COVID & You: Resources for Navigating the Pandemic in 2024

Ted Eytan, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The pandemic isn’t over — especially for people who are immunocompromised. (If you’ve had COVID, this may include you.) You can check the People’s CDC for weekly “weather reports” to help you assess risk.

• COVID was never “just a cold.” Here’s what it does to your body :(
• Have you gotten a COVID vaccine since September 2023? If not, you’re essentially unvaccinated; new vaccines target new variants. Schedule an appointment today, and aim to get a shot every 6–12 months.
• Long COVID can impact anyone — even if you’re young, healthy, and vaccinated. Repeat infections increase your risk. Here are more resources on Long COVID.
• Learn about N95 vs. KN95 masks and which may be best for you in 2024.
• Need a test? If you’re symptomatic and/or exposed, regardless of insurance you can get a free test here. Uninsured folks can find a free in-person location here. You can pay for tests at CVS and Walgreens, and insurance may cover them. Walgreens can also prescribe Paxlovid!
• Here’s how to take a rapid test properly to avoid a false negative.
• Here’s what to do if you have COVID. (Please rest!) Find a primary care provider (PCP) if you don’t have one. Next, schedule a telehealth appointment with your PCP to discuss over-the-counter medicine and prescription options like Paxlovid, and get a doctor’s note to call out of work if possible.
• If you’re still taking precautions, you’re not alone. Visit the COVID Action Map to connect with others, find virtual communities here, and check out this guide for safer hangs.
• Need high-quality masks in the DMV? Request from Mask Bloc DC.

How to Help Others in Our Community — or Get Help Yourself

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed existing gaps in our social safety nets, and motivated many members of our community to get involved in mutual aid efforts. The need for mutual support continues today. What do you need to live a better life, and how can you support others in our community?

MUTUAL AID & RESOURCES

• DC Mutual Aid (big spreadsheet featuring ward-based and other groups) & Facebook
• Ward 1 | Ward 2 | Ward 3 | Ward 4 | Ward 5 | Ward 6 | Wards 7 & 8
• How to organize mutual aid by Bed-Stuy Strong
• More DC resources: Get meals or volunteer at The Capital Area Food Bank, DC Central Kitchen, Food & Friends, Joseph’s House, DC Food Project | The Greater DC Diaper Bank provides essential baby and hygiene products
• In Virginia: Alexandria free food delivery | Free groceries in Arlington | Arlington Thrive offers emergency financial assistance to Arlington County residents
• In Maryland: Maryland Food Bank & Other Maryland food resources
• Everywhere: Shopping Angels volunteer to deliver groceries or other necessities

VIOLENCE

• Alternatives to calling the police in DC
• Want to change the criminal punishment system? Get involved with Harriet’s Wildest Dreams Safety Squad or Courtwatchers
• DC domestic violence resources: DASH, the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and DC Safe
• MD + VA DV resources: Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence | The Northern Virginia Family Service

IMMIGRATION

• DMV: Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network
• National: COVID-19 Google Doc: Resources for undocumented communities (English & Spanish)
• National: How to tangibly support undocumented communities during COVID-19, via Immigrants Rising
• Nacional, en español: Ayuda para la comunidad inmigrante durante el coronavirus