LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — Rite Aid announced on Friday it is now administering the COVID-19 vaccine at every store, with or without an advance appointment. Within Sachem, Rite Aid is located near Kohl’s on Hawkins Avenue in Lake Ronkonkoma. Rite Aid also has stores nearby in Medford, Sayville, Selden, Smithtown, and West Patchogue. Read more from OnSachem News.

LONG ISLAND, NY — PSEG Long Island announced Tuesday funding for the Outdoor Spaces program has been renewed for a limited time. Over $2 million in grants and discounts were provided last year to help more than 1,000 local businesses and organizations meet the ever-evolving challenges of COVID-19. Read more from OnSachem News.

(The Center Square) – New York state Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, R-Sayville, has called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to lift the curfew for restaurants and bars after he lifted it for casinos, gyms and movie theaters. Read more from OnSachem News.

HOLBROOK, NY — Get ready to party hardy, while masked up and in your designated dancing zone. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that wedding receptions and catered events can resume statewide effective immediately. Read more from OnSachem News.

PATCHOGUE, NY — Dinner on the town may soon mean a shorter wait for a table. New York state will soon relax dining restrictions implemented because of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the number of patrons restaurants can simultaneously seat indoors. Read more from OnSachem News.

PATCHOGUE, NY — Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts took to Facebook on Wednesday to share its enthusiasm about the news. New Yorkers can soon enjoy newly reopened arts and entertainment venues, and residents can host and attend events with more people gathered. Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcements as COVID-19 spread slows throughout the state. Read more from OnSachem News.

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — If you want to hit the weights or try your luck on the slots during the COVID-19 pandemic, you now have until 11 p.m. Gyms, casinos and other establishments can now close at 11 p.m., along with bars and restaurants. Read more from OnSachem News.

(The Center Square) – Concerned that more restaurants across the state may close as COVID-19 restrictions linger, Republicans in the New York state Senate announced a plan to “reset” the struggling industry. Read more from OnSachem News.

RONKONKOMA, NY — Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Ronkonkoma faced the COVID-19 pandemic head-on. Officials are reflecting on the past year and how the airport responded to keep planes flying while prioritizing health and safety. Read more from OnSachem News.

ARLINGTON, VA — As states make COVID-19 vaccines more widely available, Lidl US today announced a new initiative to encourage its employees to get the vaccine. Lidl is providing $200 in extra pay to all Lidl US employees who choose to receive the vaccine. The additional payment will help offset the costs associated with vaccine administration, including travel costs and childcare. The company will also accommodate employee schedules for vaccine appointments. Read more from OnSachem News.

NEW YORK — A quarter of businesses in New York closed due to a government mandate amid the COVID-19 pandemic, “substantially higher” than other states across the country, according to a new survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Read more from OnSachem News.

NEW YORK (The Center Square) — The New York State Department of Labor announced recently it would proceed with a scheduled increase in the minimum wage that was scheduled to take effect before the COVID-19 pandemic started. It’s a move that business leaders and Republicans question as companies still are recovering from the public health crisis. Read more from OnSachem News.

STONY BROOK, NY — AMC Theatres boss Adam Aron blasts WarnerMedia over its decision to release its 2021 blockbusters for streaming on HBO Max as well as in cinemas. Near the Sachem area, AMC operates AMC Stony Brook 17. Read more from OnSachem News.