The Governor said that 830 cases were reported yesterday. The number of cases has increased 45 to a total of 875 today. 74 patients are hospitalized and there are no new deaths

Regarding efforts to slow the spread in Arkansas, the Governor displayed a graph showing the amount of time that it is taking for our total cases to double. The graph showed that the days for cases to double in Arkansas were 1, 4, 2, 1, 3, 3, and 7 days. The Governor also displayed another graph from Dr. Deborah Birx of the federal coronavirus task force on cumulative cases per 100,000. The graph showed that of the states that were displayed Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama and Ohio were the top states with increases. Arkansas was near the bottom on that graph.

The Governors also said that it is clear this is going to go on for some time, despite our flattening of the curve. We will have to continue mitigation efforts. He had previously said that schools would be closed until April 17 and indicated that he was very thankful for the work of teachers in this situation. After consulting with Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith and Secretary of Education Johnny Key, he said he has decided to close the remainder of the school year to in-school instruction, but remote instruction will continue.

The Governor also said he asked Dr. Smith about making 5 ventilators available to Louisiana and Dr. Smith said that we could spare them.

Report by Dr. Nate Smith, Secretary of Health

Arkansas now has 875 cases, which is 45 more than yesterday. One new county, Izard, was reported, which brings the total to 65 counties with cases. Gender, race, and age percentage breakdowns are similar to past reports.

Percentage of cases by age range: 2.3% – 18 & under; 6.7% – 18 to 24; 30.3% – 25 to 44; 34.9% – 45 to 64; and 25.7% (225) 65 and older.

31.6% of cases have one or more underlying conditions. 74 patients are hospitalized, which is up 7 from yesterday. 22 patients are currently on ventilators; this is down 5 from yesterday. There were no new deaths reported; the total deaths remain at 16. 102 patients have recovered, which is up 5. 59 cases are in nursing homes; this is down 1 due to a death. 122 healthcare workers have tested positive: 15 are doctors, 36 nurses and 15 CNAs; the rest are registered and unregistered personnel.

The Arkansas Department of Health is following 13 nursing homes with at least one resident or one worker that has tested positive. The total deaths from nursing homes remains at 4. 32 workers have tested positive, which is up 5.

There were 949 test results reported yesterday: 822 from a commercial lab of which 4% were positive, ADH completed 76 and 10.5% were positive and UAMS completed 51 tests yesterday but Dr. Smith did not give the percentage of positives.

The time it is taking for the number of our cases to double has slowed and he hopes to slow it even more. The slowing is a result of social distancing and other actions. We are very happy to help out Louisiana, but he does not want to become like them. Arkansans are doing things every day to help.

Johnny Key, Secretary of Education

Schools will be closed the rest of the school year, but AMI instruction will continue. Their deal with Arkansas PBS will continue and is being extended from April 17 to May 1. This will allow districts to make plans for future AMI.

Most schools are prepared to continue AMI for the rest of the year and the Arkansas Department of Education will work with those that need assistance. Charters will get help from the Arkansas Resource Center. Help with internet connectivity will be provided to schools that need it. School districts may continue lunch programs as long as they follow the CDC Guidelines.

His expectations for AMI for the rest of year include being flexible; it is not practical to replicate the school experience while kids are at home. Seniors will graduate. It was previously announced that those who had completed requirements by the end of the third quarter were eligible to graduate, but they still must meet local needs. AP tests can be taken at home.

Online teaching will focus on the core subject. He urged caution on using new content; teachers should focus on essential standards until schools close for the year. He expects schools to set expectations for their teachers. Schools should be flexible; it is time to support learning and not compliance.

Q&A

What is our supply of ventilators?

Dr. Smith said we have just short of 800 ventilators total. Between 500 and 550 are not in use.

Two doctors have asked about the President’s continued suggestion about chloroquine and if there is a surging demand?

Dr. Smith said there is limited evidence of its benefits. As a doctor, he would want more evidence before recommending its use. It is reasonable to make it available for those who are very sick. Potential side effects should be monitored by a doctor. He is not aware of any supply issues. If people start hoarding, it will hamper treatment of people with lupus.

Will next year school year be impacted?

Secretary Key said since they now have clarity on this school year, they will start looking at the impact to next year.

How many high school seniors are in public system?

Secretary Key said he estimated around 35,000.

AP set rules for testing, has ACT set anything?

