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Larger Businesses and COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources [Updated June 11, 2020]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected resources and CRS products potentially relevant to medium and large businesses directly affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic seeking economic relief and assistance. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, contains provisions to assist businesses. This Insight focuses on potential sources of assistance designated for medium and large businesses that do not qualify for Small Business Administration programs or other assistance programs for small businesses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Julie; Murray, Justin
2020-06-11
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COVID-19 and Workplace Liability: Selected Issues Under Antidiscrimination Laws [May 18, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has forced unprecedented workplace changes and raised a host of legal issues. Employers may struggle with how to protect workers from infection, including whether to make any special changes for at-risk employees. Employers may worry about workers' well-being, disruptions from absenteeism, and potential liability if an employee falls ill. Federal law requires reasonable accommodations for one risk group, people with disabilities. At the same time, antidiscrimination statutes restrict employers from singling out employees based on three characteristics that put them at enhanced risk, or impose uncertain risk, for COVID-19: disability, age, or pregnancy. This Sidebar provides general background on antidiscrimination considerations that might arise as employers consider accommodations for at-risk employees."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Anderson, April J.
2020-05-18
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Treatment of COVID-19: Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine [Updated May 27, 2020]
From the Document: "To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any therapeutics--drugs or biologics--for the treatment of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. However, FDA has authorized the emergency use of three drugs, including two drugs that have been approved by FDA for other uses: hydroxychloroquine sulfate ('hydroxychloroquine') and chloroquine phosphate ('chloroquine'). The agency authorized the emergency use of both drugs on March 28, 2020. [...] Some stakeholders--including several former FDA officials--have expressed concern regarding FDA's EUA [emergency use authorization], stating that current data regarding the safety and effectiveness of these drugs for treatment of COVID-19 are largely anecdotal and that expanding access may jeopardize research into the drug. On April 24, 2020, FDA issued a drug safety communication warning against the use of these drugs for treatment of COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems. Further, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines on use of antivirals for COVID-19 state that '[t]here are insufficient clinical data to recommend either for or against using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19' and recommend against using high-dose chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dabrowska, Agata; Green, Victoria R.
2020-05-27
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Full Practice Authority for VA Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) During the COVID-19 Pandemic [May 27, 2020]
From the Document: "On April 21, 2020, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued guidance to VA medical facilities to allow Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to have full practice authority (maximum breadth of practice allowable for a provider) within the scope of their license to provide anesthetic care. Specifically, it allows CRNAs to practice without physician supervision when licensed in a state that allows such practice. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed postgraduate education and training and have been certified in the provision and managing of anesthesia. This temporary change in policy has once again brought into focus the debate, mainly between the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), about the scope of practice of CRNAs in the provision of anesthesia services at VA medical facilities. Scope of practice refers to requirements for practicing a skill or profession including types of patients or case load and practice guidelines that determine the boundaries within which a physician or other health care professional practices. This Insight briefly reviews the new directive during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic and, to provide some context, briefly discusses the previous policy debate surrounding CRNAs delivering anesthesia services to veterans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Panangala, Sidath Viranga; Sussman, Jared S.
2020-05-27
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COVID-19 and Federal Employment Protections for Work Refusals [Updated May 20, 2020]
From the Document: "The easing of stay-at-home orders in most states has prompted both the reopening of businesses and concern among employees who fear exposure to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the workplace. Fifty-one percent of the respondents in a recent survey of employees forced to stop working or work remotely because of the virus said that fear of getting sick at work would prevent their return. While federal labor and employment laws do not generally require an employer to retain an employee who fears returning to work, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) may provide some protections for employees who are reluctant to return to work because of possible exposure to COVID-19."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shimabukuro, Jon O.
2020-05-20
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Delivery of VA Telehealth Services During COVID-19 [May 20, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for providing health care benefits to eligible veterans. [...] During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, both routine and urgent in-person health care services are either being postponed or shifted to telehealth by the VHA for those veterans who (1) do not have COVID-19 diagnoses, (2) are not exhibiting symptoms of the disease, and (3) are not at high risk of being affected by the disease. [...] 'Telehealth' generally refers to health care providers' use of information and communication technology to provide a health care service. This In Focus provides an overview of veterans' access to VA telehealth services and discusses two funding activities that aim to assist veterans with obtaining telehealth-related infrastructure during the pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elliott, Victoria L.
