COVID-19 Information & Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall
State Senators Lindsey Williams and Judy Schwank joined State Representatives Joanna McClinton and Sara Innamorato for a telephone town hall hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) to discuss COVID-19 legislation.
Senator Lindsey Williams Hosted a Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19
Department of Health Resources
LIVE daily briefings from the PA Department of Health:
pacast.com/live/doh or www.governor.pa.gov/live/ or watch on Facebook
COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation statewide and in Allegheny County. Below, please find links to local, regional and state sites that can help you navigate health recommendations, closures, and resources.
Economic Assistance:
- Information for PA Employees Impacted by COVID-19
- U.S. Small Business Administration: COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- Hebrew Free Loan Association’s Coronavirus Financial Bridge Loan Program
- Business Resources from the PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development
- Emergency assistance to service industry employees who are parents
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- PA Chamber of Commerce
- Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan
- Pittsburgh Foundation: Emergency Action Fund
- COVID-19 Unemployment Compensation Guidance & Resources
- The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (resources, technical assistance, and webinars)
Federal Information
- FAQ – Federal Stimulus Package (U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb)
- Federal Resources (U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle)
- Emergency Family & Medical Leave Expansion Act and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (U.S. Dept. of Labor)
- IRS Information
- CDC
- CDC Coronavirus Self Checker Tool (click on the orange self-checker box in the lower right hand corner of the page)
- U.S. Treasury Department (Paycheck Protection Program and other resources for small businesses)
- U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship – The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
- How to make a homemade mask
Seniors
- COVID-19 Resource Guide for Older Pennsylvanians (PA Department of Aging)
- Call the Allegheny County SeniorLine at 412-350-5460 for information on services and assistance for seniors
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) Program can help older adult enrollees with prescription refill extensions
- Pittsburgh Senior News
State Information
- Apply for a mail in ballot for the April 28 primary
- PA 211
- COVID-19 & the Census
- Covid-19 Community Preparedness and Procedures Materials
- PA Government general guidance and information
- Guidance for Pet Owners
- Child Care Centers for Life-Sustaining Workers
- PA Department of Revenue Online Customer Service Center
- PennDOT Services (Drivers Licenses, Real ID Extension, etc…)
- Consumer Protection Alerts (PA Attorney General)
- PA Higher Education Assistance Agency COVID-19 Information
- Mental Health Support & Referral Helpline: 1-855-284-2494 (for TTY, dial 724-631-5600)
- Report price gouging to PA Attorney General’s Office: [email protected]
- Unemployment Rights and Resources (PA Attorney General)
Regional Information
- Allegheny County Department of Health (24/7 hotline with United Way: 1-888-856-2774)
- Responding to COVID-19 Rumors (Allegheny County)
- Port Authority
- Pittsburgh International Airport
- Allegheny Conference of Community Development
Education Resources
- Allegheny County Intermediate Unit
- Free active learning platform for children at home
- School Guidance/Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Social Services
Latest News
Department Of Health: Over 9.3 Million Vaccinations To Date, 52.7% Of Entire Population Received First Dose, 45.6% Of Pennsylvanians Age 18 And Older Fully Vaccinated, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 11, there were 2,385 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,177,072. There are 1,798 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that...
Wolf Administration to Increase Indoor and Outdoor Events and Gatherings Maximum Capacity on May 17
The Wolf Administration today announced that event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17 at 12:01 AM. “As more Pennsylvania...
Department Of Health Notes One More Step Required Before Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Approved For Use In 12-15 Year Olds
Harrisburg, PA - The Department of Health today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for taking the next step to make Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine available to 12- to 15-year-olds, but noted one more important step is needed before vaccinations can...
Department Of Health: Over 9.2 Million Vaccinations To Date, 52.6% Of Entire Population Received First Dose, 45.3% Of Pennsylvanians Age 18 And Older Fully Vaccinated, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 10, there were 1,023 additional positive cases of COVID-19, in addition to 1,376 new cases reported Sunday, May 9, for a two-day total of 2,399 additional positive cases...
Department Of Health: Over 9.1 Million Vaccinations To Date, 51.9% Of Entire Population Received First Dose, 44.1% Of Pennsylvanians Age 18 And Older Fully Vaccinated, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 8, there were 2,610 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,172,288. There are 2,012 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that...
Department Of Health Announces Free COVID-19 Testing Site In Pike County
Harrisburg, PA - The Department of Health today announced that a long-term outdoor drive-thru COVID-19 testing site will open to the public in Pike County at the Pike County Pennsylvania Welcome Center. The site is available through a partnership with AMI...
