Coronavirus

 

Quick Links to Outside Information

Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Information Webpage
How to get tested for COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
CDC COVID-19 mitigation plans for community locations
Pennsylvania Department of Education school closings FAQ
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) FAQ from the U.S. Small Business Administration
Guidance for non-essential businesses in Pennsylvania
Mental health resources
Information on arrival restrictions to the U.S. from abroad

On this page​

• Unemployment Compensation
• Housing Assistance
• Emergency and Family Medical Leave
• Food Assistance
• Small Business Relief
• Student Debt Relief
• Information About COVID-19
• For Veterans Receiving Care at VA Facilities
• Additional Information

I've also made my office available via phone for extended hours to help answer any questions you may have about how the federal government can help you during this time. You can call any time between 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a member of my staff will be able to assist you.

Unemployment Compensation

The federal and state government are working together to provide additional unemployment resources for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. More information and frequently asked questions about unemployment programs in general can be found here. Specific information about Pennsylvania's programs follows below. More specific information can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry unemployment office Frequently Asked Questions page. The application for unemployment insurance is available here.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for self-employed, independent contractors, and others

Applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) are now available through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. PUA provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment compensation. This includes:

• The self-employed (independent contractors, gig economy workers, and workers for some religious entities)
• Those seeking part-time employment
• Those who lack sufficient work history
• Those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted normal unemployment benefits

The application for PUA is available here. Please note that the Department of Labor & Industry expects long wait times for applications given the intense interest in these programs. 

Housing Assistance

State and federal agencies are working together with Congress to protect homeowners and renters during this crisis. General information about housing assistance is available here.

Resources for Renters

On September 4th, 2020 the CDC issued an eviction moratorium that lasts through the end of the year for renters who are financial unstable due to either loss of income or substantial medical bills relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be covered under this moratorium, individuals must have exhausted all other options. While rent is still due during the moratorium, covered renters cannot be evicted solely for nonpayment. More information about this moratorium can be found here.

The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania offers resources for both landlords and renters navigating the COVID-19 public health crisis. Those resources can be found here.

Resources for Homeowners

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offers consultations and assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure. More information about these resources is available here.

Emergency Family and Medical Leave

Both the federal government and the Pennsylvania state government have taken measures to allow employees to stay home if they have been exposed to the Coronavirus or to care for a family member. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires that some employees be paid even if they are not able to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this law, employees may receive full or partial pay if:

• An employee is quarantining based on a law or the advice of health care provider or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis,
• An employee is caring for someone who is quarantining based on a law or the advice of a healthcare provider, or
• An employee is caring for a child whose school or child care provider is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food assistance

Many local organizations are providing emergency food assistance. Individuals seeking immediate food assistance can consult food pantry directories for Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or Hazleton. A directory of food pantries across Pennsylvania can be found here.

Families and individuals facing food insecurity can also apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) here or start the application process for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) here.

Small business relief

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest loans to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic cover the cost of operating. Businesses with less than 500 employees can apply for economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) here or learn more about these loans here. For businesses in need of immediate assistance, the SBA is offering bridge loans of up to $25,000 to businesses that already have a relationship with an SBA express lender and can expect to receive an EDIL soon. You can learn more about these loans here. Additionally, the SBA is covering six months of debt payments for businesses with 7(a), 504, and Microloans. The SBA is also offering deferment for all payments on disaster loans that were serviced before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about these debt relief programs here.

Student debt relief

The U.S. Department of Education has suspended debt collection and waived interest on student loans through the end of the year, meaning that individuals with student debt held by the U.S. Department of Education do not have to make payments until 2021. More information on this temporary deferment can be found here. If you anticipate needing student debt relief after the deferment period ends, you can apply for an income-driven repayment plan.

While the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) student loan deferment period has ended, if you still need relief, you can call 1-800-233-0557 to speak with a customer service representative who can help you explore repayment options.

Information About COVID-19

How COVID-19 spreads

Based on what is known about similar coronaviruses, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but it is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. People are likely most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest), but some spread might be possible before symptoms are apparent. There have been reports of this with COVID-19, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. More information from the CDC here.

Symptoms of COVID-19

For confirmed COVID-19 cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC believes that symptoms could appear between 2-14 days after exposure.

What to do if you believe you have been infected

The CDC instructs those who believe they have been infected with COVID-19 to call their primary health care provider. If you do not have a primary care doctor, Pennsylvanians who have potential exposure and symptoms should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Often, people are able to isolate at home while experiencing these symptoms during illness, as long as they are minor. While your doctor or the DOH helps determine next steps, the CDC recommends people who experience symptoms to stay home and keep distance from other members of your household, including pets. When around other people, it is recommended that the symptomatic person wear a facemask. And, of course, people who experience symptoms and other members of the household should be diligent about washing their hands frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and cleaning high-touch surfaces often.

Preventing COVID-19

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. At this time, the best way to prevent this disease is to avoid being exposed. In general, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases not only like the novel coronavirus, but also the flu and the common cold. Preventive actions include:

• Wear a mask when out in public.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often and vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

It is currently flu season, so please get your flu vaccine if you haven't already. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

The CDC maintains a webpage with more information on how to prepare and take action for COVID-19 in your home, workplace, school, etc.

COVID-19 and Mental Health

On Friday, April 3, the Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the launch of a statewide Support & Referral Helpline staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available 24/7 to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. Pennsylvanians should simply call: 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.

Many other resources remain available to Pennsylvanians in need of support, including:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
• Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
• Safe2Say: 1-844-723-2729 or www.safe2saypa.org
• Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
• Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357 

Additionally, the CDC has helpful information on ways to manage stress and anxiety on its website, including for parents, first responders and health care professionals. Find out more here.

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For Veterans Receiving Care at VA Facilities

If you are a veteran receiving care through the VA, please consult the VA's website www.va.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information. Guidance from local VA medical facilities about their current operating status is available on each facility’s website, which can be found through VA’s facility locator tool: https://www.va.gov/find-locations.

What should veterans do if they think they have COVID-19?

Before visiting local VA medical facilities, community providers, urgent care centers, or emergency departments in their communities, veterans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms—such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath—are encouraged to call their VA medical facility or call MyVA311 (844-698-2311, press #3 to be connected). Veterans can also send secure messages to their health care providers via MyhealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal. VA clinicians will evaluate veterans’ symptoms and direct them to the most appropriate providers for further evaluation and treatment. This may include referral to state or local health departments for COVID-19 testing.

Additional Information

Experts in the U.S. and around the world have been working hard to understand COVID-19. The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) provide updates on the virus and safety information for the public and health care professionals. You can sign up for the CDC's email updates here. You can sign up for the WHO's email updates here.

As we continue to learn more and work to contain this novel disease, your health and safety is my top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call my office at 570-341-1050.

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