CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION & RESOURCES

On this Page:

Resources | To Seek Care | Mental Health | Food Assistance | Domestic Violence | School Districts | Unemployment & Workers Comp | Financial Assistance | Small Business Assistance | Housing Assistance | Travel Assistance

Resources:

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
• Texas Department of State Health Services: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
  • For questions about COVID‑19, call the DSHS COVID-19 Call Center at 1-877-570-9779 (hours: 7am-6pm, Monday-Friday)
• City of Dallas COVID-19 site: https://www.dallascityhall.com/coronavirus
• The Office of Innovation and Dallas 311 established a COVID-19 resource hotline. The hotline is 214-670-INFO and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in both Spanish and English. Please note the hotline is automated.
• The City of Dallas has created a COVID-19 Dashboard containing data that is updated daily on COVID-19 cases, ventilator and bed capacity, lab tests, demographic information, and other critical data.
• For an overview of the three federal stimulus packages passed by Congress and signed into law to respond to the coronavirus, please click HERE.

To Seek Care:

Community Based Testing Sites

• The sites operate daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are located at:
  • American Airlines Center, Parking Lot E, 2500 Victory Plaza
  • Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S Polk St.
• Starting on April 20, the two COVID-19 testing sites in Dallas are updating criteria to test more North Texans. Criteria for testing sites is as follows:
  • NO SYMPTOMS REQUIRED for first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers.
  • For all other individuals, must fit one of the below criteria:  
    • Must have temperature of 99.6 or higher and shortness of breath or cough; OR
    • Anyone 65 years old or older; OR
    • Anyone with chronic health conditions (diabetes asthma, heart issues, etc.)
• Individuals who have tested at Dallas’ Community Based Testing Sites (AAC or EDFH) and haven’t received their results after 5 days can send an email to Dallascbtsresults@dallascityhall.com with the following info:
  • Name
  • Location of Test
  • Date/Time of Test
  • Telephone Number

Parkland Health & Hospital System

• Parkland COVID-19 Patient Line: 214-590-8060 (9am-4pm, Monday-Friday)
• As of Monday, March 16, Parkland has begun limited drive-through coronavirus testing. Testing at these locations is by appointment only for current Parkland patients who meet the medically necessary criteria with a Parkland physician’s order. Patients will need to be screened by phone through the Parkland COVID-19 Patient Line at 214-590-8060.
• Parkland testing sites:
  • Parkland Hospital (parking lot), 4811 Harry Hines Dallas, TX 75235 (not inside the Amelia court clinic building)
  • Hatcher Station Health Center, 4600 Scyene Road, Dallas, TX 75210
  • Garland Health Center, 802 Hopkins Street, Garland, TX 75040
  • deHaro-Saldivar Health Center, 1400 N. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75211
  • Bluitt-Flowers Health Center, 303 E. Overton Road, Dallas, TX 75216
  • Irving Health Center, 1800 N. Britain Road, Irving, TX 75061
  • Southeast Dallas Health Center, 9202 Elam Road, Dallas, TX 75217
  • E. Carlyle Smith, Jr. Health Center, 801 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75051
• Parkland now offers a virtual symptom checker in English and Spanish. The checker is located at the bottom right of the website home page. Simply type “hello” or “hola” to begin in the preferred language.
  • Access it at www.parklandhospital.com or www.parklandhosptial.com/espanol.  
  • Anyone can use the checker to review symptoms to see if you need to seek further medical help. The checker will ask a series of questions about how you are feeling, symptoms you might be experiencing and if you have been around anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • The symptom checker is private and anonymous. The checker will ask for your ZIP code to help understand where need exists in Dallas County, but that information will remain anonymous.
  • The checker will also link you to more information about how to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

​ Walgreens has opened a drive-thru testing site in southern Dallas at 2060 South Buckner Boulevard. Pre-registration is required to get tested at this location. To receive a test, individuals must first complete an online health assessment to determine eligibility. After the test, patients will be informed of results within 24 hours. To find out more information and to sign up to get tested, click HERE.

CVS Health has opened a drive-thru testing site at 4203 South Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, starting Friday, May 22. Please get more information at https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.

