Mobile COVID-19 Testing in New Orleans

Mobile Covid-19 testing sites are being made available to residents of New Orleans over the coming weeks.

The mobile campaign, which is being conducted by LCMC Health, the New Orleans Health Department, and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), will bring walk-up testing to neighborhoods that have been heavily affected by COVID-19. The goal of the campaign is to identify early cases. The sites will be selected to provide testing outreach to communities that may have had limited access to drive-up testing. Results are expected to be online or delivered within two to three days.

Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Recently exposed to COVID-19, or
• Recently had symptoms of the virus

See the link below to find all upcoming dates and locations where Mobile COVID-19 testing will be made available.
 
https://ready.nola.gov/mobile-testing/

The City of New Orleans is offering a weekly digest of key news items provided by the Mayor's Office of Communications and NOLA Ready as a way to remind residents of the actions, resources and other news they can use for reference, with a focus on the City's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

News can also be found at ready.nola.gov/incident, or nola.gov/news. You can also sign up to receive news releases here.
[WATCH: April 9 news conference]

These are the week's top headlines, in reverse chronological order:

COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Assistance is Available for Self-Employed (April 9)

The City of New Orleans Office of Workforce Development reminds residents that if they have filed for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and were denied benefits by the State due to being self-employed or a 1099 employee and checked the box on the application that states "unemployed due to COVID-19," they are automatically placed on the pandemic unemployment assistance list to receive the $600 weekly.
Read more here.

RTA to Suspend Overnight Transit Service Hours Effective Sunday, April 12 (April 9)

On Sunday, April 12, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will suspend overnight service on most bus and streetcar routes between the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The service hour reductions are being implemented as the agency experiences a decrease in ridership overnight and as a continued effort to minimize risks of exposure to riders and operators.
Read more here.

Mayor's Office, New Orleans Health Department Partner with City Council on 'Sew Dat' for Cloth Face Coverings (April 9)

The New Orleans City Council has partnered with the Mayor's Office and the City's Department of Health to launch a centralized website for resources and donations for cloth face coverings called "SewDat."
Read more here.

City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation Issues Ordinance Reminders During COVID-19 Stay Home Mandate (April 9)

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reminds residents and businesses in Orleans Parish to continue to adhere to City sanitation ordinances, particularly as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read more here.

City of New Orleans Offers Guidelines for Coroners, Funeral Homes, Burials (April 7)

The City of New Orleans has shared a set of guidelines to aid in the management, preparation and burial of the deceased residents due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read more here.

City Reminds Residents of Upcoming Recycling Drop-Off Event Day Cancellations (April 7)

The City Of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reminds residents of upcoming event cancellations at the Recycling Drop-Off Center, 2829 Elysian Fields Ave., due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The following Recycling Drop-Off Events have been cancelled: 

• This Saturday: April 11, 2020
• Saturday, April 25, 2020
• Saturday, May 9, 2020 (Household Materials Collection Day)

Read more here.

Chromebook Distribution & Free LYFT Rides To and From Food Distribution Sites Starting Today; OneApp Round 2 Now Open (April 6)

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) procured 10,000 Chromebooks and nearly 8,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in an effort to improved distanced learning for NOLA-PS students in need. NOLA-PS announced LYFT has donated $5,000 in free rides to and from Food Distribution Sites in Orleans Parish starting April 6. Round 2 of OneApp is now open. K-12 families still seeking a new school for next year who did not receive a match may participate in the second round of OneApp.
Read more here.

COVID-19 Medical Monitoring Station, Patient Housing Units to Open at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (April 6)

In preparation for the surge of COVID-19 cases and in an effort to lessen the strain on hospitals in the New Orleans region, the State of Louisiana has established a medical monitoring station in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, which will open to patients today. Walk-up admission is not accepted at either the medical monitoring station or the personal housing units. All patients will be transferred directly from Region 1 hospitals.
Convention Center Boulevard will be closed to traffic from Calliope to Henderson streets while the facilities are open.
Read more here.

To stay connected throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and receive key up-to-date information, residents are encouraged to do the following: 


NOLA Ready
Follow @nolaready on all social media platforms.
Text COVIDNOLA to 888777.


