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

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

• STAY HOME: “Staying home is the key factor. If people stay home, we flatten the curve. And if we flatten the curve, the faster this is over” said Officer Mashriqi.
• 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 Mashriqi. Stay 6 feet apart from the person next to you if you must go out. Again, only leave home when it is absolutely necessary.

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

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