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Coronavirus Resources and Information

CDC Prevention COVID19

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Congressman Walberg is closely monitoring local, state and national developments related to COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. He has attended numerous and frequent briefings with experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Health (NIH), Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other agencies who are currently coordinating the response effort. He has been working closely with the Governor's Office and state and local health officials.
 
Congressman Walberg is working to ensure public health organizations have every resource they need to aggressively respond to this pandemic. To date, the House has passed four bipartisan legislative responses that the President has signed into law:
  • On March 4, the House passed a bipartisan emergency supplemental package that includes approximately $8 billion in funds designed to aid states and the federal government in the fight against the Coronavirus. It was signed into law on March 6. 
  • On March 14, he voted for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, bipartisan legislation that provides free Coronavirus testing and targeted paid sick leave for affected workers and caregivers. It was signed into law on March 19.
  • On March 27, the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion emergency relief bill that will provide direct payments to Americans, assistance for small businesses, and support for hospitals and health care professionals. It was signed into law on March 27. Learn more about the specific provisions, and funding disbursements from the CARES Act at walberg.house.gov/cares-act.
  • On April 23, he voted for the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to replenish emergency relief funds for workers, small businesses, health care providers, and expand COVID-19 testing. It was signed into law on April 24.

In addition to Congressional action, the Trump Administration quickly approved Michigan’s major disaster request, National Guard funding requests, and has been a valuable partner in Michigan’s fight against COVID-19. As of May 20, through federal and private sector collaboration, Michigan has received:

  • 10+ million N95 masks
  • 10.9 million surgical and procedural masks
  • 4.9 million surgical gowns
  • 426 million medical gloves
  • 674,000 eye and face shields
  • 285 cases of Remdesivir (40 vials per case)
To address specific COVID-19 related questions, the State of Michigan has set up a dedicated website at michigan.gov/coronavirus, email at covid19@michigan.gov, and a statewide hotline that is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm at 1-888-535-6136. More information from the CDC is also available by visiting coronavirus.gov or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Prevention Methods

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • 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.
  • Practice social distancing.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others in public settings, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Avoiding COVID-19 Scams

Unfortunately, there are bad actors looking to take advantage of this pandemic to scam vulnerable citizens. Here are some resources from the Federal Trade Commission about how to avoid common COVID-19 releated scames.
  • Learn how to tell the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer. Legitimate tracers need health information, not money or personal financial information.
  • Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. Here’s what you need to know.
  • Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are selling products to treat or prevent COVID-19 without proof that they work.
  • Be wary of ads for test kits. Most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA, and aren’t necessarily accurate.
  • Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes

Find additional resources at FTC.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a novel coronavirus? 
A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
 
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.
 
Q: How does the virus spread?
A: This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.
 
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.
 
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.
 
Q: Should I cancel or postpone my travel?
A: On March 31, the Department of State issued a Level 4 global health advisory for U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. Click here to read the travel advisory.
 
Q: Has the tax filing deadline changed?
A: The filing deadline for state and federal tax returns for individuals and small businesses has been extended until July 15, 2020. Read more details from the IRS.
 
Q: Am I eligible for an economic impact payment?
A: Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. Click here for more information and frequently asked questions.

Q: What should I do if I have yet to receive my payment?
A: The IRS has established a hotline to help provide additional assistance for taxpayers with questions about their Economic Impact Payments (EIP). That number is 800-919-9835, which is the number reflected on the notice mailed to taxpayers who receive an EIP. 
 

If you have unusual circumstances, which may have caused an error in processing the payment, or if you have received notice from the IRS on the website or in a letter that you should have received payment, or if a deceased relative has received payment, please call my office at 517-780-9075.

Q: How do I apply for a small business loan?
A: In addition to traditional Small Business Administration (SBA) funding programs, the CARES Act established several new programs to provide emergency relief to small businesses who are struggling. Click here to learn more about the Paycheck Protection Program and other funding options.
 
Read more frequently asked questions at coronavirus.gov.

Michigan COVID-19 Donations

The State of Michigan is collecting and managing financial, material and in-kind donations to be used to meet the most pressing needs of Michigan residents during the COVID-19 Health Emergency. All donations will be tracked by the Michigan Community Service Commission, the state’s lead agency on volunteerism. The Commission is the lead for volunteerism and donations management during times of disaster. 

Donations can be directed to the Michigan Community Service Commission at COVID19donations@michigan.gov or 517-335-4295. 

The Michigan COVID-19 donations will support the delivery of critical community-based services and interventions that address and mitigate the impacts created by COVID-19.

Michigan COVID-19 Volunteers

The State of Michigan has launched a new volunteer website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19, where trained medical professionals can register to serve their fellow Michiganders by assisting hospitals in fighting COVID-19. Other state residents also can use the site to find out how they can help in their local communities, give blood, donate money or needed medical supplies, or assist public health officials in tracking infections. 

County Health Departments