The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health crisis is an unprecedented situation. We've compiled the following information in an effort to keep you well-informed and safe during these uncertain times. We'll continue to update this page as new information becomes available. -Team HHF
COVID-19 GENERAL RESOURCES
LOCAL NEW YORK CITY COVID-19 INFORMATION
NYC Text Updates: To receive regular updates on the latest developments regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in New York City, text COVID to 692-692. For updates in Spanish, text COVIDESP to 692-692. You'll receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments.
NYC Guidance and Recent Data
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
Updates on the community spread, guidance on staying safe, and updates on cases in New York City. Provides answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), how it spreads, how to protect yourself and others, symptoms, and who is most at risk.
NATIONAL/GLOBAL COVID-19 INFORMATION
World Health Organization Hub
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance
The World Health Organization (WHO), an agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, offers guidance on multiple facets of the pandemic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hub
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute of the United States, offers guidance on multiple facets of the pandemic.
NYC Text Updates: To receive regular updates on the latest developments regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in New York City, text COVID to 692-692. For updates in Spanish, text COVIDESP to 692-692. You'll receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments.
NYC Guidance and Recent Data
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
Updates on the community spread, guidance on staying safe, and updates on cases in New York City. Provides answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), how it spreads, how to protect yourself and others, symptoms, and who is most at risk.
NATIONAL/GLOBAL COVID-19 INFORMATION
World Health Organization Hub
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance
The World Health Organization (WHO), an agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, offers guidance on multiple facets of the pandemic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hub
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute of the United States, offers guidance on multiple facets of the pandemic.
COVID-19 HEALTH INFORMATION
CONDITIONS THAT PUT YOU AT HIGH-RISK FOR SEVERE ILLNESS
- Age 80+
- Age 60+ with health conditions
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Heart Disease
- Lung Disease
- Immunosuppressed (Transplants, HIV, Cancer)
- Any age with respiratory problems (this may include people who smoke or vape regularly)
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE HIGH-RISK AND GET SICK
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE LOW-RISK AND GET SICK
- Call your doctor early if you get a fever or develop shortness of breath
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding if/when/how to get tested and/or go to the hospital
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE LOW-RISK AND GET SICK
- Stay home at all times
- If you have fever, cough, shortness of breath or other cold or flu-like symptoms and do not feel better after three to four days, call, text, use telemedicine or use your patient portal to contact your physician
- Do not go to the emergency department or other places to seek health care if you are not severely ill; stay home and keep health care access available for others with more severe illness
- If you think you have COVID-19 and your illness is mild, you do not need to see your healthcare provider and you will not be tested; getting tested will not change what your provider will tell you to do to get better; they will tell you to stay home so you do not get others sick
- You can leave your home when all of the following are true:
- It has been seven days after your symptoms started
- You have not had a fever for three days without the use of fever-reducing drugs
- Your cough or sore throat symptoms have improved
GENERAL RESOURCE DIRECTORIES
SERVICES/RESOURCES VIA NYC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WEBSITE
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/covid-19-services-resources.page
DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY & APPLY FOR 30+ NYC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
https://access.nyc.gov/
NYC ACCESS COVID-19 RESOURCES UPDATES PAGE
https://access.nyc.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates
BRONX COMMUNITY RESOURCES
http://bit.ly/bxresources-covid19
HELP SQUAD TO GIVE/GET HELP
https://www.c19helpsquad.com/?mc_cid=fcb73f2717&mc_eid=af5516721e
NATIONAL RESOURCES
https://whileathome.org/
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you need emergency food assistance, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen. There's no income limit for emergency food. Click here to learn more.
FREE MEALS FOR K-12 STUDENTS
All NYC children can get 3 free meals a day from the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Beginning March 23, meals will be distributed at more than 400 sites across the city. Click here to find a location near you.
SNAP (FOOD STAMPS) BENEFITS ONLINE
You can now use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to shop online for fresh produce and groceries and have them delivered. Use your EBT card at these online stores in NYC: Note: You cannot use SNAP benefits to pay delivery fees. Be sure to confirm that an online store delivers to your home address. Click here to learn more.
