This page contains a range of resources that we’ve compiled regarding COVID-19. If you have anything you would like to suggest we add, please email info@cbsix.org
Database of Open CD6 Businesses
CB6 recognizes the importance of supporting our district’s businesses, especially during these unsettling times. While restaurants are not legally allowed to be open for dining in, some restaurants in Community District 6 are open for take-out and delivery, and other types of businesses are still open. Thanks to listings from various community organizations and submissions from residents, CB6 and BetaNYC have compiled an interactive map of open businesses in Community District 6.
This list also includes other essential businesses that are open such as pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.
This list is by no means comprehensive and we need your help to add to it! If you are aware of any other restaurants in Community District 6 that are open for take-out or other essential businesses that are open, or if you think an existing entry needs to be updated, please fill out this submission form to add another business to the list!
State Guidelines for Business Reopening
Health Resources
For the latest information and updates, please visit the DOHMH’s dedicated page on the coronavirus. You can also text COVID to 692-692 for updates or call 311.
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has compiled a list of places where you can get tested for the coronavirus. To learn more about sites for free COVID tests near you, NYC.Gov/COVIDTest or text “COVID TEST” to 855-48
If you are hesitant about going outdoors or are unable to go outdoors in order to buy personal protective equipment (PPE), New York City has a website through which you can request PPE.
New York’s Health Marketplace is open and available for you, even if you lost your job and/or your health care coverage due to COVID-19. Go to https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ to learn more. Call Ivy Daly at 917-921-7750 for any questions about the marketplace.
The NYC COVID Worker Care Network is offering free support from a volunteer mental, emotional, or spiritual care professional if you are an essential worker during the pandemic. You can learn more about the network on https://nyccovidcare.org/
The World Health Organization has compiled a flyer on how to cope with stress during the coronavirus pandemic.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a health condition associated with COVID-19 that is appearing with children in New York City and elsewhere. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a fact sheet on MIS-C.
Changes to City and State Services
Details on changes in Parks Department services can be found on the Parks Department website.
The MTA has a page explaining how their operations, and how your trips (if you need to travel), may be affected by the coronavirus.
Governor Cuomo announced on April 30th that New York City will be shutting down its subway system nightly between 1 AM and 5 AM to increase the cleaning of stations and trains during the coronavirus. There will be alternative transportation available at no cost to essential workers during these hours. If you are an essential worker, you can register for the MTA’s Essential Connector program.
Price Gouging Related to COVID-19
New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ office has an online submission form where you can detail complaints about price gouging related to the pandemic.
You can also report price gouging in your neighborhood by dialing 311 and saying ‘overcharge.’
Food Resources
Every public school student will receive $420 in P-EBT. P-EBT is a program to help families buy food while students are learning from home due to COVID-19. If your family does not need the P-EBT money, you can donate your money at https://www.sharemypebt.com/. To learn more about P-EBT, go to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.
All meals previously served to seniors at senior centers are now being delivered to homes. To get direct delivery, you can call your local senior center, 311 or the Department for the Aging’s hotline at 212-244-6469 (212-AGING-NYC).
If you need financial help in order to buy food, go to ACCESS NYC to see whether you are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps). To apply online, set up an ACCESS HRA account at https://access.nyc.gov/. To receive an application in the mail, call 718-557-1391.
You can get Grab and Go meals at All Saints Episcopal Church at 230 East 60th Street on Saturdays from 5 PM to 6 PM.
Seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to leave their residence should contact CityMeals on Wheels. To determine your eligibility, call 212-687-1234 or email www.info@citymealsonwheels.com
Scams Related to COVID-19
The Federal Trade Commission has a page dedicated to common COVID-19 scams and how you can fend them off.
You can file a consumer fraud or scam with New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office.
Attorney General James’ office also has a page where you can get guidance on coronavirus-related consumer scams.
Economic Resources for Individuals and Businesses
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on New York City’s workforce, the City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance.
NYC Small Business Services (SBS) is offering financial relief programs to small businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus. Learn more about the programs offered by SBS.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Find details on the PPP on the SBA website.
The New York State Department of Labor has a guide on how to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits.
The New York State Department of Labor also has guidance on whether your employer is violating laws with regard to employee benefits during the pandemic (and if so, how to file a complaint).
The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship has created a guide to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for small business. That guide includes information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA).
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has an application for the temporary suspension of the collection of debt that you or your business owes.
You can find information about coronavirus-related tax relief and economic impact payments from the federal government on the IRS website.
The Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program provides the first-responder, healthcare, and transit workforce with a free month of Citi Bike membership. Workers will be entitled to unlimited 45-minute rides on both classic bikes and ebikes. To obtain enrollment information for you or your employer, email HeroBikes@Lyft.com.
New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer’s office has compiled a page detailing the resources available to small businesses in New York City during the coronavirus.
