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In This Update:
Department of Health Advises Use of Masks When Leaving Home
When Pennsylvanians leave the house to collect groceries, pick up prescriptions or perform other essential activities, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the state Department of Health are advising everyone to wear a mask to limit the spread of COVID-19. Paper masks and N-95 masks should be reserved for healthcare professionals, but cloth and homemade masks also can offer an important measure of protection. Additional information about this recommendation and directions for creating homemade masks are available here. Continuity of Education Grant Applications Available April 6
Pennsylvania schools that need additional support for their continuity of education plans may be eligible for equity grants to support distance learning programs for students. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will begin accepting applications for its Continuity of Education Equity Grant program on April 6. Grants are available to fund the purchase of computer equipment – such as laptops, tablets, and internet hot spots – or instructional materials, including paper lessons and coursework. Applications must be completed by April 10. More details about the program are available here. New COVID-19 Resource Guide Available Now
Since the state first ramped up its efforts to contain COVID-19 a few weeks ago, my office has responded to thousands of calls and emails from concerned citizens, business owners, municipal officials and non-profit groups who did not know where else to turn during these uncertain times. In order to help everyone deal with the financial challenges created by this virus, a new COVID-19 Resource Guide for Municipalities, Nonprofits and Community Organizations has been created to connect individuals, families and groups with federal, state, local and private sources of funding. A link to the resource guide is available here. I hope this guide will enable more local individuals and groups to access the financial resources they need in the weeks ahead. My office is ready and willing to help local individuals and groups locate available programs and apply for funding. Tele-town Hall Will Focus on Pennsylvania Veterans’ Issues During COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host a tele-town hall on April 7 at 4 p.m. to provide an update about the VA’s COVID-19 response efforts and other initiatives to support veterans. Community residents can participate by calling 844-227-7557 and following prompts on the call. New Behavioral Health Support and Referral Helpline Available Now
Pennsylvanians who are struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions during the COVID-19 public health emergency can receive support through a new helpline created by the Department of Human Services. Referrals to community-based resources are available for patients in need. Public health professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer support for state residents at 1-855-284-2494. More information about the helpline and other resources for individuals in need of support is available here. Department of Agriculture Finds No Evidence COVID-19 is Transmissible Through FoodThe state Department of Agriculture (PDA) is reassuring Pennsylvanians that there is no evidence that human or animal food or food packaging is associated with transmission of COVID-19. The department re-deployed the state’s food safety inspectors to ensure continued protection of Pennsylvanians and prevent foodborne illness as of April 1. Grocery stores, food manufacturers, distributors and manufacturing environments were given guidance to protect their workforce and consumers from COVID-19. More information is available here. Additional Tax Filing Dates ExtendedI supported a package of bills that was signed into law last Friday to help the state move forward during the COVID-19 crisis. One of these new laws extended the deadline for taxpayers to file local tax returns. A number of important tax deadlines have been extended in recent weeks, including:
Additional information on new tax filing deadlines and other changes related to COVID-19 are available here. Deadlines Extended for License to Carry Firearm Permits
License to carry firearms permits that expired on or after March 19 have been extended to May 30. Because most county courthouses and sheriff’s offices remain closed during COVID-19, license to carry firearms permit holders had no way to renew their permits. More information on carrying a firearm in Pennsylvania is available here. Pennsylvania Waives Spay/Neuter Requirement for Pet AdoptionsIn an effort to conserve personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is temporarily waiving a requirement that all shelters and rescues must spay/neuter dogs and cats prior to adoption. Shelters will be required to keep a list of adopters to follow up with post-pandemic. Adoptive pet owners will then have to have the procedure completed. Shelters and rescues can continue adopting pets out and are advised to follow guidance for virtual, limited contact adoptions from the Humane Society of the United States. Rescues and shelters should also follow guidance issued from the department to protect their workforce and continue operations. Before adopting, Pennsylvanians should consider if they’re able to provide for all the pets’ needs during COVID-19 mitigation and follow the department’s Guidance to Pet Owners. |
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