Background image of Brooklyn Bridge. Text reads the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Supporting New York City's Creative Economy
Dear Friends,

As we approach the end of the month, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) continues to work with our colleagues in City government to plan for restart and recovery and do whatever we can to keep our media, entertainment and nightlife communities informed about the City's plans, available resources and opportunities to assist relief efforts.

New York City is still on Pause. All non-essential event permits are cancelled through June 30, including concerts, rallies and large gatherings. MOME film permit restrictions have been extended through June 15. We will continue to post updates on film permitting on MOME’s website.

This morning, Mayor de Blasio announced that the City is making progress in meeting the State’s criteria to begin Phase One of reopening by mid-June. Governor Cuomo’s New York Forward Plan specifies which businesses can reopen at each phase. New York State has designated certain retail, manufacturing and construction businesses for reopen in Phase One; arts, entertainment and recreation are part of Phase Four. For help determining whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, use the reopen lookup tool on the New York State website.

As a reminder, New Yorkers must wear face coverings in public and maintain social distancing. Free face coverings are available in parks, DOE Grab & Go meal sites, grocery stores, and other sites. Restaurants and bars are currently authorized to operate with take-out and delivery service only. However, New York City’s open container law—prohibiting consumption or possession of an open container of alcohol in public places—is still in effect. MOME’s Office of Nightlife has developed physical distancing guidelines for restaurants and bars that are open for takeout and delivery and downloadable window posters reminding everyone to Take Out, Don’t Hang Out when supporting local businesses.

Last week, Tony Bennett helped us kick off Music for the Soul, a program in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals and AFM Local 802 to bring the healing power of music to healthcare workers and patients at NYC public hospitals. The program is made possible with support from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. We invite you to enjoy Music for the Soul performances by local musicians, which are livestreamed on the NYC Health + Hospital’s Facebook page every day from 12-1pm through July 4.

I also want to call your attention to some other updates on resources and programs available:

•   NYC COVID-19 relief package: Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven pieces of legislation providing relief for tenants, commercial establishments, and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new laws support struggling small businesses by imposing limits on third-party food delivery services, extending the suspension of sidewalk cafe fee collection, and protecting commercial tenants from harassment and personal liability.

•   New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF): A new $100 million state fund provides flexible and affordable loans to help small businesses, focusing on minority and women owned small businesses, that did not receive federal COVID-19 assistance. The program targets small businesses with 20 or fewer employees, nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income.  The NYFLF is specifically timed to support businesses and organizations as they proceed to reopen and have upfront expenses to comply with guidelines (e.g., inventory, marketing, refitting for new social distancing guidelines) under the New York Forward Plan. Pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund are now open.
For the latest updates, sign up for MOME’s newsletter, follow our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or visit our website at www.nyc.gov/mome.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns or for support.

Sincerely,

Anne del Castillo
Commissioner
Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment
www.nyc.gov/mome
@NYCMOMECommish
Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment
nyc.gov/mome

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