Government Response Efforts

The Department of Grants and Human Services will provide an update as to when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) clarifies whether any grants will be used to provide assistance for the public at this time.

As of March 30, 2020, current federal and state response efforts are as follows:

Food and Drug Administration

$61 Million to facilitate the development and review, both pre-market and post-market, of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines to combat COVID-19.

Small Business Disaster Loans

Allows $1 Billion in loan subsidies to be made available to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture producers, and nonprofit organizations which have been impacted by financial losses as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Applications are now live for the State of Florida. Eligible entities in need of economic support are encouraged to apply by clicking here. Small Business Disaster Loans Small Business Disaster Loans Small Business Disaster Loans Small Business Disaster Loans Small Business Disaster Loans Small Business Disaster Loans

Paycheck Protection Program

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed and created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which will service as an extension of the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan program, allowing financial institutions to provide federally-backed, forgivable loans to eligible businesses. Below is an FAQ with more information on the PPP:

• Where can I apply for the Paycheck Protection Program?
  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. This could be the bank you already use, or a nearby bank. There are thousands of banks that already participate in the SBA’s lending programs, including numerous community banks. You do not have to visit any government institution to apply for the program. You can call your bank or find SBA-approved lenders in your area through SBA’s online Lender Match tool. You can call your local Small Business Development Center or Women’s Business Center and they will provide free assistance and guide you to lenders.  
• Who is eligible for the loan?
  You are eligible for a loan if you are a small business that employs 500 employees or fewer, or if your business is in an industry that has an employee-based size standard through SBA that is higher than 500 employees. In addition, if you are a restaurant, hotel, or a business that falls within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 72, “Accommodation and Food Services,” and each of your locations has 500 employees or fewer, you are eligible. Tribal businesses, 501(c)(19) veteran organizations, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including religious organizations, will be eligible for the program. Nonprofit organizations are subject to SBA’s affiliation standards. Independently owned franchises with under 500 employees, who are approved by SBA, are also eligible. Eligible franchises can be found through SBA’s Franchise Directory. 
• I am an independent contractor or gig economy worker, am I eligible?
  Yes. Sole proprietors, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and self-employed individuals are all eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program.
• What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
  The amount any small business is eligible to borrow is 250 percent of their average monthly payroll expenses, up to a total of $10 million. This amount is intended to cover 8 weeks of payroll expenses and any additional amounts for making payments towards debt obligations. This 8 week period may be applied to any time frame between February 15, 2020 and June30, 2020. Seasonal business expenses will be measured using a 12-week period beginning February 15, 2019, or March 1, 2019, whichever the seasonal employer chooses.
• How can I use the money such that the loan will be forgiven?
  The amount of principal that may be forgiven is equal to the sum of expenses for payroll, and existing interest payments on mortgages, rent payments, leases, and utility service agreements. Payroll costs include employee salaries (up to an annual rate of pay of $100,000), hourly wages and cash tips, paid sick or medical leave, and group health insurance premiums. If you would like  to use the Paycheck Protection Program for other business-related expenses, like inventory, you can, but that portion of the loan will not be forgiven. 
• When is the loan forgiven?
  The loan is forgiven at the end of the 8-week period after you take out the loan. Borrowers will work with lenders to verify covered expenses and the proper amount of forgiveness.
• What is the covered period of the loan?
  The covered period during which expenses can be forgiven extends from February 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Borrowers can choose which 8 weeks they want to count towards the covered period, which can start as early as February 15, 2020. 
• How much of my loan will be forgiven?
  The purpose of the Paycheck Protection Program is to help you retain your employees, at their current base pay. If you keep all of your employees, the entirety of the loan will be forgiven. If you still lay off employees, the forgiveness will be reduced by the percent decrease in the number of employees. If your total payroll expenses on workers making less than $100,000 annuallydecreases by more than 25 percent, loan forgiveness will be reduced by the same amount. If you have already laid off some employees, you can still be forgiven for the full amount of your payroll cost if you rehire your employees by June 30, 2020.  
• Am I responsible for interest on the forgiven loan amount?
  No, if the full principal of the PPP loan is forgiven, the borrower is not responsible for the interest accrued in the 8-week covered period. The remainder of the loan that is not forgiven will operate according to the loan terms agreed upon by you and the lender. 
• What are the interest rate and terms for the loan amount that is not forgiven?
  The terms of the loan not forgiven may differ on a case-by-case basis. However, the maximumterms of the loan feature a 10-year term with interest capped at 4 percent and a 100 percent loan guarantee by the SBA. You will not have to pay any fees on the loan, and collateral requirements and personal guarantees are waived. Loan payments will be deferred for at least six months and up to one year starting at the origination of the loan.
• When is the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program?
  Applicants are eligible to apply for the PPP loan until June 30th, 2020.
• I took out a bridge loan through my state, am I eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program?
  Yes, you can take out a state bridge loan and are still be eligible for the PPP loan. 
• If I have applied for, or received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) related to COVID-19 before the Paycheck Protection Program became available, will I be able to refinance into a PPP loan?
  Yes. If you received an EIDL loan related to COVID-19 between January 31, 2020 and the date at which the PPP becomes available, you would be able to refinance the EIDL into the PPP for loan forgiveness purposes. However, you may not take out an EIDL and a PPP for the same purposes. Remaining portions of the EIDL, for purposes other than those laid out in loan forgiveness terms for a PPP loan, would remain a loan. If you took advantage of an emergency EIDL grant award of up to $10,000, that amount would be subtracted from the amount forgiven under PPP.

Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses

Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), to provide economic support to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in the form of short-term, interest-free loans. Click here for more information and to obtain an application. Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Second Legislative Package)

On March 14, 2020, the United States House of Representatives passed a second coronavirus response bill, called the "Families First Coronavirus Response Act," 363-40. The measure heads to the Senate, which will consider the bill the week of March 16, and the President has indicated that he will sign it. This is not exhaustive, but following are some key provisions:

• The measure would appropriate $250 million for Health and Human Services Department programs that aid elderly Americans, including home delivery and services that provide food in group settings.
• States would be eligible for a 6.2 percentage point increase in their federal medical assistance percentages (FMAP). They would have to provide coverage of coronavirus testing without cost sharing and meet other criteria, such as not imposing more stringent eligibility standards or additional premiums. States could cover tests for uninsured people through their Medicaid programs and receive a 100% FMAP to cover the cost. 
• Insurers would be required to cover coronavirus tests and related services, such as provider visits for testing, without cost-sharing or prior authorization requirements. The cost-sharing prohibition would also apply to Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, veterans’ health programs, the Indian Health Service, and coverage provided to federal civilian employees. The bill would appropriate $1 billion to allow the National Disaster Medical System to reimburse provider costs associated with testing uninsured individuals. 
• In terms of nutrition assistance, the measure would provide $500 million in emergency funding for the WIC program and $400 million for the Commodity Assistance Program for the emergency food assistance program (TEFAP), $100 million of which could be used for costs related to the distribution of goods. 
• If a school is closed for at least five consecutive days because of a coronavirus-related public health emergency, states could adjust their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) to provide additional aid to households with children eligible for free or reduced price school meals. 
• The measure would waive federal work requirements for SNAP eligibility. The waiver would begin the first full month after the bill is enacted and terminate at the end of the first full month after a federal coronavirus-related emergency declaration is lifted. State-imposed work requirements wouldn’t be changed, but a person’s participation in SNAP during the emergency couldn’t be counted for determining compliance with work requirements. 
• The agreement would create an emergency paid leave program to directly respond to the coronavirus. Private sector employers with fewer than 500 workers and government entities would have to provide as many as 12 weeks of job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for employees who have to: comply with a requirement or recommendation to quarantine because of exposure to or symptoms of coronavirus, provide care to a family member who’s complying with such a requirement or recommendation, or provide care for child younger than 18 whose school or day care has closed because of coronavirus. The first 14 days of leave could be unpaid, though a worker could choose to use accrued vacation days, personal leave, or other available paid leave for unpaid time off. Following the 14-day period, workers would receive a benefit from their employers that will be at least two-thirds of their normal pay rate. 
• The measure also would modify the FMLA to allow individuals to use unpaid leave if they are diagnosed with the virus, caring for a family member, or caring for a child whose school or day care has closed because of a public health emergency through Dec. 31, 2020. 
• Private sector employers with fewer than 500 workers and government entities would have to provide employees with paid sick time off to self-quarantine, obtain a medical diagnosis or care for coronavirus, or provide care for a family member who has been diagnosed or is in quarantine or for a child whose school or day care has closed due to coronavirus.  Full-time employees would receive 80 hours of sick leave under the new emergency leave program and part-time workers would be granted time off that is equivalent to their scheduled or normal work hours in a two-week period. Paid sick time could be carried over from year to year. 

