Updates and Resources Regarding COVID-19 — Please check each section as new posts are added as they become available. Thank you.
(7.10.2020) Disaster Resource: Medication Management + Building a First Aid Kit from Single Care – Here is the new guide, Medication Disaster Plan,
(6.25.2020) COVID-19 Relief Funds for Churches — The United Church of Christ National Setting is offering financial assistance to local churches whose ministries have been challenged by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The national officers have collectively identified $2.6 million in COVID-19 relief, $1.5 million in loans that will be administered through the Cornerstone Fund and another $1.1 million in micro grants. Click here for full information and to apply.
(6.23.2020) In Depth COVID Considerations on regathering: CLICK HERE
(6.9.2020) – The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law on Friday. Attached please find a brief summary of the key changes, some of which may affect a church’s decision to apply for a PPP or how it uses the funds.
COVID-19 Resource Guide from UCC Insurance Board posted 6.2.2020
COVID-19 Liability FAQ Insurance Board posted 6.2.2020
“Keeping You Posted” – COVID19 economic relief package of the national setting posted 5.26.2020
‘Things Will Never Be the Same’ – How the Pandemic Changed Worship
Here is a link to the guidance the CDC tried to provide us. There are specific guidelines for faith communities in this. Click Here
Click Here for Individual & Community Preparedness Newsletter (FEMA) – In This Issue:Ready Tips, CERT & Communities, Children & Disasters, Important Dates
BREAKING NEWS: Key Takeaways for Churches from the Governor’s Press Conference 5.4.2020
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From the National UCC
Click here for the COVID-19 Daily Briefing Archive
You should be able to go there Monday through Friday to get updates.
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From the PA Council of Churches
We have been maintaining a page with a variety of COVID-19 resources (https://www.pachurches.org/covid-19-coronavirus-resources/), updated nearly daily. Here are the most recent additions: (5.12.2020)
- Just In: 13 More Pennsylvania Counties to Move to Yellow Phase of Reopening on May 15
- Governor Wolf Announces Reopening of 24 Counties Beginning May 8
- Governor Wolf and Attorney General Shapiro Announce Protections from Foreclosures and Evictions Through July 10
- Wolf Administration Receives Approval to Launch Food Access Program for Students During COVID-19 Crisis
- Gov. Wolf Outlines Plans to Create Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps to Support Fall COVID-19 Recovery Efforts
- Farmers Market Season is Here, Markets Prepared to Safely Serve Pennsylvanians Amid COVID-19
- DCNR Announces Plan for Reopening Some State Park, Forest Facilities
- Baseline COVID-19 Testing Program—Free Testing in Select States (including PA)
Here are the latest postings we have concerning COVID-19 information: (posted 5/1/2020)
- A Plan for Pennsylvanians: Relief, Reopening, and Recovery
- Summary of Governor Wolf’s Actions to Protect Health and Safety in PA
- More under Find PA Department of Human Services COVID-19 Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link for Centers for Disease Control added to Federal COVID-19 Resources
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Governor Wolf Signs Bills Aimed at Fighting COVID-19 in Pennsylvania; Other COVID-19 Actions in PA
Emergency Housing for Isolated & Quarantined Persons in Pennsylvania
New PA Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Resources
New PA Department of Health COVID-19 Resources
New Federal COVID-19 Resources
Food Connect Food Donation Quick Start Guide
United Way of PA Publishes COVID-19 Resources for the Public
PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center Work on the COVID-19 Crisis
How Will The Coronavirus Stimulus Bill’s Individual Payments Work?
Blessings and peace, Sandy
Rev. Sandra L. Strauss, Director of Advocacy & Ecumenical Outreach, PA Council of Churches
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From Heather E. Kimmel, General Counsel, UCC
5.13.2020_Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions
UPDATED 5.4.2020 CARES Act For Churches
Liquidity, Necessity, and FAQ 31 uploaded on 5/1/2020
SBA’s recently released FAQ for religious organizations applying for loans under the CARES Act. Click Here to read
Sources:
Increasing Connections and Overcoming Isolation (UCC Mental Health Justice Network
Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak (W.H.O.)
The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Updated Guide
Coronavirus Update: Mental Health Guidance, Public Health News and Resources
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration provides a 24-hour-a-day “Disaster Distress Hotline,” crisis counseling to support people experiencing distress during or following a disaster, including those impacted by the novel coronavirus spread. The hotline offers immediate, cost-free and confidential counseling at 800-985-5990. Those who need help can also text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor.