1.31.2020 – public health emergency declared

In December 2019, a novel (new) coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 (“the virus”) was first detected in Wuhan, China, causing outbreaks of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 that has now spread globally. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency on January 31, 2020, under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d), in response to COVID-19.

Source: Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

3.11.2020 – who categorizes covid-19 as global pandemic

In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13-fold, and the number of affected countries has tripled. With more than 118,000 documented cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 documented COVID-19-related deaths, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the COVID-19 outbreak can be characterized as a pandemic, as the rates of infection continue to rise in many locations around the world and across the United States.

Source: WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 11 March 2020

3.13.2020 – covid-19 national emergency declared

Sweeping actions to control the spread of the virus have been implemented including suspending entry of foreign nationals who have been physically present within the prior 14 days in certain jurisdictions where COVID-19 outbreaks has occurred. The Federal, State, and local governments, has taken preventive and proactive measures to slow the spread of the virus and treat those affected, including by instituting Federal quarantines for individuals evacuated from foreign nations, issuing a declaration pursuant to section 319F‑3 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d‑6d), and releasing policies to accelerate the acquisition of personal protective equipment and streamline bringing new diagnostic capabilities to laboratories.

Source: Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

3.19.2020 – California orders shelter-in-place

By Executive Order N-33-20, Governor Gavin Newsom orders all non-essential individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.

Source: Executive Department State of California Executive Order N-33-20

3.20.2020 – New York State on Pause by Executive Order

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he is signing the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone. It includes a new directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.

Source: Governor Cuomo Signs the ‘New York State on PAUSE’ Executive Order

4.2.2020 – CDC advises all Americans wear masks in public

A significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Source: Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission

4.6.2020 – sixnineteen begins production of fabric face shields

Owner of sixnineteen launches convertible face shields and pens an open letter to customers and supporters detailing how the brand is helping make customers feel safer during the covid-19 pandemic. The brand also shares a curated list of coping resources and techniques to help make sheltering-in-place less stressful.

Source: Candid Conversations Concerning COVID-19

4.8.2020 – shipping restrictions to certain countries updated

Shipping restrictions have been placed on the following countries as they are no longer accepting mail: Angola, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Gambia, Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malawi, Moldova, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, American Samoa, Bolivia, Botswana, Cayman islands, Chad, Cyprus, Djibouti, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Honduras, India, Kuwait, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mongolia, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, China.

Source: Mail Service Alerts and Updates

4.15.2020 – Cuomo orders all to wear masks in public in NY

Joining California to impose a stricter measure to control the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Cuomo said on Wednesday that he would start requiring people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public, “Another part of getting to the new normal is continuing to stop the spread of the virus, and to do that I am issuing an Executive Order that says all people in public must wear a mask or face covering.” New Jersey, Maryland, Puerto Rico, and Guam will mandate similar compliance, except for children under 2 years of age and those who would be otherwise compromised due to specific health issues.

Sources: Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Requiring All People in New York to Wear Masks or Face Coverings in Public; New York Orders Residents to Wear Masks In Public

4.16.2020 – wearing a mask in public is now required in several states

For millions of Americans, wearing a face mask or cloth covering when leaving their home is voluntary but for residents in four states—Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania–it’s no longer optional. Everyone over the age of 2 entering essential businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including grocery stores, must wear a mask or face covering. Businesses are required to deny entrance to those who refuse to wear a mask for any reason other than a medical condition. In Maryland, everyone must wear a mask or face covering in grocery stores, pharmacies, retail establishments and public transportation.

Sources: These Are the States Where Wearing a Mask Is Now Required In Public

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