Headline News

COVID-19 News Updates for September 11, 2020

2020.09.14

HUD Awards Nearly $2 Billion in CARES Act Relief Funds, Focusing on Communities with Higher Risk of Eviction (HERE)

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson today announced the allocation of the remaining $1.988 billion in CARES Act funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The allocation focuses funds towards places with households facing higher risk of eviction. To date, HUD has provided nearly $5 billion in CDBG funding nationwide to help communities combat the coronavirus and alleviate economic hardship.

ACL and ONC Webinar: ID/DD Day Services in the Era of COVID-19 (HERE)

The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for people with disabilities and older adults, as well as for the disability and aging networks. But leaders rose to the challenge — as innovators and inventors, partners and problem-solvers — and states and ID/DD providers successfully implemented 1915(c) waiver Appendix K strategies and other creative approaches to ensure continuity in HCBS and overall health and safety. Through the pandemic, we discovered opportunities to rethink and redesign home and community-based services. ACL and the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) are partnering to present a series of webinars to explore these opportunities. Register here.

FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update Daily Roundup – September 10, 2020 (HERE)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to announce actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intersessional Meeting of the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (HERE)

The two sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues, including combating COVID-19, counterterrorism, India’s membership on the UN Security Council, support for good governance and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region, and efforts to counteract recent destabilizing actions in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Innovation Roundtable: Smart Spaces and COVID-19 Recovery (HERE)

On September 11, Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Manisha Singh will host an Innovation Roundtable with leaders from the “Smart Spaces/Smart Cities” technology industry in the context of COVID-19 recovery. Participants will discuss how the U.S. private sector can successfully compete in developing Smart Spaces and transportation systems in global markets to advance COVID-19 recovery.

DOD announces $2.9 million in Defense Production Act Title III COVID-19 Actions (HERE)

Today the Department is announcing two Defense Production Act Title III actions to sustain and strengthen essential domestic industrial base capabilities and defense-critical small businesses. These actions will help to retain critical workforce capabilities throughout the disruption caused by COVID-19 and to restore some jobs lost because of the pandemic.

U.S. Department of Commerce Continues to Invest Cares Act Funding to Boost Economic Development Programs Critical to Helping Communities Respond to Coronavirus (HERE)

EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. For complete information, please visit EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

Threats Have Evolved since Sept. 11, but DHS Stands Ready to Protect the Nation (HERE)

“The strength of our union has always been forged by fire. We must never forget Sept. 11. Today, we remember the families of the fallen, the first responders, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice defending our flag and our people. Created to secure the liberty preserved by law and order that makes America great, DHS always stands prepared. Ready to serve with honor and integrity, the men and women of DHS are ever ready to rise and face the next challenge that threatens our homeland.” – Chad Wolf, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security.

Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on the 19th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks (HERE)

Nineteen years ago this morning, our nation was subjected to a horrific, unprovoked terrorist attack that killed nearly 3,000 Americans in New York City, the Pentagon, and aboard United Flight 93 — which was downed by heroic passengers who saved untold numbers of lives. On behalf of the Department of Justice, I convey my sympathy to the families of the victims of all who were lost that tragic day.

ICYMI: Remembering Flight 93 and Heroes of 9/11 (HERE)

For many years, each and every American had a memory of virtually the same moment to recall on Sept. 11. Each of us knew the minute when we realized our country, and everything we believed in, came under assault. We each could recall how our great nation came together and moved forward.

Nineteenth Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks (HERE)

Today, we remember and honor the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks in our country 19 years ago on September 11. We have made great strides to defeat al-Qa’ida and other terrorist groups that seek to do us harm, and our efforts to protect our homeland continue today. The men and women of the U.S. Department of State are proud to stand side-by-side with partners from all over the world in this effort, and we will not waver in our resolve to hold terrorists accountable as we pursue peace, security, and justice.

