Good afternoon,
Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States has increased testing capacity, expanded PPE stockpiles, and developed therapeutics in order to help safely reopen the country again. Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Small Business Administration released new information yesterday regarding the Paycheck Protection Program: Frequently Asked Questions.
President Trump is also working to ensure underserved communities across America have the resources necessary to fight the virus. To provide health and economic support, President Trump has delivered $2 billion for community health centers to provide care and testing for their 28 million patients, $60 billion in loans under the Paycheck Protection Program targeted to support minority and disadvantaged communities, and $1 billion to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and other minority serving institutions impacted by the coronavirus.
Who else should be added to receive White House updates? If other leaders in your network would like to receive our invitations to upcoming conference calls and e-mail updates, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Considering Faith, Community, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Crisis HERE
President Donald J. Trump Is Committed to Providing Support to Underserved Communities Impacted By the Coronavirus Pandemic (HERE)
President Trump: America's Testing Capacity Is Unmatched and Unrivaled (VIDEO)
Daily 1600: What a Safe Reopening Looks Like (HERE)
HHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiative Webinars
Mental Health in a Time of COVID-19 Part 1: “Preparing Leaders to Address the Challenges.” Watch: Watch HERE
Mental Health in a Time of COVID-19 Part 2: “When Trauma, Fear, and Anxiety Become Overwhelming,” Watch: Watch HERE
Mental Health in a Time of COVID-19 Part 3: “Task-shifting to Address Increasing Challenges,” May 26th at 12 PM EDT Register HERE
What Communities Need to Know About COVID-19: May 28th at 1 PM EDT Register HERE
Protecting Religious Freedom
The United States Department of Justice will continue to ensure that religious freedom remains protected if any state or local government, in their response to COVID-19, singles out, targets, or discriminates against any house of worship for special restrictions. The Attorney General William P. Barr has issued the following statements:
Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Mississippi Church Case (HERE)
The Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Support of Church That Ministers to Underserved Communities (HERE)
Paycheck Protection Plan
The Paycheck Protection Program is providing small businesses, non-profits, and houses of worship with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead. For more information and updates, visit Treasury.gov/CARES and SBA.gov/PayCheckProtection.
Program Overview
For Borrowers
Program Rules
Frequently Asked Questions – Updated 5/13
How to Help – If you or your organization are interested in helping the effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, FEMA has established a website (www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help) with more information. Examples for the private sector include:
To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please refer to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Request for information (RFI) through sam.gov.
Effective immediately, FEMA Solicitation number 70FA2020R00000011 is hereby withdrawn due to an Interagency transition of mission responsibility from FEMA to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Offerors who submitted proposals, capability statements, and/or any response to this solicitation who have not already been contacted will not receive any notices or further correspondence/communications.
If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide us details on what you are offering.
If you or someone you know represent a hospital or healthcare provider in need of medical supplies, please contact your state, local, tribal or territory department of public health and/or emergency management agency.
If you are interested in doing business with FEMA and supporting the response to COVID- 19 with your company’s non-medical goods and/or services, please submit your inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Procurement Action Innovative Response Team (PAIR) team at DHSIndustryLiaison@hq.dhs.gov.
If you would like to meet with a federal agency regarding a vaccine, diagnostic, therapeutic or other medical device that you are developing for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, please go to medicalcountermeasures.gov.
For all others issues related to the private sector, please e-mail nbeoc@max.gov or visit our National Business Emergency Operations Center page.
If you are a healthcare worker and would like to volunteer to assist in New York City, please find more information here.
For additional information, please visit FEMA’s website: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/.
Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives. Please click here for more information: Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families (HERE)
Grieving the loss of a loved one during the fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming. It may be difficult for people to make decisions about how to safely grieve and honor their loved one. This guidance is for individuals and families as they work with funeral directors, community and religious leaders, and others to plan and hold funeral services and visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Running Essential Errands (HERE)
As communities across the United States take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact, people are facing new challenges and questions about how to meet basic household needs, such as buying groceries and medicine, and completing banking activities. The following information provides advice about how to meet these household needs in a safe and healthy manner.
Secretary Ben Carson Works Alongside Veterans Group to Support “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” in Philadelphia (HERE)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today highlighted the Department’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” campaign at a veterans’ community in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As communities battle the coronavirus, Secretary Carson is meeting with business leaders, nonprofits, and community leaders to contribute to their response efforts.
FHFA Announces Payment Deferral as New Repayment Option for Homeowners in COVID-19 Forbearance Plans (HERE)
Today, to help homeowners who are in COVID-19 related forbearance, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) are making available a new payment deferral option.
DHS Offers Flexibilities to Increase Food Security, Stabilize U.S. Supply Chain during COVID-19 (HERE)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a temporary final rule to change certain H-2B requirements to help support the U.S. food supply chain, maintain essential infrastructure operations and reduce the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
What Workers and Employers Can Do to Manage Workplace Fatigue during COVID-19 (HERE)
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has touched all aspects of society including how we work. Emergency responders, health care workers, and others providing essential services to the community have been especially stretched thin, working longer hours than usual, working more shifts or even over-night, and leaving less time to sleep and recharge.
COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country (HERE)
The CDC has posted a map with country-specific travel health information about COVID-19.
What to do if Your Pet Tests Positive for the Virus that Causes COVID-19 (HERE)
We are still learning about how the virus that causes COVID-19 can affect animals. A small number of pets (cats and dogs) have been confirmed to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with a person with COVID-19. Some pets did not show any signs of illness, but those pets that did get sick all had mild disease that could be taken care of at home. None of the pets have died. Tests for COVID-19 in animals are available for most types of pets, but testing is only recommended for animals with COVID-19 symptoms and that have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.
Exercise Starter Kit for Workshop on Reconstituting Operations (HERE)
FEMA has developed an Exercise Starter Kit with sample documents your organization can use to conduct your own planning workshop to navigate the complexities of returning to full operations during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Exercise Starter Kit includes a sample facilitator guide and conduct slides that are designed to be adapted and customized for your own needs.
VA National Cemeteries to Commemorate Memorial Day (HERE)
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced today it will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath laying ceremonies. Another offering is a new online memorial feature allowing the public to pay tribute to Veterans interred in VA national cemeteries across the country.
VA Reports Rising Patient Capacity, Stable Supplies and Staffing 8 Weeks into COVID-19 Emergency (HERE)
Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has maintained an increasing supply of beds for both Veterans and COVID-19 patients, steady supplies across the nation and a stable staffing situation in the vast majority of VA locations nearly two months into the national emergency.
DOD Awards $134 Million Contract, Providing Personal Protective Equipment for Medical Personnel At 15,000 Nursing Homes (HERE)
The Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency, in coordination with FEMA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has signed a $134 million contract award with the Federal Resources Supply Company to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) kits including protective eyewear, gloves, gowns, and masks for medical personnel at over 15,000 nursing home locations.
Thank you,
Amanda Robbins
Associate Director
White House Office of Public Liaison