As of today, there are almost 28,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Suffolk County, further emphasizing the importance of social distancing and hygiene. I have been posting daily updates with specific and up-to-date information every evening, and I encourage you to visit my Facebook (Kevin McCaffrey) and Instagram (@legislatorkevinmccaffrey) for more info. For COVID-19 related questions, please call the New York State Hotline at 1-888-364-3065, the Suffolk County Hotline at 311, or my Office at 1-631-854-1100. Also feel free to enroll in Suffolk County’s COVID-19 text updates by texting "COVIDSUFFOLK" to 67283.
Below I have compiled a list of resources that you or someone you know may find useful. These are websites my staff and I have used to assist constituents, as well as conduct research for the many conference calls, webinars, and Facebook Live videos we have participated in.
New York State Unemployment Insurance:
Unemployment Insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. To collect benefits, you must be ready, willing, and able to work, and actively looking for work during each week in which you are claiming benefits. New York State is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Please not that many constituents of ours are reporting extensive wait times when contacting the NYS Department of Labor. This is due to the State being overwhelmed with claims. As representatives of Suffolk County, we will do our best to assist you as you wait to hear back.
For more information and to file a claim, visit:
New York State Paid Family Leave Act:
Most employees will get financial compensation by using a combination of benefits, which may include new employer-provided paid sick leave (depending on the size of the employer), Paid Family Leave and disability benefits. These benefits are not available to employees who are able to work through remote access or other means. Paid Family Leave can also be used to care for a family member who has contracted COVID-19, which qualifies as a serious health condition.
If your employer does not comply with this law, you have the right to file a complaint. You can do so at:
COVID-19 Testing
Testing is free to all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider or by calling the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
For more information on COVID-19 Testing in NYS, including drive through testing and testing protocols, visit:
Interested in being tested for COVID-19? Use this screening tool to share your symptoms and pre-register for testing.
Online Patient Portal for Test Results:
Testing Sites
All testing sites require an appointment. usually appointments are only made for symptomatic patients or those with noted from their primary care physician. Contact the testing site for site-specific policies and guidance.
Pro-Health- Amityville, Huntington, Huntington Station, Riverhead, West Islip
Hudson River Health Care- Amityville, Huntington, Wyandanch, Brentwood, Patchogue, Coram, Shirley, Riverhead, Greenport, Southampton
New York State- Jones Beach State Park, Stony Brook University
CITYMD, Urgent Care- Copiague, Deer Park, Lindenhurst
CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the CARES act to help individuals that are negatively impacted by the coronavirus epidemic. An important component of individual relief, Economic Impact Payments, will be distributed by the IRS in the coming weeks.
IRS Guidance:
NYS Guidance:
Small Businesses (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Our nation’s small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses.
Lapse in Appropriations Notice: SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.
EIDL applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
EIDL Loan Advance
Paycheck Protection Program
For more information:
- Other SBA Resources:
- Farmingdale Small Business Development Center (SUNY administered program funded by the SBA- free assistance)
- SBA Long Island Branch Office
- Small Business Webinar featuring Legislator McCaffrey
Enforcement of New Guidance
Essential Business Designation
Is your business essential?
Apply for "essential" designation:
More business information:
Wellness Information (from COVIDSUFFOLK)
- Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence 24 Hour Hotline: 631-979-1700
- New York State Emotional Support Line: 844-863-9314
- Access Your Local Library Online at livelibrary.com
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Statistics
Legislator McCaffrey represents Suffolk County’s 14th Legislative District which encompasses the Village of Lindenhurst, Babylon Village, the hamlets of West Babylon and North Lindenhurst, portions of Copiague, North Babylon and Babylon’s barrier beach communities.