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Dear Friend,
I'm continuing to work closely with federal, state and local officials to monitor and fight the coronavirus in our community. There has been a lot of new information about the coronavirus and our community’s response, so I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss anything:
FAQs and resources for individuals, small businesses & farmers: I have compiled a list of resources and Frequently Asked Questions to help ensure you have all the information you need to receive support that Congress has put in place:
Information about Paycheck Prevention Program Loans: Paycheck Prevention Program loans are now being processed, accepted and distributed with $1B already received by small businesses today. The Small Business Administration is continuing to work around the clock to help small businesses stay open during this unprecedented time. How to apply for the PPP:
- Start with your bank. They may be issuing loans to existing customers
- Fill out this application and take it to your lender. Most lenders receive their disbursements within 15 days
- Keep employees on payroll and keep your business open!
To learn more, click here.
For restaurant employees: The National Restaurant Association is offering $500 grants to restaurant employees on a first-come-first-served basis. The funds will be available for restaurant employees who can demonstrate that they:
- Worked on a part- or full-time basis in the restaurant industry for at least 90 days in the past year; and
- Have had a primary source of income in the restaurant industry for the last year; and
- Have experienced a decrease in wages or loss of job on or after March 10, 2020; and
- Live in the United States, an overseas U.S. military base, or any U.S. territory; and
- Are over the age of legal majority in their U.S. state or territory
Those that are eligible will be awarded a one-time grant of $500 that will be disbursed directly to the applicant. Applications are now open and can be found here.
Governor’s Office Updates
In order to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus across the state of Florida, Governor DeSantis has issued the following guidelines:
- A “Safer At Home” policy is in effect for all Florida residents. Under this policy, individuals should limit their movements outside their house to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services, such as food or medication. Those over 65 may also participate in essential activities but should limit their time spent outside their house as much as possible. This policy will remain in place until April 30th.
- Mortgage foreclosures and evictions related to inability to pay as a result of coronavirus are suspended for 45 days. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call my office.
White House Updates
Social distancing guidelines are in effect until April 30, 2020. Additional directions from the White House include:
- Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities
- Don't hoard any critical medical equipment or supplies related to COVID-19 for personal use, including hydroxychloroquine
- Stay home to save lives and limit your contact with other people to ensure you keep your social distance
- If you or someone in your home feel sick, contact your doctor to get tested
- If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk or are above 65 years old, stay home and away from other people
CDC Updates
New CDC mask guidance:
- The CDC recommends wearing a mask or homemade face covering when performing essential activities, such as going to the grocery store, healthcare facility or bank
- Cloth masks are to be used to protect others from you and you from others. A guide on how to make a cloth mask with a t-shirt and other materials you may already have at home can be found here
- Please make sure to reserve medical-grade N95 masks for our healthcare workers
- Wearing a face covering is NOT an alternative to staying home. Please continue to limit your contact with others and keep social distancing
Local Governments Updates
- All public schools in Volusia, Flagler, Lake and St Johns County are closed through May 1, 2020. Parents and students should visit their school district’s website for more information on closures and distance learning guidelines:
- Volusia County beaches are open for exercise only. Please be advised that swimmers swim at their own risk and lifeguards may not be on duty.
As always, follow my daily work on social media by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram and feel free to reach out to my offices in Florida or Washington, D.C. if my team or I can ever be of service.
In Service,
Michael Waltz |