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How Social Distancing is Flattening the Curve

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How Social Distancing is Flattening the Curve

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Has social distancing slowed down coronavirus spread? The evidence so far looks promising.

As states including Florida and Pennsylvania roll out stay-at-home orders, President Trump has just announced the administration's plans to extend social distancing measures until at least April 30. Americans will continue to avoid nonessential travel, going to work, eating at bars and restaurants, or gathering in groups for at least another month and perhaps until June. But the key question is, "Does social distancing really work?"

Without any measures taken, the spread of COVID-19 is exponential, i.e., the numbers double every couple of days. The growth rate can be measured by how many days it takes to double the number, which we call doubling day.

Most state clampdowns were announced during the week of March 16-22. Since the incubation period of COVID-19 is two to 14 days, with symptoms appearing about five days after infection in most cases, the effect of social distancing might be reflected in the difference of average doubling days between the week of March 16-22 and the week of March 23-29.

Looking at the U.S. as a whole, the average doubling day was 2.3 for the week of March 16, and 3.8 days for the week of March 23, using data from the COVID Tracking Project.

When we look at individual states, we see that New York has the best improvement of its rate, extending the doubling day from 1.8 to 4.3 days. On the other hand, the situation in Massachusetts looks a bit worrisome by comparison, with the doubling day shortened from 3.6 to 2.6. Admittedly, this result could also be caused by many reasons including travelers from epicenters such as New York City and an increased capability of testing.

From this simple analysis, the Americans can see that our efforts are being rewarded and continuation of social distancing appears to remain the key to flattening the curve for the coming month.

Feng is an associate professor of biostatistics in the School of Global Public Health at New York University. Zhang is an assistant professor of mathematics at Purdue University.

Recommended on Daily News

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Statistical evidence social distancing is working: Look at the effect on new coronavirus cases over time

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Has social distancing slowed down coronavirus spread? The evidence so far looks promising. As states including Florida and Pennsylvania roll out stay-at-home orders, President Trump has just announced the administration's plans to extend social distancing measures until at least April 30.

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COVID-19 has been confirmed in our community. Public health officials are monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, which is a public health emergency.

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Page updated 04/08/2020. Please check this page often for updated information. If you do not find the information you are looking for below, please call the ECDOH COVID-19 Information Line at (716) 858-2929.
COVID-19 has been confirmed in our community. Everyone should be monitoring their health and watching for symptoms of COVID-19, which are fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) and cough or shortness of breath. You can monitor your health by taking your temperature two times per day and watching for cough or shortness of breath. 1. What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. For the latest information, go to CDC COVID-19 website.
2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms which include:

Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)

Cough

Shortness of breath

Some people can have severe complications.

CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

3. How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). See CDC How COVID-19 Spreads.
4. How can I help protect myself?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, you should follow these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Wash your hands often and correctly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands with soap and running water after touching the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow not your hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Consider wearing a face covering (see Question #5).

Practice Social Distancing (see Question # 10)

See the CDC Checklist for Individuals and Families and

Get Your Home Ready - Have a plan and know what to do if someone in your household becomes ill with COVID-19 symptoms

5. Should I wear a face covering?

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings to help slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

See How to Make and Wear a Cloth Face Covering for more information.

6. What should I do if I have been in contact with someone that has symptoms of COVID-19, which are fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) and cough or shortness of breath?

Stay home for 14 consecutive days from your last day of exposure. If you are an essential employee then go to work and straight home.

Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

Do not have visitors to your house during this time.

Monitor yourself for symptoms.

7. What should I do if I get symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) and cough or shortness of breath?
If you develop symptoms:

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home.