  
  

Helpful Links and Resources

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center is Available 24/7

Call: 1(866)779-6121
Email: COVID-19@FLHealth.gov
For additional information and helpful links regarding COVID-19, please visit the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website at the following link: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/ 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

You may also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website regarding COVID-19 by visiting the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. 

The White House and CDC have also published the following informational webpage in English and in Spanish.

Steps on How to Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19

The City of Hialeah has published guidance on steps that you can take to protect yourself and others from exposure to and infection of COVID-19 at the following link: https://www.hialeahfl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=106 

Florida Price Gouging Hotline

Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline has been activated. If you experience price gouging or scams related to COVID-19 commodities, call 1-(866)-9NO-SCAM, or 1-(866)-966-7226 to file a report.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Eligible small businesses can apply for an SBA Disaster Loan at the following link: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Eligible small businesses can apply for an Emergency Bridge Loan from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity at the following link: https://floridadisasterloan.org/ 

CareerSource South Florida

CareerSource South Florida will continue to provide needed services online and via phone at (305)929-1547, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

If assistance is needed with any of the following:

• Filing for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
• Looking for a Job
• Interested in Training
• Food Stamp and/or Cash Assistance

Dial (305)929-1547 and follow the prompt for the service required.

President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America

The White House has published the President’s guidelines on the importance of abiding by the 15-day self-quarantine procedure to help you protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Available in both English and Spanish:

30 Days to Slow the Spread PDF Download   •  30 Días Para Desacelerar la Propogración PDF Download

 PDF Download 

White House Livestreams

The White House website livestream feature is available for watching any briefings regarding updates on COVID-19 at the following link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live

Testing Sites

Below is a listing all of the COVID-19 testing centers in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe as of April 8, 2020. The City of Hialeah is not currently funding or associated with any of the testing sites. The City is listing information solely for the benefit of the public during these unprecedented times.

 COVID-19 Testing in Miami-Dade County

1. Community Health of South Florida - Doris Ison Health Center
   Address: 10300 SW 216th Street, Miami, FL 33190
   Testing Hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 A.M. to noon
   Last day of testing at this location is April 8 due to new site at the South Dade Government Center (see below)
   
   Who can be tested?
   Patients must have recently traveled to any of the affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has the novel coronavirus. They must also be experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. The nonprofit is asking those with severe symptoms to visit a hospital ER instead.
   
   Those who meet the testing criteria are asked to call the nonprofit first at (305)252-4820 to schedule an appointment.
   
   
2. Larkin Community Hospital *
   Address: 1475 W 49th Place, Hialeah, FL 33012
   Testing Hours: By appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Healthcare workers and first responders, including police and firefighters, Hialeah and Miami city employees, and federal employees, including air marshals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement workers and those who staff detention centers. The individual must also be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
   
   Those who meet the criteria can call (305)830-0790 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit https://cvtesting.larkinhospital.com/en/.
   
   *Cost associated, according to media, is $150
   
   
3. Marlins Park
   Address: 501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125
   Testing Hours: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily; by appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Individuals who are 18 or older and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
   
   Those who meet the criteria can call (305)499-8767 to schedule an appointment.
   
   
4. Hard Rock Stadium
   Address: 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   Testing Hours: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily; no appointment necessary
   
   Who can be tested?
   - First responders and healthcare staff, including police, fire-rescue, medical staff and essential staff that is supporting the management agencies during the novel coronavirus pandemic. You must have COVID-19 symptoms and be prepared to show ID.
   - People who are 65 or older with COVID-19 symptoms and have chronic conditions. You must show ID.
   - Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have recently traveled internationally on a cruise or plane or have a compromised immune system. You must show ID.
   