EXPENSIFY SNAP $50 MATCH
https://www.expensify.org/hunger
Expensify has redirected all of its charitable funds to provide immediate support to families on SNAP during the COVID-19 crisis.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/covid-19-services-resources.page
DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY & APPLY FOR 30+ NYC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
https://access.nyc.gov/
NYC ACCESS COVID-19 RESOURCES UPDATES PAGE
https://access.nyc.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates
BRONX COMMUNITY RESOURCES
http://bit.ly/bxresources-covid19
HELP SQUAD TO GIVE/GET HELP
https://www.c19helpsquad.com/?mc_cid=fcb73f2717&mc_eid=af5516721e
NATIONAL RESOURCES
https://whileathome.org/
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you need emergency food assistance, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen. There's no income limit for emergency food. Click here to learn more.
FREE MEALS FOR K-12 STUDENTS
All NYC children can get 3 free meals a day from the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Beginning March 23, meals will be distributed at more than 400 sites across the city. Click here to find a location near you.
- How to pick up meals:
- No registration, ID or documentation is required
- You can pick up all 3 meals a day at the same time
- No dining space is available; you must eat meals away from schools
SNAP (FOOD STAMPS) BENEFITS ONLINE
You can now use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to shop online for fresh produce and groceries and have them delivered. Use your EBT card at these online stores in NYC: Note: You cannot use SNAP benefits to pay delivery fees. Be sure to confirm that an online store delivers to your home address. Click here to learn more.
EXPENSIFY SNAP $50 MATCH
https://www.expensify.org/hunger
Expensify has redirected all of its charitable funds to provide immediate support to families on SNAP during the COVID-19 crisis.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
In an emergency, dial 911. Call the NYC Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-621-4673 (TTY 866-604-5350, if you’re hearing impaired) to speak with a counselor. Click here to learn more about how Family Justice Centers can help.
RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
Homebase will help you develop a plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. Call 311 to find out how Homebase can help or click here to learn more from the Human Resources Administraion (HRA).
EMERGENCY HOUSING/YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
Programs and services for youth who are experiencing homelessness are expected to continue providing basic services. Click here to learn more from the DYCD website.
NYC program offering homeless and runaway youth with short-term emergency shelter and crisis intervention. Ideal for individuals who might not feel safe at home after city-wide school and work closing. Click here to learn more.
TENANTS' RIGHTS FOR TENANTS WITH COVID-19 OR UNDER HOME-QUARANTINE
Guidance on tenants' rights if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and/or under home quarantine. Click here to learn more.
SECTION 8
NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Section 8 voucher holders having trouble paying rent because of income loss should email [email protected].
RENT ARREARS AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
If your work schedule was reduced as a result of COVID-19 and you are unable to pay rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance special grant request to get benefits for emergencies:
In an emergency, dial 911. Call the NYC Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-621-4673 (TTY 866-604-5350, if you’re hearing impaired) to speak with a counselor. Click here to learn more about how Family Justice Centers can help.
RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
Homebase will help you develop a plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. Call 311 to find out how Homebase can help or click here to learn more from the Human Resources Administraion (HRA).
EMERGENCY HOUSING/YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
Programs and services for youth who are experiencing homelessness are expected to continue providing basic services. Click here to learn more from the DYCD website.
NYC program offering homeless and runaway youth with short-term emergency shelter and crisis intervention. Ideal for individuals who might not feel safe at home after city-wide school and work closing. Click here to learn more.
TENANTS' RIGHTS FOR TENANTS WITH COVID-19 OR UNDER HOME-QUARANTINE
Guidance on tenants' rights if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and/or under home quarantine. Click here to learn more.
SECTION 8
NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Section 8 voucher holders having trouble paying rent because of income loss should email [email protected].
RENT ARREARS AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
If your work schedule was reduced as a result of COVID-19 and you are unable to pay rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance special grant request to get benefits for emergencies:
- If you have an active Cash Assistance case, the fastest way to submit your request is online here (ACCESS HRA)
- You can apply in person for a one-time grant at a Job Center; click here to learn more
- Call the HRA info line at 718-557-1399 to learn how to apply by mail
FINANCES
UNEMPLOYMENT
Determine your eligibility: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm
NY State (NYS) is dropping the 7-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance Benefits for people who are out of work due to COVID-19 closures or quarantines. Click here to learn more from the State Department of Labor.
UNEMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE FOR SELF-EMPLOYED/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS:
https://labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/self-employed-ui-guide.pdf
SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER ADVANCE LOAN (FOR SELF-EMPLOYED):
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Apply for the Loan Advance here.
US GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT INFO
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
Determine your eligibility: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm
NY State (NYS) is dropping the 7-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance Benefits for people who are out of work due to COVID-19 closures or quarantines. Click here to learn more from the State Department of Labor.
- The best way to file your UI claim is online. Click here to file.
- Please don't call the telephone claims center unless you're instructed to call to complete your application. If you're instructed to call to complete your claim, the only valid number is (888) 209-8124.
- If you're filing a new Unemployment Insurance claim, the day you should apply is based on the first letter of your last name:
- A - F file on Monday | G - N file on Tuesday | O - Z file on Wednesday
- Missed your day? File on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday
- Any claim you file will be backdated to the date you became unemployed. If you're eligible, you'll be paid for all benefits due.
UNEMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE FOR SELF-EMPLOYED/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS:
https://labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/self-employed-ui-guide.pdf
SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER ADVANCE LOAN (FOR SELF-EMPLOYED):
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Apply for the Loan Advance here.
US GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT INFO
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS
GENERAL NYC COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE FOR IMMIGRANTS:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page
QUESTIONS ABOUT IMMIGRATION STATUS & PUBLIC BENEFITS:
If you have questions about immigration and public benefits, call the free, confidential ActionNYC hotline at (800) 354-0365, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or call 311 and say "Public Charge" to access timely and trusted information and connections to legal help.
UPDATED USCIS PUBLIC CHARGE GUIDELINES:
https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge
"USCIS encourages all those, including aliens, with symptoms that resemble COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services. Such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis. The Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule is critical to defending and protecting Americans’ health and its health care resources. The Public Charge rule does not restrict access to testing, screening, or treatment of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. In addition, the rule does not restrict access to vaccines for children or adults to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. To address the possibility that some aliens impacted by COVID-19 may be hesitant to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services, USCIS will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination, nor as related to the public benefit condition applicable to certain non-immigrants seeking an extension of stay or change of status, even if such treatment is provided or paid for by one or more public benefits, as defined in the rule (e.g. federally funded Medicaid).”
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page
QUESTIONS ABOUT IMMIGRATION STATUS & PUBLIC BENEFITS:
If you have questions about immigration and public benefits, call the free, confidential ActionNYC hotline at (800) 354-0365, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or call 311 and say "Public Charge" to access timely and trusted information and connections to legal help.
UPDATED USCIS PUBLIC CHARGE GUIDELINES:
https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge
"USCIS encourages all those, including aliens, with symptoms that resemble COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services. Such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis. The Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule is critical to defending and protecting Americans’ health and its health care resources. The Public Charge rule does not restrict access to testing, screening, or treatment of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. In addition, the rule does not restrict access to vaccines for children or adults to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. To address the possibility that some aliens impacted by COVID-19 may be hesitant to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services, USCIS will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination, nor as related to the public benefit condition applicable to certain non-immigrants seeking an extension of stay or change of status, even if such treatment is provided or paid for by one or more public benefits, as defined in the rule (e.g. federally funded Medicaid).”
INTERNET ACCESS
SPECTRUM - FREE INTERNET AT HOME
Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access (click here to learn more) for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. New student households do not have to pay installation fees. To enroll, call Spectrum at 844-488-8395.
XFINITY - PUBLIC WIFI
Until further notice, all Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the “xfinitywifi” SSID. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. Non-Xfinity subscribers need to accept Terms and Conditions to access the network and repeat when requested to continue to receive free unlimited access.
Click here to find a WiFi Public Hotspot near you and learn more about Xfinity WiFi.
Check out Reviews.com for a larger list of companies that are providing free or discounted internet service to ensure students have the necessary resources to properly access virtual classrooms and online educational tools.
Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access (click here to learn more) for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. New student households do not have to pay installation fees. To enroll, call Spectrum at 844-488-8395.
XFINITY - PUBLIC WIFI
Until further notice, all Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the “xfinitywifi” SSID. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. Non-Xfinity subscribers need to accept Terms and Conditions to access the network and repeat when requested to continue to receive free unlimited access.