Remain at home and away from others in your household. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

Call your physician and describe your symptoms. Do not go directly to their office or to an emergency department/urgent care center without calling first. If you feel you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately and let them know your symptoms.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands with soap and running water after touching the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow not your hands.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid sharing personal household items

If you are sick wear a facemask if available or a face covering. During a public health emergency, facemasks may be reserved for healthcare workers. (See Question #5)

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick (CDC)

10 things you can do to manage your health at home (CDC)

8. When can Essential Employees return to work after they have been infected with or exposed to COVID-19? 9. When can I leave my house after having symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) and cough or shortness of breath?
People with COVID-19 who have stayed home can leave their home under the following conditions:

At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

You have had no fever for at least 3 full days (72 consecutive hours) in a row without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.

AND

Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved).

Consult your health care provider by phone for additional guidance.

10. What are social distancing recommendations and guidelines?

Staying home will save lives and protects our community.

Stay home as much as possible. Use home delivery services and online shopping services offered by grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential services. If for some reason you must go out, then wear a face covering and keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others. (See Question #5)

Do not gather with people who live outside your home.

Don't go to stores or other public spaces for fun or because you are bored.

People who use or operate ride shares, taxi services or public transportation should make every effort to keep at least six feet away from others to the extent that is possible. Taxi and ride share operators should take steps to properly disinfect hard surfaces in the vehicle in between riders and stops.

See New York State on PAUSE

See Information Regarding Business Closures and Staffing

11. Can the ECDOH provide me with a "return to work" note beyond my note from my doctor?
The ECDOH is not able to provide any documentation to people unless they also received a quarantine or isolation order from the ECDOH.
12. Who is at highest risk for getting very sick from COVID-19?
According to limited research, older adults, people who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. heart disease, diabetes and lung disease), and people who are immunosuppressed are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

13. How do I get tested for COVID-19?

For testing information please call your healthcare provider. Communications have been sent to healthcare providers regarding testing guidelines. Your healthcare provider will need to determine whether or not you need to be tested.
14. Can I test for COVID-19 at home? What about buying a test online?
There are currently no over-the-counter tests for COVID-19 approved by the FDA. Tests in NYS have to be authorized by a health care provider (physician, PA, NP) and sent to a lab that is authorized to perform COVID-19 testing by the FDA. The FDA has a consumer hotline for general information and complaints about fraudulent COVID-19 products at 1-888-INFO-FDA.
15. Is there a vaccine or treatment?
There is currently no vaccine and no specific treatment for this disease. People infected with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. The best medical advice for you comes from your physician.

FRAUD ALERT: If you get an email, phone call, offer by mail or other solicitation for COVID-19 tests or treatment, hang up and ignore them.
16. What cleaning products should I use?
Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product. See CDC's Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for more information.
17. Where do I find information about travel?
For all travel related questions go to the CDC COVID-19 Travel website.
18. What is a Person Under Investigation (PUI)?
PUI is a person that has met specific criteria set by the CDC and is being monitored for disease.
19. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
First, both Isolation and Quarantine are similar in that they are both imposed to limit the spread of communicable disease. The differences are as follows.

Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

20: Where can I find information about COVID-19 and Pregnancy? See Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Pregnancy 21: Where can I find information about COVID-19 and Animals? See Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Animals 22: Where can I find community resources? 23: Are individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 required to notify their employer? 24. Are employers required to notify their employees if they are made aware that someone in the business is COVID-19 positive? Additional Information
Use reliable, fact-based sources when seeking out information about COVID-19 and other public health topics. We recommend the following sites.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Coronavirus | Erie County, NY Department of Health

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Page updated 04/08/2020. Please check this page often for updated information. If you do not find the information you are looking for below, please call the ECDOH COVID-19 Information Line at (716) 858-2929. COVID-19 has been confirmed in our community.

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2. Flatten the curve: Fighting the spread of Covid-19

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2. Flatten the curve: Fighting the spread of Covid-19

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Efforts to completely contain the new coronavirus - the pandemic responsible for infecting hundreds of thousands of people in 130 countries with the disease, called COVID-19 - have failed.

In less than a month, the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases from about 75,000 cases on Feb. 20 to more than 153,000 on March 15. That infection rate, scary as it sounds, hides just how much the out-of control virus has spread, especially in the hardest-hit communities. In Italy, for example - the country with the worst COVID-19 outbreak outside of China - confirmed cases doubled from 10,000 to 20,000 in just four days (March 11 to March 15).

