Major Disaster Declaration made for NY

Observer-Dispatch (Utica, NY)

President Trump has approved New York's Major Disaster Declaration request, officially providing the state with further federal funding, in addition to the over $6 billion for New York the Senators secured in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, according to U.S. senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The MDD unlocks New York state's access to the full funding of the Disaster Relief Fund and ensures that the Federal Emergency Agency has the full resources and authority to address the outbreak in New York.

"With more and more cases confirmed in New York each day, it's imperative that the federal government does everything within its power to support New York in the state effort to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus," Schumer said. "We're at a vital point in the battle against the disease, and we need to do everything in our power to stop it, right here, right now. There is no compromise when it comes to the health and lives of New Yorkers, and I'm glad the administration recognized that and approved the nation's first Major Disaster Declaration in response to the coronavirus, right here in New York."

Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the MDD allows for FEMA to provide New York with Public and Individual Assistance under the Stafford Act at a 75% federal to 25% state cost share for eligible expenses and activities related to coronavirus efforts. Additionally, New York state now has access to the full $42.6 billion within the DRF as of February 2020.

The Senators' announcement comes after over 7,000 cases were confirmed in New York.

As of 8 p.m. Sunday, all nonessential businesses must close, leaving just doctor's offices, veterinary services, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential operations open. All non-solitary outside activity is banned, and all nonessential government and private sector employees will be required to work from home.

Laundromats, gas stations, liquor stores, and restaurants in a take-out and deliver capacity are allowed to remain open. Additionally, the MTA will continue to run.