This is Mayor Noam Bramson, with an update for today, March 23. Here’s what’s new:

Alternate side of the street parking restrictions will be suspended citywide until further notice. Metered parking remains free.

To help mobilize and coordinate the efforts of volunteers and locals agencies, especially to assist the most vulnerable, the City is partnering with Volunteer New York to bring on a full-time Director of Community Engagement. You’ll hear more about this in the days ahead. For now, you can share ideas by emailing NewRoStrong@newrochelleny.com.

Now, a reminder about previous messages:

All non-essential businesses are now closed. By contrast, markets, groceries, pharmacies, gas stations, and other essential businesses will remain open, as will restaurants for takeout and delivery service.

If you were tested for the virus at Glen Island, you can now get your own test results more quickly by following instructions on the County website at: health.westchestergov.com.

Parks will remain open only for solitary recreation, such as walking and hiking. But playgrounds and playing fields are closed and group activities are prohibited.

City Hall remains closed to the public, but all essential municipal services, including sanitation and public safety, will be maintained.

We continue urging all residents to practice personal distancing by staying home as much as possible and by limiting physical interactions with others. These steps are essential to slowing down the virus and saving lives.

But even when we’re apart physically, let’s keep looking out for each other, especially for those on their own, by connecting by phone, email, or other media.

New Rochelle is meeting this unprecedented challenge with strength and resilience, and we can all do our part by staying informed and engaged.

Thank you for listening. Additional information is always available at newrochelleny.com/coronavirus.