Available resources for COVID-19
By State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington)
The state of Indiana and several Hoosier businesses are actively working to combat the issues that this pandemic is creating. As COVID-19 continues to spread, it is important to receive information from credible sources. Below are some useful resources to help citizens navigate through this challenging time.
Credible COVID-19 resources
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) offers updates when there are confirmed cases in our state online at in.gov/coronavirus. ISDH has also implemented a 24-hour toll-free call center (877-826-0011) that includes options for the public (ext. 1) and healthcare providers (ext. 2). Call center staff are available to answer general questions, but cannot offer medical advice or provide test results.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides updates on confirmed cases in the United States, resources for communities and health care professionals, and a variety of guidelines to protect yourself at cdc.gov.
Resources for Hoosier schools and students
With Hoosier students now learning from home, the Indiana Department of Education provides planning and guidance documents for schools, parents and students. ISDH is also providing teachers and students a variety of free educational resources for remote learning, subject area and grade level specific digital learning sites as well as free or low-cost WiFi connectivity visit doe.in.gov to access these resources.
Resources for employees and small business
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is reminding Hoosiers that applying for unemployment insurance benefits is completed electronically at Unemployment.IN.gov. There, you can find a link to online filing and additional unemployment resources, including frequently asked questions (FAQ) for COVID-19 work-related issues.
DWD will also host two live webinars for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. This program will cover unemployment eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and how to apply for benefits. The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 24, and at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 25. To register, visit on.in.gov/UI2020.
Additionally, with COVID-19 impacting the operation of Hoosier businesses, Gov. Holcomb recently announced small businesses are eligible for financial assistance under a disaster designation by U.S. Small Business Administration. To apply for loans or receive more information about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, visit SBA.gov/disaster.
Non-Governmental Assistance
AT&T, Comcast, Charter, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and other broadband and telephone service providers have signed the Federal Communication Commissions’ (FCC) “Keep Americas Connected” pledge to keep Hoosiers internet-connected for the next 60 days.
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and Duke Energy are suspending shutoffs for nonpayment until further notice.
To stay up to date on the COVID-19 developments, regulations and resources, you can view Gov. Holcomb’s latest announcement at in.gov/gov/newsroom.htm.
