UAO aims to serve as the African Community Resource Clearinghouse wherein constituents gather, access information, share experiences, exchange views, and coordinate organizational capacity development. UAO's hub of resources on this website is intended to assist community members in navigating services, programs and resources that are available to help them cope better in the United States.
UAO Releases New African Community Report
For Immediate Release
September 1, 2022
United African Organization releases new demographic and needs assessment study of the African Community in Illinois
New report reveals a large, growing and diverse community of more than 128,000 living in neighborhoods and cities across the state.
CHICAGO, IL (September 1, 2022) – As the Black immigrant and refugee community grows in Illinois, it is important to have an understanding of the basic characteristics and needs of the community. Having a profile of the community is the first step in developing responsive public and private programs and policies, and in educating the general public about their contributions.
According to the American Community Survey, 2015-2019, about 36 cities in Illinois have at least 500 African residents. The African population in Chicago is the largest at 47,277, followed by Evanston at 3,725 and Bolingbrook at 2,507. Most of the large African populations are in cities near Chicago, but many are in other parts of Illinois, such as Rock Island, Springfield and East Moline.
“This new report will inform our priorities in public policy advocacy, community organizing as well as designing innovative programs or expanding existing services to address community needs, including immigration, health, economic security, youth development, access to public benefits and many more,” said Nancy Asirifi-Otchere, Executive Director of the United African Organization (UAO).
“The report shows that we are the most educated immigrant population and our skills are central to the state’s labor force,” added Dr. Eustace Kaijage, UAO board member and Black immigrant who has called Illinois home for more than fifty years.
Key Characteristics of the African community in Illinois:
- Africans and their families are much younger than other Illinois residents. About 31 percent are children aged 0-17 years, compared with 23 percent of other Illinoisans.
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Africans are more likely to be in their prime working years: about 41 percent of Africans are aged 18-44 years, compared to 36 percent of other Illinoisans. Only about 7 percent of Africans are 65 years or older while 15 percent of other Illinois residents are 65 years or older.
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Africans are highly educated. About 46 percent have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 35 percent of non-Africans in Illinois.
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Africans are more likely to be in the labor force, to be employed, and to be self-employed. About 74 percent of Africans are “in the labor force,” meaning they are working or looking for work, compared with 65 percent of other Illinois residents. Africans are also more likely to be self-employed: about 8 percent of Africans are self-employed compared with 6 percent of other persons in Illinois.
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The jobs held by some fit the picture of persons doing some of the hardest and lowest-paying jobs in the service economy. The lives of these persons can be improved by supporting statewide efforts to improve wages and conditions for al lower-wage workers.
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Some struggle with education credentials exemplified by the fact that many come here highly trained but can’t find work in their original careers. They often deal with the issue of under-employment.
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Most African immigrants and refugees speak English very well. Only a relatively small portion – less than 2 percent – do not speak English at all, according to the American Community Survey. About 73 percent of Africans immigrants and refugees report that they speak English “very well” or that they speak only English.
United African Organization is a dynamic coalition of African community-based associations dedicated to social justice, civic participation, and empowerment of African immigrants and refugees in Illinois.
For more information, visit www.uniteafricans.org or call 312-949-9980
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The Chicago CityKey ID Program
The Chicago CityKey is an optional ID that residents of Chicago can get to access city services. This helps people who are undocumented or experiencing homelessness who might have problems getting or maintaining an ID. Learn more: https://www.chicityclerk.com/chicagocitykey
What you can do with your Chicago CityKey ID
The Chicago CityKey ID serves as a 4-in-1 card by serving as a valid, government-issued ID card, your Chicago Public Library card, Ventra card and pharmaceutical discount card. Additionally, the CityKey provides cardholders with discounts to participating museums, theaters, sporting events, restaurants, and retail stores and businesses across Chicago. As part of the CityKey program, CityKey cardholders will be able to access a pharmaceutical discount through a pharmacy benefit management program called the Chicago Rx Card. The Chicago Rx Card provides discounts of up to 80% on prescription drugs, dental, vision, veterinarian, and lab and diabetes supplies/equipment.
You can access:
- Public transit (Ventra),
- Chicago Public Libraries,
- Chicago Rx Card
- Services from hospitals and clinics,
- Services from city departments,
- Services from community banks and credit unions, and
- Discounts for recreation and entertainment, sports games, cultural institutions, and goods at partnering businesses.
