Newsletter

Mar 09 2020

Coronavirus Resources

Resources for Combatting COVID-19

1. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service’s website has information on what to do if you believe you might have been exposed to coronavirus.

2. Here is a list of contact information to reach local health departments in Nebraska to report symptoms or ask questions.

3. There is a hotline available regarding coronavirus to help assist Nebraskans who lack computer or internet access. Dial 211 for more information.

4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides help on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus and answers commonly asked questions.

5. As a reminder, taking basic steps such as washing your hands and staying home if you are feeling sick can help keep you and others safe.

Lincoln Resources

Lincoln Health Department's website has updated local information on COVID-19. 

There is a hotline provided to those without internet service by dialing 402-441-8006

Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.

Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.

Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline, can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004.

The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days.

Coronavirus Updates:

As you have probably seen in the headlines, coronavirus has now reached Nebraska. While many in our state are understandably nervous, so many of our fellow Nebraskans are doing an incredible job monitoring and stabilizing the situation.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Nebraska Medicine, our public health departments, and Camp Ashland have all stepped up to the plate in combatting and tackling this virus head-on. UNMC and Nebraska Medicine are housing patients in its quarantine and biocontainment units, while CDC employees successfully took in and released 57 evacuees from Wuhan at the Nebraska National Guard’s Camp Ashland.

At the federal level, Congress came together last week to pass a funding package in response of this outbreak. It will help develop a vaccine, shore up hospital and health system preparedness, and support the efforts of state and local governments and community health centers as they work to address this crisis.

I also have introduced bipartisan legislation to help ensure manufacturers and distributors are provided the proper liability protections so they can produce more respirators during health crises. These respirators are crucial for treating Americans with coronavirus and helping to keep our medical personnel safe.

My staff and I are working to make sure Nebraskans remain healthy and safe. In the meantime, I encourage Nebraskans to take simple steps to protect themselves and others, such as washing their hands, staying home when sick, and avoiding touching their faces with unwashed hands.

For additional information on coronavirus in Nebraska, visit Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services.

-Deb Fischer

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