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Weekly Newsletter
Monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and remain in regular communication with both state and federal agencies. This page is intended to keep North Dakotans informed on current efforts and resources. We recommend following official guidance from the CDC and other officials. You can also subscribe to regular updates from the The Center of Health Security at Johns Hopkins University here.
Latest updates:
- Paycheck Protection Program loans are now available. Apply here.
- President Trump approves North Dakota Disaster Declaration. Learn more here.
- President Trump extends social distancing guidelines through the end of April. Learn more here.
- President Trump signs the Phase 3 COVID-19 relief package. Learn more here.
- Social Security recipients will automatically receive economic impact payments. Learn more here.
Frequently asked questions:
Learn more about COVID-19 and what measures you can take against it.
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider's office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear the facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. These people who may be at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, includes:
- Older adults
- People who have serious underlying medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
Seeking help? Learn about current resources:
Learn more about the one-time tax rebate check of $1,200 to every American whose 2018 tax return, or 2019 if filed, showed income at or below $75,000. That’s $2,400 per married couple, with an extra $500 per child.
The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
Learn the latest on travelers returning from high risk countries, domestic & foreign travel, and other frequently asked questions.
VA has implemented aggressive public health measures including outreach to Veterans and staff, clinical screening at VA health care facilities, and protective procedures for patients admitted to community living centers and spinal cord injury units.
The SSA will provide limited, critical services via phone, mail, and online, while we focus our efforts on serving people most in need. Recipients will continue to receive their monthly benefit amount via Direct Deposit.
The CFPB is committed to providing consumers with up-to-date information and resources to protect and manage their finances during this difficult time as the situation evolves.
The Department of Energy will fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to its maximum capacity by purchasing 77 million barrels of American-made crude oil. The solicitation is for crude oil to be delivered in May and June; although, early April deliveries are encouraged.
Learn more about workplace safety, wages, hours & leave, unemployment insurance flexibilities, support for dislocated workers, and other current services.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to implement an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages for the next 60 days.
The Trump administration is extending the REAL ID deadline by a year due in part to DMV closures nationwide amid the coronavirus outbreak.
CARES authorized an Employee Retention Credit (ERC), which encourages businesses to keep employees on payroll. The tax credit is refundable and is 50 percent of up to $10,000 in wages paid by eligible employers impacted by the pandemic.
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
The Trump Administration announced expanded Medicare telehealth coverage that will enable beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility.
During the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment.
You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury. You can call your bank or find SBA-approved lenders in your area through SBA’s online Lender Match tool.
You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury. You can call your bank or find SBA-approved lenders in your area through SBA’s online Lender Match tool.
Current efforts:
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Congress is working on legislation aimed at combating the virus and providing economic relief to American families. We have debated and passed these pieces of legislation in “phases.” Here’s a breakdown:
The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act
$8.3 billion supplemental appropriation passed earlier this month.
- $8.3 billion emergency funding
- Bolsters vaccine development and equipment stockpiles
- Increases state and local health budgets
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act
$105 billion targeted relief package negotionated by President Trump and House Leaders to help workers and families.
- Free coronavirus testing
- Paid emergency leave
- Enhanced unemployment insurance
- Additional funding for nutrition programs
- Protections for health care workers and employees
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
This legislation was signed by President Trump on March 27. It is aimed at getting financial assistance to Americans, bringing relief to small businesses and their employees, stabilizing the economy, and supporting healthcare workers and patients. Here are the key provisions:
Provides money to american families
Gives a one-time tax rebate check of $1,200 to every American whose 2018 tax return, or 2019 if filed, showed income at or below $75,000. That’s $2,400 per married couple, with an extra $500 per child.
Expands unemployment insurance to self-employed workers and makes more money available for longer
Additional $260 billion to support workers affected by COVID-19.
Helps small businesses keep employees and stay open
Creates a “Paycheck Protection program” that will provide 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll.
Helps families stay in their homes
Prohibits foreclosures on all federally-backed mortgage loans for a 60-day period beginning March 18, 2020.
Provides relief to people with federal student loans affected by COVID-19
Requires federal student loan payments, principal, and interest be deferred for 6 months through September 30, 2020 without penalty to the student.
Fully mobilizes America’s health care sector and prioritizes rural health
Significantly expands telehealth so that patients can see doctors with whom they don’t already have a relationship from the safety of their own home, connecting people on home dialysis with providers, and allowing federally qualified health centers to participate.
Provides loans (not bailouts) to support important national industry
Provides direct lending through the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund to passenger airlines, cargo airlines, and businesses important to “maintaining national security.”
This package includes:
$117 billion for hospitals and veterans’ health care;
$45 billion for FEMA disaster relief fund;
$16 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile which includes procuring personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other necessary medical supplies for federal and state response efforts.
$11 billion for vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical needs;
$11 billion for America’s military;
$8.8 billion for child nutrition programs;
$4.3 billion for the Centers for Disease Control;
$562 million to support small businesses through the disaster loans program account;
$275 million to expand services and capacity for rural hospitals, telehealth, poison control centers, and HIV/AIDS programs;
$250 million to improve the capacity of health care facilities;
$25 million for distance learning telemedicine, and broadband to support rural communities in accessing health and education resources.
If you'd like to learn more about what is in this bill, please read here.
Senator Cramer's efforts:
- North Dakota Delegation Provides Statement After President Trump Approves North Dakota Disaster Declaration
- Sen. Cramer: Senate Passes Phase Three COVID-19 Relief Package; Senator Outlines Package Details, Calls for House to Pass it Quickly
- Sen. Cramer Takes Action to Protect Cattlemen Impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Sens. Cramer, Warner Introduce Gov. Burgum-backed Bipartisan Legislation to Allow Remote Online Notarizations Nationwide
- Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Provide Community Banks with Regulatory Relief during Coronavirus
- Sen. Cramer: USDA Eases Supplemental Nutrition Requirements for Women and Children Amid COVID—19
- "When we see a rising body count, they see a political 'opportunity'" - Sen. Cramer Delivers Floor Remarks
