Navigating COVID-19
Table of Contents
New York CDC Guidelines
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Medical Assistance
Visit the Department for the Aging website for counseling on Medicare MSP, LIS, and other Medicare low-income programs.
For those who may have an increased risk of getting a server case of COVID-19; learn more here.
New York City residents without a healthcare provider or insurance can call NYC Health + Hospitals at 844-NYC-4NYC.
Medicare patients can now visit any doctor by phone or videoconference, at no additional cost, including with commonly-used services like FaceTime and Skype
Disability Assistance
Deaf New Yorkers can also connect via video phone at 646-396-5830
Veteran Assistance
Veterans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to call their VA medical facility or call MyVA311 (844-698-2311, press #3 to be connected)
Make an appointment to get tested
Testing is available at 22 NYC Health + Hospitals locations.
Community testing sites operated by NYC Health + Hospitals listed on their website offer free and convenient testing on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary.
Testing is also available for essential workers and vulnerable populations through a partnership with One Medical, a national digital health and primary care provider. Testing is free, but an appointment is required. Register online or by phone. Learn more about getting tested with One Medical.
CVS prescription delivery is free, and you can get 1- to 2-day delivery once your prescription is ready for pickup.
Walgreens is also doing free prescription delivery on all eligible medicines, and free standard shipping online - orders with no minimum, until further notice.
Food Assistance
Check out the resources below for help and information -- we're here to help.
Food Bank/ Pantry locator
You can apply for SNAP Benefits to help supplement your food budget.
You can also find a soup kitchen, food pantry, senior center, or SNAP enrollment site near you.
If you need grocery help, please fill out the Abolition Action Group Grocery Fund Request Form located here.
Anyone can pick up three free, to-go meals at one time. All sites offer vegetarian & halal options. No ID required; Find a Meal Hub.
Cash Assistance
This law provides a one-time cash payment to some individuals, couples, and families during the crisis:On Friday, March 27th, 2020 the President signed H.R 748 known as 'CARES ACT' into law.
- $1,200 for individuals making less than $75,000 adjusted
- It completely phases out at $99,000 in income for individuals
- $2,400 for couples who file jointly if they made less than $150,000 adjusted
- $146,500 for head of household filers with one child and $198,000 for joint filers with no children
- + $500 for each child
(Checks will be reduced by $5 for every $100 exceeding the individual and joint-filing thresholds)
The cash payments are based on either your 2018 or 2019 tax filings. People who receive Social Security benefits but don't file tax return are still eligible, too. They don't need to file taxes; their checks will be based on information provided by the Social Security Administration.
*If you are worried about eviction or paying rent, please fill out an app for cash assistance through the HRA and also for anything else you’re eligible for here!
Filing Your Taxes
The tax filing deadline moved from April 15 to July 15 for both state and federal income tax returns.
The IRS FAQs regarding this year’s tax filing deadline extension. You can find that site here.
COVID-19 Recursos para Comunidades Indocumentadas
If you are an undocumented immigrant seeking assistance, please find a helpful resource, here.Social Security and Life Insurance
Social Security assistance
Find information about deadlines that are being extended to ease the burden on individuals and medical providers here.
Life insurance premium deferral
For a 90 day period, consumers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may defer paying life insurance premiums.
No late fees will be assessed and no negative data will be reported to credit bureaus during this time, and late payments will be payable over a one-year period.
Let Us Know How We Can Help.
Filling out the information below will allow our campaign to contact you for immediate assistance.If you need emergency food assistance or help of any kind, please fill out the form below.
Unsure About Work and Housing?
Our team will make sure that you are up-to-date on the latest.
Workers
Gov. Cuomo has ended the seven-day waiting period before you can apply for unemployment if you have lost a W-2 job (restaurant/retail/etc.).If you live in New York and have an employer, you are now eligible for paid sick leave. Find more information here.
COVID-19 Sick leave application
Department of Labor complaint process related to COVID19
Small Business
If you run a small business (incorporated as an LLC or other), you can apply for a no-interest loan and NYC will cover 40% of payroll costs for businesses with fewer than five employees.
