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COVID-19 Updates

Staying Safe

HEALTH & SAFETY 

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COVID-19 Cases

  • For real-time stats on COVID-19 cases and demographics, click here.

 

Get Tested in Your Community

  • Getting tested is safe, confidential, and free. All New Yorkers should get tested, even those who do not have symptoms or are unsure if they were exposed to COVID-19. 

  • Location of testing sites can be found here or by texting “COVID TEST” to 855-48. You can also call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to connect with a medical provider.

  • Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 may be eligible to self-isolate in a hotel for 14-days if they are unable to safely isolate themselves from others where they live. Click here to learn more about this NYC Health and Hospital program.

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VOLUNTEER WITH US

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Council Member Chin's office has partnered with local organizations to organize door-to-door food pantry deliveries to vulnerable families in hard-to-access buildings. We need additional people power to aid us in our efforts! Volunteering with the Community First Food Pantry includes: loading, unloading, packaging, and distributing food within buildings in our district. Deliveries occur on Mondays between 12-4 PM, and Wednesdays between 8-11 AM and/or 12:30-4 PM, with food packing based in the Lower East Side. Face masks and gloves will be provided. Click here to sign up via google form.

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2020 Census

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  • Remember, it’s not too late to fill out the 2020 Census! Not only does the census determine funding for our schools and affordable housing, but it also impacts funding for hospitals, emergency services, and critical healthcare programs. It takes less than 10 minutes and you can do it from home. Learn more about why the census matters more than ever!

  • Join the City of New York to assist New Yorkers in completing the census at food distribution sites so our communities have the resources they deserve for the next decade! Sign up here.

 

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Flu Vaccine  

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  • Since COVID-19 is still around, it’s even more important to get a flu vaccine — it will reduce your chance of getting sick and needing flu-related medical care. The flu vaccine is safe and quick. All New Yorkers should get the flu vaccine, but especially those who are 50 and older. Encourage your family members to get their flu shot! Low cost or free flu shots are available now around the city

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2020 Election 

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  • The deadline to register to vote is October 9, 2020. Signing up only takes minutes, and can be done here. To confirm voter registration, call 866-868-3692.

    • Vote by Mail: All New York voters are eligible to vote by mail/absentee ballot this November. Individuals can sign up to vote by mail online here or by calling 866-VOTE-NYC. The deadline to register for an absentee ballot is October 27. ​

    • Early voting is also available between October 24 and November 1.

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Food Access

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  • Starting on September 21, Grab-and-Go Meals will continue to be made available at all public schools during the school day for students and their families. Meals will be provided to students who are attending in-person learning as well as students and families who are doing remote learning.  

    • In addition, meals will be made available between 3 pm and 5 pm for the general public. Up to date information on locations of Grab-and-Go meals can be found here.​

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Face Covering Distribution

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  • New York City will continue distributing face coverings in parks, DOE Grab & Go meal sites, NYCHA buildings, some Mitchell-Lama buildings, and grocery stores. Click for more information about Face Coverings.

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Healthcare

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  • Paid Sick Leave: Visit DOHMH FAQ Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to obtain the necessary medical documentation. The City has a call center to facilitate claiming paid sick leave: 855-491-2667 or 311.

  • Click here to learn more information about Telehealth services.

  • Community Healthcare Network (CHN) offers primary care, behavioral health, women's health, sexual health, pediatric, nutrition, wellness, care coordination, and podiatry services to patients through telehealth technology. Reach them here: (866) 246-8259 

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Seniors

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  • While congregate programming is suspended at senior centers, seniors can still access core services by calling Aging Connect at 212-244-6469. 

  • If you are a senior with limited income, and have a broken front door lock, clogged kitchen sink or toilet - Met Council’s SenioRepair is here to help! Call 929-292-9261 to talk to a Met Council representative. 

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School Reopening

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  • If your student requires an iPad for remote learning, The Department of Education is lending internet-enabled iPads to support remote learning for students. If you would like to request a device before the first day of school, please fill out the form here. 

  • ​Youth Opportunities

    • NYC Department of Education Office of Sustainability’s Youth Leadership Council is a diverse group of NYC youth focused on citywide environmental sustainability advocacy. They are accepting applications from high school students, who will be empowered to increase inclusive and impactful sustainability action across NYC schools and communities. Apply and learn more here!​

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Housing Stability

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  • Eviction Moratorium: The State announced another extension of the eviction moratorium for residential and commercial tenants facing COVID-related hardship.

    • The City will automatically extend any Section 8 voucher set to expire. Voucher holders do not need to reach out to the City for an extension. 

