The health and wellness among our City residents, workforce, businesses, visitors and other partners has always been a top priority, and in this time of uncertainty, our commitment has never been stronger. To help you navigate this rapidly evolving situation, we put together a health and wellness resource guide to inform you every step of the way.
COVID-19 Testing Sites in Buffalo
“Expanding testing is essential to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives. I encourage symptomatic residents to take advantage of this new testing option in the City of Buffalo. Please stay safe and healthy.” - Mayor Brown
The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, as used by Buffalo Water have been shown to remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
Buffalo Water’s top priority remains to protect public health by providing potable water to our customers during this pandemic. Buffalo Water is restoring service to all residents who have had their water turned off.
If you’ve had your water turned off, PLEASE CALL 716-847-1065.
If a resident needs help with their water bill, Buffalo Water has launched their Pathways to Affordable Water Program where Buffalo residents could be eligible for different levels of financial assistance to lower their regular water bill payments all year. You can see if you qualify at getwaterwisebuffalo.org
The Water Amnesty/Forgiveness Program provides
another way to save money, offering city residents currently behind on utility
payments additional assistance. Enroll by calling (716) 847-1065, or visiting
the site above. Available until Dec. 31st 2020.
Connect Life. Give Blood.
Remember that it is safe to donate blood and that social distancing does not exclude you from donating blood. If you are healthy and eligible, we strongly encourage you to donate in order to maintain an available blood supply for our local hospitals. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org or call 716.529.4270.
Plasma Donations from Recovered COVID-19 Patients
In coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Red Cross is seeking people who are fully recovered from the new coronavirus to sign up to donate plasma to help current COVID-19 patients.
People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections.
Erie County Department of Health COVID-19 Webpage
For COVID-19 information for healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, special needs populations and answers to questions frequently asked by the general public, please visit: https://www2.erie.gov/health/coronavirus
New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Website
For updates from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and guidance from state health professionals, please visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Webpage
For information on how to protect yourself, what to do if you're sick, symptoms, advice on how to stop the spread, information on how to get involved, and federal guidance for healthcare facilities, laboratories, health departments, and the public, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
FEMA, HHS and federal partners are working with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to execute a whole-of-America response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of the American people. Learn about FEMA's COVID-19 response at: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus
Get the latest information on how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you are sick at www.coronavirus.gov.
Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
Ready and its Spanish language version Listo ask individuals to do four key things:
(1) stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses
(2) make a family emergency plan and
(3) build an emergency supply kit, and
(4) get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.
For information on key EPA resources on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) please visit: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus
EPA is providing information on drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low.
EPA is working hard to identify and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the country's COVID-19 response efforts.
World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic Webpage
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others.
Click on the logos below to visit your healthcare provider's COVID-19 response page and stay up-to-date on all the expanded resources and guidance applicable to you and your families during this unprecedented public health crisis.
Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Virtual Emergency Room (ER) Visits
ECMC is now offering virtual ER visits to evaluate individuals who may be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Please visit the following link to schedule a virtual visit: https://www.ecmc.edu/ecmc-virtual-er-visits/
