There are a lot of questions, and unfortunately, a lot of misinformation out there regarding COVID 19 and the state’s response. To answer some of those and provide accurate information, I am hosting a Facebook Live Chat tomorrow at 12pm.
Small Business Loans
In the wake of the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic, it's important that state government is trying to respond to all manner of its impacts, and that includes providing support to our small business community.
Leaders from each of the four caucuses of the General Assembly and the Governor agreed to move $40 million under the Commonwealth Financing Authority to a small business loan program to aid businesses impacted by the COVID 19 outbreak. These funds will be combined with $21 million in other available funds for a total of $61 million.
Small businesses are among the most affected by the closure of non-essential businesses, and in the financial recovery which will follow this outbreak, they will need as much support as the state and federal government is able to provide.
Starting next week, businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply for a loan at newpa.com
Red Cross Seeking Blood Donors
As the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to impact our communities, the American Red Cross is askign for your help ensuring we have a sufficient blood supply to support hospital patients in Pennsylvania and across the country. The American Red Cross has had a staggering number of scheduled Red Cross blood drives cancelled as more workplaces, college campuses and other venues send people home and encourage social distancing.
Disruptions to blood donations can lead to shortages and cause delays in essential medical care. As of March 16, about 2,700 blood drives, representing approximately 86,000 fewer blood donations, have been canceled in the U.S. due to COVID-19 concerns. Here in Pennsylvania we have seen 116 blood drives canceled resulting in over 3,600 lost donations.
As concerns about the coronavirus pandemic rise, we need your help to communicate three vital messages to the public:
- Donating blood is a safe process and people should not be concerned about giving or receiving blood during this challenging time.
- More healthy donors are needed to give now to prevent a blood shortage.
- Keep scheduled blood drives, which will allow donors the opportunity to give blood.
Telephone Townhall – Tuesday, March 24
On Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., I will hold a live Telephone Town Hall Meeting to discuss the Coronavirus. I'll will be joined by Arvind Venkat, MD, FACEP, President, Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians.
To listen live on your phone, computer or tablet: https://vekeo.com/senatorcosta/
To sign up from your phone, text SENCOSTA to 833-898-5483.
My office is still working
If you are having trouble with the PUC, DHS or any other state agency during this time, please call my office. My staff is still working.
You can reach us at 412-241-6690
For more information and updates, please visit senatorcosta.com/covid19.
When to seek treatment
If you’re having flu-like symptoms and aren’t sure what to do, check out this helpful grpahic from the Department of Health.
Stay Connected
If you haven’t visited my Facebook page, join the conversation by ‘liking’ the page and follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Plenty of information is available on these pages about community events and issues affecting our friends and neighbors. If you have questions or concerns, send me a direct message or post your thoughts.
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