Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Last Updated: Friday April 3, 2020, 10:45am
Due to the fast-changing situation, information on ACCESS NYC may not reflect the latest updates.
Learn more from the .
COVID-19
For information on how to help stop the spread of coronavirus, available resources, and other updates, visit .
About COVID-19Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like pneumonia. The 2019 novel coronavirus causes a respiratory disease called COVID-19. Infections with this new virus have been reported in many areas, including the United States and New York City. To learn more, .
Health care and testing
All New Yorkers should consider themselves potentially exposed to coronavirus. That means that everyone should stay home as much as possible, even if they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
All New Yorkers should consider themselves potentially exposed to coronavirus. That means that everyone should stay home as much as possible, even if they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
You should consult with your doctor 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
Have mild symptoms and are an older adult or have any of the chronic health conditions listed above - Use telephone, text, telemedicine or a patient portal to reach out rather than going to your doctor in person. You and your provider will decide if you need to come to medical care.
If you need help finding a health care provider, call .
Immigrants and public charge
On March 13, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that seeking or using healthcare services related to COVID-19 will NOT be considered under the public charge rule, even if the services are Medicaid-funded. Learn more from .
On March 13, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that seeking or using healthcare services related to COVID-19 will NOT be considered under the public charge rule, even if the services are Medicaid-funded. Learn more from .
Anyone who needs help during the COVID-19 crisis should seek care without fear, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for health services. To learn more about health care and testing, refer to the section above.
NYC WORKERS BENEFITS & RIGHTS
Understanding benefits for workers affected by COVID-19
If the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has affected your work, you may be eligible for certain benefits. Refer to the chart below to understand which benefits you may be able to get in your situation.
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Updates to Unemployment Insurance
- The federal CARES act was signed into law March 27, 2020. The act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits and Pandemic Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers. This includes payments to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits. .
- Visit .
Other benefits
To find other benefits, such as , , and more, please visit the relevant sections on this page.
To find other benefits, such as , , and more, please visit the relevant sections on this page.
Understanding Workers’ RightsMonitor for ongoing updates, or read a .
Updates to Paid Safe and Sick Leave
- New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, now get guaranteed job protection and pay. .
- Learn more about .
- Learn more about .
MEDICAL / HEALTH INSURANCE
Unemployment Benefits and Health InsuranceThe provides guidance for those recently unemployed due to COVID-19. (PDF, March 19)
FAQ in other Languages: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | .
New York State Insurance
, the enrollment period for Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health and directly through insurers has been extended to April 15. Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs – Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus – can enroll year-round.
, the enrollment period for Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health and directly through insurers has been extended to April 15. Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs – Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus – can enroll year-round.
To apply, visit , or call .
Free/Low-Cost Health CareNYC Care provides low-cost or free healthcare for all New Yorkers regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. This is not an insurance plan.
Call the 24-hour NYC Care service at () to enroll and make an appointment.
Primary care, specialty, and emergency services (including hospital stays) are all available for NYC Care members. For help in other languages, visit .
FOOD
Emergency food
If you need emergency food assistance, call the Emergency Food Hotline at or to find a local pantry or kitchen. There is no income limit for emergency food. .
If you need emergency food assistance, call the Emergency Food Hotline at or to find a local pantry or kitchen. There is no income limit for emergency food. .
Mobile MarketsDesignated an essential service, CityHarvest offers bimonthly mobile free food distributions at locations in each borough. .
Food Pantries
Find a food pantry with .
Find a food pantry with .
NYC Food Delivery Assistance
The City of New York is providing assistance to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves. .
The City of New York is providing assistance to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves. .
Free three meals available daily to ALL New YorkersAny New Yorker can get three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city. .
How to pick up a meal:
- Meals can be picked up at all Meal Hubs 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday
- Meals Hubs will operate for children and families from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, and for adults from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
- No registration, ID, or documentation is required
- You can pick up all three meals a day at the same time
- No dining space is available, so you must eat meals away from schools
Senior residents and food
For seniors ages 60 years and older who have disabilities or access or functional needs, NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) provides home-delivered meals . Call and .
For seniors ages 60 years and older who have disabilities or access or functional needs, NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) provides home-delivered meals . Call and .
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:
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 can’t use SNAP benefits to pay delivery fees. Be sure to confirm that an online store delivers to your home address. .
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WIC COIVD-19 Updates:
- WIC on-site appointments are limited however many NYS WIC offices are available to provide services by phone for appointments.
- NYS WIC is not suspending any eWIC cards, although there are scams online stating this. Benefits are valid through your family’s “Benefits Valid Through” date.
