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3/24/2020 Coronavirus Update

March 24, 2020

Latest coronavirus update from Congressman Jeff Duncan:

I'm encouraged by how many folks I am seeing helping one another during this coronavirus outbreak. We are in this together – and we will overcome this together. The American spirit is strong – and there is no challenge that we can't beat as a nation.

In case you missed my last update, you can view it HERE.

Important Resources
My website is continually being updated with the latest resources for constituents on the coronavirus. You can visit my Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center HERE.

To stay up to date with the latest data from South Carolina, visit the Department of Health and Environmental Control's (DHEC) website HERE.

Constituents Abroad
My team has been working around the clock to assist constituents who are currently abroad during the coronavirus outbreak. The State Department is making efforts to bring home Americans through commercial flights, chartered flights, and military transport. Any constituent abroad who needs assistance should contact my office at 864-224-7401, their local U.S. Embassy, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, available HERE or by calling 1-888-407-4747.

White House Coronavirus Task Force
President Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force continue to work tirelessly to protect the health and safety of our country. Just in the last few days, the President:

- Announced new action to support governors' use of the national guard in response to the coronavirus.

- Approved multiple major disaster declarations for heavily impacted states.

- Signed an executive order to prohibit hoarding and price-gouging of critical supplies.

- Launched a new public-private consortium to help provide coronavirus research projects access to powerful supercomputer resources.

Congressional Action
Negotiations are still ongoing in the House and Senate on the third coronavirus response legislation. I have been keeping constituents updated daily through social media since these issues are changing by the hour, so I would encourage you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

South Carolina
My heart goes out to the loved ones of those that have died due to coronavirus in South Carolina and across the country. My prayers are with these families!

Governor McMaster briefed South Carolinians on 3/23/2020. You can view his remarks HERE. He issued an executive order to prohibit or disperse gatherings of 3 or more people, unless in the home, should it pose a threat to public health. The order does not affect families or people in law-abiding businesses. You can read the order HERE.

Small Business Update
The Small Business Administration accepted the request by Governor Henry McMaster for a disaster declaration. Because of this declaration, South Carolina is eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses suffering economic loss and injury from the coronavirus. Small businesses and non-profits may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million for operating expenses and financial obligations. You can view the application and additional information HERE or contact the SBA Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The deadline to return Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is December 21, 2020.

Coronavirus Screening
The DHEC Care Line is available to help answer questions from South Carolinians: 1-855-472-3432. Staff are answering calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Several hospitals and providers across South Carolina are offering coronavirus screenings to those in need. Most require a physician's order. Please visit these sites for more information in your area:

MUSC: HERE

PRISMA Health: HERE

Bon Secours: HERE

AnMed Health: HERE

Self-Regional Healthcare: HERE

Abbeville Area Medical Center: HERE

Fact vs. Fiction
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a page "Coronavirus Rumor Control" on their website to help Americans separate fact from fiction during this chaotic time. It's important to be vigilant of scams, bad actors, and misinformation online. Please visit the page HERE for more information.

Continuing the Fight
Friends, we will continue to fight against the coronavirus so we can move on as quickly as possible. Please continue to follow recommended guidelines regarding social distancing, hand washing, and other preventative measures. Our nation will overcome this time!

Issues:Health