Welcome to LESReady!

LESReady! is a coalition of community groups and institutions based on the Lower East Side that cooperatively coordinate our response, resources, preparedness planning and training in response to Hurricane Sandy and in the event of future disasters. Our work focuses on Manhattan’s Community Board Three area and the immediately adjacent neighborhoods that our groups may serve.

Latest Info on COVID-19 (*as of March 17*)

To report cases of COVID-19: Call 311
NYS Dept. of Health’s toll-free COVID-19 hotline: 1-888-364-3065
To report racism related to COVID-19: Call 311 and ask for Human Rights.

NYC Text Alerts
English: Text COVID to 692-692
Español: Texto con COVIDESP al 692-692

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly changing situation. We urge you to refer to the following resources for ongoing, frequently updated information:

Local resources include:

For non-profits and human services providers:

NYC Updates as of Week of March 16:

  • All NYC public schools are closed until April 20th. Remote learning will take place beginning the week of March 23rd. Grab-and-go meals for students are available for pick-up at your nearest school — you do not need to go to the school you actually attend.
  • All households with school-age or college-age children, without a current Wi-Fi service, are eligible for free 60-day broadband services. Call 1-844-488-8395 for more information.
  • All food banks and soup kitchens in Council District 2 are still operating at time of writing. For a list of food resources in NYC, click here.
  • Commercial establishments with a capacity of 500 people are required to limit occupancy to 50% or fewer.
  • Small businesses in NYC negatively impacted by the coronavirus may be eligible for financial assistance. Call 311 or click here for more info.
  • Evictions are suspended indefinitely and Housing Court is closed indefinitely, except for emergency cases. People with emergencies should call the hotline: 212-962-4795.
  • Residents of NYC, Westchester, and Long Island impacted financially by the crisis may be eligible for a no-interest loan from the Hebrew Free Loan Society Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan Program.

For information specific to you or your organization, visit these useful links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  1. Communities, Schools and Businesses
  2. Healthcare Professionals
  3. Health Departments
  4. Travel
  5. Laboratories

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, about COVID-19, click here. For general information on prevention and treatment, scroll down.

What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.  

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.  Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. 

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: 

  • Stay home if you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing — do not use your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
  • Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.
  • If you have family or friends who are elderly, have compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory or coronary issues, do not visit them if you feel sick. Stay home and keep your loved ones safe.
  • Consider telecommuting, biking or walking to work if possible.
  • Consider staggering working hours. For example, instead of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., change some work hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfecting wipes.
  • Get your flu shot. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

People who think they may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

See Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for information on patients under investigation.

Resources & News