Friend,

I have created this new resource page to keep our communities updated on the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) developments. This page will be updated as new information becomes available. You can also follow me on Twitter at @RepSamGraves, on Facebook at Sam Graves, or sign up for email updates for up to the minute information on coronavirus in Missouri.

As your congressman, I’m here to serve you. My offices in Kansas City, St. Joseph, Hannibal, and Washington remain open. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of my offices.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

Congressional Action

On Friday, March 6, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act into law. The bill provided $8.3 billion in additional funding for federal, state, and local government coronavirus response efforts—including $9.9 million for Missouri, which will help purchase much-needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment, grants for local healthcare providers, and additional testing equipment. In addition, nearly half of this funding—$4 billion—will go towards treatments, diagnostic tests, and vaccine development.

On Friday, March 27, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act into law. This legislation provides another $2 trillion in economic relief to indivuals, families, and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through various programs. I have compiled the following resource guide to help individuals and small businesses navigate all the financial resources available to them, new and old, and help folks understand the best ways to slow the spread of this virus. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact my Kansas City office at (816)792-0694.

For Families and Individuals:

• Stimulus Checks and Tax Relief
• Mortgage, Rent, and Utility Bill Relief

For Farmers and Small Businesses:

• Paycheck Protection Program
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
• SBA Debt Relief
• SBA Express Bridge Loans
• Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• SBA Products and Resources
• Government Contracting
• Local Assistance
• USDA Coronavirus Resources

COVID-19 General Information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
• Coronavirus: Facts
• Coronavirus: What You Need To Know

Staying Healthy:

• Wash your hands often  
• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

More tips are available on the CDC's website here.

Protecting Others:

• Stay at home if you're sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a facemask, but ONLY if you are sick
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

For Our Communities:

• Guides for childcare programs and K-12 administrators
• Information for parents and guardians about talking with children about coronavirus
• CDC’s guide to creating a household plan

Travel Assistance:

• CDC travel health notices can be found here. 
• International travel guidance issued by the Department of State is available here. 
• State Department and specific country advisories are listed here.

If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms—including fever, cough, and shortness of breath—and have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus or who has recently traveled from an area where coronavirus is widespread, such as China or Italy, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The CDC recommends calling your provider first for information on how your provider is handling cases in order to help keep others from being exposed.