Walmart has established free drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites at these Metroplex locations. Testing will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 7am-9am for individuals who meet CDC, state, and local guidelines. Please schedule an appointment to be tested at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com or call 800-635-8611.

• 951 W. Belt Line Road, DeSoto, Texas
• 1025 W. Trinity Mills Road, Carrollton, Texas
• 9410 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, Texas
• 15757 Coit Road, Dallas Texas
• 5302 N. Garland Ave, Garland, Texas
• 2501 Lakeview Pkwy, Rowlett, Texas
• 8015 Woolbridge Pkwy, Sachse, Texas

Mobile Testing Service – the City of Dallas has contracted with UrgentCare2Go to offer Dallas residents with mobile COVID-19 testing services starting May 15, 2020. The COVID-19 mobile testing appointments can be scheduled between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., 7 days a week through the UrgentCare2GO screening line by calling 1-888-601-0568. COVID-19 mobile testing appointments will be scheduled at NO COST to eligible residents during two-hour time slots with a maximum capacity of 60 appointments a day. 

• Residents must reside in any ZIP code in City of Dallas. They must also NOT have transportation and NOT have means to get to a testing site.
• Additionally, residents must have had recent direct contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 or at least one of the three symptoms listed below:
  • Temperature of 99.6 or higher
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

VA North Texas Health Care System instructions

• If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call 214-857-2081 before going to one of the VA facilities or the Dallas campus based emergency room(ER). VA North Texas now offers virtual ER care options that might save an unnecessary trip. Calling first helps protect you, medical staff, and other patients. In addition to calling first, consider using virtual care options such as telehealth or My HealtheVet Secure Messaging.
• Every enrolled patient with a scheduled appointment over the last 2-weeks and well into the future should have, or will, receive a phone call from that clinic offering viable options for virtual or telephonic care should that Veteran not want to leave their homes. As always, patients can send secure messages via MyHealtheVet that will be answered by the physician and their staff of professionals as quickly as possible--usually the very same day.
• Only urgent prescriptions will be available for pick-up at the Pharmacy window. All standard routine medications and refills can be requested by calling 1-888-364-5227 or online at www.myhealth.va.gov and will be mailed to veterans using the Consolidated Mail Order Pharmacy (CMOP). Most refill questions can be resolved by sending a secure message to your provider team or calling your clinic.

• If you need help finding a doctor or accessing medical care, call 2‑1‑1 and they can direct you to low- or no-cost providers in your area.

Mental Health:

• The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has extensive resources available for mental health support, including those facing a mental health crisis.
• The North Texas Behavior Health Authority has developed a 24/7 COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-251-7544. This is available to anyone in our communities to provide trauma informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety during this time of crisis. Individuals can call beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, at 12pm CST.
  • Those needing COVID-19-related mental health support can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.
  • Those needing support outside of the COVID-19 crisis can still contact the NTBHA 24/7 Crisis Line at 866-260-8000.
• The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line for Dallas County is 214-743-1215. This is available during normal business hours Monday through Friday for Dallas County residents experiencing high anxiety or depression during these turbulent times. Metrocare’s professionals will assist individuals in accessing mental health services and provide referrals for other services that may be needed.

Domestic Violence Survivor Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline has a 24/7 online chat in addition to their hotline number and excellent safety planning resources.
• NNEDV’s own WomensLaw.org offers an online legal hotline in addition to plain-language information for survivors of abuse.

