These are challenging times for us all, but we’re New Yorkers and will get through this as we always have in the past – as a community.  In the meantime, it’s important to stay informed. Please visit the following resources for important information on economic assistance for you and your loved ones and guidance on best practices for staying safe.

Unemployment and Jobless Claims

The CARES Act provides a $600 weekly increase for up to four months, on top of state benefits. For further information on unemployment assistance, please visit: https://www.ny.gov/services/unemployment-0

Small Business Loans

Paycheck Protection Program

This loan program provides 100% loan forgiveness for up to 8 weeks to small businesses, including nonprofits, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and other self-employed individuals, if used for payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities.

For more information, check out: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp.

EIDL Loan Advance

This loan advance provides up to $10,000 in economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Additionally, eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million at a low-interest rate to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

For more information, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance.

Getting Tested

Drive-thru coronavirus testing sites in New York’s First Congressional District are located in Riverhead at ProHEALTH and HRH Care Community Health, the HRHCare Elsie Owens Health Center in Coram, HRHCare Kraus Family Health Center in Southampton, and at Stony Brook University. Testing is free, but appointments are necessary. Those who would like to be tested should call those facilities to make an appointment.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should reach out to your primary care physician or call your local urgent care facility to assess your conditions/symptoms. For more information, call the Suffolk County Hotline (dial 311).

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used every day by healthcare personnel and other front line workers to protect themselves and others. New York is requiring all essential workers to wear PPE.

If you need PPE, please contact the Suffolk County Health Department or fill out this form: https://fres.suffolkcountyny.gov/Covid19SupplyRequest.

Meal Assistance

Congressman Zeldin has participated in numerous food distributions throughout the community over the past few weeks.  Long Island’s food banks continue to do amazing work to ensure families struggling right now can get the meals they need. If you need extra help during these tough times, please visit the link below to find a food bank in your area. If you have the means to do so, please also consider donating unused canned goods and other items:

https://www.foodpantries.org/ 

 

Learn more at CDC.gov.