Secretary Key said they are working on rescheduling on-site ACT exams.

What about professional development for teachers?

Secretary Key that that right now is a good time for online development. Under a new law, there are new requirements on the science of reading.

What factors for school report cards?

Secretary Key said they are largely based on ASPIRE results, which are not being done so that will cause difficulty. Also, attendance and growth are factors that are also impacted by the closings.

How will things be weighted in the school assessment?

Secretary Key said they have not yet decided.

Most schools can continue AMI, can you categorize those that need help?

Secretary Key said small and remote districts will need more support. He has seen some be creative. Some have used printed packets and others are using the internet.

Friday’s directive regarding elective surgeries, do you believe abortions should stop?

Dr. Smith said that as worded, the directive applies to any procedure that can be safely deferred. It is not intended to replace a doctor’s judgement.

Follow-up: This provides a lot of freedom?

The Governor said Dr. Smith answered the question well.

University of Washington study about fatalities falling?

The Governor referred back to a graphic that showed Arkansas is in the bottom 9 of all 50 states. Deaths and hospitalization per 100,000 projections show Arkansas is beating the curve.

Dr. Smith said our current 16 deaths is pretty low per capita. We were one of the last states to have its first death. When you track comparative timing our deaths are about the same as California and the California curve is lower that Washington and New York where there is a lot of data.

Are stay at home orders effective?

Dr. Smith said that such orders are as effective as people abide. If people abide by the current Arkansas directives, it would be the same. They question what can actually be done and can it be sustained for a period of time are issues they consider as to whether a directive or an order should be given. He believes our plan can be sustained.

The Governor said Arkansas has some health challenges and we have an elderly population, so these factors impact the results.

Are we still trying to get more ventilators, will we need more?

The Governor said we still have an order in for more ventilators, but it is important that we help Louisiana today. They hope to flatten the curve and exposure, so we will not need any more ventilators.

What about Senator Garner’s desire to limit funding for the AEDC staff in China?

The Governor said it is short-sighted and somewhat isolationist. The Governor said that he is a realist. We have reduced staff allocation in China, but many of our businesses do a lot of business in China. He does not want to send a signal to China that we do not want to sell them our rice, poultry etc. He has spoken with Sen. Garner.

If we stay on current path, will we have plenty of hospital beds and ICU beds until the peak?

The Governor said if people follow the directives, then we should continue flattening the curve. If we are not successful and the rate accelerates, then Dr. Smith will look at additional measures.

There are probably 20 projections available for Arkansas and they change day by day. Because of our success, the University of Washington has changed their model. We want to beat any projections.

Dr. Smith added that we need to use available information to plan wisely to improve our situation a month or two from now. We have to plan for the worst because we do not know exactly what will happen.

Update on testing?

Dr. Smith said we are working to grow testing capacity. Commercial labs have decreased their backlogs. He hopes to see more tests done per day.

The Governor added that Walmart and Quest Labs should be up and running this week. They will prioritize first responders and healthcare workers.

Will any patients be transferred from Louisiana to Arkansas?

The Governor said he does not see that as a possibility.

Resources for 504 plans and IEP?

Secretary Key said schools need to stay in close contact and do the best they can to align students. Same for certain therapies to compensate for what was missed.

Are we bending rules for scholarships?

Secretary Key said that under a previous emergency order, waivers have been posted on website. As more are needed, he will be talking to the Governor.

What about graduation ceremonies?

Secretary Key said they will be subject to the ADH guidelines. Some may be virtual, and some may be onsite with proper guidelines; this is still up in the air.

To see the full press conference, click https://youtu.be/KS2Kb4V8U3I

 

The Shared Work Program available through Department of Workforce Services and the Department of Labor is a powerful tool to help you hold your employee team together. PLEASE give it a close look along with whatever HR resource you have to advise you.

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidelines Thursday on the unemployment insurance (UI) provisions in the CARES Act. To see the DOL guidelines, click https://www.arkansasstatechamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/DOL-UIPL_14-20.pdf.

Please take note of the Shared Work Program (SW). It is an opportunity to retain your employees and reduce payroll costs at the same time. The federal government will reimburse the state for all of the money paid out under the SW program, which will help protect the state’s UI Trust Fund that is fully funded by employers.

