COVID-19 Resources & Information

GANYC is curating a set of resources on how to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

Informational links:

Here is a link to the CDC page on COVID-19.

Here is a link to the CDC website on travel.
Here are statements from USTA (US Travel Association)
Here is the COVID-19 information page from NYC & Co.

Phone numbers to text for updates: 692-692 for NYC and NJCOVID to 898-211 for NJ.

Links on economic aid:

While many guides are independent contractors and/or small business owners, some who work for larger tour operators may be eligible for unemployment benefits -- we would urge anyone who is laid off because of the COVID-19 situation to explore eligibility for unemployment benefits that might ease a bit of the pain in the short future. Information: HERE.

If you’re a small business owner in NYC affected by COVID-19, visit nyc.gov/covid19biz or call 311 for info on grants, updates & more.

The U.S. Small Business Association is providing low-interest disaster loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters. Follow this link for more information.

Facebook also has a Small Business Grants Program.

The Hebrew Free Loan Society is making available interest-free loans of $2,000-$5,000 to residents of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island who are facing financial challenges caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

Other resources:

Thrive Learning Center has resources to deal with anxiety and depression.

Mercado Little Spain, at Hudson Yards, has a Community Kitchen with low cost meals, from 12-5pm.

The Freelancers Union has a crowdsourced list of resources - some of it may be relevant to GANYC members.

Tourpreneur’s Shane Whaley hosted a podcast with industry veteran Peter Syme. They shared actionable tips on what tour operators need to be doing in order to protect their business.

Peter Syme has written down his insights in this detailed blog. He advises the best course of action for tour operators and highlights the opportunities now available.

Chris Torres, travel marketing expert, posted this article and video about how to market your travel company against the effects of Coronavirus.