EPA Approves 13 Products from List N as Effective Against SARS-CoV-2
EPA continues to provide consumers with disinfectant options, scientific research
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 13 products on List N, EPA’s list of products expected to kill SARS-CoV-2, have completed laboratory testing for use specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
“As part of President Trump’s all-of-government approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19, EPA is continuing its efforts to approve products that have specifically been tested against SARS-CoV-2,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Each of these products already appears on the agency’s list of approved disinfectants—this additional step provides critical scientific data and information on the tools that the American public are relying on to protect their families.”
Before pesticide products can legally make claims that they can kill a particular pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2, the claim must be authorized by EPA based on a review of data. Because novel viruses are typically not immediately available for laboratory testing, EPA established guidance for Emerging Viral Pathogens .
The specific products approved include 12 unique products from the manufacturer Lonza and one additional Lysol product from Reckitt Benckiser. While these products were already on List N, they now carry additional weight against the virus that causes COVID-19 based on testing performed by the manufacturer and confirmed by EPA. The total number of products in this category is now 15.
Additionally, EPA continues to add products to List N that are expected to kill SARS-CoV-2, based on past efficacy testing. There are 469 approved products currently on List N. Those looking for approved disinfectant products should refer to List N for regular updates.
When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, follow the label directions for safe, effective use. Make sure to follow the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet.
For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19.
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COVID-19: Guidance for Employers, Employees, and Customers of Reopened Retail Services
This guidance is based on the best information currently available and will be updated when appropriate. Please visit dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus and cdc.gov/coronavirus for updates. This guidance is intended for employers, employees, and customers of retail businesses reopening under the Governor’s Executive Order issued on April 17, 2020. This guidance does not apply to businesses considered essential. This guidance is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
I am an Employee of a retail business re-opening. What should I do to keep myself and our customers safe?
- All employees must be trained on environmental cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
- All employees must be screened before coming into the business for new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; sore throat; loss of taste or smell; feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit; or known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. Any employee who meets any of these criteria should be sent home.
- Upon entering the business, employees must wash or sanitize hands.
- All employees must wear face coverings.
- Employees must maintain at least 6 feet separation from one another.
Workforce Solutions Borderplex Announces Immediate Openings for Jobs
Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) continues to share a variety of job opportunities available in the Borderplex area. Jobseekers should register at Work in Texas by creating a profile and then searching and applying for jobs at www.WorkInTexas.com. The employers listed below have immediate job openings.
Employer | Positions | Job Posting # | Pay |
Adecco | General Labor/Local Delivery Driver | 14017315/14017307 | D.O.E/D.O.E |
Aerotek | Hand Packers | 14043937 | $10.90/Hr |
Albertsons | Courtesy Clerk | 14036921 | D.O.E |
Alorica | Customer Service Representative | 13974593 | D.O.E |
Big Lots | Store Associate/Stocker | 14042830 | D.O.E |
Cardinal Health | Forklift Operator | 14041183 | $9/Hr |
Caseem Staffing | Production Operator | 14045838 | $7.50/Hr |
CVS | Retail Store Associate | 14042957 | D.O.E |
For more information, jobseekers can call 915-887-2600. Businesses looking to hire can call 915-887-2332.
ABOUT WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS BORDERPLEX
Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is celebrating over 20 years of serving as the leader and pacesetter in aligning and creating opportunities for skilled workers and employers. WSB advances education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic development prospects in support of global competitiveness and regional prosperity. The organization’s service region encompasses Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties. For more information about Workforce Solutions Borderplex, please contact Bianca Cervantes at (915) 252-0712 or visit www.borderplexjobs.com
Workforce Solutions Borderplex Announces Childcare Funding for Essential Workers
(El Paso, TX) April 7, 2020 – Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is pleased to announced that Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has made available $40million in funding for childcare for children of essential workers during COVID-19. Child Care Services, or CCS, will be responsible for distributing funds. The funds can be used at any CCS-approved childcare provider.
“Finding and affording child care is a challenge many families face but now with schools and some child care providers closed, it is even more difficult,” said Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex. “The list of essential workers is long and it includes single parents, parents without nearby extended family, small business owners, and others who have no choice but to utilize child care facilities. This is how we can help them.”
TWC considers essential workers those who work in pharmacy and healthcare industries as well as first responders. Also included are critical local and state government staff and those who work in mail/delivery services, nursing homes, child care, and home healthcare. Direct care providers, those employed by grocery stores, gas stations, banks, restaurants (with drive through and delivery), and military personnel are also deemed essential by TWC.
Sylvia Acosta, Ph.D., CEO of YWCA El Paso del Norte Region explained that her organization will manage the CCS funds and serve as childcare services administrator, which includes managing the intake. “Even with the stay at home ordinance, many El Pasoans provide essential services and jobs and must continue to work, including healthcare workers,” said Acosta.
Individual applications are available in both English and Spanish:
In addition, the https://frontlinechildcare.texas.gov/ website can help parents find basic information about child care providers including health and safety regulations and step-by-step instructions for applying for a child care subsidy.
