Coronavirus (COVID-19)
However, if this is an immediate medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
If you have the time or resources to help others during this crisis, click here.
Federal Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
For current information on coronavirus tax relief, please visit the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) website.
Also, additional guidance on the IRS filing extension.
Use IRS Non-Filers tool to get Economic Impact Payment; many low-income, homeless qualify.
Use la herramienta Non-Filers del IRS para obtener el estado de su pago de impacto económico; muchas personas de bajos ingresos y sin hogar fijo pueden calificar.
Travel Advisory Information
For current travel advisory information related to the coronavirus visit the CDC's website, or for more general information about international travel, visit the U.S. Department of State's website.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
U.S. Small Business Adminstration (SBA)
For current information about government assistance programs for small businesses affected by the coronavirus, visit the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) website.
Click here to apply for SBA Disaster assistance.
CARES Act Guidance
Guide to all three coronavirus relief packages in English.
Guía acerca de los paquetes de asistencia económica para el coronavirus en español.
Frequently asked questions about the CARES Act rebate can be found here on the IRS website.
We have heard from many about a number of problems with receiving the stimulus checks, also known as Economic Impact Payments, included in the CARES Act. Some of the most common issues include:
- Status of a stimulus check that has not yet been received
- Inability to use the Get My Payment portal on the IRS website to find out more information about the status of a payment
- How dependents are calculated and what additional information may be needed to get a payment for a qualifying child
- Taxpayers who owed the last time they filed taxes who have not received their payment via direct deposit
The best way to get current information and answers to a number of frequently asked questions, is to visit the Economic Impact Payment Information Center on the IRS website by clicking here. Please continue to reach out to our office and share any issues you are having so we may be of assistance.
If you qualify for but have not yet received your stimulus payment, you may receive it in the form of a pre-paid debit card. For more information from the Treasury website click here and for FAQs from the IRS, click here (scroll down to Q45).
Si usted califica para un pago de impacto económico pero aún no lo ha recibido, es posible que lo reciba en forma de una tarjeta de débito prepagada. Para más información en español, puede visitar aquí y aquí.
For the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), click here for the list of documents required to apply.
New York Times article explaining coronavirus relief for the self-employed.
If you are feeling anxiety around the coronavirus, you can call the federal government’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 1 (800) 985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Texas Information
For current information from the State of Texas, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website.
Current information for parents and child care providers impacted by the coronavirus can be found on the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) website.
For information for students, families, educators, school leaders, school districts, and school boards, visit the Texas Education Agency website.
Texas Health and Human Services has a 24/7 COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at (833) 986-1919.
Local Information
San Antonio
For current information about the coronavirus and testing, visit the San Antonio Metro Health website.
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has opened a COVID-19 hotline for residents to ask questions about the virus. The hotline is available in English and Spanish. Residents can call (210) 207-5779. (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 8 a.m. – noon)
El Distrito de Salud Metropolitano de San Antonio ha creado una línea directa para que residentes puedan hacer preguntas sobre el coronavirus. La línea directa está disponible en inglés y también responde preguntas en español. Residentes pueden llamar al (210) 207-5779 (lunes a viernes 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., sabado a domingo 8 a.m. – hasta el mediodía)
The San Antonio Food Bank has expanded their response due to the coronavirus. Visit their website to find current information for getting help.
RENTAL/MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
The City of San Antonio is accepting applications for emergency rent and mortgage assistance for individuals or families who live within the San Antonio city limits. San Antonio residents experiencing an emergency and hardship, please submit your request for assistance: An online request does not guarantee financial assistance will be provided. Please do not submit more than one request for assistance. They will respond to you via email so be sure to check your email accounts often.
NOTICE: The online application will ask you to upload digital copies of required documents. Click here for a list of documents required for assistance.
ASISTENCIA DE RENTA Y HIPOTECA
La ciudad de san antonio está aceptando referencias para asistencia de renta y hipoteca para individuos y familias que viven dentro de los límites de la Ciudad de San Antonio. Residentes enfrentando una emergencia o dificultades, por favor de enviar su solicitud de asistencia. Su solicitud por internet no garantiza asistencia. No envíe más de una solicitud de asistencia. Le responderemos por correo electrónico. Asegúrese de revisar su cuenta de correo electrónico con frecuencia.
La aplicación en línea le pedirá que cargue copias digitales de los documentos requeridos. Haga clic aquí para obtener una lista de los documentos necesarios para recibir asistencia.
Austin
For current information about the coronavirus, including current testing sites visit the Austin Public Health website. The website includes information on testing as well as educational print materials in multiple languages. Additional community resources can be found on the City of Austin's website.
Para información sobre COVID-19 haga clic aquí.
The Central Texas Food Bank has expanded their response to the coronavirus. Visit their website to find current information for getting help.
For information about health care services during COVID-19, visit Integral Care's website, and for those who are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact their 24/7 helpline at (512) 472-4357.
The Austin Regional Clinic has a hotline that provides advice on self-care and treatment recommendations. The clinic gives the option of scheduling an appointment, if needed, to speak with a nurse for questions.
The City of Austin created a one-stop site with resources to help individuals, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the pandemic. Visit ATX Recovers to see more.
Bexar County
Comal County
Comal County Office of Public Health has a dedicated COVID-19 hotline for anyone to ask questions at (830) 221-1120. (Monday-Friday 8 a.m – 5 p.m.)
