COVID-19 Information
How CIANA has adapted
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and New York City health guidelines, almost all of our work is now online.
We are providing all the same programs and services as we did prior to the pandemic, including case management, legal services, adult ESL/civics classes, and after-school programs, in a virtual format.
We have also taken on important roles in ensuring that Queens immigrant communities stay healthy and have the resources they need during this uncertain time. As a member of the NYC Test and Trace Corps and as NYC Care grantee, CIANA has been going into the community to distribute personal protective equipment, COVID-19 and healthcare information, food, and other necessities.
Guidance
Prevention
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Since the beginning of the year, COVID vaccines have been shown to be the most effective method of preventing one from contracting COVID-19. The three types of vaccines- Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson- all stimulate the immune system to fight against COVID, while not actually injecting the recipient with the virus itself.
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Vaccines are safe, effective, free, and confidential. ICE cannot show up to vaccine sites, and you will not be asked about citizenship status when you get your shot. Most City-run sites no longer require appointments, but other locations still do. Find a location near you where you can get the vaccine at NYC Vaccine Finder. CIANA can also help you book an appointment. Call us at (718) 545-4040.
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Wear a face covering when you are near people
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Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your household
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Get tested frequently (even if you don’t have symptoms)
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Wash your hands often
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Avoid indoor and crowded spaces
Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
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Fever or chills
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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Muscle or body aches
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Headache
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New loss of taste or smell
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Sore throat
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Congestion or runny nose
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Getting Tested
All New Yorkers can get COVID-19 (and COVID-19 antibody) tests that are FREE, safe, and confidential.
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You do not need health insurance to get a COVID-19 or antibody test at an NYC Health + Hospitals location or at many other testing sites across the city.
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You will not be asked about your immigration status.
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COVID-19 testing and care services are not a public benefit under the public charge rule.
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No appointment is needed.
Find a testing site and further information here.
What you should do if you test positive
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Stay at home except to get medical care.
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You can get a FREE hotel room to quarantine if you test positive for or have been exposed to COVID-19. Learn more here.
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Isolate yourself from other people.
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Stay hydrated and take over the counter medicines, like acetaminophen.
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Call your doctor.
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If you can’t afford or don’t qualify for health insurance, enroll in NYC Care.
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Answer calls from contact tracers.
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If you receive a call from “NYC Test + Trace” or numbers beginning with 212-540-XXXX or 212-242-XXXX, please answer.
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All calls are confidential and private and are meant to stop the spread of the virus.
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More information
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COVID-19 Information (NYC.gov)
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COVID-19 Information (CDC)
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Test and Trace (NYC Health + Hospitals)
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Resources for Immigrants
We are providing some links below to resources that may help you and provide some relief in this time of uncertainty:
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Free meals: maps.nyc.gov/foodhelp/#map-page
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SNAP (Food Stamps): otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#snap
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Housing/Eviction: www1.nyc.gov/content/tenantprotection/pages/contact-us
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Medicare or Medicaid: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
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Mental health resources: nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en
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Cash assistance for undocumented immigrants:
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Unemployment benefits: my.ny.gov
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Please call us at (718) 545-4040 or email us at info@cianainc.org and we will do our best to assist you and to address any questions or concerns you have.
We are thinking of you and hoping that you and your family stay safe and healthy.
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Read recent blog posts about COVID safety, vaccines, and recovery programs for immigrants below: