| On August 31, the Trump Administration delivered on its promise to rural Americans. On August 3, 2020, President Trump's signed Executive Order on Improving Rural Health and Telehealth Access. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on the Rural Telehealth Initiative, a joint effort to collaborate and share information to address health disparities, resolve service provider challenges, and promote broadband services and technology to rural areas in America. - As part of this Memorandum of Understanding, the agencies intend to establish an interagency Rural Telehealth Initiative Task Force comprised of representatives from each agency. This Task Force will regularly meet to consider future recommendations or guidelines for this effort and exchange agency expertise, scientific and technical information, data, and publications.
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of telehealth in delivering quality healthcare to rural Americans, who are acutely affected by gaps in the healthcare system, from hospital closures to a lack of specialty care.
- Telemedicine plays an increasingly critical part in treating patients, improving health outcomes, lowering costs, and helping health care providers maximize their impact on their communities, especially in rural areas of the United States.
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Additionally, President Trump remains committed to helping hardworking Americans stay in their homes and combating the spread of the Coronavirus. Following an Executive Order by President Trump, today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order to temporarily halt evictions through the end of 2020 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Under the CDC Order, American renters who meet certain conditions cannot be evicted if they have affirmatively exhausted their best efforts to pay rent, seek Government rental assistance, and are likely to become homeless due to eviction. More information can be found here. - HUD allocated $7 billion in grants to State and local governments that can be used for rental assistance to address increased eviction risk.
- HUD is explicitly considering factors associated with eviction risk when allocating nearly $2 billion in CARES Act funding and working with Federal grant recipients to facilitate their use of various funds to assist renters at risk of eviction.
- HUD is providing housing counseling services and has published resources and guidance to help tenants, landlords, and lenders, including a toolkit to help landlords and public housing authorities work with their tenants during this time.
- The Department of the Treasury has also allocated $142 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds to States and localities, with broad application for rental assistance and other programs.
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.org can 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. 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 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/reopening-schools-faqs.html 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 resources and tools for school administrators, teachers, parents, guardians, and caregivers when schools open this fall:
- CDC Activities and Initiatives Supporting the COVID-19 Response and the President's Plan for Opening America Up Again (HERE)
- CDC Videos:
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, including AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer.
White House Updates - President Donald J. Trump is Working to Stop Evictions and Protect Americans' Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic (HERE)
- Remarks by President Trump During a Wisconsin Community Safety Roundtable | Kenosha, WI (HERE)
- Remarks by President Trump During Emergency Operations Center Tour | Kenosha, WI (HERE)
- Remarks by President Trump During Survey of Property Damage | Kenosha, WI (HERE)
- White House Tours Update (HERE)
- Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure | Joint Base Andrews, MD (HERE)
- Presidential Message on National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2020 (HERE)
- Presidential Message on National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2020 (HERE)
- Statement from the Press Secretary on Law and Justice (HERE)
- Daily 1600: President Trump visits Kenosha, Wisconsin (HERE)
Click here to watch video USA Today Article Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Team Up for Rural Health Initiative (HERE) - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on the Rural Telehealth Initiative, a joint effort to collaborate and share information to address health disparities, resolve service provider challenges, and promote broadband services and technology to rural areas in America.
NIH-Supported Study to Track Prevalence and Impact of SARS-CoV-2 among Pregnant Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (HERE) - The National Institutes of Health has launched a study to track the prevalence and impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection among approximately 16,000 pregnant women in seven low- and middle-income countries. The study will follow women through pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth to compare maternal, fetal and newborn outcomes of participants who have been infected with the virus to those of pregnant women who have not been infected.
CMS Administrator Announces Proposal to Spur Innovation for America's Seniors, Participates in Roundtable Discussion Among Health Industry Leaders in Minneapolis (HERE) - On Monday, Seema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), convened a roundtable discussion with Minnesota-area health care leaders to discuss ways to further increase the use of medical and health care innovation. The same day, under President Trump's leadership, CMS issued a proposed rule that unleashes innovative technology so Medicare beneficiaries have access to the latest, most cutting-edge devices.
FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update Daily Roundup – September 1, 2020 (HERE) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to announce actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DHS, USCIS to Modernize, Define the Collection of Biometrics (HERE) - The Department of Homeland Security today announced the imminent publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes expanding department authorities and methods for collecting biometrics that will establish a defined regulatory purpose for biometrics.
Beware of Fraud and Scams (HERE) - When natural disasters occur, it is common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications.
National Preparedness Month Encourages Preparedness for All Types of Emergencies (HERE) - This week marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month (NPM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging communities across the nation to prepare for all types of emergencies and disasters which can occur, often with little notice. As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and hurricanes in the mid-Atlantic, disasters don't wait and being prepared makes the difference in how we respond.
