Our Solutions: Coping During COVID-19
Last week, Dr. Pamela Brown joined us for our first Virtual Town Hall. Dr. Brown, a licensed psychologist shared healthy coping mechanisms for regaining focus and combating anxiety during COVID-19. Mindfulness was a key theme in her message. Here are some mindfulness resources Dr. Brown recommended:
Dr. Brown also suggested staying connected with loved ones through video calls or developing a hobby and limiting time watching depressing news. Share your healthy coping strategies with me at [email protected].
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Stimulus Checks
 Americans will start receiving U.S. CARES Act stimulus payments this month. If you have not filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, it is still possible to receive a stimulus payment. The IRS states that “retirees and recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement, disability or veterans' benefits, andtaxpayers who do not make enough money to normally file a tax return will receive a payment. This also includes those who have no income and , those whose income comes entirely from certain benefit programs, such as, Supplemental Security Income benefits. Retirees who receive either Social Security retirement or Railroad Retirement benefits will also receive payments automatically.”
For more information please visit the IRS website.
How to Avoid Vehicle Break-Ins
 My office was recently alerted to an increase of car break-ins in our area. Water, hand sanitizer, and small electronics are some of the items reportedly being stolen.
Here are some tips to secure your vehicle:
- Park in well-lit public areas when away from your home, or in your driveway
- Remove all valuables
- Lock all windows and doors
- Report any suspicious persons in the area
Please call the police immediately if you witness a break-in or suspicious activity near a car.
Making Masks & Why Stay-at-Home Matters
Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommended that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask when in public. Here is how you can make one.
In addition, a recently released study by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that adherence to strict social distancing prevented a 53% - 65% increase in COVID-19 cases in Wuhan China, the center of the worldwide crisis. Social distancing works. Please save a life and stay home.
The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) created a COVID-19 projection tool for each state. It shows that social distancing is working. IHME’s COVID-19 projection for Pennsylvania can be found here.
No Place for Hate
 Harassment against Asian Americans has risen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This behavior is unacceptable. Joined by legislators and community leaders, Governor Wolf released a statement encouraging Pennsylvanians to support the Asian community.
If you witness any discrimination or harassment, please email the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission at [email protected] or call my office at 215-242-8171.
Small Business Relief Updates
MontcoStrong has created a small business gift card network to support local restaurants and shops during the COVID-19 shutdown. Visit their website here to learn more about the program and participating businesses.
Musical Mood Boost
Music is a universal tool that can instantly improve your mood. Here is a song I would like to share with you today to boost your mood, decrease anxiety, and finish your day on a high note. Please enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV2ndDV8cQk.
Be the Light,
Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District
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