LIST: Need-to-know resources and information regarding COVID-19
From getting assistance diagnosing symptoms to financial aid in accessing food and/or affordable internet, here is information that can help. Politicians, institutions and companies have reached out via social media and email with tips and needed information. Here are some need-to-know bits of information regarding access.
Harris/Galveston County Services
Testing for COVID-19: Testing started in the Houston area March 20. The Houston Health Department tweeted March 27 that Houston’s community testing site is open to symptomatic persons who are medical professionals, first responders, 65 years old or older, have a chronic illness or contacts of cases.
Individuals are required to be screened over the phone first and, once approved, go to one of the four locations. If an individual passes the screening test and is allowed to be tested through these sites, they need to bring $150 cash per person to pay for the test. With insurance coverage the price is $25 per test. As more supplies and resources are dispersed, the test may become more accessible. March 23 online screening became available.
Reporting price gouging: Price gouging started weeks ago and it remains illegal. If fuel, food, medicine or other necessities are being price gouged, contact the county attorney.
- Harris County: Vince Ryan, via email at consumerhelp@cao.hctx.net or by calling 832-839-6941.
- Galveston County and Brazoria County residents must contact the state directly via online form or by calling 1(800) 621-0508.
Speaking to a doctor with or without insurance: With over 5 million Texans without health insurance let alone sick time off, cities are setting up call lines to help aid residents. Houston’s call line is open six days a week; calling 832-393-4220 will allow callers to get information from the Houston Health Department Staff. Harris Health Systems’ “Ask my nurse” is another source to ask questions if you have COVID-19 symptoms at 713-634-1110.
Emergency contacts: In addition to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Signal put together a list of emergency contacts for the UHCL community. This was made with natural disasters in mind like hurricanes, but many of these contacts are providing information and resources to help during this pandemic, too. Here is a shortlist of resources not on that list but important to have:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (Espanol and chat available)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (text LOVEIS to 22522)
- Directory for State and Local Health Departments 1-512-776-7111 (Texas)
- United Way 211 (National Directory)
Food
Dean of Students Food Pantry: The Dean of Students’ food pantry is accessible by calling 832-283-2567 or by emailing deanofstudents@uhcl.edu. With essential personnel only on campus until at least April 6, this is only available to students in Hunter Hall. If the need is dire, reach out to the office by email.
Food off-campus: Early this semester, The Signal put out a list of places to donate in the local community. Whether one is looking for donations or to help a neighbor, that is a good place to find resources like food and health products.
Children in need of food: Drive-through meals for kindergarten through 12th grade students are available to most districts. Many schools are doing this pickup method through the pandemic. This applies to both Harris County and Galveston County.
UHCL and Computer Access
From March 25 to April 6, UHCL is all online with exceptions of essential personnel. This includes things like Campus Safety, Student Housing and Dining Services. However, many services like the Math Center, Library and Writing Center had already moved online days prior. UHCL has created a temporary directory of support services including hours, contact information and how to schedule an appointment.
Computer access and webcams: With many classes going remote, webcams and computers are a must for most classes and as the computer labs are temporarily closed. This has left many students without basic equipment needed for successful course completion.
If you have a FASFA/TASFA on file with UHCL, are taking at least 6 hours, and are a current student, UHCL has opened an Online Learning Assistance and Reimbursement Program (oLARP) to help students get access to personal computers and laptops. Students qualify for reimbursement of up to $800 for purchasing a computer, tablet or laptop.
If you are experiencing or anticipating issues for paying for a device upfront, contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@uhcl.edu for assistance. The Dean of Students Office will reimburse students in need up to $20 if they need to purchase an external webcam for their desktops and laptops.
If you do not qualify or know a child in need of a computer for schoolwork, Houston-based Comp-U-Dopt has a weekly lottery for those in need. The lottery was put in place to deal with COVID-19 increasing demand. If you or someone you know has a spare, working computer, they plan to accept donations once the “Stay Home, Work Safe” order is lifted in Houston.
Banks, Internet and Telecoms
Credit Card Companies: Credit card companies and national banks have reached out to their customers offering as little as reminders to watch out for scammers that are more active during a time of crisis to offering services like waving late fees or interest.
Internet: With classes moved online and more and more people cutting the (cable) cord, having access to the internet can mean the difference between failure and success. Some low-income families might qualify for Internet Essentials (subsidized plan under Comcast), a $10 a month, no-contract or installation plan. If you do not qualify for this plan, Comcast is allowing everyone to use their Xfinity hotspots as well as other emergency benefits for paying customers.
Phone companies: Each of the major phone companies (AT&T , Verizon, Sprint, Boost Mobile and T-Mobile/MetroPCS) have approached the rapid developments and changes differently. Some are upping the high-speed data usage per month and allowing for free international calls for countries that reach a Level 3 while others are waving overages and expanding paid sick leave to their employees.
Transportation
On-campus: The UHCL Shuttle Bus, as of March16, has been suspended until further notice, including the grocery trips. With the campus closing for at least one week (March 25 – April 3), parking is only for those who live on campus and essential personnel. If you need to contact parking, email them at parking@uhcl.edu.
Off-campus: One of the more rapidly changing elements of the crisis is housing and transportation. Until the end of May, Enterprise has lowered the age to rent a vehicle down to 18 to allow students facing campus closures to get home safely. As of the time of publishing, UHCL has announced no plans to close the campus. However, this information might need to be bookmarked just in case and shared to friends and family at other universities. Likewise, U-Haul has offered 30 days free self-storage to college students.
Rideshare apps: Both Uber and Lyft have implemented temporary changes like the suspension of “sharing rides” and providing financial assistance to riders who contract COVID-19. Each company has more benefits for drivers and customers detailed on their respective sites.