The SW program authorizes employers to reduce their employees hours/wages by 10% to 40%. The employees whose hours/wages have been reduced are eligible to receive unemployment compensation (UC) but the UC benefit will be reduced by the same percentage as their hours/wages. This program does not apply to employers that have laid-off employees. The SW employees will also be eligible to receive the $600 described below.

Here is a quick summary of the primary UI provisions in the CARES Act. Arkansas has previously signed an agreement with DOL to participate in these:

*Pandemic UI Assistance (PUA) – Available January 27 thru December 31, 2020 – PUA provides up to 39 weeks of UC for those who are not normally eligible for UC such as independent contractors, self-employed, gig economy workers, etc.

*Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) – Ends July 31, 2020 – FPUC provides an extra $600 to people who are drawing any type of UC.

*Temporary Full Federal Funding of First Week of UC – This program eliminates the normal one-week waiting period to receive UC benefits.

*Pandemic Emergency UC (PEUC) = Ends December 31, 2020 – PEUC provides up to 13 weeks of UC after a claimant has exhausted their state UC benefits.

*Temporary Financing for Existing Short Term Compensation Programs – Ends December 31, 2020 – Authorizes use of states’ Shared Work programs for up to 26 weeks.

*These programs are 100% federally funded, which helps the state and employers since employers pay 100% of the state’s UI program. The Arkansas UI Trust Fund had a balance of more than $850 million before the pandemic began. It is unlikely these funds will last the balance of 2020. States are allowed to borrow money from DOL once their UI Trust Funds run out of money. But the UI Trust Funds will need to be replenished and this money will come 100% from employers. So all of the CARES Act UI coverage extensions will not contribute to the decline of the Arkansas UI Trust Fund.

The CARES Act has other provisions to assist state UI administrators in hiring extra staff and providing flexibility in collecting taxes and charging employers’ accounts for the cost of UI claims.

 

The Arkansas Community Foundation has announced a partnership with Gov. Asa Hutchinson asking Arkansans to make donations to the COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist in pandemic relief. All donations made to this fund will be granted to Arkansas nonprofits working to serve the state’s most vulnerable populations and those disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout.

Donations can be made online at www.arcf.org/covid19 or by mailing a check to Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, AR 72202.

This fund was created March 18, 2020, and the Governor is helping the Community Foundation promote the fund so that Arkansans are aware of how they can help each other.

“Hardships have been placed on many Arkansans because of this public health emergency. Tens of thousands of Arkansans have recently filed unemployment claims, and there are great needs in many Arkansas communities. Arkansans have been incredibly responsive to the needs of their neighbors by volunteering assistance in this time of crisis. I am pleased that the State is partnering with Arkansas Community Foundation to support the COVID-19 relief fund, a designated fund for Arkansans to donate and help other Arkansans,” said Gov. Hutchinson at a press conference on April 5.

“This is why we exist—to help Arkansas communities” said Heather Larkin, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “This fund is an efficient way to bring together donors with Arkansas nonprofits. We know that even during difficult times, Arkansans are still generous. We are honored that the Governor considers the Community Foundation the most trusted organization to help provide guidance for those able to help.”

Several Arkansas entities have already stepped up to begin helping. Over $2 million dollars have been pledged or donated by the following:

• • • Arkansas Community Foundation
    • Entergy Charitable Foundation
    • Riggs CAT
    • Tyson Family Foundation
    • Walmart Foundation
    • Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation
    • Windgate Charitable Foundation
    • Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

The Community Foundation hopes that other foundations, businesses and individuals across the state will rise to the occasion and donate whatever they can during these unprecedented times. These donations will provide Arkansas nonprofits with the ability to continue their valuable work to meet community needs.

Since March 20, 2020, the Community Foundation has issued 175 grants to nonprofits helping with pandemic relief and is currently reviewing additional applications on a rolling basis. The grant portal is still open for nonprofits to apply. The fund will support community needs in human services, food, health, housing and education. Grants will be made to nonprofit agencies that meet both immediate and long-term needs related to the impact of COVID-19 in Arkansas.

With ARCF’s network of 28 affiliates offices around the state and in collaboration with other nonprofits, Foundation leadership will be closely monitoring how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts communities in the state and may deploy additional resources to best meet the evolving needs. Nonprofits can find more information by visiting www.arcf.org/covid19.

Annually, the Foundation typically issues about 2,500 grants and about $20 million dollars to Arkansas nonprofits.

