COVID-19: Stay Informed

COVID-19: Stay Informed image

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information

The public health crisis we are all experiencing is fluid and evolving on a daily basis. We aim to share and connect you with trustworthy information and resources as they become available.

For the most up-to-date guidance from New York State visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov or call the NYS COVID Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

As we practice social distancing, please know that you are not alone. Your health and well-being are on our minds.

We will not let the coronavirus disrupt our effort to connect people in need with the knowledge and services they deserve. If you have any thoughts or ideas for how F.Y. Eye can help at this time, we welcome your input.

New York City and State Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from getting COVID-19. It is now available to certain groups in NYC. If you are eligible, please do not wait and make an appointment to get vaccinated. The NYC Health Department is working to ensure there is fair and equitable access to the vaccines focusing on the communities hit hardest by the pandemic. By getting vaccinated, you are helping protect yourself, your family and your friends. You are also helping to make our community safer.

  • What New Yorkers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
    • Effectiveness, safety, side effects, costs, logistics, social distancing
  • Vaccine Eligibility in NYS
    • The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in phases to groups of people at increased risk of COVID-19 exposure or severe COVID-19 illness.
    • In NYC, people ages 65 and older, teachers, school staff, in-person college instructors and child care workers, first responders, public transit workers, public-facing grocery store and bodega workers, TLC licensed taxi drivers, restaurant workers, corrections staff, and people working and living in group homeless shelters and other group settings. Also, people with certain preexisting medical conditions are eligible, including people who are pregnant and those with chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary disease.

    • See if you may be Eligible to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine

    • To demonstrate vaccine eligibility based on having a qualifying comorbidity, you must provide: 1) A doctor’s letter, or 2) Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or 3) A signed certification. If you are unable to get a doctor’s letter or the necessary medical information, you can sign and complete the NYC Health Department Certification of Eligibility form for all NYC-run vaccine sites.
    • More information on NYS’ phased distribution.
    • Once you have received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you are automatically eligible for the second dose. This second dose is ordered for you and shipped to the vaccine site where you received your first shot.
    • Note: Demand for COVID-19 vaccinations greatly exceeds supply. Keep checking for appointment availability to ensure you can secure an appointment.
  • Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
    • NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Reservation Website: The Vaccine Finder is a one-stop site for New Yorkers to find their nearest COVID-19 vaccination location. The Vaccine Finder can also provide New Yorkers with information to schedule vaccination appointments.
      • Telephone Hotline: 877-VAX-4NYC (8:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
    • NYC Appointment Scheduler
    • New York State Vaccine Eligibility and Reservation Website
      • Telephone Hotline: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
    • Search for and schedule vaccination appointments at https://nycvaccinelist.com, a volunteer-led effort to help you find available COVID-19 vaccines in and around NYC.
    • TurboVax scans multiple NYS and NYC websites for vaccine appointment availability and links you to the site.
    • Sites
      • NYC Health + Hospitals, Metropolitan, 1901 1st Avenue, 4A, Manhattan, 10029
      • NYC Health + Hospitals, Bellevue, 462 1st Avenue, Manhattan, 10016
      • NYC Vaccine Hub – Wadleigh Campus/I.S. 88, 215 West 114th Street, Manhattan, 10026
      • NYC Vaccine Hub – Marta Valle Secondary School, 145 Stanton Street, Manhattan, 10002
      • The Javits Center, 429 11th Avenue, Manhattan, 10018
      • NYS Aqueduct Racetrack, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Racing Hall, Queens, 11420
      • New York-Presbyterian Hospital – The Armory, 651 W 168th Street, Manhattan, 10032 – will vaccinate NYC residents with qualifying comorbidities
      • The Ford Foundation at 321 E 42nd Street in Manhattan provides vaccines to older adults 65+.
      • Citi Field has a vaccination hub for Queens residents, taxi drivers and food workers. Make an appointment by visiting nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or calling 877-VAX-4NYC
      • Certain pharmacies will receive an allocation of vaccine from the federal government, NYC and NYS.
      • Memorial Sloan Kettering. Call their help desk at 646-227-2593.
      • SOMOS Healthcare
      • Mount Sinai
      • Northwell Health
      • New York-Presbyterian
      • NYU
      • Montefiore/Albert Einstein
      • Hospital for Special Surgery
      • Affiliated Physicians (Sign in with the username “nycdohmh” and password “Welcome”. Follow the prompts and look for open slots.)
      • VA New York Harbor Healthcare System- Available for veterans 65+ who are currently enrolled in Veterans Affair health care. Schedule an appointment at 877-877-9267.
    • NYC Department of Health and Mental Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information
    • Recent updates, where to get vaccinated, basic information
  • The Centers for Disease Control’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information
    • Pro Tip: Get a COVID-19 vaccine, wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart, avoid crowds, and wash your hands to protect against COVID-19.
  • Free transportation to vaccine sites is available through Curb (646-349-0289) and Hunter Ambulance (718-991-2211).