City of New Orleans
Follow Official accounts of @mayorcantrell or @CityofNOLA on all social media platforms.

City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation Issues Ordinance Reminders During COVID-19 Stay Home Mandate
​
The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reminds residents and businesses in Orleans Parish to continue to adhere to City sanitation ordinances, particularly as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Reminders for residents and businesses are as follows:

Trash Collection

• Garbage must be placed curbside in containers with tight-fitting lids or in thick garbage bags that are properly secured in front of property locations.
• Persons are not to place residential or commercial garbage in public litter cans  
• Containers must not block vehicular or pedestrian rights of ways   .
• Containers must be removed from the public rights of way after collections and stored on the user’s property

This is especially important as related to any business which has suspended its operations. Garbage and recycling containers left curbside obstruct the public rights of way and are often used by persons passing by and result in overflows.

Only properties with four units or less are eligible for collection by the City. This does NOT include hotels, restaurants or bars or properties which generate more than 35 gallons of solid waste at each scheduled collection in the French Quarter/Downtown Development District (FQ/DDD) or more than 95 gallons at each twice a week collection, outside of the FQ/DDD.

Bulky Waste Collection
Only those residential properties that are eligible for garbage collection by the City are also eligible for bulky waste collection. Commercial properties and other residential properties must make private arrangements for the collection and disposal of bulky waste. For more information on proper disposal of and what constitutes bulky waste residents can visit the City’s Department of Sanitation page by clicking here or by calling 311 for more info.

Business Sanitation
Private arrangements must be made to store and contain debris from construction projects. Construction debris must not block the public rights of way. Permanent dumpsters must also be screened from public view. Items and liquids are not to be blown into or poured down storm drains. More information about proper business sanitation practices can be found on the City’s Department of Sanitation page by clicking here.

Neutral Grounds & Public Right of Ways                                                
Signs must not be placed on neutral grounds, utility poles, City facilities, bridges or between the sidewalk and the curb on public rights of way, unless specifically allowed under Section 134 of the City Code. And as a reminder residents and businesses should not litter. Property owners are responsible for the removal of garbage, trash, litter, grass cuttings or leaves on their premises, including the area extending 18 inches from the curb into the street.

Generally, summons or citations may be issued for sanitation violations. For more information, visit nola.gov/sanitation or call 311.

City of New Orleans Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing 

In order to train staff members on new testing kits, the drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at UNO Lakefront Arena will open at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 9, instead of the usual 8 a.m. opening time. Testing will be open until 4 p.m. or until the maximum of 250 tests is met. Testing criteria remains the same: individuals 18 year of age or older who arrive in a motor vehicle and who are symptomatic (combination of a fever and cough or shortness of breath).

City of New Orleans Encourages Small Businesses to Use New Paycheck Protection Program Application

The Small Business Administration and the Department of Treasury have announced that they have initiated a mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with the assistance they need. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, veterans organizations, and tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

For more detailed Paycheck Protection Program information, follow the links below through the City’s NOLA Ready site:

• Download a top-line overview of the program
• If you’re a lender, download more information
• If you’re a borrower, download more information
• Download the application for borrowers

Loan Terms & Conditions

• Eligible Entities: All businesses, including non-profits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors, with 500 or fewer employees, or no greater than the number of employees set by the SBA as the size standard for certain industries
• Maximum loan amount up to $10 million
• Loan forgiveness if proceeds used for payroll costs and other designated business operating expenses in the 8 weeks following the date of loan origination (due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs)
• All loans under this program will have the following identical features:
  • Interest rate of 1%
  • Maturity of 2 years
  • First payment deferred for six months
  • 100% guarantee by SBA
  • No collateral
  • No personal guarantees
  • No borrower or lender fees payable to SBA

Businesses are encouraged to visit the Small Business Administration's site to read more about the program or for assistance.

2020 Census
​
The 2020 Census is here.. It's truly important that the government get an accurate count – many different funding projects depend on the numbers in various regions. Responses can be made online at my2020census.gov, over the phone, or through the mail.