Food Assistance

• Dallas County and the North Texas Food Bank have announced they are launching a virtual food bank. This will help to fill in the gaps created by a lack of state and federal funding for food access. Donations instead of food are being encouraged and can be made by visiting www.DallasCountyCovid.org or http://ntfb.org/give. This link has more information on the program.
• Here is also a list of open food pantries inclusive of hours.
• North Texas Food Bank has shifted to box distribution model with partner agencies. Food4Kids and School Pantry programs remain fully functional, and they are partnering with the City to deliver snack/hydration kits to the homeless.
• Beginning Monday, April 13, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) paratransit drivers will add grocery pickup and delivery to its services for customers. The agency's drivers will pick up groceries from the store and deliver them directly to the customer for free. Paratransit riders must place their orders directly with the grocery store and provide DART with pickup ID information.
  • Customers interested in signing up, or learning more about the service, can call one of the DART Mobility Ambassadors at (214) 828-8588, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Dallas County Health and Human Services Older Adult Services Program is currently providing meals delivered to homebound seniors. There is a drive-thru for hot meal pick-up service set up at each senior center location. Seniors needing these resources can call 214-819-1860 to enroll.
• Meals will be provided to all children at most district middle and high schools and will be distributed twice a week, on Monday and Thursday between 10 AM and 1 PM. On Monday you will receive Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday will have Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for the rest of the week, including Saturday. For pick up locations and menus, visit this link.
• WIC program is issuing program benefits to clients' car side. WIC program participants call 214-670-7200 for information on locations available for drive-up
• Texas Education Agency has launched the Texas Student MealFinder Map which includes the address of school districts and facilities serving community meals.
• Dallas Independent School District is offering meal service at no cost while schools remain closed. Meals will be distributed every Thursday between 10 AM and 1 PM.  You’ll receive seven breakfast, seven lunches, and one supper. More information can be found here.
• Texas Student MealFinder Map found at https://tea.texas.gov/
  • Launched on March 20, 2020, by the Texas Education Agency and will include the address of school districts and facilities serving community meals

Local School Districts

• Dallas ISD: https://www.dallasisd.org/
• DeSoto ISD: http://www.desotoisd.org/
• Cedar Hill ISD: https://www.chisd.net/
• Lancaster ISD: https://www.lancasterisd.org/
• Glenn Heights (Red Oak ISD): https://www.redoakisd.org/
• Grand Prairie ISD: https://www.gpisd.org/

Local Colleges and Universities

• Dallas County Community College District
• University of North Texas at Dallas
• University of Texas at Dallas
• Southern Methodist University
• Paul Quinn College

Information on Student Loans

The CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, suspends federal student loan payments, the accrual of interest on these loans, and involuntary collection of payments – including garnishment from wages, tax refunds, or Social Security or other federal benefits – through September 30, 2020. Additionally, each month of the temporary suspension will count as if a payment has been made for a borrower in a loan forgiveness or rehabilitation program, including those under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Even though you aren’t making any payments, the CARES Act requires the federal government and credit reporting agencies to count these months as though you are.

For more information on public student loans, click here.

If you have private student loans, I encourage you to contact your lender to see what they are offering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unemployment and Workers’ Comp

• Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. You can apply for benefits online at any time using Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) here. Employees can also call Texas Workforce Commission’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
• Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
• If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Texas’ Employment Security Department provides support services as well.