There were 743 cases yesterday with 72 patients in the hospital. Today, there were 830 reported cases with 67 hospitalized. 14 of the new cases are from the federal prison in Forrest City. Today, we are well under the projections made by the University of Washington that predicted we would have 2,000 cases, so we are beating the trend line established weeks ago. Congratulations to the people of Arkansas for doing what is necessary.

We are in a battle in the state and nation with something that clearly kills people and is highly contagious, which is getting people’s attention. The U.S. Surgeon General said this is a critical week for our nation.

Yesterday, they talked about the use of masks. Arkansas was one of the first states to follow the CDC guidelines and encourage masks when you cannot socially distance. Beginning today, the Governor said that he will be wearing a mask when he cannot maintain a proper distance from others. It is like fashion week in Arkansas, as so many are designing their own masks and being creative in the process.

Dr. Nate Smith, Secretary of Health

All kinds of superheroes wear masks. Arkansas now has 830 cases, which is up 87 from yesterday. So far, this has been our biggest single-day gain. Yell and Phillips are new counties, bringing the state total to 64. Gender and race percentages continue to be similar to previous reports.

Breaking the ages of the positive cases into percentages: 2.4% of total cases are in children under 18; this is similar to other states. 6.6% are ages 18 to 24. 29% are ages 25 to 44. 38% are ages 45 to 64. 26.4% are ages 65 and over.

31% of the positive cases have had one or more underlying conditions: 9.3% have diabetes, 8% have heart disease and 5% have lung disease.

67 positive cases are in hospitals and this is down 5 from yesterday. Since the beginning, a total of 130 have ever been hospitalized. Currently, 60 cases are in nursing homes, which is down 1 from yesterday. They also reduced the total cases by the 3 deaths in nursing homes.

Currently, 27 patients are on ventilators; this is 4 more than yesterday. Since the beginning, 43 have ever been on a ventilator. There have 97 reported recoveries, up 17 from yesterday.

We have had two new deaths bringing the state’s total to 16. 12 of the deaths were ages 65 & older and 4 deaths were ages 19 to 64.

114 healthcare workers have now been found positive, which is up 8 from yesterday. 14 of those are doctors.

We have one new case at the Willowbend nursing home, which brings that nursing home’s total to 10. 1 new case has been reported at Springhouse Assisted Living. Overall, we now have 9 nursing homes with cases and 2 homes that previously had cases.

The cases in the federal prison in Forest City includes 8 inmates, with at least 15-20 more with symptoms and 4 staff, with 10-15 having had significant exposure. All of those with symptoms will be tested. The CDC was invited to help and should be here early in the week. They will be bringing additional lab support.

Governor Hutchinson said during this time there are people with incredible hardships. They anticipate 100,000 Unemployment Insurance claims to be filed by the end of the week. So people are struggling financially.

The state is partnering with the Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF) in supporting the COVID-19 Relief Fund. This is a group with an excellent history of using funds properly and encouraging Arkansans to help. They will direct funds to nonprofits that can provide help. The Governor will also direct needs to them.

Heather Larkin, Executive Director of the Arkansas Community Foundation

They recognize the challenging time we are in with so many people in need and there are people who want to help. They have activated a fund. Foundations, businesses, and individuals have contributed $2 million so far. Riggs/Cat, Tyson Foods,  Walmart, the Walton Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation and more have already given.

All donations will be granted to Arkansas nonprofits. To learn more, apply for grants or make donations see www.arcf.org/covid19

They have already issued 175 grants to nonprofits across the state. They work in all 75 counties and have 28 local offices. They exist to help connect Arkansans to nonprofits that are trying to help.

Laura Landreaux, Entergy President

Entergy is proud to stand with the Governor in these trying times. Entergy has been on the front lines of many disasters. People trust them and their linemen are working every day to keep power going and the grid reliable. The other utilities in the state are doing the same thing. To help ease financial burdens, Entergy has temporarily stopped disconnects. They are also helping by contributing $100,000 to the Arkansas Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund from the Entergy Charitable Foundation. They encourage others to help others.

Q&A

The U.S. Surgeon General and Dr. Fauci spoke this morning about the next 7 to 10 days. Is Arkansas about to see the worst?

The Governor said Arkansas started early on this effort and took steps early. The trend line in Arkansas is different than other states and particularly the national hot spots. There is the risk that an exponential increase happens, and they are preparing for that but hoping we can keep the trend line where it is now. He is hoping we do not see an explosive growth of cases and deaths.