Coronavirus Health and Safety Guidance 

  • The CDC has determined that cloth masks protect the mask wearer and help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Consistently follow the following safety practices to protect yourself and others:
    • Wear a face covering whenever you are outside of your home, and make sure that your face covering fully covers your nose and mouth.
    • Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others who are not a part of your household, whether you are doing laundry, shopping, standing in line, or walking outside.
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching counters, elevator buttons, and door handles with your bare hands whenever possible, and do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
    • If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
    • Get a flu shot.
    • Work from home, if possible.
    • Limit non-essential travel.
    • Limit participation in gatherings with people who are not members of your household, including holiday gatherings.
    • You can view an FAQ about New York State Localized Zone Restrictions here.
  • The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is providing up-to-date guidance for New Yorkers on symptoms, prevention, when to consult your health care provider, and safe sex.
  • The Fund for Public Health NYC breaks down some of the most common questions on the coronavirus here.

COVID-19 Testing

Please get tested regularly, especially if you work outside of the home in a public-facing capacity, if you live in a neighborhood with a high infection rate, if you have been exposed to someone who has the virus, or if you are experiencing symptoms.

  • COVID-19 Test Sites
    • NYC Department of Health rapid test centers, by appointment only.
    • NYC Health and Hospital testing facilities often have shorter waits. See locations here.
      • You will not be asked about your immigration status when getting tested for COVID-19 at any of NYC Health + Hospitals testing locations. These care services are not a public benefit under the Public Charge rule. Learn more here.
    • Comprehensive list of searchable COVID-19 testing sites in NYC.

COVID-19 Official Updates

  • NYC COVID-19 hotline: 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319). Call to get ALL your COVID-19 information, including: Testing sites, advice from medical staff, quarantine information, mental health support.
  • NYS COVID Alert App:  The official app of NYS to help track, trace and notify of exposure risks without compromising privacy or personal information. Download is available for iPhone and Android devices.

Coronavirus-Related Medical Costs

  • The City of New York has stated that it will provide care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. For the most up-to-date information from the NYC Department of Health, please visit www.nyc.gov/coronavirus or call 311.
  • Medicare will cover lab tests for COVID-19, medically necessary hospitalizations, and more. Read their guidance here.
  • Medicaid now covers 90-day supply for most prescription medications and will allow early refills due to quarantine or outbreak. Read their guidance here.

New York State Health Insurance Enrollment

Meals and Supplies for Vulnerable Populations

  • Every public school will be distributing breakfast and lunch to any New Yorker in need. Visit www.schools.nyc.gov/freemeals for up-to-date information.
  • NY Pandemic EBT for students K-12 covers up to $420 in food benefits  (all children who would have received free or reduced-priced school lunches are eligible)
  • Most GrowNYC Greenmarkets and all Farmstand locations are open and operating on schedule.  The markets offer SNAP recipients access to fresh, healthy produce. Click here for up-to-date information.
  • Sign up at Invisible Hands for safe, free deliveries for the most at-risk community members facing COVID-19.
  • Free meal delivery for older adults is available. Call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 or visit the NYC Department for the Aging here to learn more.
  • The City has created the GetFoodNYC food delivery program to provide food for coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently served through existing food delivery programs. Sign up here or call 311.
  • Access Neighborhood Guides to food and assistance from Hunger Free America here.
  • Visit https://findservices.ny.gov/app/survey to locate benefits and support services.

Youth Resources and Education

  • The City is working to provide devices and internet for students who currently don’t have access. See here for up-to-date information.
  • Free online cross-curricular classes are being made available by Scholastic.
  • The Foundling’s Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAAP) has created a full database of resources for students, educators, and families, which can be accessed here.

Resources for Immigrants.

  • The City has released a resource guide specifically for immigrant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Immigrants who seek healthcare or preventative services related to the Coronavirus won’t have it counted against them when applying for a green card under the federal government’s Public Charge test. Find the latest guidance from the City of New York regarding healthcare services related to COVID-19 here.
  • Emergency monetary support for current/formerly undocumented black immigrants in NYC

Resources for People with Disabilities

  • The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has developed a comprehensive list of resources here.

