As the coronavirus response develops day-by-day, the purpose of this page is to answer frequently asked questions and share resources to keep you and your family healthy.
Do I need to File a Tax Return?
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return
Non-Filer: Enter Payment Information:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
Check My Payment Status or Update Information:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
Small Business Administration COVID-19 Homepage:
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Paycheck Protection Program Homepage:
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/assistance-for-small-businesses
Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Information:
https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP–Fact-Sheet.pdf
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application:
https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
Veteran Frequently Asked Questions:
https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/
What is the VA Doing?
I am keeping in close contact with our local health officials. All agree that we should be doing our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This includes following guidelines from the experts at the CDC to stay healthy.
Cases continue to be identified in the Eastern Washington. To combat the spread of the disease, Congress, President Trump, Governor Inslee, and state and local health officials have all jumped into action. The Governor and state officials have taken the following steps to halt widespread transmission of coronavirus.
On March 13th, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation that:
On March 15th, Governor Inslee:
On March 23rd, Governor Inslee issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order:
On October 7th, Governor Inslee issued a “Safe Start Washington” detailing a 4 phased approach which:
On November 15th, Governor Inslee announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions which includes:
No. We should be vigilant and practice good hygiene as outlined below.
It’s important to note that the CDC reports that most cases are mild but there are some people who are at a higher risk of getting sick from this illness. That includes older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions. We should all take precautionary measures to slow the spread and reduce the impact of the disease.
Again, the purpose of this page is to share information and direct you to resources to stay informed.
The CDC also has in-depth frequently asked questions. Read them by clicking here.
Clean your hands often:
Avoid close contact:
Resources on Protecting Your Family
Wear a mask
Masks should not be worn by
The CDC made an educational video that details key times to wear a mask, watch HERE.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect
Resources on Protecting Others
Yes! It’s safe. Thankfully the sun has been shining in Eastern Washington. The Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation limited reasons to leave your home, but included a specific exception for “Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, but only if appropriate social distancing practices are used.”
I have found that taking a walk and getting out of the house helps my mental health. My family has been playing basketball in the backyard, which is fun and a good break for everyone.
According to the Washington Department of Health, there are confirmed cases of coronavirus in Eastern Washington.
Location and Number of Confirmed Cases in Washington
The symptoms for COVID-19 are a fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The CDC has released the following video for older adults. Click below to watch.
CDC Recommendations for High Risk Individuals
The Washington State Department of Health has issued the following guidance if you think you may have COVID-19.
The Washington State Department of Health has issued the following guidance if you believe you need to be tested.
If you are a small business owner, please check out my dedicate webpage for by by clicking below. https://mcmorris.house.gov/coronavirussmallbusiness/
To help with struggling small businesses, Congress approved up to $7 billion in low interest loans for small businesses through the Small Business Administration. You can find information on these low interest loans here.
If your business is not considered essential by Governor Inslee, you can apply for a waiver by clicking here.
Guidance for Small Businesses for COVID-19
The Department of Veterans Affairs is taking steps to help slow the spread of coronavirus in our nation’s veterans. Any veteran experiencing coronavirus symptoms should immediately contact their closest VA facility. Click here to find your closest facility.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a webpage specifically designed for veterans. You can find the VA’s coronavirus webpage by clicking here.
The administration delayed the tax filing deadline. You now have until July 15.
If you are expecting a refund, it’s recommended you file now or soon to get your money.
Yes. Many restaurants and businesses are taking extra precautions. The drive-thru and pick-up options keep you socially distant. One way you can help our community is to support a local business for an upcoming meal!
Looking for ideas? The Spokesman-Review has a list of online menus.
On March 4th, I voted in favor of more than $8 billion in emergency funding. Signed into law by President Trump on March 6th, this package will get state and local health officials needed resources for COVID-19. This package included:
On March 5th, I traveled to the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray with Vice President Mike Pence, CDC Director Robert Redfield, CMS Administrator Seema Verma, a bipartisan delegation of Washington state members of Congress, and state health officials. The purpose of this trip was to join the Vice President Pence to meet with Governor Jay Inslee and ensure everything is being done to protect people from coronavirus in Washington state.
On March 5th, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that Washington state would receive approximately $2.75 million from the CDC for public health, testing, and prevention. You can read the details of that award by clicking here.
On March 6th, I held a conference call with local health officials from across Eastern Washington. I shared with them what I learned at Camp Murray during my visit. The coronavirus response requires strong coordination between health care providers, public health experts, and all local, state, and federal officials. We will continue to keep lines of communication open as we work together to combat and prevent the spread of the coronavirus in our community.
On March 11th, the CDC announced Washington would receive an additional $11.5 million in emergency funding. This brings the total funding for Washington to $14.2 million.
On March 13th, I voted in favor of a second round of emergency funding to assist our response to the coronavirus. This package will provide more accessible testing, necessary economic stability, and increased certainty for families. This package included:
Click here to learn more about the second round of emergency funding.
On Thursday, March 19th, I hosted two telephone townhalls to provide updates on the federal response to the coronavirus and answer questions. At 9:00 AM PT, I hosted a veteran and seniors focused call to discuss the unique challenges facing them. At 6:00 PM PT, I hosted a call open to everyone.
The week of March 23rd, I sent two bipartisan letters to the Administration. One asked for more ventilators to be sent to the Pacific Northwest. Hospitals across the region are worried they will be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients as intensive care unit capacity is reached. The second letter asked for targeted assistance for Eastern Washington’s fruit and vegetable farmers. It asked that, to keep safe, healthy fruit and vegetables in our nation’s grocery stores, the USDA provide regulatory flexibility and direct support to our farmers.
You can read more about these requests below:
On March 24th, I announced new grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for Eastern Washington health organizations to aid in response to COVID-19. This grant funding is a result of the Phase 1 public health and emergency funding that I supported in the House:
You can read more about these grants by clicking here.
On March 27th, President Trump signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748) into law. This bill, which I supported, included needed resources for small business owners, support for distressed sectors of the economy, and expanded unemployment. You can find more information about Phase 3 by clicking below:
https://mcmorris.house.gov/coronavirus3/
As I told local officials, this response will take strong coordination and open lines of communication between all levels of government—local, state, and federal. Here are more resources that you may find helpful.