COVID 19 Information

We pray that each and every one of you stay safe and follow the guidelines of our civil authorities so we can stem the infection rate of COVID-19. The goal of this page is to consolidate helpful websites and information, to help you, your friends and family in securing important information during this crisis. If you need any help from our Cathedral to dealing with the crisis, please contact us at 516 483-5700.

Information:

· If you would like daily updates from Nassau County, please text COVID19NC to 888777. You can also CLICK HERE for specific information provided by the Nassau County including testing sites. This is a great resource for local information as we fight this pandemic. (if you live in Suffolk text COVIDSuffolk to 67283 or CLICK HERE). If you reside in the five boroughs, please CLICK HERE

· If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, you can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. This is a statewide number.

· The CDC has created a self-checker to help you make decisions and seek appropriate care: CLICK HERE to access the self-checker

Fraud alert:

Unfortunately, a global crisis such as this has brought out the best in people, but also brings out the worst in some. It is important to be vigilant on scams that are currently taking place. Please CLICK HERE to learn about some of the scams detected locally. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be a victim of fraud, Nassau County DA Madeline Singas has established a fraud hotline to report such scams: 516 571-3505.

Financial help:

· As a result of COVID-19, the federal government has enacted several measures to help people and business financially. Please CLICK HERE to see an interesting article in Keplinger that gives an overview of those new benefits.

· One of the benefits, we wish to highlight because it is time sensitive is the Payroll Protection in the CARES Act. Pursuant to this provision, the Small Business Administration that provides non-profits, small business and sole proprietors with financial help by way of loans that under certain conditions payment back may be forgiven. The Act provides businesses with loans equal to 2.5 times its monthly payroll expense and for forgiveness, requires that 75% be used to pay payroll for the 8 weeks after the loan is approved. A remainder of the loan can also be used for the business to pay for other qualifying expenses, such as rent, mortgages and utility bills. For businesses, many banks have already opened up applications either online or by mail. It is important to consult with your bank and/or accountant to determine if this loan makes sense for your business. The loan monies will be dispensed first come, first serve. If you would like further information from the Small Business Administration CARE act payroll protection program, please CLICK HERE

· For those who have become unemployed, a combination of NYS and federal help exists. Please CLICK HERE for further information to access both programs.

Charitable donations:

Under the CARE Act enacted as a result of COVID-19, there are certain enhanced tax benefits to giving to your church and other qualifying charities. The rules are complex and we recommend that you talk to your accountant to determine if this makes sense. Please CLICK HERE for a good summary of the changes. Remember that with fundraising delayed, such as festivals and sweepstakes will be very adversely affected. If you have the ability and means to give during this difficult time, we ask you to think of us in this time of great need everywhere.

Greek Archdiocese of America:

Please CLICK HERE for Encyclicals from the Archdiocese regarding COVID-19. Please CLICK HERE for Directives from the Archdiocese.

*The page does not intend to give legal, financial or medical advice. Please consult with your legal and financial advisors and doctors for information specific to you .