   
5. Testing for homebound Miami residents
   The City of Miami has announced that it has 2,000 test kits to test homebound residents over the age of 65 who fear they have contracted COVID-19. City staff will first reach out to low-income senior towers.
   
   Call (305)960-5050 to make an appointment.
   
   
6. Charles Hadley Park
   Address: 1350 NW 50th Street, Miami, FL 33142
   Testing Hours: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily; by appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Individuals who are 18 or older and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
   
   Those who meet the criteria can call (305)960-5050 to schedule an appointment.
   
   
7. Amelia Earhart Park
   Address: 401 E 65th Street, Hialeah, FL 33013
   Testing Hours: Sunday through Friday, from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.; by appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Northwest Dade residents who are 65 or older and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
   
   Those who meet the criteria can call (305)268-4319 to schedule an appointment.
   
   
8. Med-Rite Urgent Care
   Address: 4621 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 33140
   Testing Hours: Sunday through Friday, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.; by appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Individuals must be pre-screened through the Med-Rite registration screen at the following link: https://www.clockwisemd.com/hospitals/4836/visits/new.
   
   Those interested can also visit the Med-Rite informational page at http://medriteurgentcare.com/COVID/ or call (305)735-3909 to schedule an appointment.
   
   
9. Community Health of South Florida - Loren Roberts Park
   Address: 627 NW 6th Avenue, Florida City, FL 33034
   Testing Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.; no appointment necessary
   
   Who can be tested?
   Patients must have recently traveled to any of the affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has the novel coronavirus. They must also be experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.
   
   
10. Community Health of South Florida - Martin Luther King Jr./Clinica Campesina Health Center
    Address: 810 W Mowry Drive, Homestead, FL 33030
    Testing Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M., starting April 13; no appointment necessary
    
    Who can be tested?
    Patients must have recently traveled to any of the affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has the novel coronavirus. They must also be experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.
    
    
11. South Dade Government Center
    Address: 10710 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
    Testing Hours: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily; by appointment only
    
    Who can be tested?
    Individuals who are 18 or older and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
    
    Those who meet the criteria can call (305)499-8767 to schedule an appointment.
    
    
12. Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds
    Address: 10901 SW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33165
    Testing Hours: 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. daily; by appointment only
    
    Who can be tested?
    Individuals who are 18 or older and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
    
    Those who meet the criteria can call (305)499-8767 to schedule an appointment.
    
    

COVID-19 Testing in Broward County

1. Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
   Address: 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311
   Testing Hours: By appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Patients must receive a written prescription from a physician and then call (954)320-5730 from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.) to register for a test. Those who qualify will then have to show a photo ID, the written prescription, and the registration confirmation number once they arrive at the site.
   
   
2. C.B. Smith Park (Florida National Guard partnering with Memorial Healthcare System)
   Address: 900 N Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
   Testing Hours: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily
   
   Who can be tested?
   - First responders and healthcare staff, including police, fire-rescue, medical staff and essential staff that is supporting the management agencies during the novel coronavirus pandemic. You must have COVID-19 symptoms and be prepared to show ID.
   - People who are 65 or older with COVID-19 symptoms and have chronic conditions. You must show ID.
   - Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have recently traveled internationally on a cruise or plane or have a compromised immune system. You must show ID.
   
   Pembroke Pines Police have advised that you can call (954)276-4680 to register for a screening.
   
   
3. Cleveland Clinic Florida - Krupa Center
   Address: 3250 Meridian Parkway, Weston, FL 33331
   Testing Hours: By appointment only
   
   Visit https://my.clevelandclinic.org/landing/preparing-for-coronavirus for screening requirements or call Cleveland Clinic’s 24/7 COVID-19 hotline for more information (855)697-3750.
   
   

COVID-19 Testing in Monroe County

1. Marathon Community Park
   Address: 200 Ocean, 36th Street, Marathon, FL 33050
   Testing Hours: 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.; by appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Monroe County residents who are feeling COVID-19 symptoms and have made an appointment by calling (305)252-4820.
   
   
2. CHI Marathon Health Center
   Address: 2805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
   Testing Hours: By appointment only
   
   Who can be tested?
   Monroe County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have recently traveled internationally or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
   
   Those who meet the criteria can call (305)216-2107 or email KeysCovid19@chisouthfl.org to schedule an appointment.