COVID-19 Information & Resources
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: pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov
- 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 Provides Update On COVID-19: 4,614 Patients Hospitalized And 945 Patients In The Intensive Care Unit
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., January 18, that there were 4,045 additional positive cases of COVID-19, in addition to 6,023 new cases reported Sunday, January 17 for a two-day total of 10,068 additional...
Department Of Health Provides Update On COVID-19: 4,848 Patients Hospitalized And 1,010 Patients In The Intensive Care Unit
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., January 16, that there were 7,166 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 761,777. There are 4,848 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, near...
Department Of Health Highlights December 2020 Nursing Home Inspection, Sanction Information Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
In the December 2020 report, Pennsylvania Department of Health nursing home surveyors conducted 624 inspections, including 394 complaint investigations, of 400 unique nursing homes. Of these, 249 were COVID-19-specific investigations. One sanction was...
Gov. Wolf: $2.2 Billion in COVID-19 Funds Help K-12 Schools Improve Services to Students
Governor Tom Wolf is dedicating $2.2 billion in federal stimulus funds to K-12 school districts and charter schools affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to support food programs, technological improvements and other education services. “All schools have been affected by...
Department Of Health Provides Update On COVID-19: 4,980 Patients Hospitalized And 1,013 Patients In The Intensive Care Unit
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., January 15, that there were 6,047 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 754,611. There are 4,980 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, near...
Department Of Health Announces Week-Seven Of Regional Testing Extension Across The Commonwealth
Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced beginning Wednesday, January 20, regional drive-thru and indoor walk-in testing clinics will be held in Adams, Carbon, McKean, Snyder, and Washington counties. The counties with testing sites...
Gov. Wolf, Democratic Leaders Urge Legislature to Act Now to Allocate $145 Million in Financial Support to Businesses Adversely Affected by COVID-19
Governor Tom Wolf today urged the General Assembly to act now to allocate $145 million that is available now to provide much needed support to Pennsylvania businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Governor Wolf,...
Department Of Health Provides Update On COVID-19: 5,069 Patients Hospitalized And 1,035 Patients In The Intensive Care Unit
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., January 14, that there were 7,175 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 748,564. There are 5,069 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, near...
Pennsylvania Allows Pharmacies To Administer COVID-19 Vaccine, Bolstering Fight To Stop The Virus
Harrisburg, PA – As part of the Wolf Administration's effort to rollout the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Tom Wolf has approved a temporary waiver allowing pharmacists licensed by the Department of State to order and administer COVID-19...
First Lady Frances Wolf Announces Statewide Virtual Photo Exhibit to Document Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Experience
First Lady Frances Wolf announced One Lens: Sharing Our Common Views, a statewide virtual photo exhibit she is launching to document the story of Pennsylvania throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibit...
Department Of Health Provides Update On COVID-19: 5,204 Patients Hospitalized And 1,060 Patients In The Intensive Care Unit
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., January 13, that there were 7,960 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 741,389. There are 5,204 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19,...
Department Of Agriculture Releases COVID-19 Restaurant Enforcement Actions, January 4 – January 10
Harrisburg, PA - The Department of Agriculture today released data related to COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions from January 4, 2021 through January 10, 2021. The information is specific to COVID-19 mitigation requirements for restaurants, including masking...
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: pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov
- 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; Dave@LUnited.org or info@LUnited.org | ● 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; sam@bloomfieldpgh.org | ● 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: tthompson@Circlespgh.org
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. |