This rapid growth rate in Italy has already filled some hospitals there to capacity, forcing emergency rooms to close their doors to new patients, hire hundreds of new doctors and request emergency supplies of basic medical equipment, like respirator masks, from abroad. This lack of resources contributes, in part, to the outsize COVID-19 death rate in Italy, which is roughly 7% - double the global average, PBS reported.

Health officials take for granted that COVID-19 will continue to infect millions of people around the world over the coming weeks and months. However, as the outbreak in Italy shows, the rate at which a population becomes infected makes all the difference in whether there are enough hospital beds (and doctors, and resources) to treat the sick.

In epidemiology, the idea of slowing a virus' spread so that fewer people need to seek treatment at any given time is known as "flattening the curve." It explains why so many countries are implementing "social distancing" guidelines - including a "shelter in place" order that affects 6.7 million people in Northern California, even though COVID-19 outbreaks there might not yet seem severe.

Here's what you need to know about the curve, and why we want to flatten it.

What is the curve?

The "curve" researchers are talking about refers to the projected number of people who will contract COVID-19 over a period of time. (To be clear, this is not a hard prediction of how many people will definitely be infected, but a theoretical number that's used to model the virus' spread.) Here's what one looks like:

(Image credit: Johannes Kalliauer/ CC BY-SA 4.0)

The curve takes on different shapes, depending on the virus's infection rate. It could be a steep curve, in which the virus spreads exponentially (that is, case counts keep doubling at a consistent rate), and the total number of cases skyrockets to its peak within a few weeks. Infection curves with a steep rise also have a steep fall; after the virus infects pretty much everyone who can be infected, case numbers begin to drop exponentially, too.

The faster the infection curve rises, the quicker the local health care system gets overloaded beyond its capacity to treat people. As we're seeing in Italy, more and more new patients may be forced to go without ICU beds, and more and more hospitals may run out of the basic supplies they need to respond to the outbreak.

A flatter curve, on the other hand, assumes the same number of people ultimately get infected, but over a longer period of time. A slower infection rate means a less stressed health care system, fewer hospital visits on any given day and fewer sick people being turned away.

For a simple metaphor, consider an office bathroom.

"Your workplace bathroom has only so many stalls," Charles Bergquist, director of the public radio science show "Science Friday" . "If everyone decides to go at the same time, there are problems. If the same number of people need go to the restroom but spread over several hours, it's all ok."

How do we flatten the curve?

As there is currently no vaccine or specific medication to treat COVID-19, and because testing is so limited in the U.S., the only way to flatten the curve is through collective action. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all Americans wash their hands frequently, self-isolate when they're sick or suspect they might be, and start "social distancing" (essentially, avoiding other people whenever possible) right away.

To comply, many states have temporarily closed public schools, and many businesses have advised employees to work from home if possible. On March 15, the CDC advised that all events of 50 people or more should be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks. On Monday (March 16), six counties in the Bay Area - encompassing some 6.7 million people - gave "shelter in place" orders, meaning that people should not leave their house except to get essentials like food or medicine.

So, does flattening the curve work?

It did in 1918, when a strain of influenza known as the Spanish flu caused a global pandemic. To see how it played out, we can look at two U.S. cities - Philadelphia and St. Louis - Drew Harris, a population health researcher at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, told NPR.org.

In Philadelphia, city officials ignored warnings from infectious disease experts that the flu was already spreading in the community. The city instead moved forward with a massive parade that gathered hundreds of thousands of people together, Harris said.

"Within 48, 72 hours, thousands of people around the Philadelphia region started to die," Harris said. Ultimately, about 16,000 people from the city died in six months.

In St. Louis, meanwhile, city officials quickly implemented social isolation strategies. The government closed schools, limited travel and encouraged personal hygiene and social distancing. As a result, the city saw just 2,000 deaths - one-eighth of the casualties in Philadelphia.