Click here to find a WiFi Public Hotspot near you and learn more about Xfinity WiFi.
Check out Reviews.com for a larger list of companies that are providing free or discounted internet service to ensure students have the necessary resources to properly access virtual classrooms and online educational tools.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
NYC WELL
Call: 888-NYC-WELL to speak with someone if you are feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, etc.
Text: “WELL” to 65173 for assistance.
NYC WELL APP LIBRARY
https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/app-library
Access apps and online tools to help you manage your health and emotional well-being. Valuable whether you want to explore the world of mental health and wellness on your own, or if you’re looking to continue to build the skills taught by NYC Well staff.
MINDFULNESS HEALING
www.mindfulnessforhealing.com
Run by HHF friend and holistic therapist, Mary Myers, this resource provides mindfulness techniques to improve your overall mental health and emotional well-being.
SEARCH FOR SERVICES
https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/find-services
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents
SOCIAL WORK LICENSE MAP
https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/mental-health-resources-list
60 digital resources for mental health.
Call: 888-NYC-WELL to speak with someone if you are feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, etc.
Text: “WELL” to 65173 for assistance.
NYC WELL APP LIBRARY
https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/app-library
Access apps and online tools to help you manage your health and emotional well-being. Valuable whether you want to explore the world of mental health and wellness on your own, or if you’re looking to continue to build the skills taught by NYC Well staff.
MINDFULNESS HEALING
www.mindfulnessforhealing.com
Run by HHF friend and holistic therapist, Mary Myers, this resource provides mindfulness techniques to improve your overall mental health and emotional well-being.
SEARCH FOR SERVICES
https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/find-services
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents
SOCIAL WORK LICENSE MAP
https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/mental-health-resources-list
60 digital resources for mental health.
HOME SCHOOL & DISTANCE LEARNING
DEVICES FOR REMOTE SCHOOLING
The NYC Department of Education is helping families that need remote learning devices. Please fill out their survey if you need assistance:
220 LEADERSHIP COURSE FOR YOUTH
https://www.220leadership.com/the-leadership-program-free-access
LRNG PLAYLISTS
https://www.lrng.org/o/lrng
DIRECTORY OF FREE ONLINE DRAWING LESSONS
https://www.fastcompany.com/90478307/stuck-at-home-take-free-drawing-classes-from-famous-illustrators
MEDIA RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
https://www.oecd.org/els/family/fss2021-brief-covid.pdf
VARIOUS HOME SCHOOL & WORKING FROM HOME RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12oEeQpLW93pECsSaclIu0MvAt4xwmL6lAHKeUVHYqxw/edit#gid=737068449
ONLINE CLASSES FOR EVERY AGE & GRADE
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/distance-learning-online-education-classes-for-every-age-and-grade
NATIONAL EMERGENCY LIBRARY
https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary
A collection of books that supports emergency remote teaching, research activities, independent scholarship, and intellectual stimulation while universities, schools, training centers, and libraries are closed.
The NYC Department of Education is helping families that need remote learning devices. Please fill out their survey if you need assistance:
- Click here for online access (available in English, Español, 中文, বাংলা, Русский, العربية اردو, বাংলা, 한국어, Français)
- Call: 718-935-5100 (press 5)
220 LEADERSHIP COURSE FOR YOUTH
https://www.220leadership.com/the-leadership-program-free-access
LRNG PLAYLISTS
https://www.lrng.org/o/lrng
DIRECTORY OF FREE ONLINE DRAWING LESSONS
https://www.fastcompany.com/90478307/stuck-at-home-take-free-drawing-classes-from-famous-illustrators
MEDIA RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
https://www.oecd.org/els/family/fss2021-brief-covid.pdf
VARIOUS HOME SCHOOL & WORKING FROM HOME RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12oEeQpLW93pECsSaclIu0MvAt4xwmL6lAHKeUVHYqxw/edit#gid=737068449
ONLINE CLASSES FOR EVERY AGE & GRADE
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/distance-learning-online-education-classes-for-every-age-and-grade
NATIONAL EMERGENCY LIBRARY
https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary
A collection of books that supports emergency remote teaching, research activities, independent scholarship, and intellectual stimulation while universities, schools, training centers, and libraries are closed.
