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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.
If you reside in my district, Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County, and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti 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 Prevention or World
Health Organization experts 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) and the World Health Organization
(WHO).
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:
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
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