Buffalo, NY--- Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that he will take the vaccine on television and social media to promote confidence in the vaccine’s safety once it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mayor Brown joins PresidentElect Joseph Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton in pledging to increase public confidence of an approved vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

Mayor Brown stated, “We must put our faith in science and medicine to bring this emergency to a close. Health experts have been working diligently on the vaccination effort. I have faith in the process that requires careful scrutiny to ensure the safety of all Americans. We must remain patient and careful during this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must continue taking the proper precautions to protect our families and neighbors.”

On Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said New York State is set to receive 170,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses later this month. As the second-largest City in the state, Mayor Brown remains confident that Buffalo will receive its fair share of initial doses when an approved vaccine becomes available.

The City of Buffalo celebrates Buy Black Buffalo Week

Tonight, in partnership with the Buffalo Landmark Illumination Team (Buffalo LIT), Mayor Brown directed the City’s landmark buildings and structures be lit RED, BLACK and GREEN in celebration of Buy Black Buffalo Week. The shopping event runs through December 11th and encourages consumers to shop at Black-owned businesses this holiday season. For more information, visit www.buyblackbuffalo.com.

Shopping incentive: Downtown Dollars Giveaway

Mayor Brown is reminding residents that the Downtown Dollars Giveaway initiative is currently underway. The program, a partnership between Buffalo Place and Buffalo Urban Development Corporation’s (BUDC) Queen City Pop Up Program, is designed to attract consumers to Downtown Buffalo businesses. 50 winners will be awarding $50 Downtown Dollars Giveaway Certificates now through December 24, 2020. The contest is presented through the Buffalo Place social media channels. Several times per week throughout the promotion, Buffalo Place will post a photo and description of a participating Downtown Dollars Giveaway business. Entrants will be instructed to “like” the post and featured business and tag two friends in order to be entered to win a$50 Downtown Dollars Certificate, good at 20 participating businesses. To learn more, visit buffaloplace.com or buffalourbandevelopment.com.

Additional support available for small businesses

Resources are available to assist small businesses in the City of Buffalo during the COVID-19 emergency. Businesses interested in expanding outdoor services can do so through the Small Business Social Distancing Initiative (SBSDI). Program participants must adhere to specific guidelines and must obtain a permit to use heaters by contacting the Office of Fire Prevention at 716-851-5333 ext.750. The City also offers additional resources through www.buffalony.gov/ReopenBuffalo.

Hundreds enroll in BuffAlert Parking Updates initiative

More than 1,900 residents have signed up for the new 9am-4pm parking tool to assist residents during snow events in the City of Buffalo. Residents can sign up for the BuffAlert Parking Update initiative by texting JOIN PARKINGUPDATES to 30890. Once enrolled, participating residents will receive a text message or phone call 24 hours before the 9am-4pm Alternate Parking Restrictions need to be enforced for snow maintenance. The program provides residents with notice to move their vehicles in these zones during snow events.

Ice Rinks reopen

All three City of Buffalo Indoor Ice Rinks, Bud Bakewell Rink at Riverside Park, Lafayette Ice Rink on Tacoma Avenue and Timothy J. Burvid Rink at Cazenovia Park, are now open at a limited capacity. The rinks must follow these guidelines to protect public health:

• No public skating;
• No games or scrimmages;
• Only non-contact practice or clinics allowed for hockey & figure skating;
• Only 25 individuals or less on ice at one time, including coaches;
• Only 10 or less spectators will be permitted in the building at one time;
• All facilities must follow the appropriate cleaning and scheduling guidelines

COVID-19 testing available

To find the closest COVID-19 test site near you, visit covid19.buffalony.gov. The map contains a complete listing of all COVID-19 testing sites throughout the City with contact information for setting up an appointment, hours of operation and whether the site requires a prescription for testing.

Help save lives by giving blood

Mayor Brown asks healthy, COVID-19 symptom-free residents to give blood to help maintain an adequate supply. Donating is safe and precautions are in place to protect donors. To make an appointment, visit connectlifegiveblood.org

Sign up for BuffAlert

Use BuffAlert to stay informed on important information like emergencies and cancellations. You can sign up by texting JOIN BUFFALERT to 30890.