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A Time for New (or Modified) Traditions
Many of you are celebrating Easter this week, but perhaps a little differently than planned. I hope that you will spend time in celebration and remembrance with your family, either those you are sheltering with or those you can share this time with virtual. On behalf of the entire Bowers Campaign, we wish you the hope and beauty of springtime and the promise of brighter days. May the miracle of this holiday bring you perfect peace.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: By the Numbers
With the rate of COVID-19 infection in the U.S., chances are greater that someone you know has the virus. As of this writing, the numbers of coronavirus infection are*:
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Infections
- 406,693 total cases in the U.S
- 8,262 confirmed in Texas
- 2368 confirmed in North Texas
- 1,261 confirmed in Dallas County
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Recoveries
- 22,563 total cases in the U.S.
- State totals currently unknown
- 211 in North Texas
- 2 in Dallas County
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Deaths:
- U.S. – 13,089
- Texas – 154
- Dallas County – 19
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]*Due to COVID-19 rapidly changing developments, these numbers may not reflect the most up-to-date totals.
I included all the information that is available on recoveries because as we go through this, I think it is important to know that people are surviving this disease. It is also imperative that we all follow the social distancing and disease spread prevention guidelines suggested by the CDC, State and local officials. If you are not considered an essential service provider, please Stay Home and Stay Safe! If going out to the grocery store or to a medical appointment, please wear a mask or some type of covering over your face. If we all do this, we will greatly reduce the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable among us. Remember that the shelter in place order remains in effect until April 30.
Help for Small Businesses
We have many small businesses within HD-113 that are being adversely affected by the shelter in place order. Businesses that are part of the diverse fabric of our community. Businesses that deserve to continue contributing, employees that need and want to work to provide for their families.
Please Note: Applications are first come first serve beginning Friday!
Small businesses and private non-profits experiencing financial losses due to COVID-19 can now apply for emergency financial assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance). The SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Program provides loans up to $2 million for small businesses and private non-profits, at rates of 3.75% (for-profit) and 2.75% (non-profit) for terms up to 30 years on a case-by-case basis. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Information about program eligibility and online applications are available on SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
You can also contact the Dallas/Fort Worth SBA Office at 817-684-5500 or visit their website: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/tx/dallas-fort-worth
Please see the Texas Workforce Commission’s website containing resources for employers affected by COVID-19 here: https://twctexas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers
Keep in mind that there are many small business owners applying for this assistance, and the SBA has experienced some glitches on their web site. Be patient and be persistent. Contact the local SBA office should you have prolonged issues with the site or applying for this assistance.
I want to say THANK YOU to all the members of the medical field that are on the front lines of fighting COVID-19. Your dedication and your bravery as you work to get those affected through this is not just admirable, but heroic.
Meet my brother, Dr. Ronald Andrews. He is one of the many healthcare workers on the frontlines battling this global Coronavirus pandemic. He is a busy, Board-Certified Primary Care Physician specializing in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. His Louisiana-based community has been personally impacted by the Coronavirus crisis and he has been instrumental in working to educate and calm fears related to this public health crisis. Our entire family is both worried about and also very proud of him. Please keep him and all of those working in essential capacities during this time in your thoughts and prayers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
