| ICYMI: Congressman Allen Holds Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall |
WASHINGTON – Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) held a telephone town hall Tuesday night to answer questions from residents of Georgia's 12th District about the coronavirus outbreak. Congressman Allen gave an update on the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, Economic Impact Payments, and more. For those who were unable to participate in the call, here are some of the highlights:
Jenny in Glennville asked about Economic Impact Payments and if there is a website to check her status.
Congressman Allen: “Jenny and all others should use the ‘Get My Payment’ tool on the IRS website. Anyone can check eligibility as well as the status of their payment on the website. I know the website has been having errors but they fixed many of them over the weekend.
“Now you can see if the IRS has your direct deposit information using the tool, and if they do not, you can upload your bank information to receive your payment faster by using your 2019 return if already filed, or your 2018 tax return. Again, that website is irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.”
Thomas in Augusta asked how those who are working can protect themselves and their families.
Congressman Allen: “It’s important to wash your hands, it would be good to have hand sanitizer handy if you can’t wash your hands. You should have a mask if you’re closer than 6ft from others, and don’t touch your face. If you visit the CDC website you can find more information…
“If you develop a cough, aches or pain, or shortness of breath you can call AU Health to get tested and make sure you’re not transmitting to your family or coworkers.”
Elaine in Augusta asked if self-employed individuals can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.
Congressman Allen: “Yes. The Paycheck Protection Program has been expanded to allow self-employed individuals to receive assistance, the same as other small businesses can. You can also apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through SBA.”
Mary in Denmark asked if her daughter can contract the coronavirus more than once.
Congressman Allen: “There’s still a lot we don’t know about the virus. There is an antibody test available: I encourage those who have had the virus to go and get it so we can help other patients recover from this. We know that once done, the body and immune system should be stronger like when you have the flu.
“We have the brightest minds working figuring out how to stop this virus and answer questions like yours. We don’t know enough about the virus to know if you can get it again, so your daughter should still take preventive actions.”
For more information and a list of coronavirus resources, visit Congressman Allen’s COVID-19 page at allen.house.gov/covid-19.
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