DOD Leaders Honor Those Killed in 9/11 Attacks (HERE)

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley conducted an observance at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in memory of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

President Trump and the USDA are ensuring that resources are available for our farmers and ranchers during these unprecedented times. Farmers and ranchers, if your operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. The deadline to apply for CFAP has been extended to September 11, 2020. More information on CFAP and how to apply can be found here. In addition to CFAP, USDA has other programs and services available to farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Assistance for Small Businesses

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES Act, is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. The Paycheck Protection Program is providing small businesses with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead. On June 6, 2020, President Trump signed legislation providing more flexibility and relief for small businesses, including extending the covered period for loan forgiveness from 8 weeks after the date of loan disbursement to 24 weeks and lowering the requirements that 75% of a borrower’s loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs to 60%. More information can be found below:

Current law dictates that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) close at the end of August 8, 2020. As such, SBA is no longer accepting PPP applications from participating lenders.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Advance Program: In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners and non-profit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.

SBA Express Bridge Loans: Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

SBA Debt Relief: As part of our coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Microloans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020. This relief is not available for Paycheck Protection Program loans or Economic Injury Disaster loans. More information can be found below:

Assistance for American Workers and Families

American Workforce Policy Advisory Board – Call to Action: The American Workforce Policy Advisory Board has released a call-to-action to help the millions of workers who need assistance now, and build the resilient and agile workforce of the future powered by skilled American workers. Specific actions:

Expedite American workers’ return to employment and upward mobility by investing in career pathways and implementing skills-based hiring practices.
Remove obstacles to the modernization of American education and training to accelerate reskilling and facilitate innovation in workforce development.
Build the technological infrastructure necessary for the future of work.

Find Something New: FindSomethingNew.orgcan help workers of all ages and backgrounds identify the right path for their career goals by recommending multiple educational pathways, providing aptitude testing, offering a directory of critical resources for child care, food assistance, internet access and more. Educational pathways featured include online learning, professional certification programs, associate’s degrees, and vocational, technical and trades education.

Economic Impact Payments: The CARES Act provides for Economic Impact Payments to American households of up to $1,200 per adult for individuals whose income was less than $99,000 ( or $198,000 for joint filers) and $500 per child under 17 years old – or up to $3,400 for a family of four. More information can be found here.

Preserving Jobs for American Industry: The CARES Act offers meaningful financial support to American businesses and job creators so they can better support employees and be prepared to get back to business as soon as possible. More information can be found here.

Supporting Child Care: The CARES Act provided an additional $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant to support families with child care options during this public health crisis. Additional information and State-level information can be found here.

Dislocated Worker Grants: The U.S. Department of Labor is providing Dislocated Worker Grants to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. State-by-State data and additional details can be found here.

Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions: On August 8^th, 2020, President Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure Americans facing financial hardships due to the coronavirus do not face eviction or foreclosure.

CDC Notice: Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19

School and Child Care Programs: The CDC and U.S. Department of Education continue to provide resources and tools for school administrators, teachers, parents, guardians, and caregivers as schools open this fall.

Assistance for Communities

CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA)is awarding CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. These grants are being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. For complete information, please visit the recently updated EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

Opportunity Zones: Opportunity Zones were created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on December 22, 2017, to stimulate economic development and job creation, by incentivizing long- term investments in low-income neighborhoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump directed the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to focus on underserved communities impacted by the virus. For more information, visit opportunityzones.gov.

How to Help

Donate COVID-19 Plasma

If you have fully recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to help patients currently fighting the infection by donating your plasma. Because you fought the infection, your plasma now contains COVID-19 antibodies. These antibodies provided one way for your immune system to fight the virus when you were sick, so your plasma may be able to be used to help others fight off the disease. Learn more here.
To find where you can donate source plasma, visit donatingplasma.org.

