Coronavirus Update: January 14th, 2021
By The Numbers:
Statistics are current as of January 14th, 3:00 p.m. CT
- In Texas, there are an estimated 1,775,619 confirmed cases, and there have been 30,624
deaths, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.- Tarrant County has at least 156,876 confirmed cases, the third-highest number of cases among Texas counties; Parker County has 9,108 confirmed cases; and Wise County has 4,442.
- In the United States, there are at least 22,965,957 cases and 383,351 deaths, as reported by the CDC.
Need to Know:
- Good news for #TX12 small businesses: The Paycheck Protection Program reopens this week. The U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the online loan portal for the Paycheck Protection Program this Monday, January 11th, 2021. The deadline to apply is March 31st, 2021 or whenever the funds are exhausted. Don’t delay—PPP loans are administered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the program has already had strong results for Texas 12: The Small Business Administration estimates that over 200,000 jobs in Tarrant County alone have already been saved thanks to the PPP. Also, big changes have been made to the program: those that received a PPP loan last year may qualify for a second loan. Find out how you can apply today by clicking here.
- Fort Worth is at the forefront of Texas’ vaccine efforts. Texas is still in Phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccine drive, in which health care workers, those over 65, and those with preexisting conditions are eligible to be vaccinated. So that vaccines can reach as many people as possible, Texas will have 28 large vaccine “hubs” across the state starting this week. Six of these vaccine hubs, which are slated to receive tens of thousands of vaccine doses, will be in North Texas. If you qualify, you have two convenient options to sign up for a vaccine:
- Get answers to your questions about your economic impact payment, online and over the phone. So far, over 100 million Americans have received their second economic impact payment of up to $600 via direct deposit. Some Americans, however, will receive their impact payment by mail, either as a paper check or in the form of a prepaid debit card. The IRS is urging those who haven’t yet gotten their payment to carefully watch their mail during January. Additional information is available online here or over the phone by dialing 800-919-9835 for live IRS phone assistance.
- On a personal note, last week I tested positive for the coronavirus, but I have been asymptomatic and feeling great. I encourage you all to keep doing your part to slow the spread of the virus and to get vaccinated as soon as you are able.