The city, now known for its towering Gateway Arch, had successfully flattened the curve.

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Coronavirus: What is 'flattening the curve,' and will it work?

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Efforts to completely contain the new coronavirus - the pandemic responsible for infecting hundreds of thousands of people in 130 countries with the disease, called COVID-19 - have failed. In less than a month, the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases from about 75,000 cases on Feb.

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3.Governor Cuomo Signs the 'New York State on PAUSE' Executive Order

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3.Governor Cuomo Signs the 'New York State on PAUSE' Executive Order

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Governor Cuomo also announced "Matilda's Law" - named for the Governor's mother - to protect New York's most vulnerable populations, including individuals age 70 and older, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying illnesses.

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10-Point Policy that Assures Uniform Safety for Everyone

100% Closure of Non-Essential Businesses Statewide, Effective 8pm Sunday - Exceptions Made For Essential Services Such as Groceries and Healthcare

"Matilda's Law" Will Provide New Protections for Most Vulnerable Populations - New Yorkers Age 70 and Older, People with Compromised Immune Systems and Those With Underlying Illnesses

Directs 90-Day Moratorium on Any Residential or Commercial Evictions

Asks PPE Product Providers to Sell Non-Essential Products to the State and Encourages Companies to Begin Manufacturing PPE Products

Confirms 2,950 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 7,102; New Cases in 23 Counties

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he is signing the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone. It includes a new directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.

Governor Cuomo also announced "Matilda's Law" - named for the Governor's mother - to protect New York's most vulnerable populations, including individuals age 70 and older, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying illnesses. The measure requires this group of New Yorkers to stay home and limit home visitation to immediate family members or close friends in need of emergency assistance. If it is necessary to visit such individuals, the visitor should get prescreened by taking temperature and seeing if person is exhibiting other flu-like symptoms. Both individuals should wear a mask for the duration of the visit.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

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Governor Cuomo Signs the 'New York State on PAUSE' Executive Order

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10-Point Policy that Assures Uniform Safety for Everyone 100% Closure of Non-Essential Businesses Statewide, Effective 8pm Sunday - Exceptions Made For Essential Services Such as Groceries and Healthcare "Matilda's Law" Will Provide New Protections for Most Vulnerable Populations - New Yorkers Age 70 and Older, People with Compromised Immune Systems

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4.Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Corona virus Plan

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4.Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Corona virus Plan

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Stimulus plan to help individuals during "Pause" in order to maintain social distancing and isolation.

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The $2 trillion relief bill will send money directly to Americans, greatly expand unemployment coverage and make a number of other changes.

Credit... Robert Neubecker

President Trump has signed a bipartisan $2 trillion economic relief plan to offer assistance to tens of millions of American households affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Its components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage, student loan changes, different retirement account rules and more.

Here are the answers to common questions about what's in the plan. We'll update this article as we know more about the details.

More information on getting assistance can be found at our Hub for Help.
How large will the payments be?

Most adults will get $1,200, although some would get less. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500.
How many payments will there be?
Just one. Future bills could order up additional payments, though.
How do I know if I will get the full amount?
It depends on your income. Single adults with Social Security numbers who have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will get the full amount. Married couples with no children earning $150,000 or less will receive a total of $2,400. And taxpayers filing as head of household will get the full payment if they earned $112,500 or less.

Above those income figures, the payment decreases until it stops altogether for single people earning $99,000 or married people who have no children and earn $198,000. According to the Senate Finance Committee, a family with two children will no longer be eligible for any payments if its income surpassed $218,000.

You can't get a payment if someone claims you as a dependent, even if you're an adult. In any given family and in most instances, everyone must have a valid Social Security number in order to be eligible. There is an exception for members of the military.

