Dear Friend,
We are halfway through the week, and health officials still warn that this week could be a pivotal moment in the response to the coronavirus for many places
across the country. For more resources on the federal and state coronavirus response, CARES Act provisions, and other information on managing the outbreak,
please visit my Coronavirus Relief webpage.
Also, please encourage your friends and family to subscribe to my newsletter for reliable updates on the coronavirus outbreak.
Progress Towards a Solution
This morning on the front page of USA Today,
the University of Mississippi Medical Center was recognized for developing ventilators out of affordable and readily-available materials. Dr. Charles
Robertson was able to design a ventilator that can be made from materials found at many local stores. A garden hose, a lamp timer, and electronic valve
were the primary components he needed to construct the life-saving device in as little as 30 minutes. Mississippi continues to lead in innovative health
strategies that have the potential to save American lives.
Government Action
Yesterday, the White House announced that the SBA has processed over $70 billion in loans since the launch of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last
Friday. President Trump has requested an additional $251 billion for the PPP in order to help small businesses retain their employees. Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell indicated that he would like to see a bill pass tomorrow by unanimous consent or by a voice vote to provide these additional
funds for the program, and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy promised quick action in the House of Representatives following Senate approval. More information
on the PPP can be found in the links below.
PPP Information from the U.S. Treasury Department
SBA Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
CDC Creates New Policy on Wearing Masks in Public
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending that people wear masks when in public places, especially where social distancing
measures are difficult to maintain, such as the grocery store or your pharmacy. You do not need a surgical mask or N95 ventilator to follow these guidelines,
and you can make your own mask from home. Check out this video from the U.S. Surgeon General to see a demonstration or follow the instructions provided
in the infographics below:
Current Statistics
As of Wednesday, April 8th, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 395,011 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States, 12,754 individuals have passed away as a result of infection, and 50 states,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have at least one case. President Trump announced
that 1.87 million Americans have now been tested for the virus. See below for an infographic from the Mississippi State Department of Health on the
number of cases in Mississippi.
Sincerely
Michael Guest
Member of Congress