Veterans have multiple resources available for the latest COVID-19, or coronavirus, information.
Here are several resources.
Federal government response
The overall federal government response is at https://www.coronavirus.gov/. This page offers the most updated health-related guidance and information on coronavirus.
VA resources
For the latest VA updates on coronavirus and commonsense tips on preventing its spread, visit https://www.va.gov/coronavirus.
For the latest blogs about coronavirus, visit https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/?s=covid-19.
Rumor control
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is working with the Department of Health and Human Services for COVID-19 pandemic response. As of March 20, 2020, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories and one tribe are working directly with FEMA under the Nationwide Emergency Declaration for COVID-19.
FEMA has a rumor control page at https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-Rumor-Control. The page addresses the latest myths, giving people the latest facts–versus myths–on the federal response.
The agency also has a page about donations and volunteering at https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.
CDC information
The Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, offers information about protecting a person and what a person should do if sick. There are also resources for the community covering travel, schools, childcare, business, and community and faith-based organizations. The page also offers the latest information on the number of cases in the U.S.
For more information about coronavirus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Food and drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers the latest information on their site at https://www.fda.gov/coronavirus. The administration is monitoring medical product and food supply chains for potential shortages and disruptions. This page has news about new policies regarding ventilators, testing kits, monitoring vital signs and more.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also has information about food safety and pet safety at https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus.
Blood donations
The American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals who are feeling well to give blood or platelets. This helps maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent shortages as coronavirus cases rise in the U.S.
People can make an appointment to donate blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Type O and platelet donations are especially needed right now.
Financial issues
The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, has a page helping people avoid coronavirus scams at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing.
Unfortunately, some people are taking advantage of fears surrounding coronavirus. The FTC page lists tips such as knowing who to buy from online, robocalls and online offers for vaccinations. There’s also helpful information on responding to fake government officials. This ranges from responding to text and emails about checks from the government to experts saying they have information about coronavirus.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also has information about protecting finances at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus. The site educates people on consumer complaints, protecting credit, dealing with debt and more.
Small Business
The Small Business Administration (SBA) assists small businesses with accessing federal resources and navigating their preparedness plans as described by the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers.
Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to apply.
The SBA works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor and train small businesses. Use the SBA’s Local Assistance Directory to locate the office nearest you.
SBA provides a number of loan resources for small businesses to use when operating their business. For more information on loans or how to connect with a lender, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.
Housing information
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers information at https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus. This includes relief for homeowners and information for HUD assisted residents.
Social security and Medicare information
Veterans receiving social security can stay up-to-date with the latest at https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/. The site has frequently asked questions about benefits.
Medicare offers their latest updates at https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus. The page covers information about lab tests, medical hospitalizations and a Medicare Advantage Plan.
State information
People can find out what’s going on in their state at https://www.usa.gov/state-health.
