State Leaders Working to Stop the Spread
The events of the past month regarding the spread of the virus known as COVID-19 have been shocking to say the least. From the news stories highlighting the shortage of medical supplies, to the stressful trips to the grocery store, to the shutdown of our schools and churches and everything else, these are certainly trying times for our entire country. Every day, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirms reports of more and more Missourians testing positive for the virus. It’s easy to feel helpless as the number of confirmed cases continues to grow, but I urge you to find comfort in the fact that federal and state leaders are working to do everything they can to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
On March 21, the governor directed DHSS to issue an order calling for every Missourian to practice social distancing. In accordance with guidelines issued by the president and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the order calls on Missourians to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people. The order also calls on Missourians to avoid eating at restaurants and bars; however, it does allow individuals to utilize drive-thru, pickup or delivery food options. In addition, the order requires Missourians to avoid visiting nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes and assisted living homes, unless they are providing critical assistance at one of these facilities. The order issued by DHSS does not prohibit Missourians from visiting a variety of places, such as health care facilities, grocery stores, gas stations, parks and banks. If you do have to make a grocery run or visit your doctor, please maintain at least six feet of distance between all individuals that are not family members. Businesses that are critical to infrastructure, health, and safety also remain open.
According the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, every school in Missouri has physically closed its doors until April 6. Despite these actions, many schools throughout our state are continuing to prepare and serve food to students in need. For current information on the virus’ impact on our state’s schools, please visit dese.mo.gov. As always, the best source for up-to-date school closures is your local school district’s website.
Both the IRS and the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) have postponed the deadline for filing returns until July 15. To alleviate public congestion at local license offices, DOR is granting automatic 60-day extensions for driver’s license and motor vehicle registration renewals that expire in March and in April. Dates are also being extended for vehicle inspections, non-driver’s licenses and non-commercial instruction permits.
While many of us are staying home and practicing social distancing, several of our state’s small businesses and their employees are struggling and facing economic hardships. As a result, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the State Emergency Management Agency recently requested assistance for businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The SBA has approved Missouri’s request for access to this loan program and will now offer targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to Missouri small businesses that have been severely impacted by the spread of COVID-19. To apply, please visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. In addition, Missourians whose jobs have been affected by the virus are urged to visit the Missouri Department of Labor’s website at labor.mo.gov/coronavirus for information on unemployment benefits and other beneficial programs.
As I have said before, these are trying times for all of us. The spread of this devastating virus has taken a mental and physical toll on everyone. If you are looking for accurate, up-to-the-minute information on the COVID-19 virus, I recommend DHSS’ website at health.mo.gov and the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/. I urge everyone to become educated on the symptoms associated with the virus. If you are experiencing a fever, cough and shortness of breath, please follow DHSS’ instructions and immediately contact your health care professional. If you have not heard from a neighbor or a family member, reach out to them and make sure they are okay. As a nation, a state and a community, each of us must do our part to slow the spread of this pandemic.
It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri Senate. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3678 or by email at dave.schatz@senate.mo.gov if you have any questions or concerns — we are honored to serve you.