Dear Friend,
Mississippi reported its single largest increase in COVID-19 cases today. As we work to slowly reopen our economy, we will begin coming into contact
with coworkers, friends, family, and neighbors we might not have seen for weeks. Everyone should be well aware of the precautions and actions that
are needed to keep yourself and loved ones healthy. Continue to wash your hands often, consider wearing face masks in public places, and stay home
if you are feeling sick. Furthermore, because many of us are pet owners, we may have questions about the responsibilities that come with caring
for a pet during an outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided answers to frequently asked questions about how the coronavirus impacts the responsibilities of owning a pet.
Today, the FDA authorized the use of the antiviral drug remdesivir for the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19. Early studies showed that the drug improved recovery time in some patients. Vaccine development
is still underway, and Dr. Anthony Fauci has indicated that the development of a vaccine could be possible by January.
COVID-19 Testing Sites and Resources
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will be operating drive-through testing sites
in the coming days. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and are interested in being tested, please download the C Spire Health app or dial (601) 496-7200.
- May 2nd – Newton County: Clarke Venable Baptist Church, 362 W Broad Street, Decatur
- May 4th – Adams County: Adams County Safe Room, 323 Liberty Road, Natchez
- May 4th – Attala County: Attala County Coliseum, 550 MS-12, Kosciusko
- May 5th – Noxubee County: Noxubee Civic Center, 16291 US-45, Macon
- May 5th – Claiborne County: Claiborne County Parks and Rec, 410 Market Street, Port Gibson
I have compiled a list of resources on my website for your convenience. By visiting my Coronavirus Relief page,
you can find helpful information on managing this crisis. We will continue to update the page as more information becomes available, so be sure
to check back every few days and subscribe to my newsletter to receive updates.
Stimulus Check Update for Social Security and Veteran Non-Tax Filers with Dependents
Social Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries who did not file federal income taxes in 2018 or 2019 but have dependents eligible
for the $500 per child payment on your Economic Impact Payment from the federal government must register with the IRS by Tuesday, May 5 to receive
the additional payment for dependents.
After May 5, beneficiaries will be required to file taxes for tax year 2020 to receive the $500 payment per child. For more information, please
review the Social Security Administration’s press release or the VA’s frequently asked questions.
Pelosi’s Spending Plan
This week, Speaker Pelosi announced that she will propose a legislative package of $1 trillion or more in funding for state and local governments.
The CARES Act provided local governments with over $700 billion to deal with the Coronavirus, including $260 billion for unemployment insurance
funding for the states, $150 billion in a coronavirus relief fund for state and local governments to cover costs incurred due to the public health
emergency, $175 billion for hospitals and health care providers in local communities to ensure health care providers received the support they
need for COVID-19-related expenses, and over $150 billion in additional funding.
The federal government is not responsible for bailing out state governments that have previously mismanaged their budgets. The federal government
has provided critical assistance to support disaster response efforts, but it’s important that we do not let the federal government get in the
habit of funding irresponsible state budgets.
SBA Federal Loans for Disaster-Related Damages
The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans for individuals with property damage caused by the April 12th-13th storms. Businesses,
nonprofits, and homeowners/renters are eligible to apply for the loans to help following the Easter storms. To apply for a loan, visit DisasterAssistance.gov,
download the FEMA mobile app, or call (800) 621-3362 to register with FEMA. Next, apply online by visiting the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance website.
Residents can dial (404) 331-0333 ext. 2122 and 2106, and businesses can call (404) 331-0333 ext. 2123 for one-on-one assistance.
Latest Statistics
As of Friday, May 1st, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 1,062,446 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States. Since yesterday, we’ve seen 30,787 additional cases. The number of individuals
who have passed away as a result of infection has increased since yesterday by 2,349 to 62,406 total deaths. See below for graphs and infographics
from the Mississippi State Department of Health on the number of cases in Mississippi. Since yesterday, an additional 397 Mississippians have contracted
the coronavirus, and 20 Mississippians have passed away from the virus. In total, 71,548 Mississippians have been tested for COVID-19.
