Here’s today’s update:
- Here is some really fascinating new demographic data and another example of how COVID-19 is proving to defy a lot of the initial thinking: CDC has released demographic characteristics and other data regarding COVID-19 cases in the United States. Of the 398,852 cases included, 7,001 were in individuals under 18, 145,499 were in individuals between 18-44, 147,003 were in individuals between 45-64, and 90,619 were in individuals over 63. New CDC data also shows doctors, nurses and other health care workers constitute up to 19% of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S.
- The Paycheck Protection Program, created as part of the CARES Act passed by Congress last month, has already run out of funding unlike the other programs. In terms of getting money out the door fast, the PPP has been a historic success thanks to great work by lenders and those at Treasury and the SBA. The $350 billion in loans and grants for small businesses and their employees is a substantial help, but there are many, many more who need immediate assistance. Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer need to set aside their demands and allow an additional $250 billion in funding to pass so that others in line can be helped too. To date they have been objecting.
- Update on the CARES Act stimulus payments that are going out as we speak: recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive stimulus payments of $1,200 with no further action needed on their part. Payments for this group will go out no later than early May. More info is available here.
- The CDC has issued new guidance for pharmacies that are staying open through the COVID-19 pandemic. View it here.
- Sampson County has set up a COVID-19 resource page with information for residents, view it here.
- We’ve also seen an uptick in fraud since the start of the outbreak. Seniors are disproportionately targeted by these scams. Here’s a FAQ document from the Social Security Administration that will help you determine if a call you get from the SSA is legitimate.
- A reminder for our farm families: the Paycheck Protection Program is available to our agriculture sector as well as other small businesses. There are other provisions of the CARES Act available for small businesses that producers may be eligible for. This page from the Farm Bureau includes useful resources for producers that hope to utilize CARES Act programs.Besides these SBA funds, the CARES Act also provides funds specifically for our agriculture sector that will be available through USDA. USDA is currently developing the disbursement criteria for these funds. More information about USDA programs will be provided as it becomes available.
- As I mentioned yesterday, the IRS formally launched the “Get My Payment” web portal yesterday that will let taxpayers check on the status of their Economic Impact Payments and update direct deposit information. We know some taxpayers are having problems using the tool. Those who are being patient and keep trying are finding success.
- The FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services are encouraging those who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma to help others fight this disease. Learn more about the effort here.
Some of you may have received a text message last night encouraging you to sign up for these updates. My team is working around the clock to ensure constituents have the latest information available. Please take a moment to sign up anyone you feel would benefit from these updates here.
For today’s good news story, I want to highlight the United Way of Wayne County, which is doing its own part to bring attention to good news across the county. The United Way has its own report of the good that can come from a community coming together, including folks making masks and providing meals to those who need them. Check it out here.
As always, stay tuned to Coronavirus.gov and NC’s Department of Health and Human Services website for the latest on the outbreak.
Sincerely,
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