You can find your adjusted gross income on Line 8b of the 2019 1040 federal tax return.
Do college students get anything?
Not if anyone claims them as a dependent on a tax return. Usually, students under age 24 are dependents in the eyes of the taxing authorities if a parent pays for at least half of their expenses.
What year's income should I be looking at?
2019. If you haven't prepared a tax return yet, you can use your 2018 return. If you haven't filed that yet, you can use a 2019 Social Security statement showing your income to see what an employer reported to the I.R.S.
What if my recent income made me ineligible, but I anticipate being eligible because of a loss of income in 2020? Do I get a payment?
The plan does not help people in that circumstance now, but you may benefit once you file your 2020 taxes. That's because the payment is technically an advance on a tax credit that is available for the entire year. So it will depend on how much you earn.

And there are many other provisions in the legislation. You may be able to file for unemployment or for one of the new loans for small business owners or sole proprietors.
Will I have to apply to receive a payment?
No. If the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has.

When will the payment arrive?
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he expected most people to get their payments within three weeks.
If my payment doesn't come soon, how can I be sure that it wasn't misdirected?
According to the bill, you will get a paper notice in the mail no later than a few weeks after your payment has been disbursed. That notice will contain information about where the payment ended up and in what form it was made. If you couldn't locate the payment at that point, it would be time to contact the I.R.S. using the information on the notice.
What if I haven't filed tax returns recently? Will that affect my ability to receive a payment?
It could. File a return immediately, at least for 2018, according to the I.R.S. website. "Those without 2018 tax filings on record could potentially affect mailings of stimulus checks," the site says.

If you're worried about money that you owe that you cannot pay, the I.R.S. recommends consulting a tax professional who can help you request an alternative payment plan or some other resolution.
Will most people who are receiving Social Security retirement and disability payments each month also get a stimulus payment?
Yes.
Will eligible unemployed people get these stimulus payments? Veterans?
Yes and yes.
Will U.S. citizens living abroad get a payment?
Yes, as long as they meet the income requirements and have a Social Security number.
Do I have to pay income taxes on the amount of my payment?

No.
If my income tax refunds are currently being garnished because of a student loan default, will this payment be garnished as well?
No. In fact, the bill temporarily suspends nearly all efforts to garnish tax refunds to repay debts, including those to the I.R.S. itself. But this waiver may not apply to people who are behind on child support.
Who will be covered by the expanded program?
The plan wraps in far more workers than are usually eligible for unemployment benefits, including self-employed people and part-time workers.

The bottom line: Those who are unemployed, are partly unemployed or cannot work for a wide variety of coronavirus-related reasons will be more likely to receive benefits.
How much will I receive?
It depends on your state.

Benefits will be expanded in an attempt to replace the average worker's paycheck, explained Andrew Stettner, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation, a public policy research group. The average worker earns about $1,000 a week, and unemployment benefits often replace roughly 40 to 45 percent of that. The expansion will pay an extra amount to fill the gap.

Under the plan, eligible workers will get an extra $600 per week on top of their state benefit. But some states are more generous than others. According to the Century Foundation, the maximum weekly benefit in Alabama is $275, but it's $450 in California and $713 in New Jersey.

So let's say a worker was making $1,100 per week in New York; she'd be eligible for the maximum state unemployment benefit of $504 per week. Under the new expansion, she gets an additional $600 of federal pandemic unemployment compensation, for a total of $1,104, essentially replacing her original paycheck.

States have the option of providing the entire amount in one payment, or sending the extra portion separately. But it must all be done on the same weekly basis.
Are gig workers, freelancers and independent contractors covered?
Yes, self-employed people are newly eligible for unemployment benefits.

Benefit amounts will be calculated based on previous income, using a formula from the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, according to a congressional aide.

Self-employed workers will also be eligible for the additional $600 weekly benefit provided by the federal government.
What if I'm a part-time worker who lost my job because of a coronavirus reason, but my state doesn't cover part-time workers? Am I still eligible?
Yes. Part-time workers are eligible for benefits, but the benefit amount and how long benefits will last depend on your state. They are also eligible for the additional $600 weekly benefit.
What if I have Covid-19 or need to care for a family member who has it?
If you've received a diagnosis, are experiencing symptoms or are seeking a diagnosis - and you're unemployed, partly unemployed or cannot work as a result - you will be covered. The same goes if you must care for a member of your family or household who has received a diagnosis.

