COVID-19 Resources

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

  • All Digital School prides itself on having the largest community of educators and directory of resources online.
  • The New York City Department of Education coronavirus page contains the latest school information and updates.
  • The New York Public Library has a comprehensive list of digital resources, including access to e-books, research e-journals, online newspapers, and resources for young learners. 
  • All NYC public schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year. Parents are urged to access their NYSCA for information and remote learning. Until then, parents are encouraged to keep their children reading and doing online and workbook practices and following any interim directives from their individual schools. To sign in to your NYCSA (NYC Schools Account)  go to Resources. 
  • Parents: To help students stay connected during emergencies, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to support remote learning for students. If you would like to request a device for a NYC student in your family, please fill out the Request form. If you don’t have your account creation code, reach out to your parent coordinator via email or by calling your school asap. If you do not already have their email address, you may be able to find this information on your school’s website or by going to org, entering your school name and number, and clicking on “contact info.” (Grab & Go breakfast and lunch will be available from 7:30 am – 1:30 pm at all public schools outside the main entrance. Pick one up at the school most convenient for you.)

HEALTH & SAFETY

TRANSPORTATION

 COURTS

  • The New York State Court System’s coronavirus page includes updates on court operations, including juror service.
  • The NYC Department of Correction site has very basic information geared toward people planning to visit city jails.
  • All USCIS field offices, asylum offices, and Application Support Centers (ASCs) will not provide in-person services until at least April 1. This includes interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and biometric collection appointments. However, we will continue to provide emergency services during this time. If you have an emergency service request, please contact the USCIS Contact Center. 
    • USCIS field offices will send de-scheduling notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments impacted by this closure.
    • USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews.
    • USCIS will also automatically reschedule ASC appointments due to the office closure. Those impacted will receive a new appointment letter in the mail. Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments at the field office must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center once field offices are open to the public again. Please check to see if your field office has been reopened before reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center.

INFORMATION FOR ATTORNEYS

  • The City Bar is working to make as many of its resources available as possible remotely. We will continue to update the roster of On-Demand CLE programs, and are looking to deliver timely CLE programming via live webinars. 
  • If you have specific questions about a case already in court, or you need to start a court case, call the Coronavirus Telephone Hotline: 833.503.0447.
  • All eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders are suspended statewide until further notice.
  • New York Legal Assistance Group has put together some helpful tips on financial planning during a crisis.
  • A compilation of Legal Resources for COVID-19–State Policies Relating to Legal Services Attorneys and Client.
  • Resource Guide for Undocumented individuals. 

HOUSING

  • The NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development,  The NYC Department of Homeless Services, and the New York City Housing Authority all link to the Department of Health coronavirus page. However, all offer information on general use.
  • To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Housing Court has suspended normal activity:
    • Evictions are suspended indefinitely.
    • NYCHA Hearings are also suspended.
    • Each borough will have one judge handling emergency cases including illegal lockout cases, emergency HP Actions, and post-eviction cases. Anyone in this situation can call the court.
    • Housing Court Answers’ hotline will still be operating from Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Any folks with questions about court or evictions can call 212.962.4795 for more information.

GUIDANCE FOR THE HOMELESS

BUSINESSES

  • The NYC Department of Small Business Services offers information on the relief available for businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
  • Eligibility Criteria for the NYC Employee Retention Grant Program. Businesses, including non-profits, must: 
    • Be located within the five boroughs of New York City.  
    • Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue. 
    • Employ 1-4 employees in total across all locations.  
    • Have been in operation for at least 6 months. 
    • Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgments.

UNEMPLOYMENT

  • NYS State Department of Labor is suspending the  7-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.

FINANCES & WORK

  • Price Gouging: DCWP has declared face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes temporarily in short supply. This means stores cannot excessively increase the price they charge you for these items during the shortage due to the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Be sure to compare prices when shopping. The City’s declaration took effect in March. If you think a store excessively increased the price of these items beginning in March, file a complaint online or call 311 and say “Overcharge.”
  • Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan Program: The Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan Program provides interest-free loans of $2,000-$5,000 to residents of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island who are facing financial challenges caused by the Coronavirus outbreak: https://hfls.org/loan-programs/coronavirusfinancialimpactloan/.
  • NYC Paid Sick Leave Policy: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/about/paid-sick-leave-FAQs.page.

SENIORS

MENTAL HEALTH

  • NYC Well offers free confidential counseling in more than 200 languages.
  • NAMI NYC : Their Helpline continues to be available as a source of information and support.  
    • Call from 10 am to 6 pm: 212.684.3264 or send an email to: helpline@naminyc.org. 
    • If you reach their voicemail, please leave a message and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

WORKING OUT

  • Missing your workouts? Planet Fitness is offering free home works-ins, live-streamed daily for anyone and everyone. No equipment needed.  Classes are 20 minutes or less. For more information click here.

Credit:

Wilfredo Lopez Esq., Legislative Director, Office of Council Member Ben Kallos.

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