Statement of Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin Before the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis (HERE) - "The bipartisan CARES Act is the biggest economic relief package in American history. Economic relief, totaling nearly $3 trillion, which is approximately 15% of GDP, is having a tremendous impact on the economy, leading to increases in jobs, retail sales, business activity and home sales. I also want to thank the Federal Reserve for its substantial work executing 13 unique 13(3) lending facilities."
HUD Welcomes Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity to Fair Housing Assistance Program (HERE) - The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (GCEO) is joining the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) as an Interim Certified agency. GCEO is a state-level fair housing enforcement agency and is the only organization of its type serving the state. HUD's Fair Housing Assistance Program comprises state and local agencies that administer laws that provide rights and remedies that are substantially equivalent to those provided by the Fair Housing Act.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia Highlights USMCA and Economic Recovery in Michigan and Illinois (HERE) - "The USMCA is a win for American workers and our economy, and an historic bipartisan achievement for President Trump," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. "By promoting growth in manufacturing, agriculture, and other sectors, the agreement will play a key role in powering our economy out of the job losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. I'd like to thank Gentex Corporation and Nucor, two of many American companies that will benefit from the USMCA, for hosting me today."
U.S. Department of Labor Offers Webinar for Ohio Employers (HERE) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will present a webinar for Ohio area employers and human resources professionals on the paid leave requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and safety guidance for returning to work and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
U.S. Department of Labor Awards $13.5 Million in Dislocated Worker Grants in Response to Coronavirus Public Health Emergency (HERE) - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of two Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) totaling $13,500,000 to help address the workforce-related impacts of the public health emergency related to the coronavirus. These awards are funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided $345 million for DWGs to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. This latest award follows nine previous waves of funding, bringing the total amount awarded to states and territories to $263,091,640.
U.S. Department of Labor Provides $100 Million to States to Combat Unemployment Insurance Fraud (HERE) - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $100 million in funding to support state efforts to combat fraud and recover improper payments in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, including those programs created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces More Than $1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Grants to America's Airports (HERE) - U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today that the Trump Administration will award more than $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to 405 airports in 50 states and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Secretary Betsy DeVos—Message to America's Parents (HERE) - Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos delivers a message on safely reopening our country's schools to American parents.
Opinion: Betsy DeVos' Back-To-School Letter to America's Parents (HERE) - "President Donald Trump and I are fighting every day for more options for every student and every family this fall. Every family needs to be able to do what's right for their child. Their money should follow their student. Our schools exist because you pay for them, and you should be empowered to put your money to better use if your school isn't meeting your needs."
Federal Agencies Outline Plan to Help Farmers of Seasonal and Perishable Fruits and Vegetables - The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce today released a report outlining the Trump Administration's plan to address the threat posed by increased foreign imports to American producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.
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.
During Suicide Prevention Month VA Encourages Supporters to "Be There" for Veterans and Help Connect Them with Resources (HERE) - This September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month highlighting VA's Be There campaign, reminding Veterans and their loved ones that small actions can make a big difference to Veterans going through difficult times.
How Did COVID-19 Get its Name? (HERE) - On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak. Learn how COVID-19 got its name.
For the most up-to-date information, please see the CDC's website: www.coronavirus.gov. COVID-19: Background & Additional Information Download the COVID-19 App For background and the most up-to-date information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 website: HERE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What You Should Know: Situation Updates: Information for Businesses: Information for Travel and Transportation: Information for Healthcare Providers, First Responders, and Research Facilities: Information for Law Enforcement: Information for Families and Households: Information for Schools and Childcare Providers: - The Importance of Reopening America's Schools this Fall
- School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians
- 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
- Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
- FAQ for School Administrators on Reopening Schools
- Information for Communities, Schools, and Businesses
- Caring for Children
- Schools and Day Camps
- Resources for Schools & Child Care
- Resources for Colleges & Universities
- Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Child Care Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Youth Programs and Camps During the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of U.S. Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations – Community Facilities
- FAQs for K-12 Administrators, Teachers, and Parents
- Checklist for Teachers and Parents
- Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open
- Resources for Institutes of Higher Education
- FAQs for College and University Administrators
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Institutions of Higher Education
- USDA: USDA Makes It Easier, Safer to Feed Children in California Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
- DOEd: Resources for Schools and School Personnel
- DOEd: Updated Guidance for Interruptions of Study Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- CISA: Guidance and Tips for Schools, Staff and Students to Help Secure Video Teleconferencing
Information for Community Events and Gatherings: Agency Resources and Information: |
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