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As more and more communities around the United States experience, a rising number of Coronavirus cases, state and federal officials are looking at ways to further prevent community spread, ensure public safety and combat the rising economic impact.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued an “Essential Services and Activities protocols,” which establishes restrictions similar to stay-at-home orders issued by a number of local governments in the state.

The “Essential Services and Activities” order extends the state’s coronavirus measures until April 30 and extends school closures until May 4.

The guidelines for residents to minimize social gatherings and minimize contact with people outside of the household as well as the directive to avoid eating out at restaurants, drinking at bars or visiting other businesses or facilities not related to essential services.

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Emergency Rule to Increase Supply of Direct Care Providers in Nursing Facilities

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an emergency rule to temporarily allow more nurse aides to serve residents in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 response.

The emergency rule temporarily allows nursing facilities to hire people to provide nurse aide services without having to complete a full certification program in their first four months of employment.

This action will expand the eligible pool of direct care workers and help long-term care providers who may face critical staffing shortages.

“As Texas continues to respond to COVID-19, we are working to make sure our long-term care facilities have adequate staff to care for Texans residing in these facilities,” said Governor Abbott. “This emergency rule will increase the availability of nurse aides in the workforce and ensure residents of long-term care facilities have the care and support they need.”

“It is critical that facilities have sufficient front-line staff, as these aides provide hands-on care to medically fragile residents around the clock,” said David Kostroun, the Deputy Executive Commissioner for HHSC’s Regulatory Services division. “Governor Abbott’s action assists the providers we regulate to address the many challenges posed by COVID-19.”

Nursing facilities are responsible for ensuring nurse aides are competent in performing assigned tasks, such as taking vital signs or providing personal care.

This can be done by having a licensed nurse directly observe a nurse aide while they perform these tasks.

The temporary suspension of nurse aide training requirements provides needed regulatory flexibility to address possible staffing shortages experienced during the COVID-19 response.

Texas WIC Expands Eligible Foods, Launches Updated App

AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services announces Texas WIC, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, is expanding the number of food items eligible for purchase through the program.

It is also updating the MyTexasWIC app to ensure Texans who need access to nutritious food will be able to find it in their local grocery stores.

“Grocers assure us they can meet this increased demand and have supply chains ready to respond,” said Dee Budgewater, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Health Developmental and Independence Services. “The Texas WIC team is working around the clock to ensure families have access to healthy food, which is one of the best ways to support mothers and growing children and help them achieve a greater sense of health and well-being.”

Effective immediately, there are additional options for certain food items WIC participants can buy. These food items include more options for milk, bread, rice, pasta, and eggs.

In addition, Texas WIC is permanently adding canned fruits and vegetables to the food package. Items at the grocery store with a pink sticker that says “WIC Approved” are products eligible for shoppers to purchase using WIC.

WIC participants can find detailed information on the Texas WIC website. WIC participants can also download the latest version of the MyTexasWIC shopping app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, which informs families what the allowable food items are on their benefits package.

Texas WIC is operating under modified services throughout the state to help keep clients and staff safe. Families may call their local WIC clinics to learn more about how they can receive services.

Visit the Texas WIC website or call 800-942-3678 to find how your local clinic is handling local services.

Many have modified their services and applicants are encouraged to start their applications online to protect office workers and practice social distancing precautions.

WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that is available to qualified pregnant women, new moms, and children younger than 5.

Administered in Texas by HHSC, the program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, referrals and nutritious foods.

Texas WIC helps approximately 678,000 clients on average each month with infant, child and prenatal nutrition and breastfeeding support.

TWC Cautions Claimants Regarding Fraudulent Calls

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) advises those applying for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits that individuals misrepresenting TWC may capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and attempt to secure sensitive, personal information through deceit.

TWC is reminding all UI claimants and unemployed workers to practice caution when providing people with personally identifiable information.

Unfortunately, in situations such as the one we are experiencing because of COVID-19, there can be unemployment insurance scams and fraudulent phone calls.

Below are some indications that you may be a victim of an attempted scam by someone pretending to be a TWC Specialist:

• The individual asks for a credit card number.
• The individual says there is a fee for processing the claim.
• The individual asks for more than the last four digits of your bank account and routing number.

When you are contacted by a legitimate TWC Specialist they will need to confirm your identity and will ask for your Social Security Number and date of birth.

However, a TWC Specialist will never ask for a credit card number or state that there is any kind of fee associated with your claim.

There is no fee for filing for UI and a TWC Specialist cannot change banking information, so the full number is unnecessary.

If you sent TWC an email, left a message, or reached out using social media, you should expect a phone call from a TWC Specialist.

You may receive calls from TWC on other issues concerning your claim, but always be vigilant when providing personal information. When in doubt, hang up.

If you encounter anyone whose identity you are not sure of, do not give out your:

• Phone Number
• Address
• Social Security Number
• Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Impersonating a public servant and identity theft are crimes punishable by law. If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/.

For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.