- You can check your WIC benefit balance by:
– Checking WIC2Go, the mobile app
– Checking your last store receipt
– Visiting your store’s customer service desk
– Calling the eWIC card Customer Service at
– Visiting
For questions about food or formula availability, visit the to find locations in your area for help.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
People with DisabilitieThere are many updates specific to people with disabilities. This includes:
- ACCESS-A-Ride is no longer scheduling shared rides until further notice.
- NYC Department Of Transportation is extending the all City Parking Permits or Temporary Permits for People with Disabilities that expired or will expire in 2020.
- The citywide is still running. Residents can call to request a wheelchair-accessible taxi from anywhere in the five boroughs.
For specific questions or concerns please contact the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities directly:
- Voice Phone:
- Video Phone: 646-396-5830
HOUSING
Domestic violence
In an emergency, dial . Call the NYC Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at , TTY (if you’re hearing impaired) to speak with a counselor. .
In an emergency, dial . Call the NYC Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at , TTY (if you’re hearing impaired) to speak with a counselor. .
Risk of homelessness and rent assistance
Homebase will help you develop a plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. Call to find out how Homebase can help and .
Homebase will help you develop a plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. Call to find out how Homebase can help and .
Programs and services for youth who are experiencing homelessness are expected to continue providing basic services. Learn more from .
Section 8
NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Section 8 voucher holders having trouble paying rent because of income loss should email .
NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Section 8 voucher holders having trouble paying rent because of income loss should email .
Rent Arrears and Cash Assistance
If your work schedule was reduced as a result of the coronavirus and you are unable to pay your rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance special grant request to get benefits for emergencies.
If your work schedule was reduced as a result of the coronavirus and you are unable to pay your rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance special grant request to get benefits for emergencies.
- Apply for .
- If you have an active Cash Assistance case, the fastest way to submit your request is .
- You can apply in person for a one-time grant at a .
- Call HRA Info line at
- Learn more about .
NYCHA Rent HardshipResidents experiencing income loss may qualify for . A complete loss of income may qualify for NYCHA’s Zero Income Policy.
To learn more call the Customer Contact Center at .
EMPLOYMENT
Unemployment Insurance
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.
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.
The federal CARES act was signed into law March 27, 2020. The act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits and Pandemic Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers. .
NYS Dept. labor is extending telephone filing hours as follows:
- Monday through Thursday, 8am to 7:30pm
- Friday, 8am to 6pm
- Saturday, 7:30am to 8pm
Call if you have questions about unemployment benefits.
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Receive assistance with job seeking from NYC Small Business Services. .
SCHOOL
Vulnerable populations and children of frontline workersRegional Enrichment Centers will be available all day starting Monday, March 23 for the children of first responders, healthcare workers, transit workers, and the most vulnerable student populations. If you think your child may be eligible, fill out an
Learn more about the centers on the .
Free internet at home
for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. New student households don’t have to pay installation fees
for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. New student households don’t have to pay installation fees
To enroll, call Spectrum at .
Devices for remote schooling
The NYC Department of Education is helping families that need remote learning devices. Please fill out the survey below if you need assistance:
The NYC Department of Education is helping families that need remote learning devices. Please fill out the survey below if you need assistance:
- Phone: (press 5)
After school and enrichment programsAll DYCD-funded programs based in NYC DOE schools, including , are closed until schools reopen. More than 60 and Center-based programs are modified or open, providing food distribution through partnerships with DOE Grab and Go Meals, Food Bank, FreshDirect, and the existing food being delivered to centers. Open centers are also an information resource for their communities. DYCD-funded afterschool programs are conducting virtual check-in and/or remote learning, wherever possible.
MENTAL HEALTH
NYC Well
An infectious illness outbreak can be stressful to you and your loved ones. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To reduce your stress and to manage the situation more resiliently, try to remain positive, remind yourself of your strengths, connect with friends and loved ones and use healthy coping skills.
An infectious illness outbreak can be stressful to you and your loved ones. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To reduce your stress and to manage the situation more resiliently, try to remain positive, remind yourself of your strengths, connect with friends and loved ones and use healthy coping skills.
If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.
- Call 888-NYC-WELL ()
- Text “WELL” to
- Chat at
If you’re worried about how your child is dealing with the stress of COVID-19, .
Mental Health Support While Staying HomeIf you need mental health services during the COVID-19 crisis and identify resources, please visit , by phone or online. This guide includes information about services tailored to the needs of aging New Yorkers, veterans, students and young people, and people harmed by violence, crime or abuse.
All services are free to New Yorkers, regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Childcare While You WorkIf you are a parent who needs childcare while you work during the pandemic, you can submit a request to be matched with a safe, low-cost option for your family with .
Financial Assistance
The Coronavirus 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.
The Coronavirus 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.
Internet – Xfinity WiFiUntil 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.
- Find a WiFi Public HotSpot on this map and learn more from .
Search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
For more information about these and other benefits, explore additional resources and services on .
For more resources available, .
