Coronavirus – Texoma Council of Governments https://tcog.com Better Leaders Building Better Lives Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:52:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 COVID-19 Resource Guide https://tcog.com/news/2020/03/covid-19-resource-guide-texas-department-of-agriculture/ Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:41:06 +0000 https://tcog.com/?p=12721 […]]]> Updated: April 6, 2020

COVID-19 Resources

Business

Federal

  1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EDIL) to small businesses and private non-profit organizations that suffered working capital losses due to the declared disaster.
  2. Federal Reserve: Commercial Paper Funding Facility to support the flow of credit to households and businesses
  3. Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
  4. Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers – CDC.gov
  5. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID 19 – osha.gov (PDF)
  6. Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID 19 – usa.gov

State

  1. Office of the Governor: Visit their website for a comprehensive list of resources and important COVID-19 updates.
  2. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit their website for resources available to employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.
    • Resources for Employers
      • The Commissioner for Employers’ legal team is available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to answer employment law questions. Please contact them at 800-832-9394 or employerinfo@twc.state.tx.us.
      • Shared Work Program
    • Resources for Job Seekers
      • If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.
  3. Texas Comptroller: Visit their website for tax-related information related to COVID-19.
    • To learn about options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due, contact the Enforcement Hotline at 800.252.8800.
  4. Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Visit their website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19.
  5. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit their website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing.
  6. Shared Work – twc.texas.gov

Other

  1. The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) provided guidance to those directly or indirectly impacted.
  2. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization:
  3. SBA Lender Match: Connects Small Business with Participating SBA-approved Lenders
  4. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provides counseling to small businesses throughout Texas. For a list of resources to manage the impact and recovery, visit their website.
  5. SCORE has chapters throughout Texas and provides in-person and virtual counseling and mentorship. They have also published resources and information to support small business, including:
  6. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating Coronavirus
  7. National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus Information and Resources
  8. National Retail Federation: Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
  9. NFIB: Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus
  10. Texas International Produce Association: COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Resources

Healthcare

Federal

  1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS): Is granting certain waivers and suspended non-emergency survey inspections.
  2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  3. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EDIL) to small businesses and private non-profit organizations that suffered working capital losses due to the declared disaster.

    4. SBA Texas District Offices:

State

  1. Office of the Governor
    • Waived certain regulations and directed the Texas Department of Insurance to issue an emergency rule that will allow telemedicine visits for patients with state-regulated plans to be paid the same as in-office visit for insurance purposes.
    • Fast-tracking temporary licensing for out-of-state physicians, physicians assistants, retired physicians and nurses to assist with in-person and telemedicine services
  2. Texas Department of Insurance: Visit their website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19.
  3. Texas Department of Agriculture/State Office of Rural Health (SORH): Visit their website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing. To contact SORH, email: ruralhealth@texasagriculture.gov.
COVID-19 Resources

Communities & Individuals

Communities

  1. Resources Guide to COVID-19 for Government Leaders
  2. Office of the Governor COVID-19 Executive Orders
  3. Texas Department of State Health Services: COVD-19 Communication Tools

Families/Individuals

  1. Center for Disease and Control (CDC): COVID – 19
  2. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit their website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing.
  3. Meals for Kids
  4. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit their website for resources available to employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.
    • Resources for Job Seekers
      • If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.
  5. Administration for Community Living
  6. Federal Communications Commission
  7. Federal Transit Administration / Emergency Relief Docket
  8. FEMA
  9. U.S. Department of Transportation / FHWA Virtual Public Involvement Resources

