The original CARES Act provided for payments to State, Local, and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The CARES Act requires that payments from this fund be used only to cover expenses that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19). Payments from this fund were to end Dec 30, 2020; however, that changed when Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Dec 21, 2020. While this new COVID-19 Relief funding bill did not include additional funds for government, it did extend the spending deadlines for CARES Act funds until December 31, 2021. Examples of eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- COVID-19-related expenses of public hospitals, clinics, and similar facilities.
- Expenses for establishing and operating public telemedicine capabilities for COVID-19- related treatment.
- Expenses for communication and enforcement by State, territorial, local, and Tribal governments of public health orders related to COVID-19.
- Expenses for acquisition and distribution of medical and protective supplies, including sanitizing products and personal protective equipment, for medical personnel, police officers, social workers, child protection services, and child welfare officers, direct service providers for older adults and individuals with disabilities in community settings, and other public health or safety workers in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- Expenses for public safety measures undertaken in response to COVID-19. Howard Technology Solutions’ Government Division focuses solely on the needs of federal, state and local government agencies.
This document was designed as a planning tool to help government decision-makers ensure that their facilities and personnel are appropriately equipped.