Coronavirus Updates & Resource Guide
The City of Poughkeepsie has developed this webpage to provide you with the latest information pertaining to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and to serve as a resource guide.
Contact Information Related to Virus
New York COVID-19 hotline and website:
888-364-3065
coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Dutchess County coronavirus updates:
dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm
“Dutchess Responds” connects people to services:
dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/Dutchess-Responds-COVID-19.htm
Email: [email protected]
phone: 845-486-3555
The Vassar College Office of Community-Engaged Learning and others have created a Dutchess County Community Resources Web Map that shows locations of different community resources and businesses
City of Poughkeepsie Phone Numbers & Information
If you have an emergency situation, please call 911. The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department and 911 center are fully staffed and operational for emergency calls.
- Police Department, non-emergency, 845-451-4000.
Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, contact the following departments:
- Assessor: 845-451-4039
- Building, Planning and Community Development: 845-451-4007
- Office of the Mayor: 845-451-4073
- City Chamberlain: 845-451-4276
- Corporation Counsel: 845-451-4065
- Finance Department and Tax Collector: 845-451-4030
- Public Works: 845-451-4111
Phone calls will be returned as soon as possible.
City Services
Parks: The parks, including skate and dog parks, playgrounds and tennis courts, are open but remember to practice social distancing.
Payments: Payments for city services can be made online at cityofpoughkeepsie.com/finance, by mail at 62 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or by using the drop box near the front door at the Police Station on Mansion Street.
Section 8: Applications for Section 8 Housing must be made in person at 1 Civic Center Plaza between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday. Call 845-451-4020 for more information
Coronavirus guidelines and testing sites
For a comprehensive list of testing sites, go to https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/Collection-Sites-for-Testing-in-Dutchess-County.htm
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a “frequently asked questions” page.
Rite Aid also has started a COVID-19 swab testing at no cost for adults — including those not exhibiting any symptoms of the virus — at its 709 Main Street pharmacy in the City of Poughkeepsie. Patients are required to provide government issued identification, be at least 18 years old, and need to pre-register online at www.riteaid.com to schedule a time slot for testing.
MidHudson Regional Hospital offers both COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing at its Poughkeepsie location. Testing is available by appointment only. Requests for Diagnostic and Antibody test appointments are now available ONLINE via:
- WMCHealth COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Appointment Request (English)
- WMCHealth COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Appointment Request (Spanish)
- WMCHealth COVID-19 Antibody Testing Appointment Request
Contact the COVID Call Center at 914.202.4530 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will receive a screening, and if appropriate, you’ll be given an appointment. The hospital will need your phone number, address, and insurance information, if applicable.
Poughkeepsie urgent care has a site at 696 Dutchess Turnpike Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. You first have to schedule a visit by going to www.pulse-mdurgentcare.com
Health and Mental Health
New York is providing a special opportunity for eligible individuals to enroll in insurance coverage through New York State of Health in light of the crisis at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov
Dutchess County Helpline provides mental health/substance abuse resources 24/7: 845-485-9700
Food Distribution and Services
The Poughkeepsie City School District has started a food distribution of cold breakfast and lunch items Monday through Friday. For times and locations, please visit: https://www.poughkeepsieschools.org
Dutchess Responds, Dutchess Outreach, Community Action Partnership and others have updated their food pantry lists and are continuing to work through that in this evolving situation. When using these sites or list, it’s best to call ahead first using the provided contact information on those lists.
- www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/Docs/Food-Pantries-or-Meals-Resources.pdf
- www.dutchesscap.org
- www.dutchessoutreach.org
Public Transportation
Dutchess County has resumed full service. Find out more here: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Public-Transit/Public-Transit.htm.
Metro-North Railroad schedules can be found here: www.mta.info/mnr
Utilities
Under the Governor’s direction, major utilities will suspend service shutoffs during the outbreak.
For more information and to file a complaint if your service is shut off, visit: http://www.dps.ny.gov/
Central Hudson is waiving late fees for customers impacted by COVID-19. See more information at https://www.cenhud.com/my-energy/safety/coronavirus-safety/
Businesses and Nonprofits
Dutchess Business Notification Network
The Dutchess Business Notification Network provides information for businesses and nonprofits at www.dutchessbnn.com
Empire State Development (ESD)
Empire State Development (ESD) has created this “frequent asked questions” site to give businesses information about regulations, potential aid and general guidance related to the coronavirus.
https://esd.ny.gov/novel-coronavirus-faq-businesses
New York State Job Opportunities
State Department of Labor Lists Immediate Openings: https://nyhirenow.usnlx.com/
Consumer Scams and Price Gouging
State Attorney General Letitia James has provided guidance to residents about the resources available to them and warnings about potential consumer scams and price gouging related to COVID-19. www.ag.ny.gov/coronavirus
Poughkeepsie Public Library District
The Library District has reopened, but with changes to abide by new health and safety guidelines. Find out more here: https://poklib.org/
Restaurants Open
These sites are updating what area restaurants are open and, in some cases, delivering:
Give Blood
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. This blood shortage could impact patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer. f you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).