New Orleans Recycling Drop-Off Event Day Cancellations

The City Of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reminded residents of upcoming event cancellations at the Recycling Drop-Off Center, 2829 Elysian Fields Ave., during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The following Recycling Drop-Off Events have been cancelled:

Tomorrow: Saturday, March 28, 2020
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Saturday, April 25, 2020

For up-to-date information visit the City's Sanitation website or call 311.

City curb-side recycling services in Orleans Parish will continue as normal. Properties with four units or less, which are eligible for garbage collection by the City, are encouraged to call 311 to register for free curbside recycling or visit the City's Sanitation website for more information. ​

COVID-19 Update - Additional Resources from the office of Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso III, District A.

Additional Resources are below. Also, ready.nola.gov is updated regularly and contains a plethora of useful information. It takes all of us to flatten the curve.

Internet Options for K-12 Students, Other Vulnerable Residents
Residents who do not currently have access to the internet at home may be eligible for new low-cost programs from AT&T and Cox. 

Access from AT&T:
AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying households for as low as $5/month through the Access from AT&T program. They have expanded eligibility to Access from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, new customers will receive their first two months free. There are no contracts, no termination fees, no equipment costs and no installation fees. Equipment will be shipped directly to the customer for home installation with phone support. For more information or to sign up for services visit: https://m.att.com/shopmobile/internet/access/index.html

Cox Connect2Compete:
Cox is now offering its low-cost internet service, Connect2Compete, free for 30 days for eligible customers including premium remote desktop support. They have expanded eligibility to Connect2Compete to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and current K-12 families without home internet service. After the free period, Connect2Compete is $9.95 a month. There are no contracts, no termination fees, no equipment costs and no installation fees. Equipment will be shipped directly to the customer for home installation with phone support. For more information or to sign up for services visit: www.Cox.com/connect2compete 

Citywide Feeding Program - Condensed Schedule: 
This Week: 

• Meals for both Thursday and Friday will be served on Thursday, March 26 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
• Community Feeding Sites will NOT be open on Friday, March 27. 

 
 Next Week and Moving Forward:   

• Starting on Monday, March 30 – every Monday, meals will be provided for two days. 
• Every Wednesday, meals will be provided for three days.
• Moving forward Community Feeding sites will NOT be open on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.
• Service Hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Families wishing to access information on child nutrition resources should visit the District’s webpage at https://nolapublicschools.com/covid19/nutrition. This webpage has the most up-to-date listing of where food services are available.   

COVID-19 update from the office of Councilmember Giarrusso

Below is some detailed information from the office of Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso III, District A as of 3/24/20.

‘Stay at home’
Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a “Stay Home” order, which mandates all residents stay in their homes except for essential needs, such as groceries, medicine, and health emergencies. “Essential” personnel are allowed to report to work. Click here to understand what classifies as an “essential activity” and “essential personnel.”  

Personal recreation is allowed, if the 6-foot distance rule is followed. Avoid close contact with others. Basketball courts, tennis courts, recreation programs, swimming pools, and playgrounds are closed until further notice; This includes NORD as well as those at Audubon Park, City Park, and New Orleans Lawn and Tennis Club. The Fly and sections of Lakeshore Drive have also been closed off to the public. NORD, City Park and Audubon green spaces remain open -  please adhere to social distancing. 

To report large gatherings or business operators in violation of the new regulations, call 311 or email my office (all office contacts listed at the end of this email).

COVID-19 testing
The City has established 3 drive-through COVID-19 testing sites. You must arrive in a vehicle; pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed. You must be 18 years or older, and must be symptomatic; non-symptomatic people will be turned away. You do not need medical insurance to be tested.

Testing locations:

1. Mahalia Jackson Theater parking lot: 1419 Basin St.
2. University of new Orleans Lakefront Arena parking lot: 6801 Franklin Ave.
3. Alario Center on the Westbank: 2000 Segnette Blvd., Westwego, LA

Private clinics also offer testing. Each clinic has their own requirements for testing. Please call ahead to make sure you qualify for testing at a clinic. View a list of clinics here.

COVID-19 dashboard
City Council is tracking COVID-19 cases throughout Louisiana and New Orleans. This dashboard is updated twice daily using Department of Health data. You can view the number of cases within Orleans Parish, as well as the change over 24 hours. View the tracker on City Council’s website.