Philanthropic Resources for Communities

  1. [New! 4/2] The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has committed $1 million to aid COVID-19 relief efforts. Of the $1 million commitment, $250,000 will go to the American Red Cross as it continues to mobilize efforts to respond to the outbreak, and the remaining $750,000 will provide funding to nonprofits addressing direct needs in the communities across the Dominion Energy footprint, with a primary focus on those areas that are home to the more than 7 million retail customers Dominion Energy serves. Grants to organizations serving local communities should help immediate human needs as dictated by response plans and may vary based on unique local needs in a dynamic environment. Click here for more information.
  2. [New! 4/1] Main Street America is regularly updating a list of funding programs & business support opportunities. Programs include SBA, Facebook, JP Morgan, Kabbage, The James Beard Foundation, MainVest, and Opportunity Fund program. Scroll down on Main Street America’s COVID-19 Resource page to learn more.
  3. Facebook launched the Facebook Small Business Grants Program to provide $1 million in grants and ad credits to up to thirty thousand small businesses in more than thirty countries to help them weather the disruptions resulting from the growing global crisis. Eligible companies will be able to apply in the coming weeks for funds that can be used to maintain their workforce, help with rent, connect with more customers, and/or cover their operational costs. The company also launched a Business Resource Hub that provides business-focused information about how to cope with the effect of the pandemic as well as a “quick action guide” and a “resilience toolkit” featuring best practices and a self-assessment tool.
  4. Bank of America has announced a $100 million commitment in support of communities facing unprecedented challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic. The majority of the funds will be used to increase medical response capacity, address food insecurity, and boost access to learning during school closures in local BofA markets, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations. The bank also plans to increase its funding to national and global organizations working on the frontlines of the pandemic in local communities.
  5. JPMorgan Chase has announced a philanthropic effort including $5 million to provide immediate healthcare, food and other humanitarian relief globally; $2 million to existing nonprofit partners around the world that are responding to the COVID-19 crisis in their communities; $8 million to assist small businesses vulnerable to significant economic hardships in the U.S., China and Europe. An additional $35 million will be distributed to help affected communities over time.
  6. Grant Station has compiled a comprehensive list of philanthropic resources available globally. Programs with a nationwide scope include Dunkin’ Joy (assistance to health/hunger relief nonprofits) and MusiCares (income assistance for musicians). Many other state, regional, and local philanthropic programs are also listed.
]]> COVID-19: Update https://tcog.com/news/2020/03/covid-19-update/ Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:09:44 +0000 https://tcog.com/?p=12615 […]]]> Dear Community,

Our mission at Texoma Council of Governments has always been to improve quality of life in the region. Because of that, countless citizens rely on the services we provide to help them build better lives. We work with a large senior population, we work with low-income families, we work with community leaders to help develop the region, and we work to ensure continuous and uninterrupted access to critical emergency services like 9-1-1.

We have been closely following the development of the COVID-19 virus in the State of Texas and have been in direct contact with our State and National funding agencies in order to cooperate with directives and guidance passed down for business continuity as well as staff and client care.

CDC Guidance as of 3/15/2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. Read full recommendation.
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Because we work with individuals and entities in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties (and beyond), we are cognizant of the regional impact from decisions we make. Out of an abundance of caution and to protect our staff, clients and community, Texoma Council of Governments has suspended all appointments and meetings for Section 8, Utility Assistance, Weatherization Assistance, and Getting Ahead until further notice. Additionally, meetings in the lobby with walk-in clients for the aforementioned programs as well as 2-1-1 and the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Texoma have also been suspended.

We will continue to provide assistance to the community by phone, email, and the US Postal Service. Due to the anticipated increase in call volume, we ask that you leave only one message and allow at least 72 hours for a call back from our staff. Multiple messages will result in a longer-than-average response time.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but rest assured this decision is made in the best interest of the community at large. As the development unfolds, we will utilize this page to provide subsequent updates. Below is a list of services and phone numbers we offer for programs impacted by this decision:

  1. Utility Assistance / Weatherization
    • Reach us by phone: (903) 893-2161, option 5
    • To request an application, leave your name, mailing address, city, state and zipcode. Applications are mailed out every Friday.
    • Apply online: www.tcog.com/energy/apply
  2. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
    • Reach us by phone: (903) 893-2161 ext. 3536
    • Need to submit verification? Please utilize drop-off box on wall by the Section 8 office door.
  3. 2-1-1 Program
    • Reach us by phone: Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905
    • Visit us online: www.211texas.org
  4. Aging & Disability Resource Center
    • Reach us by phone: (855) 937-2372
  5. Area Agency on Aging of Texoma
    • Reach us by phone: (903) 813-3505
Need help and don’t know who to call? Just grab your phone and call 2-1-1.
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Recommended everyday actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
  • Encourage others to protect their personal health.

We hope that you stay healthy, wash your hands, and continue to monitor and follow the advice and guidance provided by the State of Texas, your county’s health department & Office of Emergency Management, and our medical community.

For additional information, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV or dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.

Update: March 17, 2020

TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges, has instituted an organization-wide work-from-home option for staff effectively through March 31, 2020 April 3, 2020 April 30, 2020. Although our building will remain open, our staff directly impacted by school closures and unable to obtain dependent care, as well as staff at higher-risk of serious illness from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities are eligible to work from home. We are committed to maintaining as a optimal level of productivity and performance as possible during this period.

How does this affect me?

With a reduction of on-site staff, we strongly encourage you to call before coming. Many of the services we provide can be delivered without a physical appointment/visit. Our main phone number is (903) 893-2161. A full directory with a list of extensions can be found online by visiting our Staff Directory page. Additionally, you can always send us messages through the Staff Directory page as well.