What if my child's school or day care shut down?
If you rely on a school, a day care or another facility to care for a child, elderly parent or another household member so that you can work - and that facility has been shut down because of coronavirus - you are eligible.

What if I've been advised by a health care provider to quarantine myself because of exposure to coronavirus? And what about broader orders to stay home?

People who must self-quarantine are covered. The legislation also says that individuals who are unable to get to work because of a quarantine imposed as a result of the outbreak are eligible.
I was about to start a new job and now can't get there because of an outbreak.
You're eligible for benefits. You will also be covered if you were immediately laid off from a new job and did not have a sufficient work history to qualify for benefits under normal circumstances.
I had to quit my job as a direct result of coronavirus. Would I be eligible to apply for benefits?
It depends. Let's say your employer didn't lay you off but you had to quit because of a quarantine recommended by a health care provider, or because your child's day care closed and you're the primary caregiver. Situations like that are covered.

But this provision wasn't intended to cover people who quit (or want to quit) because they fear that continuing to work puts them at risk of contracting coronavirus, according to congressional aides.
My employer shut down my workplace because of coronavirus. Am I eligible?
Yes. If you are unemployed, partly unemployed or unable to work because your employer closed down, you're covered under the bill.

The breadwinner of my household has died as a result of coronavirus. I relied on that person for income, and I'm not working. Is that covered?
Yes.
Whom does the bill leave out?
Workers who are able to work from home, and those receiving paid sick leave or paid family leave are not covered. New entrants to the work force who cannot find jobs are also ineligible.
How long will the payments last?
Many states already provide 26 weeks of benefits, though some states have trimmed that back while others provide a sliding scale tied to unemployment levels.

The bill provides all eligible workers with an additional 13 weeks. So participants in states with 26 weeks would be eligible for a total of 39 weeks. The total amount cannot exceed 39 weeks, but it may be shorter in certain states.

The extra $600 payment will last for up to four months, covering weeks of unemployment ending July 31.
How long would the broader program last?
Expanded coverage would be available to workers who were newly eligible for unemployment benefits for weeks starting on Jan. 27, 2020, and through Dec. 31, 2020.
I'm already receiving unemployment benefits. Will I receive any help?
Yes. Even if you're already receiving unemployment benefits for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus, your state-level benefits will still be extended by 13 weeks. You will also receive the extra $600 weekly benefit from the federal government.

My unemployment recently ran out - could I sign up again?
Yes. If you've exhausted your benefits, eligible workers can generally reapply. But how much you get and for how long depends on the state where you worked. Everyone gets at least another 13 weeks, along with the extra $600 payment.
Will this income disqualify me from any other programs?
Maybe. The additional $600 benefit counts as income when determining eligibility for means-tested programs, except for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP.
How long will I need to wait for benefits?
States have been incentivized to waive the one-week waiting period, but it's unclear how long it will take to process claims - especially with state offices so strained by a flood of them.
The federal government has already How do I know if my loan is eligible? waived two months of payments and interest for many federal student loan borrowers. Is there a bigger break now with the new bill?
Yes. Until Sept. 30, there will be automatic payment suspensions for any student loan held by the federal government. It is hard to contact many of the loan servicers right now, so check your account online in the coming weeks. Once you are logged in, look for the current amount due. There, you should be able to see if the servicer has reset its billing systems so that you are showing no payment due.

If you've borrowed money from the federal government - a so-called direct loan - in the past 10 years, you're definitely eligible. According to the Institute for College Access & Success, 90 percent of loans (in dollar terms) will be eligible.

Older Federal Family Educational Loans (F.F.E.L.) that the U.S. Department of Education does not own are not eligible, nor are Perkins loans, loans from state agencies, or loans from private lenders like Discover, Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo. The holders of all those kinds of loans may be offering their own assistance programs.

