El Paso
The City of El Paso is dedicated to keeping you up-to-date with information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
TESTING RESOURCES:
Appointments are no longer needed at El Paso virus testing sites, but expect wait lines. All of the testing sites will administer nasal tests, instead of oral swabs. Testing is free and available to members of the community with or without Covid-19 symptoms.
To view a location near you, or find more information, click here.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
Health Insurance:
- For information regarding health resources for uninsured residents of El Paso needing help with COVID-19 testing or treatment, please read more at this link: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/health-resources-uninsured-texans-covid-19#toc-1
Public Benefits:
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP and Medicaid recipients will have their benefits renewed automatically. No further action is necessary, and recipients will be notified by mail when it is time for them to renew their benefits. The State also encourages online applications: https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/03/hhs-encourages-texans-apply-online-benefits
- For information about COVID-19, including how to find a testing site, call 2-1-1 and select Option 6. (Texas Health and Human Services offices are not testing sites.) You can also visit the Texas Department of State Health Services coronavirus page for more information: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
Food Banks:
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger (EPFH) is El Paso's only food bank and a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief network. The Food Bank is the distribution center for over 132 partner pantries across the borderland region and collaborative hub for hunger initiatives that assists in SNAP applications and nutrition education. EPFH also distributes healthy and nutritious food to 235 client choice mobile pantries, which provide food to underserved/unserved communities.
Email us or call us for more information on how to enroll in a food assistance program:
- 9541 Plaza Circle, El Paso, TX 79927
- (915) 298-0353
- https://elpasoansfightinghunger.org/contact-us
Emergency Assistance:
- Do you or anyone you know need some form of assistance during times of an emergency/disaster event? The state of Texas offers Texans the option to register with the STEAR program, a FREE registry that provides local emergency planners and responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Click below for more info: https://tdem.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/STEAR-Assistance-Registry.pdf
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE:
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Read COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits to learn about unemployment benefits during this COVID-19 crisis: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/covid-19-unemployment-benefits
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The Texas Workforce Commission has information here regarding unemployment benefits. Note that the Governor has waived the 10-day investigation period for persons applying for benefits: https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers#unemploymentBenefits
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For information regarding employment and wage rights, read the U.S. Department and Labor resources here: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus and TexasLawhelp information here: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/your-employment-rights-during-disaster
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TexasLawHelp has the following information on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) here: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/family-and-medical-leave-act-overview
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TexasRioGrande Legal Aid has written a guide on leave-related rights here: https://www.trla.org/taking-time-off-work-covid-19-response
TRANSPORTATION:
El Paso Local Transit (Sun Metro) Free Rides
Sun Metro will be waiving all bus fares starting Sunday, March 22, 2020. Effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Sun Metro will implement service modifications in response to COVID-19. The service modifications will remain in effect until further notice. Streetcar service is suspended until further notice. All passengers will board and exit buses through the rear doors. Boarding exceptions will be made for riders who have accessibility needs and require the use of the drop-down ramps located at the front doors. All passengers are encouraged to leave two empty seats between themselves and others.
For more info click here.