The Trump Administration released a detailed strategy to deliver safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses to the American people as quickly and reliably as possible.

• The documents, developed by HHS in coordination with DoD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provide a strategic distribution overview along with an interim playbook for state, tribal, territorial, and local public health programs and their partners on how to plan and operationalize a vaccination response to COVID-19 within their respective jurisdictions.
• The strategic overview lays out four tasks necessary for the COVID-19 vaccine program:
  1. Engage with state, tribal, territorial, and local partners, other stakeholders, and the public to communicate public health information around the vaccine and promote vaccine confidence and uptake.
  2. Distribute vaccines immediately upon granting of Emergency Use Authorization/ Biologics License Application, using a transparently developed, phased allocation methodology and CDC has made vaccine recommendations.
  3. Ensure safe administration of the vaccine and availability of administration supplies.
  4. Monitor necessary data from the vaccination program through an information technology (IT) system capable of supporting and tracking distribution, administration, and other necessary data.

Click here to watch the video

White House Updates

• President Trump Holds a News Conference (VIDEO)
• Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2021 (HERE)
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany (REMARKS, VIDEO)
• Statement from the Press Secretary (HERE)
• 1600 Daily NEW: Incomes Hit Record High and Poverty Reached Record Low in 2019 (HERE)

Trump Administration Releases COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Strategy (HERE)

• “As part of Operation Warp Speed, we have been laying the groundwork for months to distribute and administer a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it meets FDA’s gold standard,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “This in-depth, round-the-clock planning work with our state and local partners and trusted community organizations, especially through CDC, will ensure that Americans can receive a safe and effective vaccine in record time.”
  • The Operation Warp Speed Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations
  • Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Distribution Process

Defense Experience, Capabilities Further ‘Herculean’ Operation Warp Speed Efforts (HERE)

• “HHS was never manned to be able to simultaneously and as rapidly go through clinical trials, go through the development, go through the manufacturing, and then distribute six separate vaccines in a pandemic environment,” said Paul A. Ostrowski. “That is a Herculean task. What we bring is a bandwidth and the enablers to allow that to happen — not only for vaccines, but also for therapeutics.”

HHS Secretary Azar Declares Public Health Emergency in Oregon Due to Wildfires (HERE)

• Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar today declared a public health emergency in Oregon due to wildfires, following President Trump’s emergency declaration for the state. The public health emergency declaration and related waiver determination give healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting the health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries affected by the wildfires.

NIH Funds Community Engagement Research Efforts in Areas Hardest Hit by COVID-19 (HERE)

• The National Institutes of Health today announced a $12 million award for outreach and engagement efforts in ethnic and racial minority communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Addressing health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority populations has long been a priority for NIH,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic borne by diverse communities, especially those that include Blacks and Latinos, makes clear the urgent need for treatments and vaccines that are effective for all Americans. Inclusive research that reflects the entire population is essential to this goal.”

FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update Daily Roundup – September 16, 2020 (HERE)

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

Improving Access to Older Adult Health Data for Timely Use Amid COVID-19 and Beyond (HERE)

• The Older Adults Health Data Collection contains datasets that capture outcomes directly related to COVID-19 as well as others that do not, and the number of COVID-19 related datasets in the collection is anticipated to grow over time. Datasets without COVID-19-specific data elements still provide important context on the health of older adults before the pandemic and are likely to incorporate COVID-19 data elements in their data collection procedures in the months and years to come.

Women, Caregiving, and COVID-19: A Delicate Balancing Act (HERE)

• Dr. Brooks shared updates on CDC’s COVID-19 response, including the latest scientific information and what everyone should know about protecting themselves and others. In addition, Dr. Tucker reviewed CDC’s updated considerations for Women, Caregiving and COVID-19. Learn when to clean and sanitize toys to protect children and staff from COVID-19.

Opportunity Zones and Criminal Justice Reform are Changing Lives in Wilmington | Ben Carson and Scott Turner (HERE)

• The Department of the Treasury anticipated $100 billion in greater investment over the 10-year life of the Opportunity Zone incentive. These policies are working at a rapid pace: In just two years, the President’s Council of Economic Advisors found that Opportunity Zones have driven $75 billion in new investment. These investments are expected to lift one million Americans out of poverty.

Treasury Sanctions Russian Cyber Actors for Virtual Currency Theft (HERE)

• Today, in a coordinated action with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two Russian nationals for their involvement in a sophisticated phishing campaign in 2017 and 2018 that targeted customers of two U.S.-based and one foreign-based virtual asset service providers. American citizens and businesses were among the victims of this malicious cyber-enabled activity, which resulted in combined losses of at least $16.8 million.

