What you need to know about COVID-19
Immigrant Eligibility for Benefits
Protecting Immigrant Families has a great explainer for immigrant eligibility for COVID-19 related benefits, including health access, cash assistance, food assistance, and unemployment here.
SPANISH-LANGUAGE RESOURCES
COVID-19 Video Resources in different languages
Arabic- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsMa2PfdbDc&feature=youtu.be
Nepali- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmyEXrwwrLc&feature=youtu.be
Somali- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kiyy6siCU94&feature=youtu.be
Spanish- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai-cd-SQ8gs&feature=youtu.be
Swahili- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVegOna8EME&feature=youtu.be
Ukrainian- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLG3RT40IVc&feature=youtu.be
English, Pashto, Karen, Arabic, Burmese, Swahili, Russian, French, Kinyarwanda, Spanish and Nepali available – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSbeG1x9BLg&list=PLOZioxrIwCv3XMucYU8AmVRC7R7vLnYEJ
Philadelphia Utilities Updates
- Water: Philadelphia water is safe to drink, the virus will not affect the water supply. Customers do not need to buy bottled water. PDW continues to test 24/7 for quality. They will not shut off anyone’s water for the foreseeable future. An interest free emergency help loan is available for those who need it.
- PGW: Late fees on bills are suspended and PGW will not shut off services for non-payment for the foreseeable future. If you need to apply for LIHEAP (help paying for your energy bill), text WARM to 75308
- PECO: PECO has suspended services disconnections and will waive late fees for the foreseeable future.
- Comcast Xfinity: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers for a limited time. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
Immigration Processing Updates
USCIS: Many USCIS field offices, application support centers, and asylum offices resumed non-emergency face-to-face services to the public. More information can be found here.
Food Pantry Resources
- City of Philadelphia List of Food Pickup Sites – Food pickup sites are open Monday and Thursday from 10AM to 12PM; School meal sites are open Monday and Thursday from 9AM to 12PM. Go early!
- Updated List of Food Pantries (3/19/2020)
- Coalition Against Hunger
- Mitzvah Food Pantry
- If you have these symptoms, please contact your medical provider:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigue (Fatigue means so tired that it is hard to get out of bed)
COVID-19 usually does not cause a runny nose or sore throat. If you do not have symptoms, it is not recommended that you be tested.
If you feel you have symptoms, call your medical provider to set up a test.
If you do not have a previous medical provider, contact a City Health Center. The City is not charging for COVID-19 testing.
If you need to go to an emergency room, go. If you have broken bones, chest pain, or shortness of breath, please do proceed to an emergency room.
For other NON URGENT medical needs or appointments, call your medical provider and ask what they recommend.all your medical provider to set up a test.