Department Of Health: Over 8.9 Million Vaccinations To Date, 51.6% Of Entire Population Received First Dose, 43.4% Of Pennsylvanians Age 18 And Older Fully Vaccinated, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 7, there were 2,986 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,169,678. Please note, one lab is still getting caught up with backlogged data...
Department Of Health: Over 8.9 Million Vaccinations To Date, 51.2% Of Entire Population Received First Dose, 42.7% Of Pennsylvanians Age 18 And Older Fully Vaccinated, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 6, there were 2,476 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,166,692. Please note, one lab is still getting caught up with backlogged data...
Department Of Health: Over 8.8 Million Vaccinations To Date, 50.9% Of Entire Population Received First Dose, 42.2% Of Pennsylvanians Age 18 And Older Fully Vaccinated, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 5, there were 2,597 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,164,216 There are 2,172 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that...
Wolf Administration and Rite Aid Partner to Ease COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
Governor Tom Wolf today announced a partnership with Pennsylvania-based Rite Aid Pharmacy to ease access to COVID-19 vaccinations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “All Pennsylvanians are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, but we...
Wolf Administration to Lift Mitigation Orders On Memorial Day, Masking Order Once 70% Of Pennsylvania Adults Fully Vaccinated
Harrisburg, PA - The Wolf administration, in coordination with the COVID-19 Vaccine Joint Task Force, announced today that mitigation orders except masking will be lifted on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 at 12:01 AM. The current order requiring...
Department Of Health: Over 8.7 Million Vaccinations To Date, First Doses Of Vaccine To 50.6% Of Population, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States For First Dose Vaccinations
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., May 3, there were 3,133 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,161,619. There are 2,151 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that...
Resources
Economic Assistance:
- Information for PA Employees Impacted by COVID-19
- U.S. Small Business Administration: COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- Hebrew Free Loan Association’s Coronavirus Financial Bridge Loan Program
- Business Resources from the PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development
- Emergency assistance to service industry employees who are parents
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- PA Chamber of Commerce
- Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan
- Pittsburgh Foundation: Emergency Action Fund
- COVID-19 Unemployment Compensation Guidance & Resources
- The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (resources, technical assistance, and webinars)
Federal Information
- FAQ – Federal Stimulus Package (U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb)
- Federal Resources (U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle)
- Emergency Family & Medical Leave Expansion Act and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (U.S. Dept. of Labor)
- IRS Information
- CDC
- CDC Coronavirus Self Checker Tool (click on the orange self-checker box in the lower right hand corner of the page)
- U.S. Treasury Department (Paycheck Protection Program and other resources for small businesses)
- U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship – The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
- How to make a homemade mask
Seniors
- COVID-19 Resource Guide for Older Pennsylvanians (PA Department of Aging)
- Call the Allegheny County SeniorLine at 412-350-5460 for information on services and assistance for seniors
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) Program can help older adult enrollees with prescription refill extensions
- Pittsburgh Senior News
State Information
- Apply for a mail in ballot for the April 28 primary
- PA 211
- COVID-19 & the Census
- Covid-19 Community Preparedness and Procedures Materials
- PA Government general guidance and information
- Guidance for Pet Owners
- Child Care Centers for Life-Sustaining Workers
- PA Department of Revenue Online Customer Service Center
- PennDOT Services (Drivers Licenses, Real ID Extension, etc…)
- Consumer Protection Alerts (PA Attorney General)
- PA Higher Education Assistance Agency COVID-19 Information
- Mental Health Support & Referral Helpline: 1-855-284-2494 (for TTY, dial 724-631-5600)
- Report price gouging to PA Attorney General’s Office: [email protected]
- Unemployment Rights and Resources (PA Attorney General)
Regional Information
- Allegheny County Department of Health (24/7 hotline with United Way: 1-888-856-2774)
- Responding to COVID-19 Rumors (Allegheny County)
- Port Authority
- Pittsburgh International Airport
- Allegheny Conference of Community Development
Education Resources
- Allegheny County Intermediate Unit
- Free active learning platform for children at home
- School Guidance/Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Social Services
Medical
Testing services for COVID-19
- You will need a prescription from your doctor, and some providers are able to offer services virtually/over the phone.
- If you’re going to any medical facility in person, call before you go.
- If you don’t have a fever, you’re not eligible for a screening… even if you’ve been traveling internationally, had a known exposure, etc.
- For testing:
- Allegheny County Health Department
- State Hotline for COVID-19
- No provider? Call: 1-877-PA-HEALTH
- Have clinical questions? Call: 1-877-PA-HEALTH
Insurance Questions
- All Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP recipients will have testing and treatment covered.’
- UPMC, Highmark, and Aetna will waive applicable deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing when ordered by a member’s treating medical provider.
