LABEOC Update – 14 April 2020
As of noon (12:00 PM) today, Louisiana has 21,518 diagnosed cases, 1,013 deaths and 1,977 patients hospitalized (436 requiring ventilators)associated with the outbreak. There have been 118,422 tests completed. All data is available at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus.
Governor Edwards: “Data shows Louisiana took a step back in the COVID-19 fight. The progress we made on slowing the spread is easily lost if we don’t stay home.”
Fauci: ‘We’re not there yet’ on key steps to open economy. (The Associated Press, April 14, 2020). Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, said Tuesday the U.S. does not yet have the critical testing and tracing procedures needed to begin reopening the nation’s economy, adding a dose of caution to increasingly optimistic projections from the White House. “We have to have something in place that is efficient and that we can rely on, and we’re not there yet,” Fauci said in an interview with The Associated Press.
PPE Conservation Strategies & Best Practices. Please see the attached advisory below from our partners in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) regarding strategies for conserving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) until the supply chain can meet global demands.
Department of Treasury released additional FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program: The Department of Treasury has updated their CARES Act website to include specific sections on the links provided below. For more information and updates, visit Treasury.gov/CARES and SBA.gov/PayCheckProtection.
- Paycheck Protection Program Loans: Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
- Assistance for American Workers and Families
- Assistance for Small Businesses
- Assistance to State and Local Governments
- Preserving Jobs for American Industry
TSA Temporary TWIC Card Expiration Exemption. The TSA has granted a temporary exemption from the requirements in 49 CFR 1572 regarding the expiration of TWIC’s. For TWICs expiring between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, the exemption extends the validity of a TWIC for 180 days for an individual whose TWIC would otherwise expire during the effective period of the exemption, which remains in effect through July 31, 2020. The TWIC Exemption Notice is scheduled to publish to the Federal Register on Wednesday, 4/15/20.
FEMA Issues “Disaster Financial Management Guide.” FEMA released the “Disaster Financial Management Guide” to support jurisdictions in establishing and implementing sound disaster financial management practices, which are critical for successful response and recovery. The guide presents an overview of common disaster assistance and recovery funding programs that may be beneficial to recovery efforts. You can access the guide at: https://www.fema.gov/plan
IRS Stimulus Checks Begin to Arrive. U.S. citizens will be able to track the date their COVID-19 relief payment is scheduled to be deposited into their bank account using the IRS’ new “Get My Payment” tool.
Thank you again for your support of Louisiana.
Chris J. DeGuelle
LABEOC Director
