News
COVID-19 News Updates for October 6, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Interim Final Rule to Protect Wages of American Workers (HERE)
- The U.S. Department of Labor today issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that will help protect the wages and job opportunities of American workers by reforming the prevailing wage methodology used by the Department in several foreign worker programs.
Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor Rule Restores Integrity to H-1B Visa Program (HERE)
- Today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced an interim final rule (IFR) that strengthens the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program to protect U.S. workers, restores integrity to the H-1B program and better guarantees that H-1B petitions are approved only for qualified beneficiaries and petitioners.
Department of Homeland Security Releases Homeland Threat Assessment (HERE)
- Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf released the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA). This first-of-its-kind report synthesizes threat information across DHS including intelligence and operational components.
IRS Extends Economic Impact Payment Deadline to Nov. 21 to Help Non-Filers (HERE)
- The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is now November 21, 2020. This new date will provide an additional five weeks beyond the original deadline.
IRS Free File marks record increase; available through Oct. 15 (HERE)
- The Internal Revenue Service announced today that Free File, the IRS-private sector partnership that offers free tax preparation products, scored a record percentage increase in new users as taxpayers turned to free name-brand providers in 2020.
Trump Administration Invests Nearly $4 Million in High-Speed Broadband in Rural Indiana (HERE)
- The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing nearly $4 million to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in Indiana. This investment is part of the $550 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program.
HUD Awards $4 Million to Help Low-Income Veterans Rehabilitate Their Homes (HERE)
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced $3.9 million in funding through the Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program (VHRMP) to help make homes more accessible for disabled veterans. Through the VHRMP program, grantees will make necessary physical modifications to address the needs of eligible veterans, including wheelchair ramps, widening doors, reconfiguring bathrooms, and modifying homes to accommodate a veteran’s caregiver.
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.
Statement by Jonathan Hoffman, Chief Pentagon Spokesman, on the DOD Response to U.S. Coast Guard Statement on Senior Leader COVID-19 Test (HERE)
- We are aware that Vice Commandant Ray has tested positive for COVID-19 and that he was at the Pentagon last week for meetings with other senior military leaders. Some meeting attendees included other Service Chiefs. We are conducting additional contact tracing and taking appropriate precautions to protect the force and the mission.
Recovery Resources
Recovery Hub: Explore available SBA assistance and funding programs, Coronavirus relief, and other financing options and tools to keep your business going.More information can be found here and below.
Economic Response Timeline: The U.S. Department of the Treasury is leading the response to COVID-19 by providing fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses and preserving jobs for American industries.More information can be found here.
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:
- 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:
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 8th, 2020, President Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure Americans facing financial hardships due to the coronavirus do not face eviction or foreclosure.
- 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 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 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 Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019
o COVID-19 Stop the Spread of Germs
o Know Your Risk of Getting COVID-19
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 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.
- 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.