Information on Coronavirus
As the COVID19 epidemic continues, it is important that New Yorkers have access to reliable information.
Please utilize the following information to prepare yourselves and address any problems or pressing concerns you may have.
* *IMPORTANT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES* *
If you are a small business owner who needs assistance during this outbreak I encourage you to take action immediately.
First, read this SBA fact sheet.
Then, visit the SBA website to begin your application.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
Applications may be completed online. However, if you choose to apply by mail, completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
* Updated March 23 *
The Congresswoman has introduced legislation to suspent rent contributions for tenants who live in public housing or who are in the Section 8 program during the duration of the pandemic. More information here.
* Updated March 20 *
As Congress works on an economic stimulus package Rep. Velazquez has joined with colleagues in calling on the House Ways and Means Committee to ensure that direct "relief payments' include Puerto Rico and the territories. You may read her letter online here.
* Updated March 19 *
As Chair of the House Small Business Committee, Rep. Velazquez has introduced the COVID–19 Relief for Small Businesses Act of 2020, robust legislation to assist small businesses harmed by the pandemic. You may read more about that bill here.
* Updated March 18 *
On Wednesday, March 18, Congresswoman Velazquez held a coronavirus telephone townhall. Audio of that conversation is online here.
* Updated March 16 *
As you may know, ALL New York City Schools are closed beginning, Monday, March 16th.
Here are some key dates to keep in mind:
• Monday, March 16th: Citywide closure. Students, teachers, and principals do not report.
• Tuesday, March 17th to Thursday, March 19th: STAFF ONLY report to school. Teachers and principals participate in professional development on remote learning.
• Thursday, March 19th to Friday, March 20th: Students who need it will be able to begin the process of picking up the technology necessary for remote learning. Further information will be sent to families this week.
• Monday, March 23rd: Remote learning launches, with additional guidance provided throughout the week of the 23rd.
More information from the Department of Education is available here.
Learn about safety measures for the workplace, schools, businesses, and at home from the CDC here.
If You Think You May Be Sick:
The WHO provides informational videos on how to properly use a mask here.
For Travel:
The U.S. Department of State provides information for travelers and official advisories here.
For the Elderly and Immunocompromised:
Am I at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus?
For Businesses:
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has resources on protecting yourself from the financial impact of the virus.
The New York State Department of Health has information available here.
For More Information:
The CDC provides alert graphics to post at your businesses and schools here.
The Congresswoman is carefully monitoring the situation and will post updates here and on social media as useful information becomes available.
For Residents of New York:
Want to receive real time updates through text? Text COVID to 692-692 for information on health and safety in the city.
* Updated March 13 *
The Congresswoman has prepared this fact sheet for New Yorkers in both English and in Spanish.
The following fact sheets from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention should be useful:
CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: What You Need to Know (English)
CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: What You Need to Know (Spanish) CORONAVIRUS: Hoja Informativa: Lo que necesita saber
NEW: CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: What You Need to Know (Chinese) 最新：冠状病毒：美国疾病控制中心公告：您需要知道的（中文）
CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: What To Do If You Are Sick (English)
CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: What To Do If You Are Sick (Spanish) CORONAVIRUS: Hoja informativa: Qué hacer si se contagia
NEW: CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: What To Do If You Are Sick (Chinese) 最新：冠状病毒：美国疾病控制中心公告：如果您生病了该怎么办（中文）
CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: What the Public Should Do (English)
CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: Stop the Spread of Germs (English)
CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: Stop the Spread of Germs (Spanish) CORONAVIRUS: Hoja informativa: Detenga la proliferación de los microbios
NEW: CORONAVIRUS: CDC Fact Sheet: Stop the Spread of Germs (Chinese) 最新：冠状病毒：美国疾病控制中心公告：如何阻止细菌传播（中文）
New Yorkers can regularly check for updates from the CDC at this website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
In addition, the City Health Department has useful New York City specific information available online here.
The New York State Department of Health has information available here.
New Yorkers who are concerned about price gouging related to the outbreak can register complaints with the NYS Attorney General here.
