Expanded unemployment benefits
More than 12 million laid-off Americans could lose their unemployment benefits after this weekend if Trump doesn’t sign the bill. And even if he does, they would likely suffer a break in payments of several weeks.
As part of the historic broadening of jobless benefits under the CARES Act, lawmakers created three programs to help out-of-work Americans. While the $600 payment enhancement lasted only through July, the other two expire just after Christmas.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program allows independent contractors, the self-employed and gig workers to qualify for payments. It also opens up the program to those who can’t work because of the pandemic, including if they or family members are ill or quarantining or if their children’s schools are closed.
How the virus stole Christmas in US and abroad
Santa Claus, portrayed by Dan Kemmis, laughs Dec. 8, 2020, as he talks to Kristin Laidre. She was walking her dog, Scooby, a Bassett Hound mix, as he sits inside a protective bubble in Seattle s Greenwood neighborhood. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
by: VANESSA GERA, Associated Press
Posted:
Dec 23, 2020 / 10:01 PM EST
(AP) Montserrat Parello lost her husband eight years ago, and Christmas gatherings with children and grandchildren had helped her deal with her loneliness. But this year, the 83-year-old will be alone for the holiday at her home in Barcelona, due to the risk of infection from the coronavirus.
Indiana coronavirus timeline
With information from the Indiana Department of Health through March 4, 2021, this timeline reflects updated tallies of deaths and positive tests prior to that date.
March 6, 2020: Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) confirms the first case in Indiana. Officials say the Marion County resident had recently traveled to Boston to attend a BioGen conference as a contractor.
March 8: ISDH confirms a second case. A Hendricks County adult who had also traveled to the BioGen conference was placed in isolation. Noblesville Schools says a parent and that parent’s children will self-quarantine after attending an out-of-state event where someone tested positive.
Dec 24, 2020 / 06:19 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) The Indiana State Department of Health has issued new COVID-19 information for our state.
On Thursday, ISDH said 6,288 more Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19. The new cases were recorded between Oct. 26 and Dec. 23.
A total of 482,734 Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19.
ISDH says 85 more Hoosiers have died from COVID-19. The deaths occurred between Nov. 25 and Dec. 23.
A total of 7,391 Hoosiers have died from COVID-19. Another 339 “probable” deaths have occurred, but a positive test is not on record.
The 7-day positive rate for unique individuals stands at 23.8%. The 7-day positivity rate for all individuals is 12%.
Dec 28, 2020 / 12:21 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) A federal judge has denied
a request from 15 Indianapolis bar owners to stop coronavirus restrictions put in place by Mayor Joe Hogsett and the county’s public health department.
In September, the group of bar, restaurant and nightclub owners asked a judge to rule the local health orders unconstitutional. They said their businesses are dealing with revenue loss and layoffs, and may have to close.
Indianapolis has had coronavirus restrictions of various measure in place since March.
Marion County Public Health Department’s latest order requires bars and nightclubs to have 25% capacity indoors and restaurants to have 50% capacity with social distancing. All of those plus food retailers must be closed from midnight to 5 a.m.