Headline News

COVID-19 News Updates for September 23, 2020

2020.09.24

Fourth Large-Scale COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Begins in the United States (HERE)

A fourth Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating an investigational vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has begun enrolling adult volunteers. The trial is designed to evaluate if the investigational Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (JNJ-78436725) can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 after a single dose regimen. Up to 60,000 volunteers will be enrolled in the trial at up to nearly 215 clinical research sites in the United States and internationally.

FDA Authorizes First Point-of-Care Antibody Test for COVID-19 (HERE)

“Authorizing point-of-care serology tests will enable more timely and convenient results for individuals who want to understand if they have previously been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “Until today, serology test samples were generally only able to be evaluated in a central lab, which can be time consuming and use additional resources to transport samples and run the test. As more and more point-of-care serology tests are authorized, they will help conserve those resources and may help reduce processing time for other types of COVID-19 tests, as less time is spent on serology tests.”
- FDA COVID-19 Daily Roundup – September 23, 2020 (HERE)

CMS Issues Urgent Call to Action Following Drastic Decline in Care for Children in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program Due to COVID-19 Pandemic (HERE)

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released preliminary Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) data revealing that, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE), rates for vaccinations, primary, and preventive services among children in Medicaid and CHIP have steeply declined. This decline may have significant impacts on long-term health outcomes for children, as Medicaid and CHIP cover nearly 40 million children, including three quarters of children living in poverty and many with special health care needs that require health services.

CMS Announces New Federal Funding for 33 States to Support Transitioning Individuals from Nursing Homes to the Community (HERE)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced the availability of up to $165 million in supplemental funding to states currently operating Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration programs. This funding will help state Medicaid programs jump-start efforts to transition individuals with disabilities and older adults from institutions and nursing facilities to home and community-based settings of their choosing.

NCHS Research and Development Survey during COVID-19 Webinar (HERE)

Join the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) for a webinar to highlight our newest COVID data release. NCHS launched a COVID-specific data collection in July 2020 using the Research and Development Survey (RANDS). NCHS experts will discuss RANDS during COVID-19, including the use of this web survey in a new way to evaluate COVID-related survey questions.

Administration Announces $200 million from CDC to Jurisdictions for COVID-19 Vaccine Preparedness (HERE)

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing upcoming action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide $200 million to jurisdictions for COVID-19 vaccine preparedness.

HHS Announces Health IT Awardees Focused on Data Sharing to Support Clinical Care, Research, and Improved Outcomes (HERE)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) today announced four awards totaling more than $2.7 million under the Leading Edge Acceleration Projects in Health Information Technology (LEAP in Health IT) funding opportunity. The LEAP in Health IT awardees will address fast-emerging challenges in interoperable health information technology (health IT), thus advancing opportunities for the adoption and use of health IT standards across the health care ecosystem.

HIPAA Business Associate Pays $2.3 Million to Settle Breach Affecting Protected Health Information of over 6 million Individuals (HERE)

CHSPSC LLC, (“CHSPSC”) has agreed to pay $2,300,000 to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and to adopt a corrective action plan to settle potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules related to a breach affecting over six million people. CHSPSC provides a variety of business associate services, including IT and health information management, to hospitals and physician clinics indirectly owned by Community Health Systems, Inc., in Franklin, Tennessee.

FEMA: Plan Ahead Before Going Home (HERE)

As evacuation levels change, people affected by the fires are eager to know when it is safe to go home. As conditions may be unknown in an area, it is important that residents follow the advice of local authorities to learn when it is safe to return. Residents should also check road closures and conditions to know the safest way to travel. Check roads by visiting Oregon Dept. of Transportation’s TripCheck.com.

Speech by Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Quarles on Optimism in the Time of COVID (HERE)

“Although challenges remain, especially among some emerging market economies, significant support to households and businesses from central banks and fiscal authorities has contributed to a strong rebound in a number of advanced and some emerging Asian economies since those countries began to loosen restrictions. In these economies, the reopening of factories has led to a resurgence of industrial production. Retail sales are rebounding and in some countries are already above levels seen before the COVID event.”

