COVID-19

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC Website 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Provides information on what you need to know about the Corona Virus, Symptoms, How to Protect Yourself, the Latest Corona Virus Case Data by State, and other valuable resources

Florida Department of Health

http://www.floridahealth.gov/

The Florida Department of Health website provides a wealth of information about the COVID-19 virus along with a COVID-19 Resource Tool-Kit.

They also have a 24/7 COVID-10 call center available that can be reached at 866-779-6121.

The Florida Department of Health also offers a real-time dashboard of the case information for the state with county by county information and National and Worldwide views of COVID 19 cases located at:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b25e429

Sarasota County Department of Health

http://sarasota.floridahealth.gov/

The Sarasota County Department of Health website provide local contact information for help if you feel you have been infected with the virus along with information on drive-thru specimen collection sites in the local area.

Manatee County Department of Health

http://manatee.floridahealth.gov/

The Manatee County Department of Health website provide local contact information for help if you feel you have been infected with the virus along with information on drive-thru specimen collection sites in the local area.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Rebates for Individuals

Eligible taxpayers will receive up to $1,200 ($2,400 for married filing jointly), plus $500 for each qualifying child. This applies whether the taxpayer has any income. Nonresident aliens and individuals that can be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return are not eligible for this rebate. Each individual and qualifying child must have a Social Security number. Payments will generally be made by direct deposit to the taxpayer’s bank account if that information is on file with the IRS, otherwise by check. Rebates are expected to be made as “rapidly as possible” which may be as early as April 6 for electronic payments and two weeks later for checks. The IRS will notify taxpayers within 15 days of payments.

A full rebate will be available only for individuals whose income is below certain thresholds. The amount of rebate begins to phase-out at adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 ($150,000 for married filing jointly). Above those amounts, the rebate is reduced by $5 for each $100 over these limits. The rebate is fully phased out when AGI reaches $99,000 ($198,000 for married filing jointly).

This rebate is a 2020 benefit to be based on 2020 income. However, to have this benefit distributed soon, there is an advance funding mechanism. The IRS will make an initial calculation of your rebate based on your 2019 federal tax return. If that return has not yet been filed, the initial calculation will be based on your 2018 federal tax return. If there is no 2018 return, the IRS can use information from 2019 social security benefit statements. The IRS will calculate and distribute rebates without any action required by the recipients.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity – Unemployment

http://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits

If your employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the mitigation efforts in Florida to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance and Unemployment compensation.  Unemployment benefits have been expanded as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the ‘‘CARES Act”) also known as the $2.2 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Bill to provide coverage for employees, self-employed, and independent contractors.

If you have questions about eligibility and how to apply for Unemployment, you can find more information provided by the state in their Reemployment Assistance COVID-19 FAQ at:

http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-center/ra-covid-19-faqs-eng.pdf?sfvrsn=805543b0_14

Small Business Administration

https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

Offers a Federal Disaster Loan Assistance Program that provides loans to Businesses, Private Non-Profits, and Others and includes sole proprietors and independent contractors.

Step Up Suncoast

https://stepupsuncoast.org

Step Up Suncoast is offering help with utilities, rent, child care, transportation and other life and critical necessities.  To inquire about their various programs they offer, call 941-827-2887.

Economic Impact Payment

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Need to check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment that was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)?  This link will provide you with information about:

  • Your payment status
  • Your payment type
  • Whether we need more information from you, including bank account information

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues to calculate and automatically send the Payments to most eligible individuals, however some may have to provide additional information to the IRS to get their Payments.  Please DO NOT call the IRS.

 

FOOD AND MEALS ASSISTANCE

School District of Manatee County Grab and Go Meals for Kids Distribution Sites

https://www.manateeschools.net/Domain/1150

Manatee County Public schools are offering Grab and Go Meals for children 18 and younger with numerous drive up sites.  Children MUST be in the vehicle to receive the meals.  Meals being provided are lunch for today and breakfast for tomorrow.  Check the School District of Manatee County website for locations.

The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee

https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/the-food-bank-of-manatee/

The Food Bank of Manatee is operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee as another way to provide nutrition and caring, supportive services to our community. The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization based in Manatee County, and has provided over 30 million pounds of food since 1985 for local children, families, and seniors.

The Food Bank of Manatee provides nutritional assistance and caring, supportive services to individuals in need throughout Manatee County by distributing food through over 100 local non-profit partner agencies and food pantries. Families in crisis situations can receive food packages on a temporary basis, as well as infant care baskets with formula, diapers, wipes and other baby essentials. Pet food also is available.

A list of Food Pantries and the Food Distribution Schedule is available at their website.

All Faiths Food Bank

https://www.allfaithsfoodbank.org/coronavirus-updates/

Offers food through Mobile Pantries. Go to their website for a list of locations and times.

Also, offers a drive-up service for meals to all Children 18 and younger in partnership with the Sarasota County Schools that includes lunch for today and breakfast for tomorrow at various locations.  Children MUST be in the vehicle to receive the meals.  Go to their website for a list of locations and times.

Humane Society of Manatee County

https://www.humanemanatee.org

The Manatee County Humane Society is providing cat and dog food to those in need.  The humane society can be reached at 941-747-8808 or info@humanesocietymanatee.org.  Please contact them in advance as the demand for pet food is likely exceeding donations and supply and all pick-up’s are by appointment only.

 

UTILITIES

Spectrum Internet

https://www.spectrum.com/wifi-hotspots.html

On March 16, 2020 Spectrum opened Wi-Fi hot spots for public use over the next 60-days.  Hot spot locations can be found at the link noted above.

Spectrum also offers an Internet Assistance Program for low-income households.  More information is available at https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist

For students and teachers, Spectrum is offering 2 months free internet and Wi-Fi to new households that currently have no service.  Call 888-715-1990 for more information.

Comcast Xfinity

https://www.xfinity.com/wifi

Comcast has opened Xfinity Wi-Fi hot spots for public use. Hot spot locations can be found at the link noted above.

 

CRISIS COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

2-1-1

https://211.gs-humanservices.org/

Provides assistant to people across their Tri County region of Desoto, Manatee and Sarasota Counties for information and support—for financial assistance, health programs, crisis support and more.

You can access 2-1-1 by phone, email, chat or text (just text your zip code to 898-211). Reaching out will get you connected to a multilingual 2-1-1 specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations providing critical services to improve and save lives.

US Department of Health & Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

 

This publication is to provide general information only and is subject to change.