|
Dear Friend,
Throughout this crisis, my office remains ready to serve. With the abundance of information circulating about the coronavirus and relief programs, I want to provide you with the latest information from the most reliable sources.
In recent weeks, I have hosted several telephone town halls open to all constituents. On these calls, medical professionals from our local health networks and officials from the Small Business Administration have joined me to answer your questions and provide the latest updates.
In this email, I have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions ranging from how to stay healthy to making ends meet during this challenging time. Answers are organized in the following categories:
If the answer to your question is not here, please send me a message so we can get you an answer. I also encourage you to visit Meuser.House.gov/coronavirus for the latest guidance and information for your community.
Pennsylvania has faced challenging times before, and our community spirit has carried us through. Thank you all for doing your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. We all owe special thanks, as well, to our medical professionals and first responders whose selfless service during this time inspires each of us. Together, we will beat this.
Sincerely,
Dan Meuser
Member of Congress
Staying Healthy
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection known to spread person-to-person through droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing. That is why it is best to practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between you and another person. Simple steps such as frequent hand-washing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding close contact with others can help you and your family stay healthy. Additionally, the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health now recommend the use of cloth masks when leaving your home.
What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
The primary symptoms of the coronavirus are coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. If you may have been exposed to an infected person in the last 2-14 days and develop these symptoms, you should call your doctor who will work with you to evaluate your symptoms and make plans for care. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has developed a self-checker to evaluate your symptoms. This is not a substitute for seeking advice from a medical professional.
Should I get tested for COVID-19?
Your medical professional will advise you on whether and where to be tested for the novel coronavirus. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is not currently advising testing for individuals who do not exhibit symptoms of the virus.
Can I continue routine medical care?
You should consult with your healthcare provider for the best course of action for your routine medical needs. The CDC advises using telemedicine (phone or videochat) in lieu of routine visits to your physician and recommends delaying routine dental and eyecare appointments. Physicians have also been advised to postpone elective and non-urgent procedures.
Relief for Individuals & Families
The most recent coronavirus relief packages provide for expanded relief to individuals and their families struggling with the economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus. These relief package include expanded unemployment benefits, paid family leave, and the Economic Impact Payment (recovery check) Program. It also included relief for businesses to maintain their payroll, which is outlined in the next section. Workers can reference this info sheet about what compensation they may be eligible for during this crisis.
Can I file for unemployment if I am out of work due to the coronavirus?
Unemployment compensation is available for workers who are no longer working through no fault of their own but who are able and available to work. Independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and gig workers, are now eligible as well. You can review eligibility here.
Eligible workers can file an initial claim through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Office of Unemployment Compensation currently advises self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers not to file a claim online at this time and to await guidance that will be posted to uc.pa.gov soon.
The CARES Act also provided for expanded unemployment compensation for an additional 13 weeks and with a supplemental $600/week in addition to weekly benefits from certain other unemployment compensation programs.
How do I utilize paid leave benefits?
If your employee has fewer than 500 employees, the federal government has provided funding for up to ten days of paid leave for the following reasons related to coronavirus:
- You are subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19,
- You have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19 or you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis,
- You are caring for an individual subject to an order or self-quarantine as described above,
- You are experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Treasury.
If you are caring for a child whose school is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, you are eligible for up to 10 weeks of partial paid leave. You can review guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor on paid leave programs.
Am I eligible for a recovery check and how will I receive it?
Any person who has a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and is not considered a dependent of another taxpayer is eligible if their income does not exceed the thresholds outlined below. This includes workers and those receiving welfare or Social Security benefits. Individuals who are claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return are not eligible for a payment.
| Income |
Amount |
| Less than $75,000 for an individual |
$1,200/individual |
| Less than $150,000 for a couple |
$2,400/couple |
| |
+$500/dependent child under the age of 17 |
The payment balance will be reduced $5 for each $100 your AGI exceeds these thresholds.
Workers' eligibility will be based on their 2019 tax return. If you have not filed a tax return yet this year, your eligibility will be based on your 2018 filing or you can file a 2019 tax return. If you do not file a tax return because you receive Social Security, you do not need to file a tax return. Checks will be deposited using the banking information provided for receiving tax refunds on your tax return or the way a person regularly receives Social Security benefits.
If the government does not have your direct deposit information, a portal for sharing that information will be functional soon. To protect yourself from fraud, only share your personal banking information on this portal and ensure the web address ends in .gov. The government may also mail you the check if you would prefer not to share your banking information.
For more information about the Economic Impact Payment, visit the IRS.gov/coronavirus.
Relief for Businesses
Does my business qualify for forgivable loans in the Paycheck Protection Program?
The Paycheck Protection Program provides forgivable loans through the existing 7(a) loan program for small businesses for payroll costs, rent and mortgage obligations, and utilities. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees who maintain their payroll by keeping employees or rehiring them before June 30, 2020, are eligible for these loans to be forgiven by the federal government. The principal, processing, and fees from the loan can be forgiven.
Loans are available for up to 250% of your monthly payroll expenses and will be forgivable if you meet the payroll maintenance criteria. You will owe money on your loan if you use it for purposes other than those specified above. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
Businesses should contact their lender for additional information about applying and review this guidance from the U.S. Treasury. The application form can be found here.
What other relief programs are available to small businesses?
Pennsylvania small businesses are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Eligible businesses can receive up to $2 million at an interest rate of 3.75%
Business can also receive a forgivable advance of up to $10,000 on their EIDL. Funds will be made available within three days of an approved application. Click here to apply and learn more.
Small businesses that already have a relationship with an SBA Express Lender are eligible to participate in the Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program. This program provides up to $25,000 to a business in need of immediate cash assistance while awaiting approval of their EIDL application.
For current SBA Serviced Disaster (Home and Business) Loans: If your disaster loan was in “regular servicing” status on March 1, 2020, the SBA is providing automatic deferments through December 31, 2020. Learn more here.
How can I keep my employees safe if my business remains open?
If your business is continuing operations, it is essential to promote social distancing practices among your employees. Please review these guidelines from the CDC and contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health for further guidance on continuing operations responsibly at 1-877-724-3258.
If you own a facility that is larger than 50,000 square feet, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health has put forward cleaning and safety protocols for your building. You can view the Secretary's order here.
How you can help
Produce essential resources and medical equipment
FEMA is asking companies to share medical equipment with them through sales or donations that FEMA will distribute nationwide. Learn more here.
If you have critical medical supplies, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can purchase them from you to provide to hospitals in the Commonwealth. Please share your resources using this portal.
If you are a manufacturer of medical supplies or can easily transition your industrial capacity to produce these supplies, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will help you connect your capabilities with those in need. Please share your resources using this portal.
Give Blood
It is safe to donate blood and healthcare providers are in need of your donations. To find a donation center near you, visit the American Red Cross website.
Volunteer
Register as a medical or non-medical volunteer through serv.pa.gov to do your part in your community.
Practice Social Distancing
We can all do our part by staying home and limiting contact with others. If you are able to, please stay at home. When leaving your house for essential purposes such as going to the grocery store, working, or exercising, the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health recommend the use of a cloth mask. Even with a mask, it is important that you maintain 6 feet between you and others. Even while you are staying at home, you should wash your hands with soap and water frequently and disinfect surfaces often.
Follow these guidelines to stay safe. |