Documents needed to apply
- Proof that you live in the City of Chicago
- Proof of identity (Foreign Passport, Birth Certificate)
CityKey Application Fees
According to the office of the City Clerk, the CityKey is free for the first 100,000 applicants. After that, there will be a fee.
The fees are different based on age:
- 18 years and under: $5
- 19-64 years old: $10
- 65 years old and over: free
The applications fees are waived for:
- Low-income residents,
- Individuals experiencing homelessness,
- Domestic violence survivors,
- Members of the re-entry community,
- Veterans, and
- One Summer Chicago participant.
COVID-19 Relief: Immigrant Family Support Project
United African Organization (UAO) is proud to join diverse organizations serving Illinois residents through the Immigrant Family Support Project
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Reside within Illinois
- Must be 18 years of age or over.
- Have experienced a change in your financial status -after March 1, 2020 – due to the COVID-19 crisis.
- Not eligible for the federal stimulus payment, unemployment benefits or public benefits.
- Proof of Identity (TVDL, City Key, Foreign Passport, etc)
- Proof of Address. (Utili)
- Proof of Rental or Lease Amount (Current lease agreement, rent statement, rent receipt, landlord affidavit, late notice)
Got questions? call us at 312-949-9980 or SMS via Whatsapp: 773-420-8976
COVID-19 Relief Programs – Chicago Housing Assistance Grants
United African Organization (UAO) is proud to join diverse organizations serving Chicago residents through the City of Chicago’s Rental Assistance Grant! The Chicago Department of Housing’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant will provide housing assistance for renters impacted by COVID-19! Grants may be used for rent payments for your primary residence.
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Reside within the City of Chicago
- Must be 18 years of age or over, or be a financially independent minor.
- Have experienced a change in your financial status -after March 1, 2020 – due to the COVID-19 crisis.
- Demonstrate your total household income was at 60% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) prior to March 1, 2020 (see table below).
| Area Median Income Limits (AMI) Chart (as of April 1, 2020) | |
| The income limits refer to total household income, which includes the income of all adults in the household. | |
| Household Size | 60% |
| 1 | $38,220 |
| 2 | $43,680 |
| 3 | $49,140 |
| 4 | $54,600 |
| 5 | $58,980 |
| 6 | $63,360 |
| 7 | $67,740 |
| 8 | $72,120 |
| Income limits are for the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. | |
- Government Issued ID (State ID, Drivers License with current address, or Matrícula Consular de Alta Seguridad)
- Proof of Pre-COVID-19 Income before March 1, 2020. (2019 Tax Return)
- Proof of Post-COVID-19 Income – after March 1, 2020. (Unemployment claim dated after March 1, Document/statement from former/current employer, Pay stubs, bank statements showing decreased income after March 1, Proof of self employment or reduction of hours)
- Proof of Rental or Lease Amount (Current lease agreement, rent statement, rent receipt, landlord affidavit, late notice)
Got questions? call us at 312-949-9980 or SMS via Whatsapp: 773-420-8976
COVID-19 Relief Programs – Chicago Resilency Funds
The Chicago Resiliency Fund is a $5 million cash assistance program to support Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to COVID-19.
The City of Chicago in collaboration with Open Society Foundations and The Resurrection Project (TRP) will launch the fund on June 22nd. The fund will provide $1,000 per household for eligible Chicagoans, which includes, but is not limited to, undocumented individuals, mixed-status families, dependent adults and returning residents.
United African Organization (UAO) is proud to join over 20 diverse Chicago organizations in the launch of the Chicago Resiliency Fund! This cash assistance program will support thousands of residents that were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to COVID-19!
For more information on the fund and where and how to apply please visit: resurrectionproject.org/chicagofund!
Applications will begin to be accepted by phone starting on June 22nd.
Standing Together for Justice & Dignity
United African Organization stands in solidarity with the Floyd family as we mourn the tragic death of George Floyd. Their loss is our loss. We feel the pain and grieve with them.
As African immigrants and refugees, we live and experience discrimination everyday of our lives. We believe it is time for change. We need a world where we are not judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.
Amidst our pain and anguish, we remain hopeful as we see young people of all races and ethnicity stepping up and speaking out to demand dignity for Black lives.
