Kensington Library News

Updates and upcoming events from the Kensington Library

First, the latest news (which is still basically the same) from the Free Library administration regarding the status of the library system:
"Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, all Free Library locations will remain closed to the public until safety concerns have subsided. As Philadelphia moves to the yellow phase of reopening, many programs are proceeding virtually, and we are preparing to increase select Library services.
Learn more: http://ow.ly/kEdM50A1PAU"

Click here for a rundown of some activities that Kensington Library staff and volunteers have been up to while waiting for word on when we can return to the branch and start to prepare for reopening to the public. All are virtual.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Get COVID-19 updates sent to your phone:
  -Text COVIDPHL to 888-777

• City Provides Update on COVID-19, click here.

• PA Provides Updates on Covid-19, click here.

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced activation of the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline.
  The Helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-722-7112

COVID-19 UPDATES

311 Extended Hours

• Philly311’s contact center remains open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and will also be open extended hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m the following two weekends on April 18 and 19 and April 25 and 26.

• Residents can place a service request by calling 3-1-1 or dialing (215) 686-8686 or through submitting service requests online. Language translation services are available.

Flushing Wipes Could Cost You, Damage Infrastructure [PWD] More details here.

• Due to a flood of sanitary wipes at the city’s three Water Pollution Control Plants and 19 pumping stations, we are calling on residents to stop flushing anything other than toilet paper along with bathroom waste.

WEAR A MASK!

• Who should be tested, where you can get a test, click here [phila.gov] [pdf]
  Nearby test site: American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care, 180 W. Girard Ave. (below Acme at 2nd & Girard)

• Going to a Pennsylvania business that remains open during the pandemic? Health Secretary Signs Order Providing Worker Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19

• CDC - Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19. The CDC provides three ways to make masks, including a sewn mask, a no-sew design from a T-shirt, and a design with a bandana here. Use the Inquirer's simple template to make a face mask at home.

NEARBY FOOD DISTRIBUITON for SENIORS, STUDENTS & FAMILIES

The city added two new sites to the locations providing meals for children on Mondays and Thursdays. More here.

• In the neighborhood: West Kensington Ministry, Kensington CAPA and John F. Street Center.

Free meals for seniors during COVID-19. Details here.

• In the neighborhood: CHCS Norris Square Center, Lutheran Settlement House, Northern Living Center.

FAMILY HEALTH & LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Resources for Babies.

• The Department of Public Health, along with the Office of Children and Families, announced nine community sites where caregivers of infants can find free baby supplies—including diapers. A list of the sites available here.

• Philadelphia Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides eligible caregivers with an EBT card they can use to purchase food, diapers and formula. To enroll in Philadelphia WIC residents can apply online, email phillywic@northwic.org, or call 215-978-6100.

• Breastfeeding support is available virtually through Pacify–a free, mobile app that gives on-demand access to professional lactation (breastfeeding) experts. Moms should use the enrollment code ‘Philly.’

PCCY’s HealthWatch Helpline Is Available To Help. Does your child need insurance now! Call 215-563-5848x17

• PCCY Helps Families Get Health Insurance in Every Language.
  How To Get Health Insurance For Your Child and You. More details here.

Philadelphia Legal Assistance [PLA resources]

• Philadelphia Legal Assistance Has Launched a Free UC Application Service Hotline! The number is 215-999-6910.

Community Legal Services [CLS]: Resources for COVID-19.

• You can get help over the phone for all cases we handle by calling 215-981-3700

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Information and resources for workers impacted by COVID-19,
click here [phila.gov].

Get your benefits: How to navigate PA’s overloaded unemployment system. [BillyPenn]

• It could be a month before gig workers receive any funds.
  More details here,

How to Select Your "Reason for Separation" in Unemployment Compensation Applications During the Coronavirus Crisis. [PLA]

• Unemployment Compensation and COVID-19. Details here.

A message from South Kensington Community Partners

UPDATE ON COVID-19
South Kensington Community Partners is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in our region. The safety and wellbeing of our neighbors and staff is of the upmost importance to our organization.

Operational Updates:

• Until further notice, the SKCP office will remain open to the public. We ask that any visitors refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or any other physical contact with SKCP staff. Additionally, we request that visitors practice good hygiene by regularly and thoroughly washing their hands and coughing or sneezing into their elbows.

• We ask that any community members in need of assistance who are experiencing cold or flu symptoms remain at home and call (215-427-3463) or email (info@southkensingtoncommunity.org) the office instead. If necessary, video conferencing arrangements can be made.

• As of today, the Census Action Day scheduled for March 21th, the Census Informational Meeting for March 23 and the Community Zoning Meeting Scheduled for March 25 will proceed as planned. Attendance at both events is anticipated to be below the 250 person threshold at which the City of Philadelphia has recommended cancellation. If you will require remote attendance accommodations due to illness or health vulnerability, please call or email the SKCP office as soon as possible.

• Any members of the public seeking to use SKCP's on-site computer will be asked to thoroughly wash their hand before and after use.

Seeking Medical Assistance:

• If you have cold or flu symptoms and are in need of medical assistance, call ahead to your medical care provider. They will provide guidance on how best to avoid potentially spreading the virus in crowded waiting rooms.

• If you are severely ill and need medical attention right away, call 911.

• A list of urgent care and health centers is available here. Again, please call ahead if you are experiencing symptoms.

• If you work in the City of Philadelphia, you are entitled to take sick leave. Many residents are entitled to paid sick leave. For more information, see this article.

Resources:

• What to Expect from COVID-19

• What you can do

• Updates on the City of Philadelphia's response

• Planning guidance for businesses and nonprofit organizations

• All City of Philadelphia COVID-19 resources

Additional Information:

• Worried about coronavirus? If your loved one is over 60.

• Coronavirus Scam Alert: Watch Out For These Risky COVID-19 Websites And Emails

• To get coronavirus coverage in your inbox every evening, sign up for The Philadelphia Inquirer Coronavirus Updates newsletter here.