COVID-19 Information Resources

General COVID-19 Information

For information on how to help stop the spread of coronavirus, available resources, and other updates, visit the NYC Health Department (DOH) website

Coronaviruses 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, check out the NYC DOH Coronavirus Factsheet.

Text COVID to 692-692 to get NYC COVID related alerts: closings, small business relief, new restrictions, opportunities (or see Notify NYC app or website). Text COVIDESP to 692-692 for this same service above in Spanish.

Healthcare 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.

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 healthcare provider, call 311.

Food

Emergency food

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 is no income limit for emergency food. Learn more about Emergency food.

Food Banks

Local food pantries are open as essential services. Please call before as hours might change. Find a list of food pantries here.

List of Food Pantries in (and near) AD36

  • St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church – Address: 28-47 43rd Street, Astoria – Contact: Marlene Kaselis, 718-757-7161 – Hours: Thursdays, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
  • The Salvation Army Astoria Corps – Address: 45-18 Broadway, Astoria – Contact: Jessica Hernandez, 718-721-9046 – Hours 10:00 am – 11:30 am (by appointment only)
  • Corpus Christi Food Pantry – Address: 31-31 60th Street, Woodside – Contact: Fernando Torres, 718-278-8114; 929-272-7678 – Hours: Wednesdays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Free Meals for K-12 Students

All NYC children can get three free meals a day from the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Through Friday, March 20, meals are available at the entrance to every school from 7:30am–1:30pm. Beginning March 23, meals will be distributed at more than 400 sites across the city. A site lookup tool is available here. Learn more from the DOE. How to pick up a meal:

  • No registration, ID, or documentation is required
  • Parents and guardians may pick up meals for their children
  • 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

The following Astoria supermarkets are offering senior only hours:

  • City Fresh: 21-15 Broadway; 5:00 am – 6:00 am
  • The Food Emporium: 29-10 Broadway; 7:00 am – 8:00 am
  • KeyFood Supermarkets: 22-15 31st St; 6:30 am – 7:00 am
  • KeyFood Supermarkets: 32-15 Newton Ave; 6:30 am - 7:00 am
  • Bravo: 24-18 34th Ave; 7:00 am – 8:00 am
  • Costco: 3250 Vernon Blvd; 9:00 am – 10:00 am, Monday – Friday
  • Stop & Shop: 34-51 48th St; 6:00 am – 7:00 am

Delivery Services:

  • NYC Department of Aging: Providing delivered meals for seniors age 60 and older; call 311 and learn more from DFTA
  • Citymeals on Wheels: Delivers emergency meals to homebound seniors/elderly. They have been overwhelmed with new referrals, expect the referral/intake process to take longer
  • Invisible Hands: Request a food delivery from Invisible Hands here
  • C Town Fresh: Offering free delivery for everyone; email orders@ctownfresh.info or call 718-204-1785 (email preferred)

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 can’t use SNAP benefits to pay delivery fees. Be sure to confirm that an online store delivers to your home address. Learn more from HRA.

Mobile Markets

The Astoria Mobile Market is continuing to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables, free of charge, to eligible New Yorkers in the basketball court off Astoria Boulevard in the Astoria houses, from 9:30 am - 11:30 am.

Residents of the Astoria Houses and residents with the zip code 11102 are eligible.

Read more here.

Housing

The Astoria Tenant Union (ATU) is providing information on your rights as a tenant during this pandemic and beyond. Reach out to them at: astoriatenantunion@gmail.com

NYCHA COVID-19 Updates:

NYCHA residents that experience a loss of income may qualify for a rent reduction. Households that have experienced a complete income loss may qualify for the Zero Income Policy.

Zero Income Policy: If a household reports zero income, they will participate in an interview with a NYCHA Housing Assistant and will complete a Zero Income Questionnaire. The interview can be held over the phone. If you need further assistance, please call your property management office or Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771.

From Met Council:

  • As of 5 pm on March 16th, all eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders shall be suspended statewide until further notice
  • No new eviction cases can be started
  • No marshal’s notices can be carried out
  • Court will remain open for emergency repair cases, illegal lockouts, and post-eviction cases
  • If you have questions call our hotline: 212-979-0611

Tenant Rights Hotline (English and Spanish) 212-979-0611 Mon & Wed 1:30 pm – 8 pm; Fri 1:30 – 5 pm

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. 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 and learn more from HRA.

Section 8

NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Section 8 voucher holders having trouble paying rent because of income loss should email DTRAI@hpd.nyc.gov.

Rent Arrears and Public 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 you have an active Cash Assistance case, the fastest way to submit your request is online on ACCESS HRA.
  • Call HRA Info line at 718-557-1399 to learn how to apply by mail

Finances

Unemployment

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. Learn more from the State Department of Labor. NYS Dept. of Labor is extending telephone filing hours as follows:

  • Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Saturday, 7:30 am – 8:00pm

Call 888-469-7365 if you have questions about unemployment benefits.

Here is a step-by-step guide to file for unemployment.

TO APPLY OVER THE PHONE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT: 1-888-209-8124

General Information on Benefits for Undocumented Workers:

  • Movimiento Cosecha is raising money for an Undocumented Worker Fund. Undocumented immigrants are eligible to apply once per household to receive up to $300 from the fund, and Movimiento Cosecha will be distributing funds until they run out. You may apply here if you are an undocumented immigrant in need of financial assistance.
  • Mixteca has created an Emergency Fund to help alleviate some of the economic stress that immigrant families are experiencing during this pandemic. Priority will be given to undocumented community members that cannot work, have lost their job partially or entirely due to coronavirus and cannot access federal funds. To access the application, click here. You can also call 646-470-5068 or 929-322-0605 to fill out the application by phone.
  • NYSYLC is offering emergency funds for undocumented youth and families (no new requests for now)

Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan Program (through HFLS)

For Small Businesses If you’re a small business owner in NYC affected by COVID-19, click here or call 311 for info on grants, updates & more.

Funds for bartenders out of work/reduced income due to COVID-19

Emergency Relief for Sex Workers in NY: To apply to the relief fund, email brooklynswop@protonmail.com

National Domestic Workers Alliance Fund

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund in English and Spanish (Service Workers)

Restaurant Workers Community Foundation

School and Childcare

Vulnerable Populations and Children of Frontline Workers

Starting Monday, March 23, Regional Enrichment Centers will be available Monday through Friday 7:30am to 6pm for the children of first responders, healthcare workers, transit workers, and the most vulnerable student populations. Learn more from the DOE.

Free Internet at Home

Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access 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 844-488-8395.

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:

Mental Health

  • NYC Well You can reach out to 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 (888-692-9355) – Text “WELL” to 65173 – Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell
  • NY State Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Line: The Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Help Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. – 1-844-863-9314 (includes option in Spanish) – NYS OMH Tips for Tips for Mental Wellness (offered in several languages here)
  • National Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

If you’re worried about how your child is dealing with the stress of COVID-19, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on managing stress and anxiety.

Resources for Undocumented New Yorkers

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 the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).

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.

Internet

  • SPECTRUM: If children live in a home without internet to do their homework (or just don’t have Spectrum internet), they can get free internet for 60 days from Spectrum. Installation fees will also be waived. Call 1-844-488-8395 and choose the option to set up a new service.
  • Xfinity 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. Find a WiFi Public HotSpot on this map and learn more from Xfinity WiFi.

Utilities

  • ConEdison will not shut off power due to non-payment. Late fees will be waived, and fees associated with credit and debit card payments will also be waived.

Transportation

  • Sign up for alerts from the MTA regarding changes to mass transit here
  • Alternate side parking is suspended through April 28th

Requesting Support

Local/Astoria-based

Citywide

  • Mutual Aid NYC will help connect you with resources and mutual aid networks in your area You can request support (whether it’s for groceries, other errands, check-ins, translation, financial support, social services, etc) through this link

Other Helpful Resource Lists