We’ve created this page to share various resources to assist you during this stressful time. Please see the sections below for information regarding local employment/unemployment resources, as well as activities to help keep you and your kids entertained while stuck at home.
Worldometers has created a number of charts and graphs tracking infections, deaths, and recoveries based on publicly posted data.
The NYC Department of Education is distributing three free meals a day for each NYC student. More info and locations at the link.
As always, New York stands strong against racism and xenophobia, which many Asian-Americans are experiencing at high levels. Call to report any racist, xenophobic, or biased behavior you witness.
NYC residents can text COVID to 692-692 for updates on the City's response.
The NYC Commission on Human Rights has created a rapid response team to handle Covid-19 related harassment and discrimination claims. Visit their site to learn more about your rights and how to report discrimination.
Health Resources and current status of New York State's social distancing and medical response.
Official news from Governor Cuomo's office, including press conferences and state legislation.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's latest updates and links to resources.
Fact sheets on NYS Paid Family Leave
Bankrate.com has put together tips for handling job loss due to Covid-19.
NPR's breakdown of the federal aid package approved on March 18, 2020. (As of March 25th, New York State has not been approved for the extended unemployment benefits in this package - updates will be posted on the NYS Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance "How to File" page)
Special podcast episode from Francis Financial focusing on the impact of Covid-19 on your financial situation - particularly as relates to those recently divorced or currently divorcing.
Last updated April 1, 2020 - Jacob Korder, Esq. reviews the changes put in place but the Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act.
Domestic workers support organization that is helping provide emergency assistance for in-home care workers, nannies, & house cleaners.
New York State's helpful site dedicated to the Paid Family Leave law that went into effect beginning in 2018. The site includes information for employees and employers on how PFL works and provides clear updates while the program continues to roll out.
A guide on insurance coverage for business losses due to Covid-19 written by Bradley Nash, Litigation Partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan LLP.
Cash and ad credit grants for up to 30,000 small businesses worldwide. (As of date of addition, details will be forthcoming and the page offers an option to sign up for updates.)
NYC program put in place to assists businesses with 1-4 employees and at 25% or more decrease in revenue due to the Covid-19 outbreak
Regardless of whether you are working from a laptop or a desktop, or from a desk or kitchen table, working from home invariably means a lot more time spent at a computer, since it's now your desk, meeting room, and water-cooler - and more physical strain because of it. Keep the tips below in mind when working from home:
1. Stop periodically to stretch or at least walk around a little - check out the stretches from PCGamer to target the areas that pick up the most strain when computing.
2. Posture is key! Try to keep your head up and shoulders back - and don't lean forward to type. You may need to prop up your laptop/monitor.
3. If you can add a separate keyboard and mouse to your laptop, it's worth it. You won't feel as scrunched up and you can then prop up the screen higher and get your mouse/keyboard into a more comfortable position.
4. Heating pads & topical pain relievers! The rice-bag style heating pads do a great job of conforming to your neck/shoulders and Tiger Balm and other topical pain relievers let you focus on the spots that need it most.
PC Mag's tips for Zoom users to help prevent getting Zoom-bombed.
Who better to go to for advice on handling the physical strain of prolonged computer use than PC Gamers!
Tips from Peter Shankman (Help A Reporter Out) to make the most of working from home
Online courses in a wide variety of topics from top universities and industry-leading companies.
Educator resources center with various free lesson plans
For teachers and students 13 and older, the New York Times maintains a page dedicated to educational content including daily writing prompts based on NYT articles.
Online coursework designed for students 14 and older from Enforex, a long-time language immersion program.
Online STEM educational activities led by teachers.
Julie Andrews has a free podcast where she and her daughter settle in to read a children's book together each week!
Chrome browser extension to watch Netflix with friends - without having to be in the same place.
Over 2 dozen kid-focused podcasts ranging in a variety of genres.
Bake up paintable ceramic-esque decorations and ornaments with 3 ingredients and a few cookie cutters.
Westchester-based camp program with online offerings for summer 2020, including pre-school geared sessions, as well as STEM, Dance, Sport, Enrichment, etc. programs for school-aged children.
Unique blend of dance and technology for girls aged 10-18 with or without prior code or dance experience. The Stem From Dance programs aim to inspire minority women's interests in STEM fields while fostering creativity and confidence through dance.
Online Summer Educational Electives Camp for Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children.
Online tech entrepreneurship summer camp
Childbirth education, doula training & lactation training. Offering online services and advice during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Lactation, doula, and mental health resource for pregnant and new moms offering virtual methods for support.
Resources include apps, websites, call centers, podcasts, etc. and provide support for a wide variety of emotional support, addiction services, trauma recovery, and more.
Nerdist's list of fitness apps temporarily offering free subscriptions and virtual exercise classes on social media.
Parks & Trails New York provides information about publicly accessible outdoor spaces. NYS has waived fees for state, county, local parks to allow people to enjoy these resources more easily.
Free workouts, no bike needed
Craft ideas and tutorials for adults and children
Online fitness classes each Thursday at 5:30 pm.
Free meditation and mindfulness content from Headspace for NYers.
Text service created by DoSomething.org staffed with trained crisis volunteers assisting with anxiety, abuse, suicide, self-harm, bullying, etc.
GoogleDoc of dozens of resources compiled by Fordham's Dr. Sarika Persaud
Domestic Violence programs available from New York State as well as in each county. (This page includes a quick exit button.)
Hotlines and assistance programs for victims of domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, child abuse, youth homelessness, and other crimes or abuses.
The Recovery Village Ridgefield recognizes that stress is a common factor in substance abuse relapse has put together a number of resources for helping to effectively manage stress.
Tech savvy? While your computer is idle, help researchers run simulations of protein reactions to further research into Covid-19 and other illnesses.
Joann's Fabrics has collected simple tutorials and approved resources for creating masks that can be donated to healthcare workers
NYC is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need.
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is offering community assistance for first responders.
If you or anyone you know is a frontline worker in need of assistance, please contact our Community Action Center by calling (212) 669-3916 or emailing action@comptroller.nyc.gov.
Enrollment assistance for getting healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act.