Financial Assistance & Economic Impact Payment

• To help provide additional assistance, the IRS established a special phone line for tazpayers with questions about their Econimic Impact Payments (EIP) the number is 800-919-9835. More information on the individual economic impact payments can be found here.
• Americans who did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 can use “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” to submit basic personal information to quickly and securely receive their Economic Impact Payments.
• U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS launched the “Get My Payment” web application. The FREE app allows taxpayers who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019 but did not provide their banking information on either return to submit direct deposit information.  Once they do, they will get their Economic Impact Payments deposited directly in their bank accounts, instead of waiting for a check to arrive in the mail.  “Get My Payment” also allows taxpayers to track the status of their payment.
  • “Get My Payment” is an online app that will display on any desktop, phone or tablet. It does not need to be downloaded from an app store. 
  • For taxpayers to track the status of their payment, they will need to enter basic information in the “Get My Payment” app:
    • Social Security Number
    • Date of birth
    • Mailing address
  • Taxpayers who want to add their bank account information to speed receipt of their payment will also need to provide the following additional information:
    • Their Adjusted Gross Income from their most recent tax return submitted, either 2019 or 2018
    • The refund or amount owed from their latest filed tax return
    • Bank account type, account and routing numbers
• The City of Dallas Rental Assistance Social Services Financial Assistance provides emergency assistance to individuals and families who have experienced a temporary financial crisis. The appointment lines are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Rental assistance to persons at-risk of homelessness and who are low-income (below 30% of the area median income).
  • Assistance with utility bills (electric, gas and water) up to once per year (with exceptions for “blitz” events determined by funder) in an amount not to exceed $300 available for customers of Reliant Energy, TXU and ATMOS Energy.
• The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is providing Unemployment Relief checks to service-connected disabled veterans who have lost employment as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These checks are a one-time $250 payment that will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is a limited amount of funds and the checks are limited to one veteran per household. Click HERE for more information.
• Residents can call 211 or visit www.211texas.org and give their zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in their area.
• All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through our Access from AT&T program. They have expanded eligibility to Access from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, they offering new Access from AT&T customers two months of free service.
• AT&T is redirecting more resources to provide communication services and tools for first responders, health care professionals, educators and other essential customers. This additional support will help ensure these customers can continue providing critical support to the country and their communities, particularly to first responders using the FirstNet network.
• Dallas Water Utilities has suspended water service disconnects until further notice. Customers who are financially impacted by COVID-19, should contact Water Customer Service at 214-651-1441 to make payment arrangements.
• Under a new program called the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan, the Public Utility Commission of Texas has ordered all Retail Electric Providers to immediately offer a deferred payment plan to any residential customer who requests it. Retail electric providers must also suspend disconnections for residential customers who have been added to the state’s unemployment and low-income list due to the effects of COVID-19. To enroll, contact the state’s low-Income list administrator at 866-454-8387. Their call center is open 24/7. If you do not qualify for the state’s unemployment and low-income list, contact your individual service provider’s customer service line for alternate assistance options for your plan.
• On March 14, Atmos Energy announced it would temporarily suspend disconnections for all Atmos Energy customers. If you have questions related to your gas bill, please contact Atmos Energy at 888-286-6700. If you need assistance paying your bill and are not already enrolled to receive assistance through Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth program, please call 211 to find a Share the Warmth non-profit partner or visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/get-help-paying-your-bill
• Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and College Student households. Residents should call: 1-844-488-8395. Charter is also working with school districts to ensure that communication is provided about the free wi-fi; Charter continues to offer Spectrum Assist for households without school-aged children; Charter is also opening its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.
• More financial assistance resources from the City of Dallas can be found here.

Small Business Assistance

• The Small Business Administration has developed guidance and loan resources, which can be found here.

• Congress, in conjunction with the SBA have created two programs to help provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  For more information about the Paycheck Protection Plan click here.
  The list of SBA lenders can be found on page 29 of the SBA’s Small Business Resource Guide.
  For more information about Economic Injury Disaster Loans click here.

• If you have business questions about "Stay home stay safe”, please contact BusinessCOVID19@dallascounty.org.
• Employers needing essential workers, please call 214-302-5555
• The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development has created a web page with information for small businesses.
• The City of Dallas has created a new Small Business Continuity Fund to help small businesses in Dallas. The link provides information on how to apply, an overview of the fund, details on eligibility requirements, and a document with frequently asked questions. The Office of Economic Development will accept applications for the program beginning May 4, 2020. For questions, please email SBCF@dallascityhall.com.
  • The fund will provide up to $10,000 in grants and up to $50,000 in low-cost loans to small businesses affected by COVID-19.
  • The businesses must be able to prove they were in operation for a minimum of six months prior to March 16, 2020.
  • They must be low to moderate income (LMI) microbusiness owners and/or businesses that employ (or previously employed) at least 51 percent LMI workers.
  • The goal of the fund is to ensure continued operations of small businesses and job retention by those businesses.
  • The application is expected to go live in May for grants and loans to begin in June.
• If you have business questions about "Stay home stay safe”, please contact BusinessCOVID19@dallascounty.org.
• Employers needing essential workers, please call 214-302-5555
• The State of Texas has officially declared a state of emergency. Businesses are encouraged to fill out Economic Injury worksheets to prepare for distribution of disaster relief funds.
• The Texas Comptroller’s Office has resources available here.
• Businesses and residents with questions regarding essential status, please email BusinessCOVID19@dallascounty.org.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has produced a guide explaining the new emergency loans available for small businesses and 501(c)3 non-profits.
  • English
  • Spanish

