On this page, you can find…

• COVID-19 Basics

• Food and Nutrition

• Healthcare

• Housing

• Financial Assistance

• Other Websites

What is COVID-19 and how is it transmitted?

COVID-19 is a virus that spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. It can also contracted if you were to touch a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touched your eyes, mouth, or nose.

How do I protect myself?

There is NO vaccine for COVID-19. You must take other precautions. Stay at home as much as possible, and avoid close contact by social distancing. But if you must go out, wear a cloth mask or covering that covers your nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

When do I seek medical care?

You do not need to see a medical provider for mild illness, unless those mild symptoms present a considerable risk to your health. If your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. Make sure you call ahead of time and tell them that you have COVID-19 symptoms. The same applies if you need to call 911.

Stay home and continue to isolate yourself from other people in your household as much as possible until your fever has been gone for 72 hours, and it has been at least 10 days since your symptoms began, and you are feeling better. All three of these are necessary.

What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Other symptoms include sore throat, headache, chills, and muscle soreness.

If you react severely to the virus, symptoms include trouble breathing, chest pains, dehydration, lips turning purple or blue, among others. If you or a family display any of these symptoms, seek medical care IMMEDIATELY.

What do I do if I get sick?

If you think that you have COVID-19, do not leave your home unless you need to seek medical attention. Do not go to public areas, and separate yourself from people and animals in your home. If you need to come into contact with others, wear a mask or covering that covers your mouth and nose, and practice social distancing if possible.

Call your health care provider ahead of time to discuss getting tested.

If you can treat yourself at home, it is important you do the following:

• Drink clear fluids (water, sports drinks, drinks with electrolytes) to avoid becoming dehydrated.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Isolate yourself from other people and animals in your household.

• If you must come into contact with them, wear a face mask.

• Cover coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

FoodFinder - Fighting Hunger

This app, which can be found in Google Play or the Apple App Store, can help you find free food assistance programs that are located near you.

All you need to do is download this app on your phone or use the link in the name of the organization, enable your location, and select any red pin near you to get the information you need on that provider.

211 of Connecticut - Food pantry and soup kitchens

With this link, find food pantries and soup kitchens across Bridgeport.

Find the one closest to you and make sure to check the times that they are open. If you don’t live in Bridgeport, in the bar that says “Search address, city, or zip”, type in your location to find food pantries and soup kitchens near you.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is free in the state of Connecticut, regardless of whether or not you have insurance or immigration status. Click here for testing sites.

Flu Vaccination

Visit the the Connecticut Department of Health for locations to get a free or low cost flu shot.

Click here for the State flu vaccination Days.

Health Insurance

HUSKY: The state’s Medicaid program for low-income children, parents, pregnant women, and single adults. Check if you are eligible here.

If you are eligible, apply here.

By pressing the button, 211 of Connecticut will help you find what services, programs, and benefits you are eligible for. It will help direct you towards resources for you and your family.

The CDC’s website is incredibly important right now as they are the ones communicating information about COVID-19. This website will give any updates on the virus, list the symptoms, how to deal with being sick, if you are particularly at risk, etc.