Hays County
Hays County Local Health Department & City of San Marcos, established a COVID-19 call center hotline number to respond to non-emergency questions at (512) 393-5525. (Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) The after-hours hotline is (512) 665-7542.
Travis County
Travis County has a hotline for questions about COVID-19 that can’t be answered by what is online. Please feel free to call 3-1-1 if you are inside the Austin city limits or (512) 974-2000 if you are outside of the Austin city limits.
If you do not have insurance or a doctor, but you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can call the COVID-19 Hotline at (512) 978-8775 for guidance. This number is for all Travis County residents with COVID-19 symptoms who don’t have insurance or an established provider.
Lineas directas para COVID-19
Si tienes preguntas específicas sobre el coronavirus, puedes llamar a estos números dependiendo de tu condado:
- Condado de Travis: si vives dentro de los límites de Austin, llama a 3-1-1. Si vives afuera de los límites de Austin, llama al (512) 974-2000
- Condado de Hays: (512) 393-5525 (lunes-viernes 8a-5p)
- Condado de Bexar: (210) 207-5779 (lunes-viernes 8a-5p, sabado a domingo 8 a.m. – hasta el mediodía)
- Condado de Comal: (830) 221-1220 (lunes-viernes 8a-5p)
Health Coverage
If you have lost your job and your health coverage, you may already qualify to obtain ACA coverage. Schedule a free counseling session to discuss options with:
EnrollSA at EnrollSA.com or (210) 977-7997.
Or
Foundation Communities at enroll@foundcom.org or (512) 381-4520.
Call Central Health's Eligibility Hotline at (512) 978-8130 for information on the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) or MAP-Basic for those with no health insurance and/or change in healthcare coverage status.
Click here to learn whether you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Haga clic aquí para saber si califica para medicaid o el programa de seguro de salud para niños (CHIP).
Resources for Seniors
AGE of Central Texas Resources has a library of at-home activities, videos, virtual tours and webcams for seniors who are staying at home. Additionally, they have resources to help family caregivers during this trying time.
Additional Resources
- The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900 and a coronavirus Tip Sheet linked here.
- Domestic Violence, which has been on the upswing since the advent of Shelter in Place, is forcing many victims to remain with their abusers at home. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is available 24/7 at 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233).
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Central Texas (@NAMICentralTX) has programs and resources for those seeking support for mental health, including a free mental health education series. Learn more here.
- Workforce Solutions Capital Area offers assistance with job searches, unemployment insurance, and business assistance. Residents in Hays and Caldwell Counties can find similar assistance with Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.
My Guest Editorials
You can read my guest editorials on this public health crisis, by clicking on the text below:
August 20, 2020 Austin American-Statesman: Doggett: Safeguarding the post box and the ballot box
April 23, 2020 USA Today: The corrupt tax provision in the CARES Act
April 2, 2020 San Antonio Express News: Trump fails the COVID-19 response test
February 29, 2020 San Antonio Express-News: Supporting San Antonio on the front lines of coronavirus
Oversight Actions
November 6, 2020 letter to HHS regarding COVID-19 hospital data
October 30, 2020 letter to CMS regarding reinstatement of nursing home staff training
August 27, 2020 letter to the CDC regarding testing guidance
August 20, 2020 letter concerning taxpayer investments in Moderna vaccine
August 12, 2020 letter to Postmaster General DeJoy to Reverse Assault on Postal Service
August 6, 2020 letter to Vice President Pence regarding the Administration's COVID-19 vaccine plan
July 7, 2020 letter to CMS regarding COVID-19 nursing home data
May 29, 2020 letter to HHS on mishandling of Provider Relief Fund
May 20, 2020 letter to the Federal Reserve demanding accountability in corporate bailouts
May 13, 2020 letter to HHS regarding remdesivir clinical trial data and distribution plan
May 4, 2020 letter to Gilead CEO regarding supply chain and pricing plan for remdesivir
April 30, 2020 letter to Secretary Azar regarding taxpayer R&D investments in remdesivir
April 29, 2020 letter to FDA regarding accuracy of antibody tests.
April 21, 2020 letter to leadership regarding the protection of Medicaid during the crisis
April 9, 2020 letter to FDA regarding accuracy of COVID-19 tests
April 9, 2020 letter to Trump Administration on massive tax giveaways slipped into COVID relief bill
April 1, 2020 letter to Treasury and IRS urging that rebates to seniors be made automatic
March 20, 2020 letter to Governor Greg Abbott regarding COVID-19 testing for the uninsured
March 13, 2020 letter to HHS Secretary Azar regarding establishing a Special Enrollment Period.
March 6, 2020 letter to HHS Secretary Azar regarding test kits
March 6, 2020 letter to FDA Commissioner Hahn regarding test kits
March 2, 2020 letter to Commerce Secretary Ross regarding needed medical supplies being exported
March 2, 2020 letter to Chairman Frank Pallone calling for E&C oversight investigation
February 20, 2020 letter to President Trump regarding vaccine affordability
February 13, 2020 letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar regarding Lackland AFB concerns
My District offices in San Antonio and Austin will be adopting a shelter in place policy. My staff and I are still working to serve you, remotely. Should you need assistance, you can contact my San Antonio office at (210) 704-1080, my Austin office at (512) 916-5923, or send me an email.
More on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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May 2018 |
The Administration disbands the White House pandemic response team. |
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July 2019 |