COVID-19 Resources For Industry Partners
A Message From Governor Greg Abbott
"The state of Texas is strong; our people, resilient. As we saw during Hurricane Harvey, when neighbors help neighbors, our resilience is redoubled. And I have no doubt that Texans will continue to work together in that same spirit over the coming days and weeks."
- Governor Greg Abbott
Texas Comfort Food Care Packages
Governor Greg Abbott announced the Comfort Food Care Package (CFCP) program to provide meals for at-risk youth and families in communities across Texas as the state responds to COVID-19. As part of the program, participating restaurants offer CFCPs for patrons to purchase on behalf of families and youth in need. Each care package contains enough food to feed a family of 5 to 6 and will be delivered to recipients’ homes. The program is a partnership between the Governor's Public Safety Office, the Texas network of Family and Youth Success Programs (formerly called Services to At-Risk Youth), Favor Delivery, and the Texas Restaurant Association. See here for more information.
Texas Small Businesses
Governor Abbott announced that the SBA has now granted Texas’ Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Next Steps: Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit the SBA’s website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.
For additional information on Texas business-related COVID-19 resources, including a list of required documentation for the SBA Loan process, visit gov.texas.gov/business/page/coronavirus.
- Sign up for COVID-19 related updates for Texas businesses
- FAQs Relating to COVID-19 for Texas Businesses and Community Economic Development Partners
Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Workforce Commission has additional resources for employers regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on their website: twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers
Texas Workers
If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) encourages you to apply for benefits by utilizing the online claim portal, or by calling the Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
TWC may be experiencing increased call volumes and hold times on Tele-Center phone lines. You are encouraged to use the online claim portal, Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS), to handle your claim needs quickly. UBS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also sign up for electronic correspondence so you can receive TWC communications online as soon as possible.
TWC will investigate why you lost your job and mail a decision explaining whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits. For additional information and resources for job seekers, visit TWC's webpage: twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers
All Texans
Governor Greg Abbott announced a series of Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation. The four orders serve to limit public gatherings and help reduce exposure for people across the state. These orders are in accordance with federal guidelines issued by the President and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will aid in the state's efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Read more regarding the executive orders.
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including COVID‑19:
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Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
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If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Practice social distancing. This includes avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact.
Additional Resources
For the most up-to-date information, please utilize the following resources:
Office of the Texas Governor l Greg Abbott
Texas Department of State Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation
Additional SBA Products and Resources