- Uninsured: refer to Metro Health Clinic (sliding scale); iHealth Clinic in East Liberty ($35 flat fee)
Democracy:
- Absentee and Mail-in Ballots: https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx
Local Community Resources
| Community Org | Contact | Services and resources |
| Lawrenceville United | 412-802-7220; [email protected] or [email protected] | ● Lawrenceville “buddy system” for older adults or high-risk population sign-up
● Food box available for pick-up on Fridays (donations from Whole Foods Market and 412 Food Rescue)–call before noon to arrange a pickup
● Housing assistance |
| Bloomfield Development Corp. | (412) 681-8800; [email protected] | ● Assistance getting groceries or prescriptions to neighbors in need |
| Bloomfield Mutual Aid | ● Bloomfield Mutual Aid Facebook Group
|
● Providing neighbor-to-neighbor services and support |
| City of Pittsburgh – all neighborhoods | ● Pittsburgh Mutual Aid Spreadsheet | ● Providing neighbor-to-neighbor services and support |
| Sharpsburg Neighborhood Org | ● Sharpsburg Urgent Needs Assessment Survey | ● Providing neighbor-to-neighbor services and support |
| North Hills Community Outreach | (412) 408-3830 ; 412-487-6316 | ● Emergency food services |
Service Industry and Small Businesses
| Organization | Contact | Details |
| USBG Emergency Fund | https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap | Grants available for all FOH staff |
| Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) | https://coregives.org/ | Provides emergency assistance to service industry employees who are parents |
| Urban Redevelopment Authority of PIttsburgh | https://www.ura.org/news/ura-offering-resources-to-help-small-businesses-potentially-impacted-by-coronavirus | Small business resources for those impacted by COVID-19 |
| Kiva Loan | 0% interest up to $15,000 crowd-sourced loan; look | |
Childcare
| Organization | Contact | Details |
| Circles – Greater Pittsburgh | Tammy Thompson | If you need a babysitter in order to go to work, please contact Tammy Thompson via email: [email protected]
Please provide the following: 1. Number of children you need care for 2. Age of child/children 3. The hours that you need care for them 4. Name of Employer 5. Community that you live in
|
Older Adults
| Organization | Contact | Services |
| SeniorLine of Allegheny County | 412-350-5460 | SeniorLine staff members are highly-skilled care managers who will answer your questions, or help you begin the process of receiving services. |
| Meals On Wheels of Greater Pittsburgh | 412-350-5460 or 412-350-4234 (after hours, weekends and holidays). | You must first call the Allegheny County Senior Line to determine your eligibility and get your meals started. This is your single point of entry. Be prepared to complete a short assessment over the phone. |
Food/Nutrition
| Organization | Contact | Information |
| Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank | (412) 460-3663 | |
| Pittsburgh Public Schools Students | For Pittsburgh students that depend on our school breakfast & lunch program, Grab & Go meals will be available at all 54 PPS school locations from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday through Friday. Students are instructed to go to the school location closest to their home. | |
| 412 Food Rescue | 412.407.5287 | |
| Just Harvest | (9am-5pm) at (412) 431-8960 x602. | Assistance with SNAP and WIC benefit processing and applications |
College Students
| Organization | Contact | Details |
| Pitt Mutual Aid Society | Request housing, storage of belongings, etc | |
| CMU Mutual Aid | To help our students and peers cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, this form allows students to identify needs and other members of the CMU community to offer support. This is not an official CMU program — it is a mutual-aid project of CMU community members. | |
Freelance/Artists
Financial Support
| Organization | Contact | Details |
| Hebrew Free Loan Association – Pittsburgh | http://hflapgh.org/ | Providing interest-free loans for those in need of a financial “bridge” to cover lost wages, childcare costs, businesses losses, and other challenges. |
| Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HUD) | +1 877-350-4777 | The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program will provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless but for this assistance |
| Pittsburgh Presbyterian Lazarus | 412-323-1400 | Can offer at most $250 in one time assistance to help with rental evictions, pay utility bills, and even such expenses as medical bills |
| Veterans Leadership Program – Western PA | (412) 481-8200 | Administers the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Veterans and their families can receive government grants to pay rent and information on permanent housing placement. Other programs include funds for security deposits for the homeless, transportation, shelter, and more. |
Education
| Organization | Link/Contact | Details |
| Scholastic Learn-from-home | https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html | Subscriptions offering free educational programming for students home from school |
| Harm Reduction – Vital Strategies | https://www.vitalstrategies.org/resources/practicing-harm-reduction-in-the-covid-19-outbreak/ | Practicing harm reduction strategies during outbreak |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | https://www.thehotline.org/; | For any victims and survivors who need support, we are here for you, 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. |
| AA Live Phone Meetings | http://aaphonemeetings.org/ | Meetings are being held by conference call. |