IRS Reminds Taxpayers who Filed an Extension that the Oct. 15 Due Date Approaches (HERE)

• The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers who filed an extension that the October 15 due date to file 2019 tax returns is approaching. Taxpayers should complete their tax returns and file on or before the October 15 deadline.

IRS Reminds Taxpayers and Practitioners of Expedited Letter Ruling Procedures (HERE)

• The Internal Revenue Service continues to look for ways to assist taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of that effort, the IRS reminds taxpayers and tax practitioners of the procedures for requesting expedited handling of requests for letter rulings under Rev. Proc. 2020-1, 2020-1 I.R.B. 1 (January 2, 2020).

USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Western Wildfires (HERE)

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of assistance for residents and agricultural producers affected by recent wildfires.

U.S. Department of Labor Awards $32 Million in Grants To Workforce Information Grants to States (HERE)

• The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a total of $32,000,000 in Workforce Information Grants to States (WIGS) for use by states and territories to support the development, management and delivery of workforce and labor market information.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao Announces $1 Billion to Upgrade American Infrastructure (HERE)

• U.S. Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Trump Administration will invest $1 billion in American infrastructure through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program. The funding has been awarded to 70 projects in 44 states.

Secretary DeVos Launches New Web Tool to Help Parents, Educators Easily Access School Spending Data (HERE)

• U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos launched a new user-friendly website today that clearly shows how much money each school spends per student.  The tool will radically increase transparency as parents and local leaders seek to understand funding levels and differences between schools. States are required by the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to provide this funding information called Per Pupil Expenditure (PPE). Unfortunately, each state provides the information in different ways and places—some more transparently than others. Under Secretary DeVos’ direction, state data will be aggregated and made easily accessible and searchable at studentspending.ed.gov.   

SBA Announces Registration for National Small Business Week Virtual Conference September 22-24 (HERE)

• As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host all virtual events September 22-24, 2020. This year’s National Small Business Week activities will include numerous educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation’s small businesses look to pivot and recover, contributing to a stronger economy. The event will recognize the national award winners, including the naming of the National Small Business Person of the Year.

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.

VA Offers Debt Relief to Veterans Impacted by Natural Disasters (HERE)

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today its commitment to extend debt relief to Veterans adversely impacted by natural disasters.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Installation Status Update (HERE)

• DoD updated travel restrictions for military installations.

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:

• Paycheck Protection Program Loan Information
• Loan Details and Forgiveness
• Who Can Apply
• Lender Forms and Guidance
• Summary of Cumulative Paycheck Protection Program Data (Updated 8/21)
• Interim Final Rule – Treatment of Owners and Forgiveness of Certain Nonpayroll Costs (Released 8/24)
• Other Assistance
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Frequently Asked Questions For Loan Forgiveness
• Summary of PPP lending as of 8/8/20

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.

• Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
• Apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and loan advance

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:

• Overview
• Additional Debt Relief
• Lender Guidance

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

• CDC Declaration: Halt Evictions to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19
• FHA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium for Homeowners Through Year End

• Executive Order on Fighting the Spread of COVID-19 by Providing Assistance to Renters and Homeowners
• President Donald J. Trump is Working to Stop Evictions and Protect Americans Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• WATCH: President Trump’s Executive Order Protects from Eviction

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.

• The Importance of Reopening America’s Schools this Fall
• School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians
• Operating schools during COVID-19: CDC’s Considerations
• Cleaning, Disinfection, and Hand Hygiene in Schools – a Toolkit for School Administrators
• Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020
• Guidance for K-12 School Administrators on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools
• Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations
• Interim Considerations for K-12 School Administrators for SARS-CoV-2 Testing
• Strategies for Protecting K-12 School Staff from COVID-19
• Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
• FAQ for School Administrators on Reopening Schools
• CARES Act Emergency Relief
• Remote Learning: Resources for Educators, Administrators and Related Service Providers
• Resources for Learning at Home
• Program Information: FAQs and Responses
• Waivers and Flexibility

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. Learn more at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

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.

• Opportunity Zones Best Practices
• Opportunity Zones Toolkit Volume 1
• Opportunity Zones Toolkit Volume 2
• Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Is Lifting Up and Driving New Prosperity in Previously Forgotten American Communities

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.
• The Operation Warp Speed Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine can be found here.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations
  • Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Distribution Process
• 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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