemic. Image Credit: Governor’s Office
Indoor dining is still suspended. On July 6, 2020, New York City entered Phase 3 of its reopening. Phase 3 allows personal services like nail salons, spas, tanning salons, massage parlors and tattoo parlors to reopen, as well as courts for sports in City parks. The “personal services” industry under Phase 3 does not include hair salons and barbershops, which were allowed to reopen under Phase 2. (more…)