This is an unprecedented time: New York City, for the first time in modern history, has essentially been shut downGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. In such a moment, who do we turn to? The local 114th Precinct wants you to know they are here for youGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

So, what can you do to help your community and alleviate the stressGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Police Officer Magi Mashriqi of the 114 Precinct’s Community Affairs Unit shared the following tips:

• STAY HOME: “Staying home is the key factorGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. If people stay home, we flatten the curveGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. And if we flatten the curve, the faster this is over” said Officer MashriqiGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• WASH YOUR HANDS: Keep washing your hands, especially if you go outside, and don’t touch your face!
• SOCIAL DISTANCING: “The more they [the community] stay away from everyone and going out, it’ll help us do our job and allow us to stay safe stated Officer MashriqiGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Stay 6 feet apart from the person next to you if you must go outGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Again, only leave home when it is absolutely necessaryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“Astoria has always been an area that loves their law enforcement and first respondersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As we’re speaking, donations are coming in for food at the 114 and hospitalGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I’ve had people reach out and ask if we need hand sanitizer, masksGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It’s a tight-knit communityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I haven’t seen any community as strong as Astoria” said Officer MashriqiGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Thank you to Officer Mashriqi and those at the 114th Precinct working hard to keep our community safeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. If you would like to learn more about Give Me Astoria’s work giving back to our neighborhood, please our GoFundMeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.