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I would also like to take a moment to note that my official website has a page devoted to providing you with “Coronavirus Resources” and that you should feel free to regularly check either that page or my official Facebook Page (my Facebook tag is @SteveKingIA) as both are updated frequently with helpful information as it is made available.

The first link I would like to recommend to you is one that was established by the Trump Administration: https://www.coronavirus.gov. This is an essential resource, which contains nationwide updates about the spread of the virus, best practices provided by the Centers for Disease Control on how to protect yourself and others, and tips on how to care for someone who may have been exposed to the virus.

A second link that is tremendously helpful is one that has been provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health. In a recent tele-town hall meeting I held with constituents about this virus, overwhelming numbers of Iowans on the call expressed support for the good work that Gov. Reynolds has been doing leading the state’s response, and much of her work is reflected on the Iowa Department of Health’s website. This page tracks the number of cases (by county) that have been reported to the state, and it provided Community Mitigation Strategies.

As part of the State’s efforts, Iowa requested that a Major Disaster Declaration be granted by President Trump. I am pleased to report that the President did in fact grant this request, and that he did so very quickly. You can see President Trump’s disaster declaration for Iowa here. Because of this action, federal funding can now flow to “State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas in the State of Iowa impacted by COVID-19.”

Our 4th Congressional District is home to a lot of small businesses and a lot of family farms. There are specific programs that have been set up to assist these important economic engines, and I want to make sure that you are made aware of them. The Small Business Administration has set up a page making information available to those who seek guidance on loan resources. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture has established a page with answers to Frequently Asked Questions about animal and plant health, food safety, supply chain efficiency, USDA loans and Service Centers, and much more.

Finally, there are many people out there who seek to take advantage of others during this viral outbreak. The Department of Justice takes this matter very seriously, and has established a hotline by which you can report instances of suspected Coronavirus related fraud. That number is 866-720-5721. In addition, tips can be submitted to the FBI here.

Examples of fraud related to the Coronavirus could include:

-individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.

-Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

-Malicious websites and apps that appear to share virus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.

-Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
I hope that you will find these resources useful. We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of this disease, and one thing we can all do is share information with each other about the resources that are available to help. Iowans always rise to the occasion, and while both we and the country are being tested again, I have every confidence in the world that we will ultimately prevail over the Wuhan Virus/COVID-19 and be all the stronger for having done so.

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