Dear Friend,
During this pandemic, I intend to update you with information about the coronavirus. My top priority is your health and safety, and that of our nation. I recently hosted a telephone town hall with experts in public health and business who answered many questions about COVID-19 and how to access the bipartisan federal stimulus package, also known as the CARES law. I also provided an update on the continuing work being done in Congress to mitigate the potential long-term economic effects this crisis will have on American lives. To listen to our full discussion, click here <[link removed]>.
If you reside in my district, Governor Gavin Newsom <[link removed]>, Los Angeles County <[link removed]>, and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti <[link removed]> have issued 'Stay at Home' orders. It is imperative that we comply with these orders to prevent the virus from spreading. In general, this means people should stay home except when performing essential activities such as buying food, caring for a relative or friend, getting necessary health care, or going to an essential job. If you leave your home, you must continue to practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet of separation between you and another person.
Congress has been working hard to provide relief for families and workers impacted by the coronavirus. Last week, Congress passed (and the President signed into law) a bipartisan $2 trillion relief package to help workers, families, and small businesses. The new law includes a $200 billion investment in our hospitals and health care systems to provide the resources necessary to continue fighting the virus. It expands Unemployment Insurance, making those who are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable to work due to a coronavirus-related reason more likely to receive unemployment benefits. It also provides $377 billion to small businesses affected by COVID-19.
In addition, adults making less than $75,000 in adjusted gross annual income (and families with an annual income of less than $150,000) will receive a $1,200 stimulus check and $500 per child. The amount of the stimulus check gets reduced up to an annual income of $99,000 (and $198,000 per married couple). This new law builds on two emergency coronavirus bills already signed into law that provide billions for vaccine research, small business loans, free coronavirus testing, and funding for paid emergency leave for workers at small and medium-sized businesses.
These measures will help us combat the virus and assist a lot of Americans, but our work is only beginning. The coronavirus and its impact on our economy are going to be with us for a while and we will need another stimulus package soon. I am working with my colleagues in the House on a CARES 2 package to ensure it includes substantial and sustained assistance to families and businesses impacted by this unprecedented pandemic.
While our community's health and safety is my top concern, I am also aware of another threat related to COVID-19 that could disrupt lives and cause financial damage. During times of crisis -- particularly public health emergencies -- there is always an increase in phishing scams and cyberattacks by hackers exploiting confusion and fear. Now more than ever, we must practice good "cyber hygiene" by following these steps from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
1. Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
2. Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionor World Health Organizationexperts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus, visit the actual websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <[link removed]> and the World Health Organization (WHO). <[link removed]>
3. Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no approved vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges, or other prescription or over-the-counter products that can treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) -- online or in stores.
4. Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
Below are several trustworthy sources where up-to-date information can be found:
- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: [link removed] <[link removed]>
- The California Department of Public Health: [link removed] <[link removed]>
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [link removed] <[link removed]>
Your actions during this unprecedented crisis affect the health of others in our community. Remember to keep practicing good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or preferably a tissue, and staying home as much as possible. Because this virus can be spread by people who have no symptoms, the best course of action is to continue to put six feet of distance between you and others. Although we are facing challenging times, I am confident we can get ahead of this virus if we continue to work together.
Sincerely,
Ted W. Lieu
DONATE TODAY <[link removed]>
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Ted Lieu for Congress - United States
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