Donate Blood

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to the U.S. blood supply. Donor centers have experienced a dramatic reduction in donations due to the implementation of social distancing and the cancellation of blood drives. Blood is needed every day to provide lifesaving treatments to a variety of patients. You can help ensure that blood continues to be available for patients by finding a blood donor center near you to schedule your donation. Learn more here.
To find where you can donate blood, visit aabb.org.

Donate Supplies and Equipment

If you represent a business that would like to donate medical supplies, equipment or pharmaceuticals, please provide details on what you would like to give. This form is for donations only.

Sell Supplies and Equipment

If you are interested in doing business with FEMA with your company’s non-medical goods and/or services, submit your inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Procurement Action Innovative Response Team (PAIR) team at DHSIndustryLiaison@hq.dhs.gov.
The federal government is purchasing medical supplies or equipment under the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Request for information (RFI). Visit the DLA website for more information.

Developing Medical Countermeasures

If you would like to meet with a federal agency regarding a vaccine, diagnostic, therapeutic or other medical device that you are developing for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, please go to medicalcountermeasures.gov.

Other Forms of Help

If you or someone you know represent a hospital or healthcare provider in need of medical supplies, please contact your state, local, tribal or territory department of public health and/or emergency management agency.
If you represent a private sector business and wish to learn more about getting involved in a way that is not listed here, please e-mail nbeoc@max.gov or visit our National Business Emergency Operations Center page.

For additional information, please visit FEMA’s website: www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.

Guidelines for Opening Up America Again

President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives.

Testing Overview (HERE)
Testing Blueprint (HERE)
Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes (HERE)
CDC guidance for Camps, Child Care Programs, Schools, Mass Transit, Restaurants And Bars, and Workplaces
CDC Activities and Initiatives Supporting the COVID-19 Response and the President’s Plan for Opening America Up Again (HERE)
🎬 WATCH: CDC Videos:

o Washing Hands

o Wearing Gloves

o Practicing Social Distancing

o Cleaning and Sanitizing Toys and Child Care Programs

o Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Homes

o Staying Safe at Aquatic Venues

o Considerations for Bars and Restaurants

o Wear a Mask to Protect You and Your Friends

o Key Times to Wear a Mask

o Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019

o COVID-19 Stop the Spread of Germs

o Know Your Risk of Getting COVID-19

o How to Wear a Mask

o The Difference Between Quarantine and Isolation

o Maintaining Heart Health in COVID-19

o Emergency Care for Heart Disease in COVID-19

o How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home if Someone has COVID-19

o Shopping for Food and Other Household Essentials

o I Think or Know I had COVID-19, and I had Symptoms. When Can I Be With Others?

o Stay Safe At Summer Camp

o Stop the Spread of Germs

o Spending Time with Friends and Family Who Need to Take Extra Precautions

o Visiting Friends and Family with Certain Medical Conditions

o Stay Safe at the Pool and Beach

o Considerations for Bars and Restaurants During COVID-19

o How Did COVID-19 Get its Name?

o Know How to Wear Your Face Mask Correctly

Operation Warp Speed

The President is using all available means to ensure safe vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are developed, manufactured, and distributed in unprecedented time and scale in response to COVID-19.
Earlier this year, President Trump launched Operation Warp Speed, a groundbreaking partnership between the Federal Government, scientific community, and private sector to develop and deliver vaccines in record time.
- Operation Warp Speed’s goal is to produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccines with the initial doses available by January 2021.
The Administration has made large investments in multiple vaccine candidates to provide financial infrastructure for mass manufacturing, in parallel with late-stage clinical trials.
Operation Warp Speed has invested in more than five vaccines and teamed up with multiple pharmaceutical companies to safely produce as many effective vaccines as possible.
A number of vaccine candidates have shown promising early clinical results and are either in or starting Phase 3 clinical trials.
Clinical resources on vaccines, including continuing education training on best practices can be found here.
More information on Operation Warp Speed can be found here.

For the most up-to-date information, please see the CDC’s website: www.coronavirus.gov.

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