Support local eateries
Many local restaurants are offering take-out and delivery. If you can, please consider supporting our neighborhood eateries. Councilmember Helena Moreno’s office has compiled a list of open eateries and their contact information. View that list here.

Please keep in mind that bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, entertainment venues, and gyms are all closed. We encourage people to consider delivery and pick-up options for groceries, to limit physical contact that could spread the virus.

Utilities
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) suspended water shut-offs throughout the duration of the Mayor’s emergency declaration. SWBNO is also working to restore water to customers during this time. You should still call 52-WATER for emergencies.

Entergy halted customer disconnections due to the coronavirus for the next 30 days. Customers should call 800-368-3749 or visit their website for more information.

Verizon, Cox, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Century Link are also halting disconnections during this pandemic. All have vowed to waive late fees for those affected, as well.

Food & Hygiene
There are several resources for those needing food and hygiene supplies during the time. Seniors who need access to food should call 311, which is coordinating with other local agencies.

Drive-up food pantries for Hospitality & Gig Economy workers:

• Tuesday March 24th, Paul Habans Charter School at 3501 Seine St from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
• Thursday March 26, Holy Angels at 3500 St. Claude Avenue from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
• Friday March 27, Holy Angels at 3500 St. Claude Avenue from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m

Second Harvest Food Bank:
Second Harvest Food Bank will work to provide food assistance to residents of New Orleans who are experiencing food insecurity due to COVID-19.Residents can also call 2-1-1 and ask about “emergency food assistance” to receive more information, find out where a food pantry may be located in their community, and sign up for services.
Nola Tree Project Meal distribution:
NOLA Tree Project will be distributing hot meals from Second Harvest every weekday from 3pm-5pm. These meals are drive-through only. Pick-up at NOLA Tree Project headquarters: 1509 Filmore Ave.
NORD After School Meals:
NORD, in partnership with Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry Louisiana, is offering hot meals from 4pm-6pm at all of our rec centers except Annunciation Rec Center. View all locations here.Total Community Action food pantry:
TCA Food Pantry, located at 4518 Thalia Street, will offer supplemental food assistance to families daily between the hours of 8am-5pm. During the emergency declaration all families are eligible and encouraged to participate in the supplemental food distribution.
Meal services for the homeless:
Some changes have been made to the normal meal service locations for homeless residents. See locations here.
Junior League Diaper Bank:
The Junior League of New Orleans is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute diapers throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Please visit one of these distribution sites if you are in need of diapers or period products. Click here to view all 8 locations.

Housing:
Residential evictions have been suspended through April 24, with further orders to follow.
The Mayor’s Office of Community Development has partnered with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, Total Community Action, and New Orleans Family Justice Alliance to provide immediate financial and legal rent and mortgage help. Contact the Office of Community Development at 504-658-4200 for assistance.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provides free, civil legal aid to low-income people. You can receive assistance for landlord-tenant issues and more. Visitslls.org or call 504-529-100 for more information.
Clients and individuals in need of legal assistance or self-help can also reachThe Pro Bono Project at 504-581-4043. Email for clients is intake@probono-no.org and for self-represented litigants (i.e., self help) selfhelp@probono-no.org.

Unemployment insurance
The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) has released information for workers in Louisiana who have been impacted by COVID-19. Those who are eligible to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits will also qualify for SNAP benefits.
As a worker, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance if: 

• Your work hours have been reduced because of lack of work due to Coronavirus.
• Your workplace closes temporarily, and you are not being compensated.
• You have been instructed not to go to work, and you are not being paid while at home.

If any of these situations apply to you, you can file a claim for unemployment insurance by visiting www.louisianaworks.net/hire or calling 866-783-5567. Be sure to answer “yes” to the question, “Are you filing for Unemployment Insurance benefits for reasons related to COVID-19 ?” This will provide needed information to the LWC to help process your claim.
The New Orleans Business Alliance has launched a relief fund to meet the needs of gig economy workers who have been directly impacted via loss of income. Learn more and apply here.
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Entergy, and the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation have launched the Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund to provide crisis grants to hospitality workers affected by COVID19. You can apply for a crisis grant here.
Catholic Charities can assist you with completing:

• SNAP Application/Re-certification
• Medicaid Application
• Benefit Enrollment Checkup

For assistance, with enrollment, please contact: Mary Smith Office (504) 861-6360 or click here.