Within a few weeks, you are supposed to receive notice indicating what has happened with your federal loans. You can choose to keep paying down your principal if you want. Then, after Aug. 1, you should get multiple notices letting you know about the cessation of the suspension period and that you may be eligible to enroll in an income-driven repayment plan.
Will my loan servicer charge me interest during the six-month period?
The bill says that interest "shall not accrue" on the loan during the suspension period.

At the end of the suspension, keep a close eye on what your loan servicer does (or does not do) to put you back into your previous repayment mode. Servicer errors are common.
Will the six-month suspension cost me money, since I'm trying to qualify for the public service loan forgiveness program by making 120 monthly payments?
No. The legislation says that your payment count will still go up by one payment each month during the six-month suspension, even though you will not actually be making any payments. This is true for all forgiveness or loan-rehabilitation programs.
Is wage garnishment that resulted from being behind on my loan payments suspended during this six-month period?
Yes. So is the seizure of tax refunds, the reduction of any other federal benefit payments and other involuntary collection efforts.

Are there changes to the rules if my employer repays some of my student loans?
Yes. Some employers do this as an employee benefit. Between the date the bill is signed and the end of 2020, they can offer up to $5,250 of assistance without that money counting as part of the employee's income. If the employer pays tuition for classes an employee is taking, that money will also count toward the $5,250.
Which retirement account rules are suspended?
For the calendar year 2020, no one will have to take a required minimum distribution from any individual retirement accounts or workplace retirement savings plans, like a 401(k). That way, you aren't forced to sell investments that may have fallen in value, which would lock in losses. If you don't need the money now, you can let the investments sit and hope that they recover.

This change would not affect old-fashioned pensions.
What if I have to take money out of my I.R.A. or workplace retirement plan early?
You can withdraw up to $100,000 this year without the usual 10 percent penalty, as long as it's because of the outbreak.

You will also be able to spread out any income taxes that you owe over three years from the date you took the distribution. And if you want, you could put the money back into the account before those three years are up, even though the rules may normally keep you from making a contribution that large.

This exception applies only to coronavirus-related withdrawals. You qualify if you tested positive, a spouse or dependent did or you experienced a variety of other negative economic consequences related to the pandemic. Employers can allow workers to self-certify that they are qualified to pull money from a workplace retirement account.
Can I still borrow from my 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan?
Yes, and you can take out twice the usual amount. For 180 days after the bill passes, with certification that you've been affected by the pandemic, you'll be able to take out a loan of up to $100,000. Usually you can't take out more than half your balance, but that rule is suspended.

If you already have a loan and were supposed to finish repaying it before Dec. 31, you get an extra year.
I want to help people who are suffering from the pandemic. Does the bill do anything about charitable donations?
Yes. The bill makes a new deduction available - and not just for 2020 - for up to $300 in annual charitable contributions. It's available only to people who don't itemize their deductions, and you calculate this new one by subtracting the amount you give from your gross income.

To qualify, you have to give cash to a qualified charity and not to a donor-advised fund, which is a charitable account that affluent people often use to bunch contributions in a particular year in order to maximize deductions. If you've already given money since Jan. 1, that contribution counts toward the $300 cap.
I am lucky to have substantial wealth, and I want to give more to charity than I usually do. Have the limits on charitable deductions changed?
Yes, they have. As part of the bill, donors can deduct 100 percent of their gift against their 2020 adjusted gross income. If you have $1 million of income, you can give $1 million to a public charity and deduct the full amount in 2020.

The new deduction is only for cash gifts that go to a public charity. If you give cash to, say, your private foundation, the old deduction rules apply. And while the organizations that manage donor-advised funds are public charities, you do not get the higher deduction for donating cash to your donor-advised fund.

If your assets are substantial enough that you can give more than your income this year, you won't lose the deduction for the excess amount. You can use it next year, as has always been the case.
How does the aid for small businesses and nonprofits work?
Good news here, as you may be eligible for forgivable loans. Our colleague Emily Flitter covered the details in a separate article. Aides to Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, also wrote a one-page summary of those provisions.
Will there be damage to my credit report if I take advantage of any virus-related payment relief, including the student loan suspension?
No. There is not supposed to be, at least.