Housing Assistance

• For an overview of housing assistance guidelines and resources for TX-30, please click HERE
• The City of Dallas has authorized $13.7 million in federal assistance for short-term rental and mortgage assistance programs to assist Dallas residents who have been laid off or had their income impacted by COVID-19. Only households making 80% or below the area median income as defined by the federal government can qualify for assistance. The program is expected to begin accepting applications on May 4, and more information when made available can be found here.
• Homeowners with government-backed mortgages are eligible for forms of relief if they have lost their job, income, or become sick. This covers mortgages guaranteed by federal housing agencies, such as Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Administration (VA), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, as well as public housing. Those who qualify will be entitled to interest/penalty-free forbearance for six to twelve months without harm to credit scores, and with the option to discontinue the forbearance at any time.
  • You can check to see whether you qualify using look-up tools from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
• Additionally, lenders and servicers of federally backed mortgages may not foreclose on you for 60 days after March 18, 2020. The CARES Act prohibits initiation of judicial and non-judicial foreclosures, or finalization of foreclosure judgement or sale during this time period.
  • The majority of mortgages in the United States are federally backed, and there may be other options available to those without federally backed mortgages. To explore options, contact your nearest housing counselor – you can find them online or by calling (800) 569-4287.
  • An overview of the recent changes with a mortgage relief guide is available from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.

• The Texas Supreme Court has issued an order suspending all evictions until April 19, 2020. The Dallas County Justices of Peace have also issued an order suspending all evictions for sixty days.
• Wrongful Eviction Assistance: Dallas County has established a tenant helpline for tenants who have been evicted despite the order or who are pending eviction. To reach the tenant helpline, contact: Tenanthotline@dallascounty.org, 214-653-6563 or 833-743-0072. Please note the hotline calls are being monitored by the Dallas County Unincorporated Services Department, in case callers receive their voicemail. Before reaching out, residents are advised of the following:
  • Tenants engaged in criminal activity or causing an imminent threat to health and safety may be subject to eviction prior to the aforementioned date.
  • Tenants maintain responsibility for paying their rent.
  • Tenants are encouraged to contact their landlord and make sure they are aware when eviction moratoriums are in place.
  • When having difficulty paying rent, tenants should attempt to make payments and/or establish a payment schedule with their landlord.

• Additionally, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins’ Order states that Dallas County Justices of the Peace cannot proceed with evictions until May 18, 2020 (date subject to change). If you have concerns, volunteer attorneys are on stand-by to assist. Please contact DallasEvictions2020@gmail.com, and a volunteer lawyer will get back with you. Include your name, contact and landlord information, and other pertinent facts. The service is free.
• Payments Guidance
  • If you cannot make your monthly mortgage payment - banks and mortgage companies are offering financial relief options such as deferring payments, adding payments to the end of the loan. Please contact your mortgage service provider for specific details.
  • If you cannot make your monthly rent payment:
    • Communicate with your landlord;
    • Get in writing any arrangements or agreements made with your landlord; and
    • Any concerns regarding evictions, please contact your local Dallas County Justice of the Peace.

• Foreclosures Guidance: Foreclosures and evictions of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgages have been suspended for a 60 day period, effective March 18, 2020. This also includes loans provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their mortgage service provider for loss mitigation options.
• If you are a Dallas Housing Authority client, please immediately report any loss of income in order to reduce your portion of rent. Also, inspections will be restricted to health and safety only.
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention: 1-888-995-4673
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission has resources to assist in rent payments, lease application fees, information on low income housing, and security deposits. Please call 1-877-541-7905.

Travel Guidance

• The State Department has issued a level 4: Do Not Travel advisory warning U.S. citizens to avoid international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. 
• If you or a loved one are currently abroad and plan to return to the United States, please make arrangements to return immediately. If you face any issues, please call my office at 214-922-8885 for assistance.
• If you or a loved one are traveling or plan to travel outside of the United States, it is recommended that you register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When registered, if you or a loved one have issues while traveling due to the coronavirus, the State Department will be able to contact you and provide up to date information.
• Visit the State Department website for more guidance on travel.

Resources | To Seek Care | Mental Health | Food Assistance | Domestic Violence | School Districts | Unemployment & Workers Comp | Financial Assistance | Small Business Assistance | Housing Assistance