Assistance for Businesses
The City is encouraging all employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees, if possible.
Small Business Administration:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster in the state of Louisiana and made Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to small businesses (including sole proprietors) and nonprofits. Impacted small businesses may apply for up to $2 million in working capital to pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the COVID-19 disaster. Loan terms (3.75 percent interest rate for small businesses; 2.75 percent for nonprofits) may be extended up to 30 years to keep payments affordable. Start an SBA loan application here.
Revenue & tax extensions:
The City of New Orleans announced on March 17, 2020 it is waiving fines, fees, interest and penalties on sales tax payments due to the City for 60 days. In addition, the City will extend the renewal period for ABOs up to 30 days without penalty.
The Department of Revenue for the State of Louisiana has delayed collections of February 2020 sales tax returns and payments to May 20, 2020 and will waive delinquency penalties and interest until that date.
Unemployment Insurance:
If you are temporarily closing or reducing your hours of operations due to COVID-19, please contact the LWC to discuss how they can provide assistance and answer your questions about unemployment insurance and other programs and resources available.
Contact LWC at EmployerServices@lwc.la.gov with your unemployment insurance questions. Be sure to provide your company’s name, a point of contact, telephone number and email address, as well as specifics on the assistance you are requesting.

Mental health services
If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, fear and anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding this public health emergency, there is a special Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline you can call. This connects you to trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and who can direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services. All calls are confidential: 1-866-310-7977.
Center for Hope will be offering free Telehealth services for those that might be experiencing stress and anxiety at this time. Call (504) 241-6006.
If you or a loved one are feeling overwhelmed by this emergency, please get assistance from SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response (STAR) has a 24/7 hotline, dedicated to sexual assault and emergency assistance. Call 855-435-STAR.

Donations & volunteers
Community organizations and philanthropic partners are stepping up to help our neighbors during this time. The following community partners are accepting both monetary donations and volunteers.
Greater New Orleans Foundation:
The Greater New Orleans Foundation has activated its Response and Restoration Fund in response to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. The Response and Restoration Fund supports a network of voluntary and community organizations taking care of our elderly, the homeless, and low-wage workers who are made more vulnerable by this pandemic. 
Second Harvest Food Bank:
Second Harvest is welcoming donations of fresh produce and non-perishable food items, as well as donations of cleaning supplies, soap, and hand sanitizer. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday, 7:30a.m-5pm at the Elmwood location: 700 Edwards Ave.
New Orleans Council on Aging:
The New Orleans Council on Aging is taking financial donations to support seniors through its Meals on Wheels program and other services. With elderly community members at high risk from COVID19, please consider giving generously to the Council on Aging so that they can continue to provide critical services.
Supplies for Saints:
Supplies for Saints is a New Orleans organization supporting our healthcare workers who are on the front lines of COVID-19. Supply for Saints is connecting local hospitals in need of medical masks, gowns, and gloves, with providers who are able to donate. If you have new and unused medical masks, gowns, and gloves please contact Supply for Saints as they are urgently needed.
Junior League Diaper Bank:
The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) founded its Diaper Bank in 2014 to help families from the bottom up.  JLNO buys diapers at a highly discounted rate, provides volunteer support for sorting, packing, and distributing diapers. You can also purchase through Amazon Wishlist.
Medical & behavioral health volunteers:
The City is building a network of volunteers to support public health and medical efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Volunteers may be used for a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks under the direction of the New Orleans Health Department and the State of Louisiana Department of Health. You can register to volunteer here.
Hands On New Orleans:
Hands On New Orleans' mission is to engage, empower and transform our community through volunteer engagement, community revitalization and disaster response programs. There are many ways to volunteer, both virtually and in person. Learn more here.

City Hall resources:
Though visitors are limited at City Hall, all departments are reporting for work; some are working from home, as required by their directors. Staff are checking temperatures when you enter the building, and anyone with a fever of 100 degrees or higher will be sent away.
My office is still responding to your questions and concerns. We are working with the proper departments to fix streetlights, service cuts, and other quality of life issues. Remember, you should still call 311 for non-emergency City work.