EP COVID-19 Information Hub

EP COVID-19 Information Hub

The EP COVID-19 Information Hub  has important information for parents, veterans, employers and employees. The website is updated daily. If you have information you’d like to share, click click HERE.
 

Community spreading requires even greater response

Now that the City of El Paso Health Department has confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 spread via community contact versus travel from outside, it is more important than ever to exercise preventive measures including: 

1. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Avoid close contact with those who are sick. Hand washing cannot be over-emphasized as one way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  
2. Follow Stay Home, Work Safe Order. We are so grateful for all essential workers who are serving our community in so many important ways.  If you can work from home, stay home. Practice extreme social distancing.  Follow guidance to stay at least six feet away from other people. Only travel out of your home for essential tasks.

more health & safety tips >>
 

 
Resources for Individuals, Businesses
and Nonprofit Organizations

Many businesses have been forced to shut down or scale back operations. The new CARES Act signed into law over the last week includes important provisions to help individuals and families including:

• Direct payments of $1,200 per individual and an additional $500 per child to workers earning up to $75,000 per individual and $150,000 per married couple
• Improved unemployment benefits with an additional $600 per week for the next four months 
• Loan forgiveness grants to small businesses and non-profits to maintain existing workforce and pay for other expenses like rent, mortgage and utilities.
• SBA emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for small business operating costs 
• Tax relief encouraging employers to implement student loan repayment programs exclude up to $5,250 in qualifying student loan repayments paid by the employer on behalf of the employee from income for income tax purposes.

more resources >>
 

 
Resources needed in our community

• MONETARY GIFTS: Nonprofit organizations working on the frontlines need our help.  The El Paso COVID-19 Response Fund was established to support nonprofits serving the most vulnerable in our community. With support from Wells Fargo and El Paso Electric, the Fund has provided support to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, Project Bravo, the Senior Fund, and for cleaning supplies for homeless shelters.  Much more is needed. Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated.

• VOLUNTEER: Nonprofit organizations like El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank and selected homeless shelters throughout El Paso need volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.

             El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank 
             United Way of El Paso County 

• BLOOD: Because many of the locations which typically host blood drives like schools and community centers are closed right now, the need for blood donations is critical. Consider making a donation of blood to help ensure supplies don’t drop any further. Vitalant is our local blood bank. They have locations in East El Paso, West El Paso and Las Cruces. For more information, call (877) 25-VITAL. 

 
Mental Health and support groups

Even though some organizations have been forced to shut down due to the coronavirus, mental health resources are still available. Family Services of El Paso, El Paso Child Guidance Center and Emergence Health Network are among a number of community-based providers open “virtually” to provide important mental and behavioral health services to individuals and families in need 

Family Services of El Paso: call (915) 781-9900 or visit familyserviceofelpaso.org. 

El Paso Child Guidance Center: call (915) 562-1999 or visit epcgc.org.

Emergence Health Network:  call (915) 887-3410 or visit emergencehealthnetwork.org.

For additional resources or information visit namiep.org or click on this link with COVID-19 resources and information guide.
 

A public service announcement from Estela Casas:

Special thank you to the doctors, nurses hospitals, front line workers and organizations that continue to keep our community running during this epidemic. Let’s work together to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and keep them safe.

For ongoing updates on the Coronavirus, follow us on social media:
 
Facebook

Twitter