Nader Sayegh: Happy Juneteenth!

Happy Juneteenth!

We have all been through a lot the past 15 months, so as New York reached a 70% COVID-19 vaccination rate and lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, I believe it is important to celebrate this achievement and thank our healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers who helped get us through the pandemic. We also must remember the many we lost.

New York’s COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. The State’s health guidance including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, and social distancing, are now optional for all except schools, healthcare facilities and public transit, prisons and large scale indoor event venues, as directed by the CDC.

Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance.

In the State Assembly I proudly supported numerous bills and initiatives to help those individuals, businesses and organizations impacted by the pandemic. Most recently, Small Business Recovery Grants are now available for small business or small for-profit independent arts or cultural organizations financially impacted by the pandemic, I urge you to apply for a grant now, at: nysmallbusinessrecovery.com

I also introduced and worked to pass legislation to support our Emergency Medical Service providers who worked around the clock to help those suffering from COVID-19.

And for the first time, Friday, Juneteenth is now a New York State Holiday, and next year will be a Federal Holiday. The Yonkers Juneteenth Celebration Schedule follows, please share it.