Dr Smith said this is a critical week for many across the country. If you look at Arkansas hospitalizations, even the most conservative model had us at over 2,000 patients hospitalized  on April 25th, so our hospitalizations would have to double 5 times in the next 20 days. We are in a different place than other parts of the country. It is difficult to make predictions about the future, but it looks like it will be very difficult for us to get to the projections.

The Governor added that everyone in Arkansas is watching what is happening in New York and New Orleans, so it is going to be a touch-and-go week.

Regarding yesterday’s executive order to hotels and motels. A call came from a hotel with large group from out of state. How will this be enforced?

The Governor said if they are there for recreation, they do not need to be in the state. But if they are here on business or to help on COVID-19 cases, they are fine. It is also possible they were in route before the executive order was given and reservations needed to be honored

Seeing how fast cases are rising at the Forrest City prison, are any actions planned for people in jail that cannot make bail or are old and susceptible to the disease. Any thoughts of releases?

The Governor pointed out the Forrest City prison is a federal facility. He said some counties have taken measures to reduce the presence in jails for those that are at risk and non-violent offenders. Since many of the county prisoners have not been convicted, it is easier for counties to take these types of actions. Whereas, the state prisoners have been convicted, so he is not considering any releases. There are plans to deal with what happens in our state prisons. But the breakout of COVID-19 cases is in the federal prison not the state prisons.

During 1918, many cities ordered churches to close. In 2020, why is the state making closing optional for churches?

The Governor said that by and large churches are doing the right thing and as far as he knows they are doing online services. But some may have a very small group that can meet and accomplish social distancing. There was a church he was concerned about, but after hearing from the Health Department the church stopped meeting

Thousands of churches have listened to the Governor. For churches that may read about the options, what is the message for churches?

The Governor said to remember what is at risk. Arkansas has already had a big outbreak and deaths from a church meeting.

Dr. Smith said it’s all about the gathering not the activity.

Today 27 people are on ventilators. They hear about some states getting ventilators. How many does Arkansas have?

Dr. Smith said two days ago there were 785 ventilators in Arkansas. 551 were available for use. So, we have quite a reserve that is not in storehouses; they are in place in hospitals.

What steps are being taken to protect inmates and staff at the Forrest City prison?

Dr. Smith said ADH recommended separation of those with symptoms and those testing positive from others, but that is not easy. The state does not have the same access to a federal facility as state facilities.

Is the supply of test kits getting better?

Dr. Smith said we are ok right now, but the status can change. They hope to do better and continue to increase abilities. A good number of tests are coming. The obtained 992 test results yesterday. 111 were done in ADH labs, 56 at UAMS, and 825 were done by commercial labs.

What is recommended for people in counties where there are no cases?

The Governor said that if a person is symptomatic, they need to get tested. The state has mobile units that can go in. Although we have 11 counties with no reported cases, you should still consider the potential that cases exist and follow the same guidelines.

Number of tests includes how many individuals?

Dr. Smith said they have not separated this out. They do know some duplicates exist, but they can de-duplicate. So almost all the 11,488 tests done so far have been de-duplicated. There were some duplications in nursing homes.

Have any who have been recovered been asked to submit any blood etc?

Dr. Smith said they have reached out and are setting up a process to make that happen. They are a week or two away from being ready. They must retest the recovered volunteers to make sure they are still negative before collecting plasma and processing it. Pieces are coming together, maybe in 2 or 3 weeks they can start working on this.

What are the criteria for being tested and have the Governor and Dr. Smith been tested?

Dr. Smith said the testing priority is healthcare workers, those hospitalized, people in nursing homes, people 65 or older, and those with underlying conditions. Also, some high-risk people with no symptoms may be tested. Some negative tests can be too early to detect the infection. Testing negative cannot get someone out of quarantine. Neither he nor the Governor are at risk and neither has been tested.

There has been a lot of emphasis on healthcare workers. But the media are hearing concerns about elective surgeries continuing. How will this be enforced?

Dr. Smith said it is important for people who need surgical procedures to get things done that are important to life and are time sensitive. But elective surgeries should be delayed in order to avoid the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. The State Medical Board is responsible for the Ambulatory Treatment Centers in Arkansas.

There has been talk about a bidding war between states for supplies. This has been described as another 9/11 or Pearl Harbor. Should states be getting their own weapons?

