APH launches Covid hotline for workers

Concerned that frontline workers are not getting the support and information they need to protect themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic, Austin Public Health has launched a “high-risk worker hotline to promote the safety and well-being of the vulnerable workers in our community.” The hotline is operated by Austin Voices for Education and Youth and offers information and referral services for “legal case management, assistance applying for unemployment and one-time financial assistance.” Stephanie Hayden, director of APH, said the hotline is “an important step to assisting our vulnerable community members in a way that is helpful to them. We worked with many partners and agencies to figure out the best way to set up this service in a manner that is most useful and convenient for those who need it.” The hotline can be reached at 512-493-4288, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Workers are considered high-risk if they are one of the following: