Below is a list of things that can be done to help amidst this pandemic.  Above all, please stay safe, if you can, stay home, and stay healthy. You may not have symptoms but may be carrying so limit social contact.  Just because you are healthy does not mean you might not give the virus to someone who could become quite ill or die. Think of others as much as thinking of yourself. We need to flatten the curve to ensure enough medical care, not only for the pandemic but for other critical medical incidents.

• Delaware County Resources and Information

• Otsego County Resources and Information

• Sullivan County Resources and Information

• Ulster County Resources and Information

I. Children and Families

In many of our school districts, 70% of the children depend on food services.

1. Kingston City Schools:  Follow Facebook and www.kingstoncityschools.org for updates. KCSD is providing our families with free to-go breakfast and lunch Mondays-Fridays from 11am-1pm at John F. Kennedy & George Washington Elementary Schools and J. Watson Bailey Middle School. Please choose the location that is most convenient for your family.  You may walk-up or “drive-through” to pick up meals.
2. Spectrum is offering free service to students for online learning during the school closure.  Call 1-844-488-8398
3. Donate to a Local Food Bank:  Donate or volunteer at People’s Place. Call 845-338-3040.
4. General resources for parents: https://tinyurl.com/r885x86
5. Sanctuary for Families (help for domestic violence, gender-based violence): https://sanctuaryforfamilies.org/safety-planning-covid19/
6. Family style meals provided by Port Ewen Food Pantry, Esopus United Methodist Church, 845-338-0356.
7. Domestic Violence Services:

• • • In New York, domestic violence shelters are considered essential services. To find a shelter in Ulster County: Family of Woodstock Inc. (845) 679-2485 – Provides both residential and non-residential domestic violence services. OCFS Licensed and Approved.
    • You can call the 24-hour New York State Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906, or 711 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
    • You can also live chat 24 hours a day online with the National Domestic Violence Hotline — it’s a safe, private, and secure option if a phone call isn’t available.
    • Obtaining a legal protection order is an essential service — you can file an order online or over the phone with the help of a domestic violence advocate. Call the 24-hour hotlines above to get assistance.
    • If you need help, don’t wait: Call the 24-hour New York State Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906, or 711if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

II. Seniors

While we are “social distancing,” it is critical that we find ways to reach out to others and support each other.  This is especially important for the elders in our community and people with underlying health issues who may need some additional support getting food or medicines.  Here are some options:   

• Call seniors in our community.  Take the time to connect, check in, ask questions!  Learn something new about their life. We have an opportunity to gain something very special from this time.  Ask them if they want regular contact and check in.  
•  Assist with getting things:  Some seniors may need food from the outside world.  Let them know if you can help or call when they need it.  Some options for this:
• Shop at the local store and deliver to their doorstep.
• Assist with placing an order online. 
• Inform them of early shopping:  ShopRite has early hours (from 6 a.m. until 7 a.m ) exclusively for seniors to shop; Adams has exclusive shopping for seniors (60+) and high-risk people from 7 am to 8 am.
• Cook for them and deliver to their doorstep.
• Regular Check In:  Ask seniors and other singles if they want regular contact and check in. 
• Nursing homes and senior residences: Our group residences for seniors and vulnerable people are no longer allowing visitors. If they don’t already have Zoom, Facetime, Skype or other communication platforms in place, encourage the staff to set that up. If needed, offer your technological skills to people and places that are shut off from their loved ones. Reach out by phone or video calls to people in need of connection.

III. Covid-19 Mobile Testing Site

ONLY for pre-screened people who meet ALL following criteria:

1. You called your doctor’s office and had a consultation. 
2. Your doctor determines you meet the criteria for a test and orders a test.
3. You have a scheduled appointment at the collection site

To schedule an appointment (if you have a doctor’s order): 845-443-8888.

To connect with a primary physician in Nuvance’s Health Network to get an order for a test: 888-525-4767.

Hours: Mon-Sat from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at 300 Enterprise Drive, Kingston

This is an evolving situation, continue to follow: https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/

IV. Our Economy and Small Businesses 

The impact on the economy, nationally and locally, will be devastating and the actual fallout is still far from known.  This impacts those most vulnerable through jobs and income, many of which are supported by local businesses. While we can no longer shop or go out to dinner, consider your “holiday shopping” now:   

1. Shop online and snap up some local gift certificates or holiday gifts.  
2. Buy gift certificates for a good meal out when we can return to restaurants.
3. Get takeout or delivery.
4. Order treats to be shipped to people living at a distance.
5. Support for Freelancers: https://beahivebzzz.com/blog/2020/03/support-for-ny-freelancers-entrepreneurs-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/ 
6. Businesses who can produce/sell medical equipment to NYS: Call 518-491-9510 or email norman.birenbaum@exc.ny.gov 

 Thanks to Nejla Lilas, Christine Dinsmore, and Maxine Kamin for contributing to this list.