COVID-19 Resources
We are all struggling at this time to process and, in a way, grieve where we were prior to and where we are now during this COVID19 pandemic crisis. Now, more than ever, it’s important to have information around this issue that is credible and accurate.
As I work to earn your vote and become your next State Representative our campaign wants to be a resource of that credible and accurate information; to share COVID19 resources for your health and employment as well as links to other key information.
Stay HOME. Stay SAFE. Stay HEALTHY. Stay HOPEFUL.
We’ll get through this together.
Your Health
If you think you or someone you love has COVID-19.
Go to www.bit.ly/IfYouAreSick - the CDC guidelines for the symptoms to look for and the steps to take.
Symptoms of COVID19
Go to www.bit.ly/COVID19SYMPTOMS for details on symptoms.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- In some cases, people will experience a loss of taste and smell
Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms:
- trouble breathing
- persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- new confusion or inability to arouse
- bluish lips or face
If you think you are sick with COVID19:
1.) STAY HOME. Write down notes on your symptoms so you can share with your physician.
2.) Contact your Primary Care physician.
3.) IF you don’t have a physician, reach out to the Oakland County Nurse on Call at: 800-848-5533 or this state-wide hotline: 888.535.6136
4.) If you have possible or confirmed COVID19: go to the hotlink below for more information on how to self care at home. www.bit.ly/ COVIDCAREatHOME
Taxes
The deadline for filing BOTH Federal and State Income taxes has been extended to JULY 15, 2020.
You can read the Executive Order from the Governor outlining the specifics for Michigan filers here: www.bit.ly/ExecutiveOrder_TaxFiling
- For more information from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
- For specific filing and payment deadlines Q&A from the IRS: www.bit.ly/IRSQandA
The following links share information about COVID-19 as well as local information around hours of operation for municipal offices during this pandemic outbreak.
Federal information:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Michigan information: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/
Oakland County information: https://www.oakgov.com/covid/Pages/default.aspx
Rochester Hills information: https://www.rochesterhills.org/coronavirus
Rochester information: http://www.rochestermi.org/535/Community-Preparation-to-Coronavirus
Oakland Township information:
http://www.oaklandtownship.org/covid-19_updates.php
Federal Response
to COVID-19
The CARES ACT was recently passed and it is the largest recovery aid relief legislation ever passed in the U.S. $2 trillion dollars will provide relief to several groups impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
You can read a comprehensive article via this link: www.bit.ly/CARESSUMMARY
Direct Payments to adults:
$1,200 or less and $500 per child ($3,400 for a family of four) to be sent out in weeks. The amount of the payments phases out based on earnings of between $75,000 and $99,000 ($150,000/$198,000 for couples).
Expanded Unemployment Insurance:
Includes coverage for workers who are furloughed, gig workers, and freelancers. Increases payments by $600 per week for four months on top of what state unemployment programs pay. See more details in unemployment resources section.
Amendments to the New Paid Leave Mandates:
Lowers the amounts that employers must pay for paid sick and family leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to the amounts covered by the refundable payroll tax credit – i.e., $511 per day for employee sick leave or $200 per day for family leave.
Significant Spending:
The bill also calls for large infusions of cash to the following sectors:
-
$150 billion for a state, tribal, and local Coronavirus Relief fund
-
$130 billion for hospitals
-
$30 billion for education
-
$25 billion for transit systems
Business
Business Resources:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: https://www.uschamber.com
Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce: www.bit.ly/RRChamberResources
Unemployment
APPLYING FOR SMALL BUSINESS LOANS AND GRANTS:
Michigan’s Small Business Association, Oakland County, and TCF Bank are offering loans and grants to Oakland County businesses and nonprofits that have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Via it’s Small Business Stabilization Fund, Oakland County will be offering a total of $3 million in grants and an additional $6 million in low interest loans to small businesses. The program could be operational by at least April 1, and would offer grants of up to $10,000. These grants may be used to meet ordinary expenses, such as payroll, rent, or mortgage payments. $700,000 of funds will be dedicated to encouraging manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment for health care workers (face masks, gowns, etc.)
In order to qualify for a grant, businesses must:
-
Have 50 or fewer employees.
-
Be considered a “nonessential” industry according to Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders.
-
Require working capital
-
Prove a loss of revenue directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications for grants can be found at OakGov.com/COVID.
In addition, the Small Business Development Association is providing loans via the Injury Disaster Loan Program to businesses affected by the pandemic. The program is designed to provide small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million. For eligibility information, visit sbdcmichigan.org/disaster-loan-help. To apply, visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
TCF Bank is also offering Oakland County residents 12-month loans with 0-2% interest rates, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The first six months will have interest-only payments. Applicants can apply through the TCF Bank website.