This moment presents an opportunity for the US to make radical and transformational changes at city, county, state and federal levels that curb police brutality and dismantle systemic racism.
As we mourn, we commit ourselves to organize and hold institutions of power accountable. And we remain resolute and relentless in the quest for justice and dignity.
Black Lives Matter!
Sincerely,
Godfrey Chinomina, Board Chair
Every African Counts in 2020 Census
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mytab
Attend Community Dialogues on the 2020 Census
- April 25, 2020
- March 28, 2020
- February 22, 2020
- January 25, 2020
- January 18, 2020
RESOURCES
Tab3 content here.
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mytab
Attend Community Dialogues on the 2020 Census
RESOURCES
Tab3 content here.
COVID-19 Resources
CITY & STATE INFO
City of Chicago COVID Response Center: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.html
State of Illinois COVID-19 Response: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/Pages/default.aspx
PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html .
University of Illinois at Chicago’s COVID-19 Public Health Response HUB: https://publichealth.uic.edu/uic-covid-19-public-health-response/
WHO Guide to Producing Your Own Hand Sanitizer: http://www.meetings-conventions.com/uploadedFiles/MC_Wellness/WHO-Guide_to_Local_Production.pdf
BUSINESSES & NON-PROFIT
Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund. This Fund supports local non-profit organizations that have been impacted by Coronavirus and are actively working to support the communities they serve: https://www.chicagocovid19responsefund.org/
Grant application/interest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7YtOABWNwzj-GP4Rfo4Tyxf3sL96Wd2F5tlQ4aWnH9jPeTA/viewform
City of Chicago Small Business Relief Package: Mayor Lightfoot announced a $100 Million Relief Package for Chicago Small Businesses. The new fund will provide more than $100 million in low-interest loans to severely impacted small businesses over the coming month, targeting historically under-resourced communities with an emphasis on minimizing hardship for those businesses and their employees. For more information and to fill out the application, please click here. The State of Illinois has also announced some relief programs for businesses in the state. For that information, please click here.
Illinois Department of Commerce and & Economic Opportunity: Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance - https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/EmergencySBAIntiatives.aspx
The University of Chicago’s South Side COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Emergency Fund: https://coronavirusupdates.uchicago.edu/community-support/
EMPLOYEES
Illinois Department of Employment Security – Unemployment Insurance: https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx
In order to process the extremely high volume of unemployment benefit claims due to COVID-19, IDES has implemented the following schedule for those filing claims online and over the phone:
Online Filing Schedule:
- Those with last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to file their claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
- Those with last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to file their claims on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.
- Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.
Call Center Filing Schedule:
- Those with last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30am – 6pm.
- Those with last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30am – 6pm.
- Fridays (7:30am – 6pm) will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.
The day or time of day in which a claim is filed will not impact whether you receive benefits or your benefit amount. Additionally, claims will be back-dated to reflect the date in which a claimant was laid-off or let go from their job due to COVID-19. Note: The days in which you can file a claim may be different from the days in which you are asked to certify.
ROC United Restaurant Workers Disaster Relief Fund: For restaurant workers immediate needs for financial assistance, visit rocunited.org/relief to apply for assistance.
COMMUNITY & FAMILY
Chicago Food Depository: With a few exceptions, our network of 700 partner agencies and programs remains open. Find a food program at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/.
Chicago Public Schools Food Distribution: Beginning Tuesday, 3/17 CPS schools are distributing free food boxes containing 3 days of breakfast & lunch for every student in the household from 9-1p. Lunchroom staff will also distribute prepped meals outside of the school. For emergency delivery, please call 773-553-KIDS.
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS): Until March 27, DFSS will provide a three day supply of food (½ fresh & ½ frozen) that will be home delivered instead of provided onsite. Seniors who find themselves in need of such support can call 312-744-4016 anytime between 9a.m. and 5p.m., Monday-Friday. This resource is for City of Chicago residents only.
Reporting Pricing Gouging/Unfair Pricing: The Office of the Illinois Attorney General is taking action against reports of price gouging on critical products tied to the pandemic. Consumers should report instances of unfair practices to the Attorney General at www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov.