The Governor said that one state, New York, has been in a bidding war. Even when dealing with honest brokers, it can still take time to get PPE. Ventilators are a bigger challenge; the state’s ability to secure those is even less. The Governor asked Vice President Pence if the Defense Production Act should be invoked to cause ventilators to be made and to direct the supply. The Vice President said that if you need ventilators, they will be there for you. They are directing the supply and right now New York and New Orleans need them most and are getting them. The Governor said that one thought has been to create a buying coalition among 4 or 5 states. We were one of the first states to have centralized buying power. He feels much more comfortable about PPE.

How to make household masks?

The Governor said prisons are making their own masks using old uniforms. A t-shirt was used by the Surgeon General.

Dr. Smith said his wife is the expert. They can be made out of a variety of materials. There is a YouTube video showing the use of bandanas and rubber bands. The purpose is to block droplets coming from people’s mouths.

To see the full press conference, click https://youtu.be/rGLeGLkW5jY.

1) If you have a direct deposit on file with the IRS from your 2019 or 2018 taxes, you should receive your one-time tax rebate directly in your account in the next two weeks.

2) If you do not have direct deposit information on file, to receive your one-time tax rebate, you will need to input your information at an IRS portal, which will go live in the coming weeks.

3) If you do not have a bank account, you will likely receive a payment in the mail with your one-time tax rebate.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about how the CARES Act will impact individuals:

What are the details of the tax rebate?

This comes in the form of a one-time tax rebate check of $1,200 per individual / $2,400 per couple and $500 per child for those with a valid Social Security number. There are no earned income or tax liability requirements to receive these rebate checks. The full rebate amount is available for those with incomes at or below $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for head of household, and $150,000 for married couples. Individuals making more than these thresholds will receive a reduced rebate check.

This income threshold will be calculated by using your 2018 or 2019 taxes, whichever you have filed most recently.

Arkansans that haven’t filed taxes in 2018 or 2019 but who have a valid Social Security number are still eligible, but the check won’t come automatically. There will be a process to contact the IRS to receive your check.

What are the changes to retirement accounts?

The CARES Act loosens rules on retirement accounts. Older Americans that are subject to mandatory required minimum distributions (RMD) from their retirement accounts, and have not already done so, would be able to keep their capital invested instead of being forced to cash out to draw on that capital without penalty, which would be suspended for 2020.

Similarly, the bill also waives the ten percent penalty on coronavirus-related early distributions from 401(k)s and IRAs, which applies to distributions made at any time during 2020.

What if you’ve lost your job due to COVID-19?

Arkansas provides unemployment benefits for a maximum of 16 weeks. The CARES Act adds up to $600 dollars per week to your benefits for up to four months and extends the time you can receive benefits by 13 weeks. These benefits will expire on July 31, 2020.

Unemployment benefits also have been enhanced to cover more workers including self-employed and independent contractors, like gig workers and Uber drivers, who do not usually qualify for unemployment. Overall, the CARES Act provides $250 billion in funding for the expansion of unemployment benefits, the largest increase ever.

Have any benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) been expanded?

At the state level, Governor Hutchison has suspended work requirements for SNAP recipients at least through the end of April. The state is also expediting applications to help families access benefits faster.

At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has expanded SNAP eligibility to families with children who would have received free or reduced lunch if in school.

Additional measures include: allotting emergency supplements to states for the distribution of monthly SNAP benefits up to the maximum for eligible families; suspending the time limit on benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents; and waiving the physical presence requirement for applying for and receiving benefits under WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).

Do you still have to pay your student loans?

The Trump Administration already ended interest accrual on federal student loans through September 30, 2020. The CARES Act paused monthly repayment requirements forfederal student loans for six months with no penalty. The interest accrual stoppage is automatic, but students must contact the Department of Education to pause their payments.

Federal student loan borrowers also will lose no time towards loan forgiveness programs, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

In addition, a great new benefit of the CARES Act is that employers can now contribute $5,250 per year to help their employees pay off their federal student loans, which will not be taxed for the employee.

Is there any relief on paying your mortgage?

The CARES Act prohibits foreclosures on any federally backed mortgages for 60-days, allows borrowers affected by COVID-19 to shift any missed payments to the end of their mortgage, with no added penalties or interest, for 180 days, halts evictions for renters in properties with federally-backed mortgages for 120 days, and gives relief to multifamily property owners through forbearance on any federally backed mortgage.