APPLY for UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS in Michigan
https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_97241---,00.html
By executive order Governor Whitmer extended unemployment insurance benefits to workers who are home caring for sick relatives or taking care of their children during the coronavirus pandemic. Michigan also increased unemployment benefits for workers to 26 weeks. Due to the overwhelming amount of applicants for unemployment, applicants are asked to file their claim by LAST NAME. See the graphic below to determine the day of the week you are asked to apply based on your LAST NAME.
To file a claim, you need*:
- Your Social Security Number, driver's license number, state identification or MARVIN PIN (if you have one)
- If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, you will need your alien registration number and the expiration date of your work authorization.
- Names and addresses of employers you have worked for in the past 18 months, including quarterly gross earnings and the last date of employment with each.
*https://www.bridgemi.com/economy/how-apply-unemployment-benefits-michigan-amid-coronavirus-crisis?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
The state also expanded a work-share program for qualifying business that could help avoid mass layoffs by splitting the cost of employees. A participating business could scale back worker hours and ask unemployment insurance to make up the difference in lost pay.
Help for self-employed, low wage, “Gig” and already unemployed workers:
Under the Federal CARES Act, individuals who are not already eligible for Michigan’s unemployment programs will now be provided a set amount of $600 a week for up to four months on top of the state benefit. Under the CARES Act, weekly benefits for all unemployed workers will be increased by a set amount of $600 a week for up to four months. This applies to workers already in the unemployment system and eligible employees about to apply. More information is available here: www.bit.ly/GIG_LowWage_Benefits
Education
K-12:
Everyday is a new normal for us during this global pandemic, especially as parents of school-age children and if there's one thing we've all realized over the few short weeks with our children at home learning remotely it is this: teaching is hard and public education is complex.
There is a news article circulating which states Governor Whitmer is going to be issuing an Executive Order (EO) to close all public schools for the remainder of the school year, possibly on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. As a trustee for Rochester Community Schools Board of Education (and speaking for myself, and not on behalf of the Board) even I don’t want to speculate on how this change will be implemented by our own school district. So, I ask that parents take a breath, continue doing what you’re doing for your children, and know that whatever the solution it will always be with children at the center.
Other Resources
Childcare Information
Healthcare and other essential workers during this time with children that need childcare can utilize the link below for specific information on this issue. Also, information for daycare providers is included in this link. www.bit.ly/ChildCareInfo
Paying Your Utility Bills:
If you think you will be unable to pay your utility bills due to the COVID19 crisis there are resources to help.
- There are protections and assistance programs to help. More information can be found here: bit.ly/39mso79
- Call 2-1-1 or go to www.bit.ly/OaklandCountyResources to learn about agencies in Oakland County that may assist with your energy bill.
Food Pantry:
The Rochester Area Neighborhood House:
- How to get help: https://www.ranh.org/get-help
- Rochester Area Neighborhood House Food Pantry:
The Rochester Area Neighborhood House is remaining open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 to 2:30 and Saturday from 11:30 to 2:00. Located at 1315 N. Pine Street, within First Congregational Church
How you can help
Step up, if you can. Volunteer. Donate.
"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can. In all the places you can.
At all the times you can. To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.” - John Wesley
Michiganders have a long history of helping in times of crisis and now is the time for folks to step-up, if they can, and help in any way they can. Our state needs you. Your community and neighbors need you.
It can be as simple as donating blood, checking in on an elderly neighbor, being a community volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels or, as a medical or public health, volunteer.
Use the link below and find numerous ways your help is needed.
www.bit.ly/COVID-19HowToHelp
In Rochester Hills:
The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester has established a Community Response Fund. Grants from the fund will be made to local nonprofit organizations, agencies and municipalities administering programs in response to the needs of community members during this unprecedented crisis. To learn more, visit www.cfound.org
In Rochester:
The Rochester Area Neighborhood House provides a food pantry to Rochester area individuals and families. Located at 1315 N. Pine Street, within First Congregational Church.
You can purchased items on Amazon for the Rochester Area Neighborhood House Food Pantry through this link: https://smile.amazon.com/…/W9QU9D67I…/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl
You can also make a monetary donation directly to the Neighborhood House at: www.bit.ly/RANHDONATE
Lighthouse of Oakland County is in need of monetary and food pantry donations. Volunteers are also needed to help pack food boxes for distribution! Lighthouse is taking extreme precautions to ensure the safety of all volunteers.https://www.lighthousemi.org/update-on-covid-19/