As a hotbed of COVID-19 cases, New York has seen a lot of businesses struggling to cope. Fortunately for restaurant owners and staff, there are a lot of resources out there to help them weather the crisis:

Healthcare and Disease Prevention

The more experts learn about the virus, the more we know about how to combat it and limit its spread. Take care and find out how you can help prevent infection.

• COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers
• INFECTION PREVENTION: Cleaning, Disinfection and Hygiene (PDF)
• Food Safety and Coronavirus: A Comprehensive Guide
• Food Safety Focus Blog
• Free Online Food Safety course from Rouxbe
• Food Handler Solutions Free Food Safety Training

Mental Health Resources

The fallout from the pandemic can affect us mentally, even if we're fortunate enough to avoid getting sick. With the suspension of many support groups and other mental health organizations, resources like these are more important than ever.

• NYC COVID Worker Care Network
• Restaurant After Hours Mental Healthcare Resources
• Mental Health Support New Yorkers Can Access While Staying Home
• COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline
• New York State Office of Mental Health COVID-19 resources
• Substance Abuse Online Meetings Directory
• Serving Those Serving resources
• I Got Your Back peer-to-peer support program
• The Center resources for LGBT people
• She Recovers women-led recovery resources
• Crisis Text Line

Restaurant Worker Relief

Many restaurant workers have been furloughed, or else had their hours greatly reduced. Workers who depend on tips are also suffering from a lack of guests. These funds offer help to those impacted by the crisis.

• The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund
• Hot Bread Kitchen's Emergency Effort
• Restaurant Workers Relief Program by the LEE Initiative
• Restaurant Opportunities Centers United Relief
• How to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, cash assistance, a rent freeze, and more
• New York State Unemployment Assistance
• United States Bartender's Guild's state-by-state list of resources
• Rental Assistance Programs
• Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) Fund
• Another Round, Another Rally Relief Grants
• A continuously-updated list of resources for undocumented communities (Google doc)

Small Business Owner Relief

These relief measures are designed specifically with small business owners in mind, to help restaurant owners keep their businesses running.

• Summary of Federal Relief Loans Available to Small Businesses Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Loan and Relief Programs for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
• Assistance & Guidance for Businesses Impacted Due to Novel Coronavirus
• Rethink's Restaurant Response Program
• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist (PDF)
• Honeycomb Credit's Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan
• The Small Business Administration's Small Business Paycheck Protection Program Overview (PDF)
• Modern Restaurant Management's COVID-19 Survival Guide for Restaurants
• Oyster Sunday's COVID-19 resources and free consultations

Tax, Insurance, and Legal Resources

From the CARES act to insurance claims, there are a lot of legalities to navigate. These resources can help make things a little clearer and easier to deal with.

• The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act (PDF)
• What Are Companies’ Legal Obligations Around Coronavirus?
• Is Coronavirus Covered by Business Interruption Insurance?
• COVID-19 and Contractual Performance: Force Majeure and Other Considerations
• COVID Information and Updates by the NYS Society of CPAs
• State Liquor Authority guidance to liberalized alcohol rules
• Legal Aid at Work Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

Organization and Advocacy Efforts

Help ensure that official policies are as effective and comprehensive as possible, and make your voice heard as a small business owner.

• Save America's Restaurants Petition
• ROAR (Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants) Petition
• STOP THE SPREAD! Petition
• Take action on social media with #SaveNightlife and #RestaurantRescue
• Send a message to your elected officials to support the NYC Hospitality Alliance's Restaurant Rescue and Save Nightlife Plan
• The New York City Hospitality Alliance's Updated 9-Point Mitigation and Support Plan (PDF)
• Food Chain Workers Alliance's What Food Workers on the Front Lines Need Right Now
• What to Say to Your Representatives to Advocate for a Restaurant Bailout
• Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation COVID-19 Resources and Information
• Restaurant Opportunities Centers United Sanctuary Restaurants Movement

Government Resources

Official releases of the latest information.

• Executive Orders from the Office of the Governor
• Situation Summary from the Centers for Disease Control
• NYC Department of Health
• NYC Small Business Services
• New York Department of Labor

If you're struggling through the new social distancing and work restrictions imposed because of the pandemic, you aren't alone. These resources and organizations can help you stay safe and healthy while you do your part to limit the spread of the virus.