COVID-19 FAQ
Centro IS open
Call us at (865) 522-0052 with questions.
How can I protect myself?
1. Avoid contact with other people.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth without washing your hands.
3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
4. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if there is not any soap available.
What is “Safer at home”?
Knox County has ordered nonessential businesses — those not necessary to preserve the health and safety of residents — to close. This will minimize the spread of the Coronavirus. If you must leave your house, you must maintain a 6 foot distance from other people. Here you can find a complete list of nonessential businesses.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing is the practice of reducing close contact between people to slow the spread of Coronavirus. These methods include avoiding meetings with more than 5-10 people, closing buildings and cancelling events. Social distancing has been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus drastically.
Where to find medical assistance?
If you have a doctor, please contact your regular doctor for inquiries about the virus and its symptoms. If you do not currently have a doctor, you can find medical help through the Knox County Health Department or Cherokee Health Systems.
Knox County Health Department: (865) 215-5555
Cherokee Health Systems: 1-866-231-4477
InterFaith Health Clinic: 865-546-7330
What if I don’t have insurance?
You can receive medical attention without insurance. This includes emergency room visits, community health centers, health centers for immigrants, free clinics and public hospitals. If you need to find a health center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/widgetspanish/
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of COVID-19 are: fever, cough and shortness of breath.
What are my healthcare rights?
1. Healthcare workers cannot ask about your immigration status.
2. It is safe and smart to visit the doctor. Go to the emergency room only in the case of an emergency. If it isn’t an emergency, go to your normal doctor or health department for help.
3. Everyone has a right to an interpreter when seeking medical attention.
4. Hospitals and doctors might ask for forms of identification with a photo to check that the person receiving the treatment is the same person in the medical records.
What is happening with immigration court dates and ICE check-ins?
All USCIS Field Offices and ASC offices are temporarily closed from March 18th until at least April 1st. If you have an interview or biometrics appointment scheduled in this timeframe, you will receive a notification in the mail with a new appointment.
All ICE check-ins will take place via phone. ICE is asking individuals to report via phone between 9am-12 pm on Wednesdays by calling the following number (865) 539-0921 (Knoxville). As individuals report, an officer will register their call and give them a new date for check-in.
The Memphis Immigration Court is closed as of today March 18th. The Court is working to contact individuals with upcoming court dates. New notifications will be mailed out. Nationwide, only detained cases are moving forward.
For more information and/or updates for USCIS please keep checking the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov
For updates for the Memphis Immigration Court check the EOIR website at https://www.justice.gov/eoir/eoir-operational-status-during-coronavirus-pandemic
Is there anywhere to receive financial assistance?
Here are the following places offering financial assistance to our community:
For housing, food, employment and other issues: http://tn211.mycommunitypt.com
For information on federal COVID-19 assistance laws: http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
To file for reemployment assistance in Tennessee: https://www.jobs4tn.gov/vosnet
For information on KUB’s COVID-19 response: https://www.kub.org
Support for artists and culture workers: http://www.knoxalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GRACE-Fund-Application.pdf
Support for bartenders: http://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap
What are my rights as a worker?
In the state of Tennessee, employers may legally terminate an employee at any time for any reason, or for no reason without incurring legal liability. However, an employer may not discriminate against any employee on the basis of the employee’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability. Likewise, an employee is free to leave a job at any time for any or no reason with no adverse legal consequences.
Where can I find access to food?
You can find access to food at the following locations:
FISH Pantry http://www.fishpantry.org/index.php
Knox County Schools is offering free breakfast and lunch to students who attend local schools *Students must be present when receiving the food*
See a list of locations for pickup below:
https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/knox-county-schools-announces-meals-will-be-provided-to-any-child-18-under-during-school-closure/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WATE_6_On_Your_Side&fbclid=IwAR0aJjrT7kC2bnIXmwZJmFEvoje7gSkFUGFFolZku7bBywaA4lWcEf_QN8I
How can I find access to the internet?
Comcast and Charter are offering free internet for low income families during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please use the following links below to register for this free service:
Comcast
1-855-765-6995
www.internetessentials.com
Charter
1-844-488-8395
What if I can’t pay my electricity (KUB) bill?
KUB is not disconnecting any of their services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Is it too late to renew my DACA?
It’s not too late to renew your DACA! Please contact Tennessee Immigrant Refugee Rights Coalition for help completing your application for renewal: (615)414-1030.
Where can I find mental health support during this uncertain time?
If you or someone you know needs support during this time, please call Centro or one of the following numbers:
Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-7233
Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-888-628-9454