*New Yorkers looking for the most updated information can text COVID to 692-692 or call the New York State Department of Health’s coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065, visit the Department of Health’s website, or download the NYC Notify app.*
New Yorkers looking for up-to-date information about how COVID-19 affects on NYC and NYS residents can find comprehensive information below. This page will be updated daily. (Last update made 3/22/20)
*Note: Pursuant to Governor Guomo’s Executive Order 202.8 [aka New York State on PAUSE Executive Order], effective March 22, 2020 at 8 p.m. all employers [all business and not-for-profit entities] shall reduce the in-person workforce at any work locations by 100% no later than March 22, 2020 at 8 p.m. Essential businesses or entities are not subject to the in-person restriction.
Does the in-person restriction apply to your business or entity? See Governor Cuomo’s Guidance on Essential Services Under the ‘New York State on PAUSE’ Executive Order
In an effort to provide our community with resources, advice, and up to date information, CAIR New York has launched interactive webinars that are live streamed on our facebook page. Webinar topics will cover various issues regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and will include experts in all fields.
CAIRTalk: resources and community connection during the coronavirus pandemic
Discrimination and Hate Crimes Related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
COVID-19 is a public health crisis. It is not an excuse to target, harass, or harm New Yorkers of Asian ancestry. CAIR-NY has and always will stand by all communities targeted by discrimination and hate. We believe hate and xenophobia have no place in our society.
Incidents of anti-Asian and anti-immigrant discrimination and hate crimes can be reported to 311 or the New York State Hate Crimes Task Force hotline at 1-888-392-3644. Incidents may also be reported to CAIR-New York [in addition to law enforcement] using our incident report form. CAIR-New York is fully operational and encourages the community to continue to report all discriminatory and bias related incidents to our office using incident report form.
Health CARE
New Yorkers who are experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath or other cold or flu-like symptoms and do not feel better after three to four days should consult medical help. [Learn More] If you need help getting medical care, call 311. You can get care in NYC regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Special enrollment for uninsured New Yorkers is now available as COVID-19 cases climb. Individuals can enroll through NY State of Health or directly through insurers from now until April 15 for coverage effective on April 1.This special enrollment period hopes to discourage individuals from avoiding COVID-19 testing or medical care for fear of the cost.
To enroll and apply for coverage through NY State of Health on-line at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 855-355-5777, and working with enrollment assistors.
Access to Health Care for Immigrants and their families:
Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which provides additional funding to pay for coronavirus testing for anyone who is uninsured. The funding will pay for testing at community health centers, outpatient clinics, and doctors’ offices.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently posted an alert clarifying that it will not consider testing, treatment, or preventive care (including vaccines if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 in a public charge inadmissibility determination, even if the health care services are covered by Medicaid.
More information about access to health for immigrant and their families, please visit the National Immigration Law Center.
EDUCATION
All NYC schools are closed until at least April 20, 2020. Schools will be open 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. every day this week to hand out breakfast and lunch for any student (aged 3-21) until further notice.
Beginning Monday, March 23, Regional Enrichment Centers are opening across every borough, with at least two sites in every school district.
Learn more about Regional Enrichment Centers, operating hours, eligibility, and locations by visiting the Department of Education’s website:
Enroll in a Regional Enrichment Center: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDNFMOezuG9mCu99utf3dkloTpdEhzBB1ancwlaeT3ny7uEQ/viewform
Beginning Monday, March 23, NYC students will transition to remote learning.
Does your child need a tablet or laptop? Request a remote learning device (ipad) immediately from the Department of Education: https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices
Learn more about remote learning: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learn-at-home/information-on-remote-learning
Does your child need a meal? The New York City Department of Education is making three free meals available daily to all NYC children. Find a free meal location near you: https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx
More information about free meals for NYC children: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/free-meals
Immigration
Immigration Courts (until 4/13): NYC non-detained Immigration Courts (Broadway and Federal Plaza) are CLOSED until further notice. Buffalo non-detained hearings are cancelled.
USCIS (until 4/1): All appointments are cancelled.
ICE: NYC in-person check-ins are cancelled, telephonic check-ins are still happening. Waiting to hear back for Buffalo/upstate office.
Federal Courts: Citizenship Oath Ceremonies cancelled.
ICE has cancelled all visitation for those in ICE detention.
Immigration enforcement in the communities continues.
Legal
State Statute of Limitations are tolled from March 20, 2020 [day Governor Cuomo signed executive order] until April 19, 2020. See Executive Order: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency
Eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders for any tenant residential or commercial business is suspended for 90 days [from March 20, 2020]. Essential functions that will continue include proceedings on landlord lockouts, serious housing code violations and repair orders.
The Department of Corrections will suspend in-person visitation beginning Wednesday, March 18.
Tax Day now July 15: Treasury, IRS extend filing deadline and federal tax payments regardless of amount owed. See https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed
NY State Income Tax Deadline: New York state’s income tax filing deadline is being moved to July 15 to comply with the federal government's decision to push back the traditional filing date due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“The (state) deadline is the federal deadline,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Budget Director Robert Mujica said during a news conference Friday on the ongoing corona virus response. See https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NY-IRS-push-tax-deadline-to-July-15-15145786.php
Civic Engagement
The Queens Borough President Special Election has been postponed to an unknown date. [Stay Updated]
Complete the Census Online: Census forms can be completed online: https://my2020census.gov/ or by phone 844-330-2020. Mobile assistance units have been delayed and will not be open until April 13. For language support completing the census.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/ Social services
Get Unemployment Assistance: Apply for benefits to receive temporary income: https://www.ny.gov/services/get-unemployment-assistance
Note: COVID-19 Update: NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.
Financial Hardship Grant by Penny Appeal USA
CAIR’s guide to federal aid and relief programs for Muslim owned businesses
Information by county
Additional Resources
New York Immigration Coalition - COVID-19 Toolkit - March 2020