Online form can be accessed at: https://ccformsubmission.ilattorneygeneral.net/
Food Safety and Coronavirus: A Comprehensive Guide: https://www.seriouseats.com/2020/03/food-safety-and-coronavirus-a-comprehensive-guide.html?fbclid=IwAR240URq5aOQX1yBRszoE83tTUaPOd2u5Krz0M642O0iI1iZY-Lcd17n4dc
Chicago Retailers with Senior Shopping Hours
- Shop & Save (Local Market) – Open early from 6am-7am for seniors
- Dollar General – First hour of opening for seniors
- Target – First hour of opening for “vulnerable” populations on Wednesdays
- Tony’s – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am-9am
- Walmart – Tuesdays one hour before the store opens…for most stores the senior hour will be from 6am-7am
- Food 4 Less – Tuesday/Friday 7:30am – 8:00 am
- Whole Foods – One hour before opening (check local store)
- Fairplay Foods – Tues/Thurs 7am-9am for vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns
- Jewel-Osco – Tues/Thurs from 7am-9am for seniors, vulnerable populations and pregnant
Technology Access to help Children with Remote Schoolwork:
CPS is currently in the works of seeing if the district can provide technology for students who may not have it available at home. Families should have received an email asking if they have access to wifi, computers or ipads. Please encourage them to respond. We at CPS are hoping ISBE will support our efforts to ensure every child has access. If they don’t have access paper packets were provided by schools. Food is being distributed daily to families at no cost.
In the meantime, try: www.everyoneon.org Locates (nationally and locally) affordable computers and low cost internet for schools and individuals. They also have educational resources for kids while at home.
FREEGEEKhttps://www.freegeek.org/ They are a nonprofit. Their physical space is closed right now, but they offer an email address to contact for those looking for computers for a K-12 student, plugin@freegeek.org. They also have an online store for refurbished computers that they sell at more affordable prices and most have a price suggestion with the tag “or best offer,” so they might be able to negotiate a little for computers in households without a K-12 student. https://www.freegeek.org/shop/shop-online
Resources for Domestic Violence victims:
- WINGS https://wingsprogram.com/ -24 Hour Hotline – (847) 221-5680. The WINGS DV shelters are open however the Niles Store and all other stores are closed.
- YWCA https://www.ywca.org/ - 1215 Church St, Evanston, IL 60201-3505 – 847 864-8445
- Sarah’s Inn https://sarahsinn.org/ - 24-HOUR CRISIS LINE: 708-386-4225 – Sarah’s Inn Shelter is open
- Regarding elder abuse/neglect. Adult Protective Services are suspending face to face interactions. DCFS is suspending face to face as well unless it is an emergency. Delayed reports/complaints will be taken over the phone.
- Orders of Protection: The States Attorney’s Office is directing us to complete the orders online.
IMMIGRATION
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): All USCIS field offices, asylum offices and Application Support Centers (biometrics) will NOT provide in person services until at least April 7th, including interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and biometrics collection appointments. Emergency services will still be available, and a request can be made by contacting the USCIS Contact Center to schedule an appointment. The Chicago office will be sending descheduling notices to applicants, petitioners, and natz applicants about their appointments/oath ceremonies. All engagements will be rescheduled when USCIS resumes normal operations. See the attached USCIS announcement.
Naturalization Oath Ceremonies at Courthouses: Oath ceremonies scheduled to take place at the Dirksen and Roszkowski federal courthouses have been suspended. This has not yet been confirmed by USCIS, but the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois itself issued an Order indicating such (see page 4, paragraph 7). The USCIS Chicago Field Office has confirmed that oath ceremonies in the U.S. Central District of Illinois for Friday March 20th are cancelled. The online system should be updated when an oath ceremony is cancelled. Therefore, it would be prudent to encourage clients to check online prior to their scheduled ceremony if they have not received any notification.
Chicago Immigration Court: As of March 18, 2020, all non-detained hearings—including master calendar and merits hearings—scheduled for Immigration Court from March 16th-April 10th have been postponed. Certain immigration courts are entirely closed, but the Chicago Court itself is still open for filings during regular business hours, 8:30am to 4:00pm. Detained hearings are still proceeding as scheduled. Filing deadlines have not been continued or postponed, so practitioners should still continue to make appropriate filings even though all non-detained hearings have been postponed through April 10th. Updated information about EOIR’s operational status can be found on their website.