You can view answers to some frequently asked questions on New York State’s COVID-19 sick leave law in this document from the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
Constituents of New York State Senate District 28 can fill out an intake form for unemployment claim inquiries.
Housing Resources
Eviction Moratorium: during the public health emergency caused by COVID-19 To understand what this means as well as read frequently asked questions about the moratorium, learn more on the Right to Counsel NYC website or read below.
● There will be no evictions or foreclosures through August 20, 2020.
● Your landlord cannot start a lawsuit against you for non-payment of rent. However, the landlord may send you a rent demand notice asking you to pay your rent and threatening a lawsuit if you fail to make payment.
● Your landlord cannot start a “holdover” lawsuit against you for grounds other than non-payment. However, the landlord may send you a termination notice or a notice to quit threatening to commence a court case if you don’t move out by a date certain.
● Your landlord cannot evict you or ask you to leave your apartment because you have COVID-19. If your landlord discriminates against you for this reason, you can file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 or filing online.
● If you have already been sued in Housing Court and have a pending case, the court will adjourn the case and will notify you of the future date that you must appear in court.
● The Housing Courts are only hearing emergency applications where tenants have been locked out or evicted from their apartments and where serious conditions have gone unrepaired.
Tenants living in NYCHA:
Conferences and hearings at 803 Atlantic Avenue will be rescheduled.
If you are a NYCHA tenant and have lost income in your household, request a rent reduction by calling (718) 707-7771 or thru the online self-service portal. The NYCHA website is busy so you may have to wait to be connected.
NYCHA will only do emergency repairs at this time.
NYCHA Property Management Offices remain open with reduced staff; direct-contact meetings and Wednesday evening hours are suspended. Staff will assist residents via telephone, email, and from behind the reception desk only.
Tenants with cases at HPD:
Conferences and hearings at 100 Gold Street will be rescheduled.
HPD will continue to pay Section 8 subsidies until there is a final determination made regarding the termination of assistance.
Section 8 tenants who are experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in income may apply for a rent reduction:
NYCHA Section 8 tenants may access the self-service portal or call the NYCHA Customer Service Center at 718-707-7771.
HPD Section 8 tenants may contact HPD via DTRAI@hpd.nyc.gov or by fax at 212-863-5299.
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development has a page dedicated to COVID-19 updates, including updates for holders of Section 8 vouchers, tenant resources, and building safety resources.
Tenant activists are lobbying the State Legislature to pass legislation cancelling rent state-wide for the next three months. The text of the bill, first introduced by Senator Gianaris, can be found on the New York State Senate’s website.
The Housing Justice for All Coalition has also crafted an FAQ on the state of relief for tenants struggling during the COVID-19 crisis. They are also working to compile the stories of renters affected by the crisis; you can find these stories on their website.
Resources for People With Disabilities
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has compiled COVID-19 resources for people with disabilities.
Educational Resources
The NYC Department of Education (DOE) has a “Return to School 2020-2021” page that talks about what returning to school is going to look like for students and parents alike.
Cultural Resources
Senator Hoylman’s office has compiled a list of some online cultural resources that everyone can enjoy at home.
The New York Public Library has information on SimplyE, its e-reader app.
The New York Public Library also has a page dedicated to COVID-19 information relevant to the library system. Note that two of the libraries open for the NYPL’s Grab & Go Service are Epiphany Library and Kips Bay Library, which are in Community District 6.
The Morgan Library & Museum has virtual tours, online exhibitions, videos, and more on its website.
Resources for Pet Owners
Pet owners impacted by COVID-19 can call the City’s Pet Hotline at 1-877-204-8821 from 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. The City can help make sure you get the assistance you need for your pet.
Guidance for Remembering Your Loved Ones
The city has guidance from New York City on funerals and burials during COVID-19.
Ways to Help
Senator Hoylman’s office is looking for volunteers with medical experience as they work to grow hospital capacity to meet the coming demand. You can fill out a volunteer form.
The City published an article on March 27, 2020 on ways that you can help hospital workers in New York.
The New York City Medical Reserve Corps is looking for volunteers. Learn more information on how to become a volunteer.
You can find information from New York Cares on how to help them during the coronavirus.
You can find information on DonateNYC’s tips on donating during the coronavirus (and during disasters in general).
The Food Bank for New York City has volunteer opportunities, which you can find out about on their website.
The NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is seeking businesses with the ability to quickly source and/or make needed medical supplies. You can find more details on how businesses (and individuals) can help EDC’s efforts on the EDC website.
Help Now NYC provides information on how you can give and receive help during the coronavirus.
Council Member Keith Powers needs volunteers to help call our neighbors to check in on their well-being. You can sign up to join them and specify a shift.
New York State has a page that provides information on donating blood. This page also allows you to make an appointment to donate blood.