OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a worldwide concern and is on the top of everyone’s minds. We want to reassure you that our team is monitoring the situation closely.
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WHAT ARE THE BEST PRACTICES NOT TO SPREAD GERMS?
1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay home if you are not feeling well.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with your forearm when coughing and sneezing.
4. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time.
5. Use soap and water when possible.
6. If no soap and water are available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
WHAT ARE SOME ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE IN QUARANTINE?
Food: Fresh fruits and vegetables will likely spoil over 14 days, so canned foods that have a long storage life and need little or no cooking are recommended. Meat products, fish or beans, soups, broths and stews, fruits and fruit juices, vegetables, and canned (or powdered) milk, are among good supply choices recommended by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Disaster Education Network.
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Frozen foods are an option, too. Other recommended foods are peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, trail mix, dried fruits, granola bars, bouillon cubes, and staples like sugar, salt, and pepper. (Keep in mind you may need to include some special foods for babies and family members on special diets, as well as pet foods.)
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Water and liquids: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you have plenty of fluids on hand, such as bottled water and supply of fluids with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade.
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Medicine: You will want to have a 14-day supply of any prescription medications for those in your home. You may also want over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, cough and cold medicines, and vitamins.
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Supplies: Many homes already have a 14-day supply of most daily items on hand, but make sure you have toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine supplies, diapers, and laundry detergent and disinfectant.
PARENT RESOURCES
As a parent, you always want to do what’s best for your child. We want to equip you with resources that will help you and your children through this temporary lifestyle change.
JOB SEARCH LEADS/WEBSITES
FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE INFORMATION
The Federal Government is implementing a stimulus relief package that will provide a cash payment to help American families and businesses make it through these tough times. Below is a summary of some of the benefits that will be available to you along with links for more information.
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Individual Cash Payments – This happens automatically
- $1200 per person
- $500 per child
- $3,000 max per family
Cash Payments – Income Limits
- Individuals: $75,000 (Phase out: $75,000-$99,000)
- Couples: $150,000 (Phase out: $150,000-$198,000)
Unemployment – Must Apply
- Extra $600 per week from federal government in addition to the base weekly amount unemployed worker receives from their state (boosted payments will last for four months)
- Benefits have been extended an additional 13 weeks (39 weeks instead of normal 26 weeks)
- Gig workers and freelancers (Temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance through the end of 2020)
Additional Benefits
- Federal tax filing and payment deadlines moved from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020
- Federal student loan payments and interest waived until September 30, 2020
- The CARES Act allows an individual to make a cash contribution up to $300 and deduct the contribution “above the line” when computing adjusted gross income. This means the taxpayer will receive this deduction in ADDITION to their standard deduction.
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For those who do itemize, the new law temporarily lifts the limits on charitable giving for 2020
- Cash contributions can be deducted up to 100% of adjusted gross income for 2020 (normally limited to 60%)
- Excess contributions can be carried over to the next five years
- Corporate donors will be able to deduct donations totaling 25% adjusted taxable income (normally 10%)
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For more information, you can visit the IRS website: