Staying informed is crucial during challenging times. The resources below can aid New Yorkers as we all work to keep our selves and our communities healthy, safe, and strong during this difficult time. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all workers who continue to perform our society’s necessary functions.
•New York State Department of Health updates:
888-364-3065 | www.ny.gov/coronavirus
Visit now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates to sign up for email updates from the state
•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/whats-new-all.html
• Mental Health Hotline: For free and confidential emotional support, consultation and referral to a local provider, call: 1-844-863-9314
•New York State Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-942-6906
•Child Care Resources for Parents and Providers:
www.ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare
•Monroe County COVID-19 Hotline:
585-753-5555
•Regional Reopening Information:
•Unemployment Insurance
∙If you’ve lost employment because of the COVID-19 crisis and need help paying your bills, call 1-888-209-8124 or visit labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm.
∙The federal CARES Act provides enhanced UI benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers. Visit labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm to learn more.
•Federal CARES Act
Authorizes recovery checks for U.S. taxpayers, which are being sent out now. If you have not received your check, visit: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
∙New York small businesses are eligible for emergency loans to help retain employees. Go here for more info: www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
All private insurance plans are required to cover COVID-19 treatments and vaccines and all coronavirus tests are free.
•Department of Motor Vehicles
The state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has closed all offices, but many essential services can still be found online. DMV staff are also available by phone to answer questions.
To help New Yorkers avoid potential hardship, the DMV has extended any driver’s licenses, non-driver identification, vehicle registration, 45-day temporary registration issued by auto dealers or yearly vehicle inspections to expire March 1 or after until further notice.
Visit www.dmv.ny.gov or call 518-486-9786 to learn more.
•SNAP Benefits
∙Visit otda.ny.gov/SNAPCOVID-19 for more information.
•Sick and Paid Leave Benefits Are Available
New state law provides sick leave and benefits to isolated or quarantined workers. To learn how much you qualify for, visit: paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/COVID19
•All schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.
More information can be found here
•All June Regents Exams are Canceled.
To protect the health and safety of students and teachers, graduation requirements have been adjusted to ensure students aren’t adversely impacted by this necessary change.
More information can be found here:
•Blood Donation
The Red Cross is calling on eligible donors to do their part and help prevent blood shortages.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767.
•Be Counted in the Census!
New York needs a complete census count so we get our fair share of federal funding for everything from hospitals to public schools.
Respond by mail, by phone or online. Visit my2020census.gov to fill out the questionnaire online or learn more.