2020-05-20
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Small Businesses and COVID-19: Relief and Assistance Resources [Updated May 22, 2020]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected websites and CRS products potentially relevant to small businesses that are directly affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and seeking economic relief and assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kreiser, Maria
2020-05-22
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COVID-19: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Enforcement Discretion Policy [May 19, 2020]
From the Document: "On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a temporary policy, 'COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Implications for EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program,' on how EPA will exercise its enforcement discretion if a facility owner or operator cannot comply with certain requirements of federal environmental laws because of impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary policy for COVID-19 is tailored to circumstances of the pandemic that may affect staffing, physical access for monitoring and sampling, laboratory analysis, and other resources needed to fulfill routine compliance obligations. The policy is retroactive to March 13, 2020, and indicates that EPA will issue a public notice at least seven days prior to termination. EPA has also issued other related COVID-19 policies or guidance that cover pesticide imports, field work at cleanup sites under Superfund and other federal programs, a nationwide fuel waiver for summer gasoline, and emergency generator operations in Puerto Rico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Esworthy, Robert; Bearden, David M.
2020-05-19
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COVID-19: Selected Financial and Social Service Resources for Older Americans [May 28, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused economic distress to many older Americans due to job loss, business closings, and financial market conditions. This Insight provides links to selected CRS [Congressional Research Service] products and related resources that address some issues for older populations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Breslauer, Tamar B.; Overbay, Abigail R.; Napili, Angela
2020-05-28
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COVID-19: Summary of the Direct Payments Proposed in the Heroes Act (H.R. 6800) [May 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act; H.R. 6800), as passed by the House on May 15, 2020, proposes new direct payments to individuals, which the bill text refers to as 'additional recovery rebates to individuals.' Direct payments were included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This Insight provides a brief overview of the additional direct payments included in the HEROES Act. (The HEROES Act would also modify the direct payments in the CARES Act. These changes are summarized in a companion Insight)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2020-05-19
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State and Local Fiscal Conditions and COVID-19: Lessons from the Great Recession and Current Projections [May 18, 2020]
From the Document: "Federal assistance to state and local governments has been a central part of the fiscal policy discussion surrounding the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Economic downturns tend to depress the tax bases of federal, state, and local governments, and may also increase demands for certain spending programs. Unlike at the federal level, however, most states and localities have statutory requirements to balance their budgets every one or two years. Absent other measures, these balanced budget requirements can necessitate tax rate increases or spending cuts that could exacerbate economic distress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.; Gravelle, Jane
2020-05-18
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated May 28, 2020]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion; and contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy, including productivity losses, supply chain disruptions, major labor dislocation, and significant financial pressure on both businesses and households."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2020-05-28
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Federal Housing Policy Responses to COVID-19 [June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] global pandemic and resulting economic recession presents many housing challenges, ranging from public health concerns about large populations of unsheltered homeless individuals to the impact of rising unemployment on housing stability. Housing in the United States is primarily a private market function regulated at the state and local level, and states and local governments have implemented a variety of housing policy responses to the pandemic. However, there has been demand for federal action to supplement and support those efforts. In response, the federal government increased its funding for housing programs and made policy changes to protect renters and homeowners and support other housing market participants. In addition to housing-specific interventions, policies such as one-time relief payments to individuals, federal increases to Unemployment Insurance (UI), and some fiscal relief to states and localities may be used directly or indirectly for housing needs. Despite these actions, significant housing challenges remain."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Jones, Katie
2020-06-16
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Federal Assistance to Troubled Industries: Selected Examples [March 19, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Serious disruptions for certain industries caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic have led to calls for federal government assistance to affected industries. Although out of the ordinary, this would not be the first occasion on which the federal government has provided aid to troubled or financially distressed industries. To help inform congressional debate, this report examines selected past instances in which the government has aided troubled industries, providing information about the way in which such assistance was structured, the role of Congress, and the eventual cost."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird; Labonte, Marc; Canis, Bill . . .
2020-03-19
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COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: How the 2009 Economic Recovery Payment Worked [March 18, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to concerns about an economic slowdown due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, some lawmakers have expressed interest in providing direct cash payments to Americans. One option to provide such payments would be to establish a new advanced refundable tax credit, as was done in 2008 with 'recovery rebates.' Although this option would disburse payments to the vast majority of Americans relatively quickly, it would not directly help those who do not file a federal income tax return. A 2017 study found that 'nonfilers' were more likely to be seniors or recipients of public assistance than those who filed a tax return. To provide direct cash payments to nonfilers, lawmakers could consider providing such payments through existing programs for certain vulnerable populations. To assist lawmakers in assessing the merits of such a proposal, this Insight examines the 2009 Economic Recovery Payment (ERP), which was a one-time $250 payment made to most individuals who received recurring cash benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morton, William R.