Statement by a Treasury Spokesperson on the Funding of the Social Security Trust Funds and Payroll Tax Deferral (HERE)

An August 8, 2020, Presidential Memorandum directed the Secretary of the Treasury to use his authority to allow employers to defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of certain payroll taxes for employees who are paid less than $4,000 on a bi-weekly basis. The payroll taxes eligible for deferral are those imposed on wages paid between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Under guidance issued by the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service, any deferred payroll taxes must be repaid no later than April 30, 2021.

Treasury Amends Regulations to Restrict Revenue Sources to the Cuban Regime (HERE)

Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to further implement the President’s foreign policy to deny the Cuban regime sources of revenue. The changes restrict lodging at certain properties in Cuba; importing Cuban-origin alcohol and tobacco products; attending or organizing professional meetings or conferences in Cuba; and participating in and organizing certain public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions, and exhibitions in Cuba. These regulatory amendments will become effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

IRS Reminds Taxpayers of the Home Office Deduction Rules during Small Business Week (HERE)

During Small Business Week, September 22-24, the Internal Revenue Service wants individuals to consider taking the home office deduction if they qualify. The benefit may allow taxpayers working from home to deduct certain expenses on their tax return.

Commerce Playing Key Role in COVID-19 Response and Recovery (HERE)

Under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the U.S. Department of Commerce is playing a key role in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Commerce bureaus are providing economic assistance through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to U.S. communities and businesses affected by the pandemic; trade and export assistance to U.S. businesses; real-time data on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and people to policymakers and the American people; and critical research to help slow the spread of virus.

Opening remarks by Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the 7th American Workforce Policy Advisory Board Meeting with Ivanka Trump (HERE)

“We’ve seen encouraging changes in the financial markets, in real GDP projections, and in the workforce – indicating that we are holding to a standard and steady pattern of economic recovery. In June, a record 4.8 million people returned to work. And employment continued to rise in July and August, with 1.7 million and 1.4 million jobs added to the U.S. economy, respectively.”

Opening Remarks by Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the Inaugural Pledge to America’s Workers Presidential Award Ceremony with Ivanka Trump (HERE)

“The Pledge shines a spotlight on the truly outstanding investments that businesses in the United States are making in their workers. To date, as Ivanka said, more than 440 companies have signed the Pledge to create 16.4 million new opportunities for American workers through training and apprenticeships. This is a remarkable achievement for our American industry and American workers.”

U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Economic Reopening and Apprenticeship Announcement in Greensboro, North Carolina (HERE)

Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to discuss the economic recovery during the coronavirus pandemic. Secretary Scalia toured Machine Specialties, Inc. and met with company leadership, employees, and apprentices to discuss economic recovery and building a stronger workforce through apprenticeships. Additionally, Secretary Scalia participated in a roundtable discussion with local business and community leaders to highlight safely reopening businesses and workforce development efforts in North Carolina.

SBA Honors Outstanding Network of Small Business Resource Partners during National Small Business Week (HERE)

During the 2020 National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration honored its resource partners for their impact on local economic development and support of small business creation and growth across the nation. Additionally, all of the SBA’s Resource Partners were recognized for providing resources to small businesses as they work to sustain their operations and employees, as well as pivot and retool amid the global pandemic.

SBA 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. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $320.6 Million for Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (HERE)

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected 50 projects in 29 states to receive competitive grant funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The projects selected include a wide variety of railroad investments that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight and intercity passenger service.

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.

Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2: President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on September 17 that USDA will implement an expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, CFAP 2, will provide producers with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFAP 2 follows the first round of CFAP, which had an application period of May 26 through September 11. You can learn more about USDA’s initial Coronavirus Food Assistance Program by visiting farmers.gov/cfap1.

Producers can apply for assistance beginning Sept. 21, 2020. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 11, 2020.
Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap. Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested. All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap/apply.
For existing FSA customers, including those who participated in CFAP 1, many documents are likely already on file. Producers should check with FSA county office to see if any of the forms need to be updated.
In addition to CFAP 2, 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.
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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