By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

It's clear that we are in the midst of a pandemic - and in the midst of that pandemic is a lot of mis-information. In an effort to mitigate some of the confusion, ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS is posting information via our Elected Officials and Community Organizations so that you are aware of what your resources are available for yourself and your family.

April 16, 2020

State Senator Vincent Hughes: On the Issues

Banks showing support for
PA CARE Package, relief for consumers

Senator Hughes and likeminded colleagues in Pennsylvania’s highest offices are continuing to prioritize the needs of the people as we fight to get through the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic together.

The latest example comes from Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who has taken critical steps in helping protect the people of Pennsylvania, partnering with financial institutions to help protect the needs of the people with the PA CARE Package. The program is intended to supplement the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security (CARES) Act on a state level.

Here is what participating financial institutions are guaranteeing as a part of committing to the initiative:

Expansion of small and medium business loan availability
90-day grace period for mortgages (at least)
90-day grace period for other consumer loans such as auto loans
90-day window for relief from fees and charges such as late, overdraft fees
Foreclosure, eviction, or motor vehicle repossession moratorium for 60 days
No adverse credit reporting for accessing relief on consumer loans

Banks participating so far include PNC, Dollar Bank, Citizens Bank, Fulton Bank, Ocean First Bank, InFirst Bank, Clearview Federal Credit Union, WSFS Bank and First Commonwealth Bank.

Other assistance including food, unemployment, and utility assistance is available at this time. If you have any questions about resources please call Senator Hughes’ district office at 215-879-7777 or visit senatorhughes.com for more information on the pandemic.

Remember, you can do your part to stop the spread of the virus by staying home!

Help Practice Social Distancing

Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction in response to coronavirus COVID-19. The residents of Philadelphia and its suburbs have been ordered to remain at home as to help prevent spread of coronavirus, find out what that means for you.

Keep in mind, Philadelphia is regularly updating its website to provide more information and resources on coronavirus COVID-19. 

Montgomery County is doing the same.

Here are some reminders about preventing spread of the disease:

Best practices to plan, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

What are  the  symptoms  of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. 
What to do if you think you have coronavirus COVID-19, according to the CDC: