On March 31, 2020, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. greeted workers setting up the new mobile testing site based out of Co-Op City that will help in the fight against the CoViD-19 pandemic.
The mobile testing site will provide tests prioritizing symptomatic individuals who had close exposure to a positive CoViD-19 case, including health care workers and first responders, as well as those working in or having recently visited a nursing home.
The center is will be open Monday through Sunday, from 08:0 a.m. – 06:00 p.m., by appointment only. To get an appointment, Bronxites can call 1-888-364-3065.
“This mobile testing site is key in detecting CoViD-19 not only among our most vulnerable communities but also among those putting their life on the line in the war against this virus,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “I want to thank Governor Cuomo, State Senator Bailey, State Assembly Member Benedetto, and all these brave individuals on the front line, testing our Bronx residents, health care workers, and first responders.”
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. partnered with FreshDirect and PitcCCh In Foundation to provide meals for families in need, at the Belmont Community Community Center.
Borough President Diaz, Jr. was joined by Amber and CC Sabathia, founders of the PitcCCh In Foundation, and Larry Scott Blackmon, Vice President of Public Affairs for FreshDirect, handed out packages of free groceries to parents, in front of the community center, which recently ceased operations due to the recent CoViD-19 outbreak.
The community outreach is part of the “Operation 5-Borough Food Drive,” FreshDirect’s initiative to provide free groceries to New York City’s most vulnerable communities having trouble access to groceries during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Borough President Diaz, Jr. was able to secure meals for Catholic Charities’ food pantries throughout the Bronx and for Part Of The Solution (POTS) to bolster their resources.
“I want to thank FreshDirect for being a lifeline to so many in this critical moment,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “As the world comes together to fight the spread of CoViD-19, FreshDirect is really stepping up to the plate, supporting our trusted partners; such as PitcCCh In, Part Of The Solution and Catholic Charities; providing vital services to our most vulnerable communities in their time of most need.”
CoViD-19 RESOURCES
INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS
- The New York State Department of Health has a guide on protecting yourself and others from CoViD-19.
- The City has launched the NYC CoViD-19 Engagement Portal for individuals, or those authorized to report on behalf of individuals, who have experienced symptoms of CoViD-19, tested positive for CoViD-19, have come into contact with someone who may have CoViD-19, or are currently in quarantine.
- Help Now NYC has information on helping New Yorkers affected by CoViD-19 or getting help for you or your organization related to CoViD-19. Looking to donate PPE? Visit the NYC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donation Portal.
- Those insured by Empire BlueCross BlueShield can find information on their coronavirus page here.
- The City will continue to provide a range of resources and services to help New Yorkers. For updates on coronavirus, text CoViD to 692-692.
BUSINESSES
- Small businesses should read the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration has information on its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (CoViD-19) crisis.
- Visit the city’s page for Assistance & Guidance for Businesses Impacted Due to Novel Coronavirus.
- Companies looking to sell or donate medical supplies and equipment should visit here.
- Local manufacturers and industry sector companies looking to begin producing supplies should visit NYCEDC’s CoViD-19 Emergency Supply Sourcing & Manufacturing page.
- Forbes is maintaining a List Of Coronavirus (CoViD-19) Small Business Relief Programs.
- The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) has a Bronx Business Continuity Questionnaire to gather information on helping businesses.
- Visit the New York State Department of Labor’s page about its Shared Work Program.
INTERNET
- Altice is offering several resources for internet service, including free Altice Advantage broadband for 60 days to “any new household [their] service area with K-12 and/or college students who may be displaced due to school closures and who do not currently have home internet access.” Altice is also offering free student and community WiFi. More information on all of their CoViD resources is available on the Alice website here.
LABOR ISSUES
- Visit the New York State Department of Labor’s page for Complaints Related to CoViD-19 Regulations for information on filing complaints against employers that are not in compliance with New York State’s regulations.
- Read the New York State Department of Labor’s updated FAQs document regarding unemployment insurance benefits.
MENTAL HEALTH
Two mental health hotlines are available to New Yorkers who need it.
- As always New Yorkers can also reach out to Thrive NYC, which offers a number of mental health services that New Yorkers can access while staying home. You can start by calling 1-888-NYC-Well (692-9355), or texting “Well” to 65173.
- Over 6,000 mental health professionals have volunteered their time to help with New York State’s Coronavirus response. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you cannot access food due to mobility, please visit here to see if you can apply for NYC Food Delivery Assistance.
If you are in need of applying for SNAP or Public Assistance please visit here.
If you can leave your residence and are in need of food, please click the following links to find your nearest pantry:
FreshDirect: FreshDirect has also partnered with Catholic Charities to provide grab and go meals. Please visit here for the Catholic Charities Pantry list. We recommend you call any of these locations before going due to limited resources.
EDUCATION
- The NYC DOE has information on its Regional Enrichment Centers.
- Students in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island can get free online tutoring, daily, from 02:00 to 11:00 p.m. with their library card.
- Zoom has free training sessions for anyone learning how to use it.
HOUSING
- The Met Council on Housing’s Eviction Moratorium FAQs page has useful information for tenants.
- New York Housing Conference has a New HUD CoViD-19 Funding for New York page.
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