Help available during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic was recently compared to two events that shook our nation to the core: the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dece. 7, 1941, and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Both events changed our country, and each time we rallied to defeat our enemies.

Although the current adversary is unseen, it is just as dangerous as those we’ve faced in the past. Like after Pearl Harbor and 9/11, our resolve to prevail over coronavirus has led to decisive results. Cases are nearing their peak and the mitigation efforts are expected to result in a much lower death toll than originally predicted.

On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death! Just as Jesus conquered death, by the grace of God we will overcome this plague.

I encourage you to join me in prayer this Easter, even if you can’t attend church in person. I will be saying a prayer of thanks to our doctors and nurses and everyone else who has risked their own health to serve our communities.

The state and federal governments are working to minimize the effect of this outbreak on the economy. Numerous types of assistance are available to Missourians financially impacted by the pandemic.

The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 provides that those eligible for at least one dollar ($1 US) of unemployment compensation benefits during the week will receive an additional $600 per week as a federal supplement. The Division of Employment Security expects FPUC payments to begin going out to eligible recipients as early as the week of April 12, 2020, after the technology updates and procedures are implemented.

The $600 federal supplement for those that are unemployed will be effective the week beginning March 29, 2020, for those filing their unemployment payment request for that week. During the FPUC program period, claimants who are eligible to receive regular unemployment weekly payments will receive the additional $600 FPUC payment. Missouri’s regular unemployment insurance program continues to be in effect. Under Missouri unemployment law, most people who are currently employed and quit are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

Unemployed workers are encouraged to file their unemployment claims online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov as soon as they are separated from their employer. For convenience, the UInteract website is available 24/7 and mobile-friendly. Over 90 percent of initial claims are now filed online. For questions and answers related to the coronavirus and unemployment, as well as other effects on employment, visit labor.mo.gov/coronavirus frequently for updates. Governor Parson has directed the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to implement an emergency rule that will help ensure first-responders who contract COVID-19 are covered through workers’ compensation.

This emergency rule will create a presumption that first responders who contract COVID-19 did so in the line of duty and allow them to make a claim under the Missouri Workers’ Compensation law to cover the expenses incurred.

The United States Small Business Association offers various programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The SBA is working to improve their website to handle the increased volume of applicants. For specific questions or assistance in applying, call the SBA hotline at (800) 659-2955.

Though we have reached a turning point in the struggle against coronavirus, I strongly encourage everyone to join me in continuing to take precautions to prevent transmission. You can find all these guidelines at coronavirus.gov.