    • All subsidy terminations that are in process are suspended until further notice. 

    • Any HPD Section 8 voucher holders facing rent hardships due to decreases in income should contact HPD.  

  • On September 1, 2020, the CDC published an order to halt residential evictions nationally until the end of the year. This order:

    • Applies to residential units only;

    • Does not bar the commencement of non-payment proceedings;

    • Requires a tenant that seeks to stop the non-payment proceeding to declare financial hardship under penalty of perjury;

    • Does not forgive rent or preclude late fees; and

    • Does not preclude the commencement of other eviction proceedings.

  • The Tenant Safe Harbor Act is still in effect. This law is not superseded by the CDC order, and:

    • Allows an owner to bring a non-payment proceeding against a residential tenant in arrears;

    • Allows a residential tenant to raise hardship as a defense and submit proof of the factors, as set forth in the statute;

    • Does not allow an eviction of a residential hardship tenant for non-payment of rent – only a monetary judgment; and

    • Allows an owner to obtain a possessory judgment against a non-hardship tenant for non-payment of rent.

  • Mortgage relief: The State Department of Financial Services has issued a new directive to New York State mortgage servicers to provide 90-day mortgage relief to mortgage borrowers impacted by the novel coronavirus.

  • Have a legal issue related to the coronavirus? NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline, operated by New York Legal Assistance Group, is free to help NYC residents. Visit nylag.org/hotline to fill out a safe and secure form and NYLAG will reach out directly to you.

 

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NYCHA

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Financial Assistance for Small Businesses

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  • Assistance & guidance for Businesses Impacted due to COVID-19 can be found here: Assistance & Guidance for Businesses

  • The Design Corps: Small Business Reopening Network is offering pro bono services to assist restaurants with the City’s Open Restaurant program by improving the efficiency of space, and ensuring a safe and welcoming dining environment. Sign up to meet with a professional architect or designer to help improve your outdoor dining space.  

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Financial Counseling

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  • The Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) Program provides an additional $300 per week to individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits through the State. Further information can be found here.

  • NYC Financial Empowerment Center counselors are available to support New Yorkers over the phone with free financial counseling. It is free and confidential. To book an appointment, please click here.

  • Mobilization for Justice Economic (MFJ) Clinic: Millions of Americans are struggling to pay for rent, food, and other essential expenses as the COVID-19 Pandemic drags on. Around 12 Million Americans have yet to claim their $1200 Economic Impact Payment. These non-fliers are our most vulnerable neighbors. To that end, MFJ has started a new clinic, devoted to helping non-fillers access their $1,200 stimulus check. If you think you qualify, contact them at 212-417-3791.

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Support Chinatown Restaurants

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Open Streets

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  • A map of open streets in New York City, can be found here.

  • Please submit suggestions of streets in your community that could safely be closed with staffing of community partners here. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Please submit separate applications for each corridor you are proposing.

 

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SNAP and Cash Assistance Updates

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  • Clients with a SNAP or Cash Assistance case expiring in March to June have been granted a 6-month extension on recertification.

  • Are you concerned about when you are obligated to report changes to your income? Find important information about the rules for changes which must be reported 10 days after the end of the month in which the change happened on SNAP FAQ.

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Medicaid

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  • In New York City Medicaid cases due to renew in the months of March – October will be extended for 12 months. No Medicaid case will be closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation.

  • Information regarding COVID facts for Medicaid Consumers, can be found here.

    • Guidance for Medicaid Consumers Enrolled Through their Local Department of Social Services can be found at this link.

  • For Medicaid inquiries, contact the Medicaid Helpline at 888-692-6116

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Mental Health and Wellness Resources

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  • As we continue maintaining our social distance to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember to look after our Mental Health Wellness. The Samaritans of New York has compiled a digital resource packet to provide individuals, especially at-risk-youth, with the resources to cope during the pandemic.

  • Available by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL or texting “WELL” to 65173. Visit: NYC Well – Talk. Text. Chat. 24/7. Additional resources: Mental Health Support New Yorkers Can Access While Staying Home. Members of the veteran community will call other veterans as part of Mission: VetCheck.​

  • Family Justice Centers: All borough centers are available by phone. For more: online Family Justice Centers or call 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-4673.

 

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More Volunteer Opportunities 

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Everyday New Yorkers are stepping up in big ways to provide assistance to neighbors in need. If you have a few hours or resources to spare, here are some ways you can help:

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Government Response
Volunteer With Us
Community Resources
Food Assistance
Additional Information
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