Rent/Housing/Banks
There is a 90-day moratorium on evictions, so if you cannot pay rent you will not be kicked out. If your landlord issues a notice of eviction, call 311 to get help.
The City is extending any Section 8 voucher set to expire. All subsidy terminations that are in process are suspended until further notice. NYCHA encourages households experiencing a loss of income to visit the NYCHA Self-Service Portal.
The HPD Section 8 team is still available by email at DTRAI@hpd.nyc.gov
Gov. Cuomo ordered banks to provide various relief measures, including waiving late fees; read more, here.
Talk To Someone.
Addiction and Support Services
24/7 HOPEline: Call 1-877-8-HOPENY | Text 467369
Remote addiction services to keep individuals and communities safe during the COVID-19 emergency.Counseling and Therapy Online
NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173
Crisis Hotlines
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-273-8255 and through chat.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233 and through chat.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.
The StrongHearts Native Helpline for domestic/sexual violence is available 7am-10pm CT, confidential, and specifically for Native communities: 1−844-762-8483.
The Trans LifeLine is staffed exclusively by trans operators is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue. 9am-3am CT: 1-877-565-8860.
National Parent Helpline Monday-Friday 12pm-9am CT emotional support and advocacy for parents: 1-855-427-2736.
Schools ,Students, and Student Loans
NYC COVID-19 public school updates
Spectrum is providing free internet for students.
The President has directed the Education Department to waive interest on student loans held by the federal government
Application for suspension of medical or student debt collection activity
Childcare and Parent Resources
National Parent Helpline | 1.855.4A.PARENT (1-855-427-2736)
We know parents are struggling to balance the work challenges as a result of the current crisis, childcare, and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You don’t have to do it alone. Child Mind Institute can help you find ways to find that balance here.Tumble Science talked with Dr. Juan Dumois, an infectious disease pediatrician, about the coronavirus. They have more resources for kids about coronavirus on their website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Virtual Activities
New York Public Library; All locations closed at least until March 31; e-books and other online resources still available; due dates and holds extended until April 15, and late fees will not accrue; all residents can register for a library card online.Brooklyn Public Library; All locations are closed until further notice; digital resources (including e-books and audio books) have been expanded; due dates are extended and late fees suspended during its closure; this library also streams online events, here.
Queens Public Library; All locations are closed at least until March 31 at the earliest; online resources still available; due dates extended to April 6; fines will not accrue; expiring library cards are extended; anyone with blocked library card can access e-books and audio books without restriction; this library also streams online events, here.
NYC Art Galleries
NYC Museums
Take a Deep Breath!
Check to see if your local yoga and fitness centers are going virtual on Facebook or Instagram!Check out the New York Time's Best Seller List, here.
If You're Interested in Worship
We may be socially distanced, but spiritually we remain connected; Lauren's Church is offering virtual worshiping opportunities, here.
Other Resources
If you like podcasts, check out America Dissected: Coronavirus. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a physician and former city health commissioner, will keep you updated on what you need to know about COVID-19, what led us to this crisis in the first place, and what policies can lead us out.
Johns Hopkins experts in global public health, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness have been at the forefront of the international response to COVID-19. This website (here) is a resource to help advance the understanding of the virus, inform the public, and brief policymakers in order to guide a response, improve care, and save lives.
If you're an Artist and need assistance, please find a resource sheet here.
If You Are Able to Help
NYS has created a website for people looking to helpIf you are a licensed medical professional you can register to help at the following links:
Psychologists and therapists
Qualified Medical Professionals
Retired Health Professionals
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Businesses interested in receiving state funding to manufacture PPE products should email COVID19supplies@esd.ny.gov
Businesses that want to help with manufacturing and supplies here in NYC should email SourcingCovid19@edc.nyc or visit https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing
The New York Blood Center is experiencing critically low volumes -- making it difficult to meet patient needs and hospital demand. If you’re able to donate blood, please visit www.nybloodcenter.org
had a positive test before March 7th can visit https://www.mountsinai.org/ to help save another New Yorker by donating plasma.
Paid for by Lauren Ashcraft for Congress