Additional Updates and Resources:
HHS
· HHS Announces Upcoming Funding Action to Provide $186 Million for COVID-19 Response (HERE)
· Mitigate Absenteeism by Protecting Healthcare Workers’ Psychological Health and Well-being (HERE)
DOL
· Published New OSHA Poster Aimed at Reducing Workplace Exposure to the Coronavirus (HERE) English/Español
· Issues Guidance for Respirators Certified Under Other Countries’ Standards During COVID-19 Pandemic (HERE)
· Publishes Guidance on Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (HERE)
DOEd
· Secretary DeVos Authorizes New Funding Flexibilities to Support Continued Learning During COVID-19 National Emergency (HERE)
SBA
· SBA.gov/coronavirus (Español)
· The SBA is hiring additional employees to assist with disaster relief efforts. Bilingual language skills are a plus. Remote jobs are available nationwide.
· SBA’s Local Assistance Directory
- To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please email specifics to covidsupplies@fema.dhs.gov.
- If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide us details on what you are offering at https://www.fema.gov/covid19offers.
- If you are a private company that wants to produce a product related to the COVID response – email nbeoc@max.gov.
- If you are a hospital and other companies in need of medical supplies, contact your state Department of Public Health and/or Emergency Management.
- For non-medical supplies, services or equipment, if you are interested in doing business with FEMA, visit our Industry Liaison Program at https://www.fema.gov/industry-liaison-program.
To the U.S. Commercial Service Community:
The health and safety of our employees, clients, partners and communities is our top priority. Given the developing COVID-19 outbreak, we have made some recent changes to the way we serve U.S. exporters.
Our global network of experienced trade specialists will be working virtually and is looking forward to connecting with you via email, conference call, Skype, or video conference to discuss your international business plans. To contact a trade specialist in your area, visit our list of local U.S. Export Assistance Centers.
Know that we are here for you whether you have questions about the status of an event, need to cancel a service, or are checking on the status of an export market. To learn more about our virtual services, visit Trade.gov/virtual-services.
Additional Federal Government resources are available from the Small Business Administration and EXIM Bank.
Our thoughts are with you and the global business community, and we remain firmly committed to serving the needs of U.S. exporters like you. We will continue to evaluate options to ensure we can deliver on the objectives of our mission, and that we consider the safety of all parties involved. Connect with us on social media @USCommercialSvc for our latest updates and resources.
We look forward to working with you soon.
For more information on coronavirus, please visit: coronavirus.gov.
Workforce Solutions Borderplex Announces Immediate Job Opportunities
Coronavirus in Texas: Here's how to file for unemployment if you lose your income
Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is eager to share a variety of job opportunities available in the Borderplex area. Jobseekers should register at Work in Texas by creating a profile and then searching and applying for jobs at www.WorkInTexas.com.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is looking to fill at least 10 Temporary Customer Service Rep II positions at the West Texas Tele Center at 1359 Lomaland Drive. These positions are critical to assist Texans with their unemployment claims.
Over 500 positions are available with several different businesses listed below:
- Albertsons
- Alorica
- Dona Ana County Detention Center
- Lowe’s (cashiers, delivery drivers, sales positions and overnight supervisors)
- RoofToppers El Paso
- Sky Transportation
- Spartan Construction
- U.S. Census
- Valley Super Market
- Vista Supermarkets
- Walmart
For more information, jobseekers can call 915-887-2600. Businesses looking to hire can call 915-887-2332. Additional resources for those affected by the COVID-19 crisis can be found at www.Borderplexjobs.com.
Workers who are laid off temporarily or put on to short time working (COVID-19)
From: Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Employees who are laid off temporarily, without pay, due to a reduction in business activity, can apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. This new payment quickly delivers income support to the unemployed (be they self-employed or employees) for a 6-week period.
Alternatively you can apply for Jobseeker’s Payments which can be made online at www.mywelfare.ie .
Employees who are put onto short-time working by their employer due to a reduction in business activity related to Covid-19 may apply for a Short Time Work Support payment.
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the state and businesses react to mandated closures, some are worried they may lose their jobs.
If you find yourself in that situation, here’s what to know about filing for unemployment benefits in Texas.
How to apply for unemployment benefits
Those filing for unemployment can submit an application on the Texas Workforce Commission’s website or by calling 800-939-6631.
Here’s what information you will need to apply, according to the commission:
- Last employer’s business name and address
- First and last dates you worked for your last employer
- Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week
- Information on your normal wage
- Your A-number, if not a U.S. citizen or national
After filing your claim, electronic notifications related to your unemployment benefit application are available.
Here’s more information on how to apply for benefits.
Those in need of work can search for jobs at WorkInTexas.com.
How much of your income will be covered by unemployment benefits varies from person to person, according to the commission.
Who is eligible?
The Texas Workforce Commission on its website has a list of scenarios related to the COVID-19 outbreak for those seeking unemployment benefits. It addresses situations like being in quarantine (self, employer or government ordered) as employers closing businesses or laying off staff.
Here are a few of the possible scenarios:
- If you’re laid off because you employer has to close the business or reduce staff, you may be eligible.
- If you self-quarantine and have COVID-19, you may be eligible.
- If an employer keeps a business open, but you’re placed on reduced hours, you may be eligible for partial unemployment.
“If you get paid your regular pay or sick leave while you are out of work, you may not be eligible or it may affect how much you receive if you are,” according to the commission.
According to the commission, unemployment benefits claims will be evaluated based on past wages, the type of job separation (layoff, a reduction in hours, being fired but not for misconduct, etc.) and ongoing eligibility requirements.