USCIS Announces Flexibility for Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny: In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it is adopting a measure to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to requests for evidence (RFEs) and notices of intent to deny (NOIDs) dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020. For applicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response deadline set forth in the RFE or NOID will be considered by USCIS before any action is taken. USCIS is adopting several measures to protect our workforce and community, and to minimize the immigration consequences for those seeking immigration benefits during this time. USCIS will provide further updates as the situation develops and will continue to follow CDC guidance. Education and precautions are the strongest tools against COVID-19 infection. Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for latest facts and other USCIS updates.
ICIRR’s Resources for Immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_FkBlQh4AIuGm3_rQAVBIHmDM-j5cxatvnIoxEIbmCc/edit
COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Communities: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18p9OSlLpSYanIoUC-gEbhVbRMYVUfw4wyrixa9ekGdc/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR0Ugilu7PAzD0SAAuxjVPkoPQl0_1BsSa9PRM4j6z0ylr-sXpdiX0hGFNo#
US Embassies: As of March 18, 2020, the Department of State is suspending routine visa services in most countries worldwide. Embassies and consulates in these countries will cancel all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 18, 2020. Check the website of the embassy or consulate for its current operating status. As resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide urgent and emergency visa services. These Embassies will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Although all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments are cancelled, the MRV fee is valid and may be used for a visa appointment in the country where it was paid within one year of the date of payment. This does not affect the visa waiver program. Services to U.S. citizens continue to be available. More information is available on the Embassy’s website. Applicants with an urgent matter and need to travel immediately should follow the guidance provided at the Embassy’s website to request an emergency appointment. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-routine-visa-services.html
BENEFITS
Chicago’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant is currently accepting applications! TO APPLY VISIT: www.bit.ly/chirenta
- The application is open now until April 1st, 202011:59 pm
- The grant can provide a one-time $1,000 grant to Chicagoans who have lost their job or lost hours as a result of COVID-19.
- Undocumented immigrants can and should apply.
- These are not federal dollars and would not apply to the Public Charge test.
- The selection process will be via a lottery system. And the Chicago Department of Housing will notify those selected.
The City of Chicago Emergency rental assistance program: This program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, to prevent homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit. For more information about this program, please click here.
Temporary suspension of debt collection, ticketing and towing practices to provide relief in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information on this policy, please click here.
ComEd: “Due to COVID-19, ComEd has voluntarily implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately. This suspension will apply to both residential and commercial customers and will remain in effect at least until May 1st. To further support customers who may be impacted by the pandemic, we will offer our most flexible pay plans to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19.” https://www.comed.com/News/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
It is unclear if other Illinois utility companies are offering similar support to ensure peoples’ water, natural gas and electric service remain intact during this time. (https://www.energyandpolicy.org/utilities-disconnect-coronavirus/)
Public Benefits -Medicaid + Food Stamp Benefits:
- Division of Rehabilitation Services’ (DRS) Offices will close until early April.
- Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC) will remain open with reduced staff to follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus situation. Please note that FCRCs will have a reduced workforce of 30-50% staff working from the public-facing offices. Many of the staff who are not working at the public-facing offices will be working remotely and still able to process important benefits. You can find out more by accessing IDHS’s advisory here: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123342
Comcast is taking steps to implement the following new policies for the next 60 days, and other important initiatives:
- Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
- Pausing Our Data Plan: With so many people working and educating from home, we want our customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. While the vast majority of our customers do not come close to using 1TB of data in a month, we are pausing our data plans for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge.
- No Disconnects or Late Fees: We will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact us and let us know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Our care teams will be available to offer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.
- Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: As announced yesterday, it’s even easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward.
- News, Information and Educational Content on X1: For those with school-age students at home, we’ve created new educational collections for all grade levels in partnership with Common Sense Media. Just say “education” into your X1 or Flex voice remote. To help keep customers informed, we also have created a collection of the most current news and information on Coronavirus. Just say “Coronavirus” into your X1 or Flex voice remote.
- 24×7 Network Monitoring: Underpinning all of these efforts, Comcast’s technology and engineering teams will continue to work tirelessly to support our network operations. We engineer our network capacity to handle spikes and shifts in usage patterns, and continuously test, monitor and enhance our systems and network to ensure they are ready to support customer usage. Our engineers and technicians staff our network operations centers 24/7 to ensure network performance and reliability. We are monitoring network usage and watching the load on the network both nationally and locally, and to date it is performing well. (https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19)
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