Update: March 20, 2020

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Staff in our Section 8 program will begin operating in the office on a rotating schedule beginning Monday, March 23rd. We will have two (2) staff members in that program office each day in order to continue delivering critical rental assistance to our clients. As a reminder, all appointments and meetings have been suspended.

Utility Assistance. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has advised all agencies administering the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) to cancel all face-to-face appointments. We are still accepting applications by mail, online, and drop-off at each of our locations in Sherman, McKinney and Denton. Learn more by visiting our Energy Services page. All staff members have access to the necessary tools to perform their jobs and process applications remotely at this time.

Weatherization Assistance. All initial inspections and final inspections have been suspended until further notice. Due to the nature of this program, we suspended the release of work orders to our subcontractors.

9-1-1 Program. The Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications has advised our staff to refrain from traveling to our Public Safety Answering Points for site visits unless there is an essential need. 9-1-1 Services remain operational and will continue to do so. We have been in constant contact with our maintenance technicians and are continuing to monitor the situation.

Senior Corps. Currently due to school closures all 42 Foster Grandparents are at home. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has granted a temporary allowance per request, for programs who are not able to function normally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What this means is we can can continue to pay FGP participants the stipend they would normally receive temporarily through April 3rd. We are required to give updates at minimum every fourteen (14) days or as the situation change that may require an extension of allowance. The stipend payments will continue to be made biweekly as scheduled. We have notified the FGP participants that these payments are all being transitioned to ACH (direct deposit) and have provided participants with a deadline to submit the requisite information to complete this task. The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has been impacted. Many senior volunteers typically deliver meals and/or work in area hospitals. Because they fall into a higher-risk category due to their age, their suspension of these activities is critical. We are developing a solution to keep these 500+ volunteers connected through outreach. Blossoms of H.O.P.E. knitting group has been suspended until further notice. Our annual Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Appreciation Banquet has been temporarily been placed on hold. Although this event isn’t scheduled until April 30, we are postponing the distribution of invitations and announcements as we monitor the COVID-19 situation.

Mental Health, Anxiety, & COVID-19. The Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team has published a COVID-19 page with numerous resources and tips to help manage anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out their resources.
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Update: March 25, 2020

TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges, has extended the organization-wide work-from-home option for staff through April 3, 2020. Although our building will remain open, our staff directly impacted by school closures and unable to obtain dependent care, as well as staff at higher-risk of serious illness from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities are eligible to work from home. We are committed to maintaining as a optimal level of productivity and performance as possible during this period.

Update: March 20, 2020

TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges, has extended the organization-wide work-from-home option for staff through April 30, 2020.

Update: April 30, 2020

TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges, has extended the organization-wide work-from-home protocol for staff through close of business on Friday, May 15th. At that time we will embark on a deliberate process to assess our preparedness and readiness to cautiously and methodically pursue a path leading to the eventual restart of programs and activities that have ceased or been placed on hiatus as a result of COVID-19 precautions. Before any relaunch, we will make sure we have and can distribute appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and other risk-reducing measures to the staff associated with those activities. We have already begun the process to secure that equipment.

We are committed to building better lives in Texoma. We are not going to rush into any situation that jeopardizes the health and safety of our staff, our clients, or our community and are building a comprehensive strategy that works for all.

Update: July 16, 2020

TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges, has provided an updated memo to staff internally regarding the status of the COVID-19 pandemic:

“The upward spiraling trajectory we were seeing two weeks ago involving #s of new cases, # of patients hospitalized, and positivity rate (statewide) are not showing signs of changing direction. In the two weeks since Governor Abbott issued his Executive Order imposing restrictions on outdoor gatherings and requiring face covering, the total # of COVID 19 cases statewide has increased by 60% (now at 282,365 with 129,657 active). Over the same two-week period, hospitalizations have increased by 52% (now at 10,471) and fatalities by 38% (now at 3,432). The statewide positivity rate on July 2 was 13.92% – a record high up to that point. As of this morning, it was 16.81%. We are fortunate that our region isn’t experiencing the same degree of severity as other parts of the state, but I suspect that is mostly just good fortune. We’re seeing how quickly the virus can surge and unless we remain vigilant in taking all necessary steps to protect ourselves, our families, friends and each other, what’s happening elsewhere could happen here. It remains to be seen whether the actions imposed by the Governor two weeks ago with begin to stem the current tide. I certainly hope they do but in regardless, it is imperative that we – as individuals – continue to do our part. Wear your face covering. Wash your hands regularly. Use sanitizer. Avoid gatherings. Stay home but if you must travel, please adhere to recommended protocols so you and others can remain safe.”

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