The coronavirus outbreak in NYC presents dangers to our physical and mental well-being. Current evidence points to high community spread in NYC, including through people who show no symptoms. It is essential to take precautions to distance ourselves even as we take care of one another.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Older and immunocompromised people and people with disabilities are at higher risk for complications. If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for current guidance on testing for COVID-19.

If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or nearest emergency department and seek care immediately. If you don’t have health insurance, still get in touch with a medical provider; the federal government is about to make COVID-19 testing free for all.

To reduce your own risk of contracting coronavirus and spreading it to others:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick

Stay home if you’re sick; whether or not it is COVID-19, self-isolation is crucial for our community

Cover coughs and sneezes

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
 
A growing group of community members and elected public officials are adapting the principles of mutual aid to the coronavirus outbreak to build robust, grassroots support networks during these difficult times. This model connects people who need help with those who can offer it safely, efficiently, and locally. We will center the needs, leadership, and experiences of people who have developed and relied on these models for everyday life pre-COVID-19, including the immunocompromised, disabled, and elderly.
 
Here are some examples of mutual aid for the current outbreak:

Concrete information about COVID-19 best practices, based in scientific research

Gather protective supplies for volunteers and keep pulse on stores that have them

Elder care and socializing at-a-distance

If current health guidelines allow, childcare for essential workers

Grocery runs, laundry service, and prescription pick-ups for immunocompromised, disabled, and/or elderly people and their families

Mental health first aid and support

Keeping a pulse on local healthcare infrastructure

At-home activities for children

Cooking classes

Medical advocacy support

Support for people experiencing homelessness, home insecurity, and food insecurity

An advocacy corner to continue to push for justice policies now and going forward

If you are in need of or can offer any of these services, visit the webform to fill out your information at MutualAid.SenatorJackson.com or call the intake line at 929.444.7010 that is guaranteed to be staffed 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, with volunteers covering evenings and weekends when possible. You can read more at covid19.SenatorJackson.com.

The Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Ministry organizes the people of Good Shepherd in faith-rooted campaigns to win social and economic justice for the poor in our city and our world. 

We are in the process of developing our mission and vision statements, as well as a strategic plan for the activity of our ministry. Our highest priority is to promote the unity in Christ of the diverse constituencies of our parish community: Latino, black, and white; immigrant and citizen; poor and rich; young and old. As we build greater solidarity among ourselves, we will increase our capacity to bring about positive social change in our city, country, and world.

Filled with grace through the active working of the Holy Spirit, we offer a witness to the transforming power of the Gospel as we practice the justice and charity of Christ. Joyfully, we call for a conversion of the ways and means by which we build our political, social, and economic order. In everything we say and do, we will listen for the Word of God, heard in the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
 
With God's help, we will educate parishioners about issues from a perspective rooted in the Franciscan, Catholic, Christian tradition. We will organize with and for the poor who rely on the parish for material needs and spiritual uplift. We will mobilize members of the parish to bring the voice of the Catholic Church and the Franciscan movement into the public arena. We will take part in public events, including prayer vigils, assemblies, and rallies.

We invite everyone to be a part of the conversation and action!

To get involved, contact Bro. Anthony Zuba, 212-567-1300, ext. 216; 347-751-4680; anthonyzuba@gmail.com.

Below: The video features members of the Good Shepherd music ministry singing Advent hymns with Amanda Morales, an immigrant from Guatemala who took physical sanctuary at Holyrood Episcopal Church to avoid deportation and separation from her three children.