2020-03-18
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COVID-19 Stimulus Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated March 30, 2020]
From the Document: "This report provides a brief description of the SBA's [U.S. Small Business Administration] programs, examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009), and discusses legislation to assist small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including: [1] P.L. 116-123, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, which provided the SBA an additional $20 million for SBA disaster assistance administrative expenses and deemed the coronavirus to be a disaster under the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This change made economic injury from the coronavirus an eligible EIDL expense. [and 2] P.L. 116-136, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which, among other provisions, created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide 'covered loans' with a 100% SBA loan guarantee, a maximum term of 10 years, and an interest rate not to exceed 4% to assist small businesses, small 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and small 501(c)(19) veterans organizations that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. The act also provides for loan deferment and forgiveness under specified conditions. A 'covered loan' is defined as a loan made to an eligible recipient from February 15, 2020, through June 30, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean; Lindsay, Bruce R.
2020-03-30
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Domestic Public Health Response to COVID-19: Current Status and Resources Guide [Updated March 25, 2020]
From the Document: "The global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19, is affecting communities throughout the United States, with case counts growing daily. Containment and mitigation efforts by federal, state, and local governments have been undertaken to 'flatten the curve'--that is, to curb widespread transmission that could overwhelm the nation's health care system. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected information and resources relevant to the 'domestic public health response' to COVID-19 in containing and mitigating the spread and impact of the disease. [...] This Insight does not provide information on the international response to COVID-19, or on economic or other nonhealth policy issues related to COVID-19. This Insight also does not address issues related to health insurance and financing, or human services."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sekar, Kavya; Cornell, Ada S.
2020-03-25
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Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act: Division T--Revenue Provisions [March 24, 2020]
From the Document: "A number of recently introduced legislative proposals seek to alleviate the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak. One such proposal, the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act (H.R. 6379), was introduced in the House on March 23, 2020. The proposal includes a number of provisions that would change the tax system, including modifications that would [1] provide a one-time payment to households; [2] temporarily expand the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and dependent care tax credit; [3] provide employer payroll tax credits for certain hospital expenses and for expanded sick and family leave programs; [4] modify the tax treatment of certain retirement fund withdrawals; and [5] allow net operating loss carrybacks for businesses. This report briefly summarizes the major provisions included in Titles I through IV of Division T of H.R. 6379."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.; Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.; Driessen, Grant A. . . .
2020-03-24
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Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund and COVID-19 [March 26, 2020]
From the Document: "As part of the U.S. government's economic response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the 'third' COVID19 stimulus package (H.R. 748), as passed by the Senate on March 25, would appropriate $500 billion to the U.S. Department of Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF) to support loans, loan guarantees, and investments for businesses affected by COVID-19. In addition, the legislation would temporarily permit the use of the ESF to guarantee money markets, as occurred in the 2008 financial crisis. ESF assets have already been pledged in 2020 to backstop several emergency lending facilities created by the Federal Reserve (Fed) in response to financial turmoil caused by COVID-19."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Webel, Baird; Weiss, Martin A.
2020-03-26
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Fostering Behavior Change During Disease Outbreaks: Insights from Ebola Response in Africa [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease] pandemic has prompted governments worldwide to seek to change behaviors on a mass scale to stem new infections. [...] The challenges and successes of analogous efforts during the two largest Ebola outbreaks to date--in West Africa (2014-2016), and in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), starting in 2018 and now seemingly waning--may offer lessons for current efforts to contain COVID-19, even though the two viruses differ in significant ways."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Husted, Tomas F.; Cook, Nicolas
2020-03-27
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Limits on Business Interest Deductions Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "Thin capitalization rules, broadly, limit the amount of debt that can generate deductible interest for the purpose of calculating taxable income. Limits on the tax deduction for business interest restrictions have been relaxed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748, as amended) providing economic stimulus and relief for taxpayers due to the expected slowdown of the economy because of the coronavirus pandemic. These restrictions, also referred to by their Internal Revenue Code Section 163(j), were expanded by the 2017 tax revision, P.L. 115-97."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2020-03-27
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Stafford Act Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 [March 13, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight provides an overview of emergency declarations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (hereinafter the Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). It describes the forms of assistance authorized pursuant to President Donald J. Trump's March 13, 2020 emergency declaration under the Stafford Act in all U.S. states and territories in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-03-13