Reporting Hate and Discrimination 

  • Incidents of anti-Asian or anti-immigrant discrimination can be reported to 311 or the New York State Hate Crimes Task Force hotline at 1-888-392-3644.

Price Gouging

  • To report unfair price increases on products like cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer in New York State call 1-800-697-1220.

Public Utilities 

  • New York utilities will keep the power, heat and water on for all customers in response to the coronavirus emergency and will continue to offer deferred payment plans for customers struggling financially due to the outbreak.

Business Support 

Resources for Artists

  • The New York Foundation for the Arts is providing an up-to-date list of emergency grants and resources.
  • Creative Capital has put together an extensive list of nationwide emergency resources, grants, and open calls.
  • A list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options for freelance artists of all disciplines is available here.
  • Check out the Viral Art Project and bring your creative talent to the Coronavirus emergency facing our world.
  • The UN World Health Organization is calling on creatives to develop COVID-19-related social media, digital publishing, streaming video, broadcast video, and radio campaigns in eighteen different languages. Click here to learn more.

Legal Support 

  • New Yorkers in legal need can contact Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) for support:
    • VOLS Small Business/Microenterprise project: (347) 521-5729
    • VOLS Elderly Project: (347) 521-572
    • VOLS Veteran Initiative: (347) 521-5725
    • VOLS Immigrant Project: (347) 521-5722
    • Main VOLS Office (212) 966-4400

Housing

  • The New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal COVID Rent Relief Extension Program provides eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. The application deadline is February 1, 2021.
  • New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal has also issued guidance with respect to processing and other procedures affecting the Office of Rent Administration (ORA) and Tenant Protection Unit (TPU) of the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) under The Rent Stabilization Law, The Emergency Tenant Protection Act, and the New York State and City Rent Control Laws.
  • Locate benefits and support services here.

Unemployment

  • The 7-day waiting period for unemployment assistance has been waived. If you were recently laid off (even if it’s only temporary), you can file for unemployment here. 
  • Times are tough financially for many New Yorkers, and the NYS unclaimed funds database is the electronic equivalent of searching for loose change. Search the database to see if NYS owes you any money.

Mental Health Support

  • NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance misuse support, information and referral. You can reach the toll-free help line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text and online chat. Mental health professionals there can link you to the services you need.

Environmental Guidance 

  • The NYC Department of Environmental Protection wants people to know that so-called “flushable” and “septic-safe” wipes contribute to clog sewers and problems with DEP wastewater treatment facilities. Learn more here.

Paid and Volunteer Opportunities  

  • Volunteer with Invisible Hands, which provides safe, free deliveries for the most at-risk community members facing COVID-19.
  • Food Bank for New York City needs able and healthy volunteers to help prepare meals, pack food, and other essentials. 
  • The Department of Sanitation has created a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide additional vital resources to protect sanitation workers and support families of fallen workers.
  • Sign up for alerts from New York Cares to learn more about what city agencies and community partners are doing to help those most impacted by COVID-19.
  • Volunteer New York! is operating a Virtual Volunteer Center where you can find virtual and in-person opportunities to help our communities and seniors.
  • The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has done a cavass of City-owned sites for additional hospital capacity. They welcome ideas about non-City-owned sites in your community that you may be aware of. OEM is evaluating all sites for immediate and longer-term uses. To submit ideas, go here.
  • If you are working from home, you can redistribute your Metrocard to an essential worker here.

Translation Resources

  • Translators without Borders (TWB), an international NGO, is giving community organizations open access to its translation resources. TWB is launching the COVID-19 Community Translation Program to provide community organizations responding to COVID-19 with open access to its translation platform and community of translators.

Other New York Resources Hubs

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Fun Activities You Can Enjoy At Home

Virtually Explore Art, Culture, History, and Nature!

Live Stream Concerts

  • Billboard and NPR have compiled a list of concerts you can live stream from your couch. Click here and here for the up-to-date listings.
  • Enjoy Opera Streams from The Metropolitan Opera every night.
  • See Broadway performances direct to you from the living rooms of Broadway performers.

Attend a Virtual Film Festival

Exercise

  • Fitness Blender is offering free, full-length workout videos, workout routines, healthy recipes, and more.
  • CorePower Yoga is offering free online classes when we all need yoga most.
  • Asphalt Green is providing free fitness programming for adults and kids, including games kids can play in small spaces.

Read a Book

  • The New York Public Library provides a wide array of digital offerings, including e-books for borrowing on their SimplyE app, research databases, and access to a multitude of online resources. Explore the digital collection here.
  • Share books with readers you don’t necessarily know using Kindle and BEE Book Exchange.

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Get Inspired

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