March 24, 2020

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Dear Friend,

The most important part of my job as your Congressman is to ensure that North Texans are healthy and safe. I understand the concerns of the American people as to the seriousness of the coronavirus. I have been working hard with my colleagues and North Texas officials to make sure you have all the resources you need during this public health crisis and have listed some key government resources below.

Congressional Action

Congress passed and the President signed into law the bipartisan Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding, to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The President recently signed an additional economic relief package that will ensure free testing for those who need it, expand emergency paid sick leave and help those facing food insecurity. I am continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress on a broader, bipartisan economic relief package to help those affected.  

Last Wednesday, I held a telephone town hall and briefing on the coronavirus with Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dr. Phillip Huang from Dallas County Health and Human Services and Dr. Trish Perl of UT Southwestern Medical Center. We answered questions from North Texans on the virus and gave an update on the efforts of Dallas County to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Rep. Allred before his telephone town hall and briefing on the coronavirus with North Texas health experts.

Texas Advisories

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has issued a Stay Safe Stay Home order for Dallas County, which requires businesses not deemed essential to stop operating and prohibits all social gatherings. We all have an important role to play to stop the spread of coronavirus. We are all in this together, and for the health and safety of our community, North Texans should follow these shelter-in-place measures from Dallas County and directives from Governor Abbott.

Governor Greg Abbott issued new executive orders in accordance with guidelines recommended by the CDC to mitigate this public health crisis. The directives include limiting social gatherings to no more than 10 people and closing schools until at least April 3. You can find more information on the governor’s website.

Small Business Assistance

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Texas has received approval for an emergency designation from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for disaster loans at https://sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19. If you need help with your application, you can call my office at 972-972-7949 for assistance.

My office created a resource guide for small businesses to help them through this difficult time. You can access that document here: COVID-19 Small Business Resource Guide.

Travel

The State Department has issued a level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory urging U.S. citizens to avoid international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. If you or a loved one is currently abroad and plans to return to the United States, please make arrangements to return immediately, unless you are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

It is also recommended that you register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). When registered, if you or a loved one has issues while traveling due to the coronavirus, the State Department will be able to contact you and provide up to date information.

Tax Relief

To aid taxpayers and businesses, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have extended the deadline to file taxes. You now have until July 15 to file your taxes and make payments without penalty or interest. 

General Health

And as always, it is important that you take preventative measures to keep you and your loved ones healthy. Here are some tips recommended by Dallas County Health and Human Services:

• Stay home as much as you can, especially when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with others and try to maintain 6 feet of distance, especially with those who are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and help children do the same. You can also use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands)

This is a rapidly evolving situation, but I will continue to monitor this public health emergency to protect the health and economic security of North Texans. For the latest updates, and if you have questions or concerns regarding this disease or prevention efforts, I urge you to seek further information from the CDC at coronavirus.gov or on my website at allred.house.gov/coronavirus.  

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress

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