The bill states that during the period beginning on Jan. 31 and continuing 120 days after the end of the national emergency declaration, lenders and others should mark your credit file as current, even if you take advantage of payment modifications.

If you had black marks in your file before the virus hit, those will remain unless you fix the issues during the emergency period.

Credit reporting agencies can make errors. Be sure to check your credit report a few times each year, especially if you accept any help from any financial institution or biller this year.
Is there any relief for renters in the bill?
Yes. The bill puts a temporary, nationwide eviction moratorium in place for any renters whose landlords have mortgages backed or owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other federal entities. This will last for 120 days after the bill passes, and landlords also can't charge any fees or penalties for nonpayment of rent.

Does this bill change any rules for health savings accounts and health care flexible spending accounts?
Yes.After at least 15 years of lobbying and debate, menstrual products are now eligible for reimbursement.
Did the legislation make it illegal for any internet provider to cut off service to an individual or small business that can't pay its bills?
No.
Did the legislation make it illegal for utility providers to cut off service?
No.

Paul Sullivan contributed reporting.

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F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan

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The $2 trillion relief bill will send money directly to Americans, greatly expand unemployment coverage and make a number of other changes. President Trump has signed a bipartisan $2 trillion economic relief plan to offer assistance to tens of millions of American households affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Information Technology: NYS DOH Covid-19 Tracker
Rationale for Selection: Provides up to date information on Covid-19 pandemic in our state. Includes daily trend and fatality data.

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Communication Technology:
Press release (Gov. Cuomo)
Rationale for selection:
Available via television, radio, internet, etc... it is a live broadcast and readily accessible on many platforms to reach a large number of individuals.

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[The stream is slated to start at 12 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.]
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily press conference on the COVID-19 outbreak, which has infected more than 123,100 people in the state as of Monday morning.

On Friday, Cuomo said he would sign an executive order that will allow the state to take personal protective equipment, including medical masks and gloves, and ventilators from public or private organizations to treat coronavirus patients.

"I'm not going to let people die," Cuomo said on Friday. "I'm not going to get into a situation where I know we are running out of ventilators and we could have people dying because there are no ventilators, but there are hospitals in other parts of the state that have ventilators that they're not using."

Cuomo also warned last week that the coronavirus was spreading beyond New York City to rural areas and Long Island.
Read CNBC's live updates to see the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Watch live: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo holds a press conference on the coronavirus outbreak

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The stream is slated to start at 12 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily press conference on the COVID-19 outbreak, which has infected more than 123,100 people in the state as of Monday morning.

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Strategy one:
Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation

Strategy two:
Education on hand washing;  Wet your hands and scub everywhere including under fingernails with soap for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry well with a clean towel.
How it reduces risks:
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. Correctly washing your hands and maintaining social distance by avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people who are sick are two of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, health officials say.
How to improve outcomes:
Spread is much less likely when practicing social distancing/isolation and hand hygiene practices.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Feng, Y., & Zhang, X. (2020, April 2). Statistical evidence social distancing is working: Look at the effect on new coronavirus cases over time. Retrieved from https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-statistical-evidence-social-distancing-is-working-20200402-rdbef5dmxrbmdcbzcjs73acte4-story.html
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Coronavirus: Erie County, NY Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=frequently-asked-questions-and-answers-about-covid-19-coronavirus

Governor Cuomo Signs the 'New York State on PAUSE' Executive Order. (2020, March 23). Retrieved from https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-new-york-state-pause-executive-order

Higgins Announces Over $1 Million Headed to WNY Public Safety Departments for Response to COVID-19. (2020, April 10). Retrieved from https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-over-1-million-headed-to-wny-public-safety-departments

Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation. (2020, April 7). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html

Workbook: NYS-COVID19-Tracker. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://covid19tracker.health.ny.gov/views/NYS-COVID19-Tracker/NYSDOHCOVID-19Tracker-Map?:embed=yes&:toolbar=no&:tabs=n