Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center
My office is here to answer questions regarding COVID-19, the re-opening of America, and to provide critical resources and information to constituents. Please read this page as it may help answer questions or concerns you may have. As always, please call my office should you need assistance: 864-224-7401.
Federal Agency Resources
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): HERE
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): HERE
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): HERE
South Carolina Resources
Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
- Visit DHEC’s COVID-19 webpage HERE.
- Find a COVID-19 testing location near you HERE.
- Find information on South Carolina's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan HERE.
- DHEC’s Care Line is fully functional from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week to answer COVID-19 related questions and concerns: 1-855-472-3432.
Unemployment Insurance Information
Do you need to file for unemployment? Apply with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) HERE.
Read the DEW General FAQ on unemployment HERE.
Read the DEW FAQ for 1099s, self-employed individuals, contractors, and gig workers HERE and watch the tutorial video HERE.
Have questions? Employers can call the employer only line at 803-737-2532 and individuals can call the TelClaim line at 1-866-831-1724.
Small Businesses - PPP and EIDL
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards. More information can be found HERE.
Under this program:
-Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.
-Loan payments will be deferred for six months.
-If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 24 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination.
Please find additional information about the program at the following links:
- Coronavirus.gov Small Business Resources Page
- Treasury Department Overview On The Paycheck Protection Program
- Administration FAQ On The Paycheck Protection Program
- SBA.gov/Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources Page
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
In response to a request from Governor Henry McMaster for a disaster declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for South Carolina small businesses suffering substantial economic injury resulting from the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of South Carolina. Small businesses and non-profit organizations that have been financially impacted as a direct result of COVID-19 may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses. The application and additional information is available at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The deadline to return Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is December 21, 2020.
Community Assistance by County
Abbeville County Assistance Programs
Anderson County Assistance Programs
Edgefield County Assistance Programs
Greenville County Assistance Programs
Greenwood County Assistance Programs
Laurens County Assistance Programs
McCormick County Assistance Programs
Newberry County Assistance Programs
Oconee County Assistance Programs