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COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates in the CARES Act (S. 3548) [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (S. 3548) proposes direct payments of up to $1,200 per person ($2,400 for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return) and $500 per child--'2020 recovery rebates.' Similar to the 2008 recovery rebates, these payments are structured as tax credits advanced to households that file an income tax return. Taxpayers that filed a 2018 income tax return would have this credit advanced to them in 2020, generally in the form of a direct deposit or check by mail. Thus, these taxpayers do not need to wait until 2020 tax returns are filed in 2021 to claim the credit. If they did not file a 2018 return, information from a 2019 return can be used for the advanced credit. These payments are intended to broadly stimulate the economy in response to concerns about an economic slowdown stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This Insight provides a brief overview of the proposed 2020 recovery rebates, with several simplified examples to illustrate payment amounts for different families."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2020-03-20
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated March 26, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the Covid-19 outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 150 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic is having a noticeable impact on global economic growth. Estimates so far indicate the virus could trim global economic growth by at least 0.5% to 1.5%, but the full impact will not be known until the effects peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2020-03-26
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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Processing Changes Due to COVID-19: In Brief [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "As federal agencies adjust their operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, activities related to the processing and release of government information are also changing. [...] Government information requests through FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] may be impacted by COVID-19 in two ways. First, certain types of information related to the outbreak may be eligible for expedited consideration; FOIA requests are to be expedited as soon as practicable in cases in which the person requesting the records demonstrates a compelling need. Second, processes for locating information may change due to employees working remotely or on administrative leave. This In Brief report provides an overview of the typical FOIA request process and usual conditions for requesting expedited processing of a request. The report then provides analysis of the impact of agency procedures in response to the pandemic on government information availability, and concludes with a survey of announced agency processing alterations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Marchsteiner, Kathleen E.; Stuessy, Meghan M.
2020-03-27
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Disrupted Federal Elections: Policy Issues for Congress [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has renewed interest in how election administrators and political campaigns prepare for emergencies and natural disasters. Some states have postponed primary elections. Political campaigns have expanded online outreach in lieu of in-person events. According to media reports, national party conventions are proceeding as scheduled, but contingency plans are under consideration. Legislation has proposed additional funding and voting options in federal elections. As of this writing, legislation and elections planning are changing daily. This product will be updated periodically. This updated CRS [Congressional Research Service] In Focus briefly introduces historical and policy issues that could be relevant for congressional oversight, legislation, or appropriations related to what this product calls 'disrupted elections'. This term means events such as natural disasters, other emergencies, or cyberattacks that could substantially delay or prevent normal voting, election administration, or campaigning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-
2020-03-27
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Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Authorities
From the Document: "In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, some in Congress have suggested using the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as a vehicle for providing financial relief to states and communities. Congress has regularly instituted a special variant of CDBG for long-term disaster recovery, known as CDBG-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). This Insight considers the potential role of CDBG and CDBG-DR as economic development countermeasures to the coronavirus outbreak."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.; Jaroscak, Joseph V.
2020-03-24
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Banking Regulators' Response to COVID-19 [March 25, 2020]
From the Document: "Economic conditions have deteriorated rapidly in the past few weeks, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused many businesses and public institutions to limit or close their operations. Policymakers are considering a range of programs and policy options to assist Americans facing increased financial hardship and those incurring time off work because of illness. Once it became clear that the COVID-19 outbreak would have serious financial ramifications for households and businesses, the federal agencies that regulate banks and credit unions--the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (collectively referred to as the bank regulators), and the National Credit Union Administration--responded in two general ways as discussed in this Insight: [1] measures to encourage banks to work with customers affected by COVID-19; and [2] adjustments to bank regulation related to capital, liquidity, and supervision."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Andrew P.; Perkins, David W.
2020-03-25
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated April 24, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 190 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic is having a noticeable impact on global economic growth. Estimates so far indicate the virus could trim global economic growth by as much as 2.0% per month if current conditions persist. Global trade could also fall by 13% to 32%, depending on the depth and extent of the global economic downturn. The full impact will not be known until the effects of the pandemic peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B. . . .
2020-04-24
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Funding for Firefighters for COVID-19 Response [April 15, 2020]
From the Document: "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] is a contagious disease caused by a novel coronavirus that originated in China in late 2019. It spread rapidly around the globe, and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the situation a pandemic. In the United States, by the end of March 2020, the disease had spread to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories except American Samoa. Firefighter personnel providing emergency medical services (EMS) serve as first responders to calls for help from those who are infected. Challenges for firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, include a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a high likelihood of exposure to the virus. This can lead to health impacts and staffing shortages due to long quarantine or recovery periods. Congress has provided emergency funding to assist firefighters responding to COVID-19 calls, and additional congressional action may be considered."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Brian E.; Gallagher, Jill C.
2020-04-15
