I would like to share the latest announcements from the Queens Borough Public Library and the LGA Community Information Center. For further information contact the phone numbers listed below each announcement.

Jeffrion L. Aubry
Speaker Pro Tempore
NYS Assembly, 35 AD
98-09 Northern Boulevard
Corona, NY 11368

In support of the City's efforts to limit the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), all New York City public libraries are suspending public programming and events from Friday, March 13 until Tuesday, March 31. Details can be found on the websites of the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library.

As you can imagine, the decision to cancel library programs was not taken lightly. Programs such as story times, technology training classes, and English language classes are lifelines for so many. But considering the current situation, and the need to limit large crowds, this was the most responsible path forward to support the health and well-being of our communities.

It is important to note that the city's libraries remain open, and continue to offer access to books, public computers, Wi-Fi, expert staff recommendations, and a variety of resources, including computers dedicated to the 2020 Census.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

Jonathan H. Chung, MPA
Director of Government Affairs
89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone: 718.990.8585

We would like to inform you that the Community Information Center will be closed until March 30th. As we draw closer to this date we will re-evaluate if it is in the best interest of our staff and neighbors to re-open. This Corona Virus situation has been changing very quickly and we ask for your patience as we await more direction from our city and state officials. The health and wellbeing of everyone is our top priority and are doing this as a precautionary measure.

Below I have provided the contact information for our staff should you have any questions or concerns you need addressed while the office is closed.

Shanel Thomas
917-717-2482
SHTHomas@PANYNJ.gov

Emanuela Sanchez
917-865-5976
EMSanchez@PANYNJ.gov

Raquel Moss
718-607-2297
RMoss@PANYNJ.gov

Frank Watts
FWatts@PANYNJ.gov

Thank you,
Larry Gallegos
Community Outreach Manager
LGA Redevelopment Program
75-20 Astoria Blvd. Suite 150
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
T: 718-533-5673 | E-Mail: LGallegos@Panynj.gov

www.ANewLGA.com

The New York Hall of Science to Temporarily Close Beginning March 14

March 13, 2020 – Over the last weeks, we have been closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the lead of our elected officials and public health experts. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) to the public beginning March 14 through the end of the month. We will continue to provide updates on the situation as it develops.

As of this writing, we have NOT heard that any team member or recent visitor has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and we do not have any reason to believe there has been an exposure risk at the museum, or from any visitor or team member.

Scientists and researchers are vital in the fight to control the spread of this disease. NYSCI has an important role to play in nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers. Therefore, our staff will continue this work behind-the-scenes during the closure.

Knowledge and understanding helps make the unfamiliar less frightening in moments like this. To that end, we have developed learning materials focused on viruses and disease transmission that help people understand the science behind these topics. In response to the current pandemic, our staff rapidly created an exhibition about viruses and COVID-19 and made it freely available to science centers around the world to help them provide accurate, helpful information to their audiences during this time.

In addition, our interactive online graphic novel for middle school students, Transmissions: Gone Viral, is available to view free on our website. The graphic novel explores the subject of zoonotic diseases – diseases like COVID-19 – that can be spread from animals to humans. We encourage teachers, parents and caregivers to use Transmissions: Gone Viral to create a science learning moment out of the current situation.

As always, the health and safety of our visitors and employees is our highest priority. We encourage everyone to be careful, follow guidelines regarding hygiene and social distancing that will help protect you and those around you, and be kind and supportive to each other. As Americans, and New Yorkers, let’s continue to demonstrate to the world the collective strength we possess when we are united in our purpose.

We look forward to providing opportunities for science learning at the museum again very soon.

Sincerely,
Margaret Honey
President & CEO, New York Hall of Science