Nachman Phulwani Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, P.C., is a team of dedicated immigration attorneys and immigration specialists that has been assisting foreign nationals to live and work legally in the United States for over the past 25 years. We offer guidance to individuals, families, and businesses throughout the United States and the World. The current international health crisis created by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) compels us to inform our clients and the populations we serve of how to minimize the risk of infection and to assure them our offices are open and available to assist with immigration and nationality law concerns during this health crisis.
NPZ Law Group Continues To Be Available to the Community
During the past several years, foreign nationals applying for a green card, work visa, Asylum, family-based immigration petitions, to name a few) have found themselves in untenable situations because of tightening governmental restrictions on legal immigration to the U.S. Tragically, they have also faced increased levels of bigotry and harassment.
The coronavirus pandemic is causing more uncertainty and fear as travel restrictions, employment opportunities, and a world-wide economic downturn seems imminent. We want all our present and future clients to be aware that NPZ Law Group is here to support you at this extremely difficult time.
We continue to offer guidance and advice in a wide range of languages in order to reach out in an inclusive manner to all who need our help. We provide the same skilled, empathic service we always have, even as we all have to take precautionary measures in our office to protect our staff and clients alike. Our office is fully operational with staff equipped to telecommute to respond to our clients and to filing deadlines. Requests for meetings in-person are evaluated based on current recommendations made by local, state, and federal guidelines.
Measures Recommended by the CDC and Many Local and National Governments
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a pandemic, the urgency of the health crisis has become undeniable. In order to contain the virus and “flatten the curve” of its exponential acceleration, the following steps are being recommended.
Recommendations for Large Groups
Federal, state and local governments, as well as places of employment and schools, are taking, or considering taking the following steps to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Stopping nonessential travel to and from other countries (The U.S. government has posted several travel bans as have many other nations)
- Following health-screening protocol at ports of entry to the country and from local regions that are known to be hotspots
- Quarantining travelers who have been exposed to the coronavirus or who are exhibiting signs of illness
- Suspending certain transportation services (e.g. airline travel) into and out of highly impacted areas within the country
- Postponing, canceling, or limiting the size of events involving large groups of people, even if they take place out-of-doors. These include cultural, entertainment, and religious events, such as plays, carnivals, parades, and religious festivals, and political and sporting events, such as campaign rallies, and basketball games.
- Having employees stay home and work remotely
- Closing school districts for certain periods of time
- Cancelling or closing certain businesses, such as cruise lines, restaurants (except for take-out service) and bars
Recommendations for Individuals and Families
Individuals, families, and businesses are implored to follow CDC recommendations regarding personal behavior in order to minimize the spread of coronavirus to the population at large.
Although scientists and medical professionals learn more about COVID-19 every day, and health recommendations continue to be updated, the following recommendations stand:
- Maintain good health habits — eat a healthy diet, get some exercise and plenty of sleep, drink water frequently. Take care of your mental health as well, by staying connected by phone or internet if you can’t connect personally with others; find permissible activities to engage in that make you feel energized and optimistic. Realize that panicking will only make the situation worse for everyone.
- Monitor your own health closely by being aware of any flu symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, body aches and fever and to be in touch with your physician or local health facility by phone or internet to determine your best course of action. Do not walk-in to any facility without being in touch with those in charge first.
- Pay attention to any reported cases of influenza or exposure to the disease in those you have contact with — at home, at work, at a party or gathering — so that you can be especially careful to monitor yourself and avoid exposing others by self-quarantining. Notify your school or place of business so they can take proper precautions.
- Keep informed by checking the updated CDC website (CDC.gov) on a regular basis.
- Avoid nonessential travel and postpone or stay away from large gatherings (religious services, large weddings or funerals), especially if you are considered a person at high-risk for infection.
- Wash your hands regularly; cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze; cough into your sleeve.
- Use sanitizing wipes or liquid frequently, especially if you have had contact with possibly contaminated people or surfaces.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Only wear a mask if you are symptomatic or have tested positive for the virus. A mask will prevent you from spreading the virus, not from contracting it.
- Be skeptical about what you read and hear — there is a great deal of misinformation around. Be sure to check your sources carefully.
- Try to keep your home prepared for an outbreak by having sufficient supplies of food, medications, and sanitation supplies, but DON’T HOARD. Preventing others from having necessary supplies will only endanger the community as a whole, including you and your family.
- Be especially careful if you are in a high risk group for contracting coronavirus. Such groups include people over the age of 60 and those with pre-existing conditions, particularly conditions of a respiratory nature.
Contact NPZ Law Group for Immigration Assistance
Our highly skilled attorneys are genuinely concerned about your health and well-being and hope you found the information provided here to be helpful If we can also assist you with any concerns or questions you have about immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact our offices at 201-670-0006. We would be pleased to assist you.