Coronavirus Resources and Information

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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 three legislative responses:

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 in the CARES Act at walberg.house.gov/cares-act.

To address specific COVID-19 related questions, the State of Michigan has set up a dedicated website at michigan.gov/coronavirus 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.

Coronavirus CDC Guidance

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: CDC provides recommendations on postponing or canceling travel. These are called travel notices and are based on assessment of the potential health risks involved with traveling to a certain area. A list of destinations with travel notices is available here. The State Department also provides travel-related recommendations.

Q: Has the tax filing deadline changed?

A: The filing deadline for tax returns and tax payments for individuals and small businesses are being extended until July 15, 2020. Read more details from the IRS.

Q: How do I apply for a small business loan?

A: The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved the state of Michigan's request for a statewide Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. This declaration makes it possible for local small businesses to apply for low-interest loans from the SBA. The application is available here.

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. Below are the material donations most needed by the State of Michigan Emergency Operations Center at this time. This list will be updated as efforts continue to progress.

Hospital Gowns
Ventilators
Sanitizer (Hand / Wipe)
Gloves
Surgical Masks
Masks N95-N100
No-Touch Thermometer

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.