June 5, 2021 | Newsletter
NYC Office of Nightlife
Dear NYC Nightlife, 

We are on our way back. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a substantial decrease in cases and hospitalizations, as more New Yorkers are getting vaccinated and are able to socialize safely. With in-person events resuming, and the curfew for indoor venues now lifted, the #SummerofNYC is officially underway.  

Business Updates

FAQ for Implementing CDC Guidance 

On May 19, the State issued guidelines for implementing the CDC Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. The CDC Guidance relaxes the masking and social distancing requirements for “fully vaccinated” people in most locations, except Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and
healthcare settings. 
  
The Office of Nightlife, with our partners at the New York City Department of Small Business Services and the Office of Counsel to the Mayor, have created a simple FAQ to help New Yorkers understand what the CDC guidance means for NYC nightlife, which you can find here:  
READ: FAQ for CDC Guidelines Here
Economic Assistance Programs 

The NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) applications are now open

Eligible low and moderate-income households can get up to 12 months of their back rent paid, 3 months of future rent, and other assistance. There are no immigration status requirements to qualify for the program. NYC’s Human Resources Administration website offers information about the program, as well as a list of organizations who can help New Yorkers with their applications.

The State’s $800 Million Small Business Recovery Grant Program, which will provide funding to small businesses to help them recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, will begin accepting applications for the program on June 10.  

Flexible grants up to $50,000 can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment, or other business expenses incurred during the pandemic.  Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) began making the first round of Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) award decisions. See SBA’s FAQ if you have applied but have not yet been notified of an award. 

Funds are still available, eligible operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theaters, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives may apply under this program. For more information and to view applicant resources, visit the SVOG website
Need help applying for SVOG?

NYC live-performance venues, businesses, and non-profit organizations applying for SVOG and other federal assistance can access free technical assistance through Curtains Up NYC, a program partnership of MOME and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS). Trained counselors are also available for virtual, one-on-one sessions. Learn more: Curtains Up NYC webpage or 888-SBS-4NYC.
Moratorium updates: The ban on commercial and residential evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the effects of the pandemic is extended until August 31, 2021. The moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting utilities to residential households and small businesses that are struggling with their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic is extended for a period of 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier.  

Health & Safety
NYC Youth Vax Week

The City is hosting a series of events this week, June 1-7 in all five boroughs featuring food, music, family activities, informational resources and mobile vaccine clinics. You can find all the details here! (See below for additional COVID-19 updates.)
Vaccine Benefits

New York City is offering incentives—including gift cards, staycations, and free tickets to sports and cultural programs—to encourage more New Yorkers get vaccinated. Adults who receive their first vaccine dose on or after May 25 at New York City-run sites are eligible to choose an incentive and enter a competition to win exclusive prizes. New Yorkers who were vaccinated before May 25 can take advantage of discounts and giveaways from other NYC businesses by showing their CDC vaccination card.

With proof of full vaccination becoming more important every week, we recommend that anyone who was vaccinated in New York State, sign up for the Excelsior Pass, which is easy to apply for, free, and offers a fast digital or paper proof of vaccination.
NYC Stay Well Pledge
 
As the New York City reopens, ensuring everyone’s well-being is paramount. In partnership with our colleagues at NYC & Company, we are asking arts, entertainment and hospitality groups and their stakeholders to take the Stay Well Pledge to help the five boroughs reopen responsibly. Taking the Pledge means you agree to adhere to public health protocols and ask your patrons to do the same. We know it will take a community effort to help inspire confidence and educate the public about what we all are doing to ensure a safe and strong reopening.
Paid Sick Leave

The NYS Department of Labor issued guidance on the use of paid sick leave for COVID-19 Vaccine Recovery Time. This guidance states that Labor Law section 196-b allows employees to use sick leave for the recovery of any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination and section 197-c allows leave to receive vaccinations. 
Upcoming Events
NYC Pride  
June 4-27  

NYC Pride announces the official theme for 2021, “The Fight Continues,” as the kick-off to this year’s events and programming. In a time of tremendous adversity for the community on many fronts, “The Fight Continues” reflects the multitude of battles we’ve been fighting as a country and as a city. Learn more at: nycpride.org
Food Waste Fair
June 14-19


The Sanitation Foundation, the official nonprofit of the NYC Department of Sanitation, presents the 2021 Food Waste Fair! Join the week-long series of events June 14-19, featuring virtual and outdoor panels, workshops, and more that bring together residents, businesses, community organizations, and policymakers from around the world to fight food waste together.

Thanks to their generous sponsors, tickets to all of this year's Food Waste Fair events are free and open to the public!
Grab a friend and head to the website to learn more about the Food Waste Fair and get your free tickets today!
SummerStage 
June 17 – October

Just Announced! 2021 season of SummerStage!  CapitalOne City Parks Foundation SummerStage is back for in-person shows starting June 17. Learn how to request reserved free tickets to attend at:
SummerStage.org
NYC Voting – Primary Elections
June 22


For the first time, New York City voters will use ranked choice voting. To learn how ranked choice voting works, watch the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s video.

Learn more about the Candidates and where to vote at www.voting.nyc

NYC Restaurant Week
July 19 - August 15

Sign up for NYC Restaurant Week this summer with more options than ever —and start booking tables starting July 12. There is no cost to participate this season, any restaurant in the five boroughs may participate.

*Registration to participate must be completed by June 11.
Learn how to participate in this all-new dining program and apply today.
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