Sen. Hughes and PA Senate Dems pushing for additional protections for those impacted by pandemic

 

Gov. Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro recently announced that Pennsylvania would suspend evictions and foreclosures through July 10, a move that would help renters, homeowners and small business owners affected by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Hughes and the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus support the governor’s order but are pushing for additional protections for those facing evictions and foreclosures. On Wednesday, they sent a letter to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania requesting all eviction and foreclosure proceedings be suspended until 90 days after a county is moved from the red phase to the yellow phase of reopening. Senator Hughes is also pushing for a legislative solution to the issue to give people some relief after the judicial emergency has ended.

“We cannot compound the devastation Pennsylvanians have experienced by immediately moving to kick people out of their homes and businesses when the governor’s order expires,” Senator Hughes said in a news release accompanying the letter to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. “Many of these folks have been waiting on assistance that has been insufficient, delayed or has not come at all. That is why it is critical that we are mindful of the realities that people are facing and show some measure of compassion as a response to this crisis.”

Letter to Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Evictions & Foreclosures

Here are some helpful resources for those in need of assistance during the crisis.

There is help if you need it. Stay up to date with the latest information on the pandemic at senatorhughes.com/coronavirus. Please do your part to help stop the spread of the virus. Stay safe, stay at home, and don’t forget to wash your hands!

Keeping your distance can break the chain of COVID-19 infection.

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

  • Stay home except to get medical care 
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home 
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor 
  • Wear a facemask if you are sick 
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes 
  • Clean your hands often 
  • Avoid sharing personal household items 
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday 

For more details on what to do prevent coronavirus COVID-19 spread, visit the CDCs full list of recommendations.

Read more: CDC recommendations on getting tested for coronavirus 

Coronavirus Information Sheet - click to download.

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