COVID-19 RESOURCES
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These are the best ways to sanitize and disinfect all your technology
by Julie Scagell
https://www.21oak.com/hacks-how-tos/technology-sanitize-disinfect/
Our laptops, phones, smartwatches, keyboards, tablets, GPS units, and other devices get our undivided attention for many hours of the day. That also makes them a place filled with germs, dirt, and grime because we’re touching them after eating, shopping, driving, running errands, and using the bathroom. (Our phones are actually dirtier than a toilet seat!) If you have kids, many of these devices are handed to them when we need a moment of peace and quiet, so adding their germs into the mix can make for a cesspool of ICK.
Maintaining our tech hygiene, given that germ transmission is a big concern these days, is critical to staying healthy and avoiding illness. The good news is, experts have weighed in on the best way to keep our devices clean and germ-free. The options are cheap, easy to find, and are safe to use.According to the expertsAfter the pandemic hit, Apple came out with an official guidance on how to clean their products. “Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone,” the company said. “Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge
your iPhone in any cleaning agents.”The CDC also weighed in, stating that, “Laboratory data demonstrate that 60 percent ethanol and 70 percent isopropanol, the active ingredients in CDC-recommended alcohol-based hand sanitizers, inactivates viruses that are genetically related to, and with similar physical properties as, the 2019-nCoV,” so you can use rubbing alcohol to disinfect the screen and chassis.
What about accessories?If you keep your phone in a case, you can remove the case and wash it thoroughly in hot soapy water, allowing it to dry thoroughly before putting it back on your phone. For other
accessories like a keyboard or mouse, alcohol-based cleaners work well for killing bacteria and other invisible germs on its surface.
In-ear headphones, like Apple AirPods, which you put in and take out frequently during the day, can be cleaned with a damp cloth, Blu Tack (to get all the nasties in the earplug out), and cotton balls dunked in isopropyl alcohol. You can also use Clorox wipes for the outer surface and wires.
Natural disinfectantsLike PhoneSoap or other sanitizer wands, a UV light sanitizer is your best bet if you want to avoid harmful
ingredients. According to the FDA, “UVC radiation is a known disinfectant for air, water, and nonporous surfaces. UVC radiation has effectively been used for decades to reduce the spread of bacteria, such as tuberculosis. For this reason, UVC lamps are often called ‘germicidal’ lamps.” There are ones you can find on Amazon for under $60 that may be worth the investment to keep germs at bay without using chemicals.An important noteAmesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security and a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, says that, while our devices
Health Security and a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, says that, while our devices are far from sterile, they’re not a prime culprit in spreading diseases, which are commonly passed via the air after a person coughs or sneezes. That said, they are a magnet for germs and other bacteria, which can spread easily if you give your phone to another person, so cleaning them often is important.
On that note, you’ll spend less time cleaning your devices if you clean them frequently. That way, dirt and debris don’t have time to build up, and it will be easier to remove. Plus, it just makes sense from a sanitary
Maintaining our tech hygiene, given that germ transmission is a big concern these days, is critical to staying healthy and avoiding illness. The good news is, experts have weighed in on the best way to keep our devices clean and germ-free. The options are cheap, easy to find, and are safe to use.According to the expertsAfter the pandemic hit, Apple came out with an official guidance on how to clean their products. “Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone,” the company said. “Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge
your iPhone in any cleaning agents.”The CDC also weighed in, stating that, “Laboratory data demonstrate that 60 percent ethanol and 70 percent isopropanol, the active ingredients in CDC-recommended alcohol-based hand sanitizers, inactivates viruses that are genetically related to, and with similar physical properties as, the 2019-nCoV,” so you can use rubbing alcohol to disinfect the screen and chassis.
What about accessories?If you keep your phone in a case, you can remove the case and wash it thoroughly in hot soapy water, allowing it to dry thoroughly before putting it back on your phone. For other
accessories like a keyboard or mouse, alcohol-based cleaners work well for killing bacteria and other invisible germs on its surface.
In-ear headphones, like Apple AirPods, which you put in and take out frequently during the day, can be cleaned with a damp cloth, Blu Tack (to get all the nasties in the earplug out), and cotton balls dunked in isopropyl alcohol. You can also use Clorox wipes for the outer surface and wires.
Natural disinfectantsLike PhoneSoap or other sanitizer wands, a UV light sanitizer is your best bet if you want to avoid harmful
ingredients. According to the FDA, “UVC radiation is a known disinfectant for air, water, and nonporous surfaces. UVC radiation has effectively been used for decades to reduce the spread of bacteria, such as tuberculosis. For this reason, UVC lamps are often called ‘germicidal’ lamps.” There are ones you can find on Amazon for under $60 that may be worth the investment to keep germs at bay without using chemicals.An important noteAmesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security and a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, says that, while our devices
Health Security and a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, says that, while our devices are far from sterile, they’re not a prime culprit in spreading diseases, which are commonly passed via the air after a person coughs or sneezes. That said, they are a magnet for germs and other bacteria, which can spread easily if you give your phone to another person, so cleaning them often is important.
On that note, you’ll spend less time cleaning your devices if you clean them frequently. That way, dirt and debris don’t have time to build up, and it will be easier to remove. Plus, it just makes sense from a sanitary
EXECUTIVE ORDER EXTENSIONS
On Friday, January 15, 2021, Governor Sununu issued 2 Exective Order Extensions:
- EO # 81 is an extension of EO #74 that extends the Mask Order until March 26, 2021
- EO #82 is an extension of EO #52 the Universal Business Guidelines AND EO #72 travel guidance until March 26, 2021.
MORE HELP WITH RENT AND UTILITY BILLS - NH EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(NHERAP)
If you are a NH resident who cannot pay your rent and utility bills due to the COVID -19 pandemic, a new rental assistance program may be able to help. Apply beginning March 15, 2021 to see if you are eligible. Apply through your Community Action Partnership (CAP) at the link below.
To be eligible, at least one person in the household:
Full program guidelines and the application information will be available by March 15, 2021 at www.NHHFA.org/emergency-rental-assistance or go directly to the CAP website at https://www.capnh.org/ .
- Funds can cover current and past due rent, as well as utility and home energy costs for eligible households.
- This assistance is available retroactive to April 1, 2020 through the date of application, and the applicant may also receive assistance for these same expenses going forward.
- Households may receive assistance for a total of 12 months.
- Payments will be provided directly to the landlord or utility provider on behalf of the household. Landlords, with the tenant’s permission, may apply for assistance on behalf of their tenant.
- This program is only for eligible renters and landlords, not homeowners, per federal rules.
To be eligible, at least one person in the household:
- must qualify for unemployment benefits, had their income reduced,
- have had significant costs, or
- had other financial hardship due to COVID-19.
- The household must also be at risk for homelessness and
- meet certain income requirements.
Full program guidelines and the application information will be available by March 15, 2021 at www.NHHFA.org/emergency-rental-assistance or go directly to the CAP website at https://www.capnh.org/ .
March 2, 2021
FREE HELP SESSIONS FOR TENANTS FACING EVICTION
NO SIGN UP NECESSARY
Online – Every other Wednesday
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) and the Legal Advice and Referral Center (LARC) offer free online help sessions for tenants facing eviction.
During these Eviction Clinics, legal aid attorneys and paralegals will explain tenants’ rights during an eviction and answer questions. They cannot provide legal advice for specific cases at the clinics.
The sessions will be recorded and available on NHLA’s YouTube channel.
When: every other Wednesday, from 2-3:30 PM (March 10, March 24, April 7, April 21)
Where: via Zoom. Get the link at nhla.org and NHLA’s Facebook page under ‘events.’
NH Legal Assistance and the Legal Advice and Referral Center have started a new online Eviction Clinic for tenants who are facing eviction or are confused about the eviction process. During the Clinic, lawyers and paralegals from both organizations will explain the eviction process and answer general questions. They will not be able to provide legal advice for specific cases.
Housing discrimination: NH Legal Assistance sessions will explain tenants’ rights and protections
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) invites tenants and community service providers to an online presentation next week on Fair Housing laws. The public education session will review state and federal housing laws and the protections they provide tenants from discrimination based on race, color, national
origin, disability, sex, religion, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The Zoom presentation, which is free and does not require pre-registration, will be offered twice:
During the sessions, NHLA Fair Housing Project advocates will review housing protections and answer general questions. Advocates are unable to provide legal advice in specific cases. Attendees will also learn how they can help NHLA fight housing discrimination by becoming a Fair Housing Tester. For
questions about the online presentation, contact Maria Eveleth at meveleth@nhla.org or call at 603-668-2900 Ext 2904.
NHLA’s Fair Housing Project investigates complaints and assists victims of housing discrimination to help them gain the protections and remedies they deserve. In addition to individual representation, the Fair Housing Project engages in systemic advocacy by providing training throughout the state on fair
housing topics and by advocating for changes in laws, ordinances, and policies that have a negative impact on protected class members. The Fair Housing Project also operates a Testing Program to identify and root out unlawful housing discrimination. For more information on the Fair Housing Project, visit
nhla.org/legal/housing.
More information: call 603-224-3333 or 1-800-639-5290
Online – Every other Wednesday
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) and the Legal Advice and Referral Center (LARC) offer free online help sessions for tenants facing eviction.
During these Eviction Clinics, legal aid attorneys and paralegals will explain tenants’ rights during an eviction and answer questions. They cannot provide legal advice for specific cases at the clinics.
The sessions will be recorded and available on NHLA’s YouTube channel.
When: every other Wednesday, from 2-3:30 PM (March 10, March 24, April 7, April 21)
Where: via Zoom. Get the link at nhla.org and NHLA’s Facebook page under ‘events.’
NH Legal Assistance and the Legal Advice and Referral Center have started a new online Eviction Clinic for tenants who are facing eviction or are confused about the eviction process. During the Clinic, lawyers and paralegals from both organizations will explain the eviction process and answer general questions. They will not be able to provide legal advice for specific cases.
Housing discrimination: NH Legal Assistance sessions will explain tenants’ rights and protections
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) invites tenants and community service providers to an online presentation next week on Fair Housing laws. The public education session will review state and federal housing laws and the protections they provide tenants from discrimination based on race, color, national
origin, disability, sex, religion, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The Zoom presentation, which is free and does not require pre-registration, will be offered twice:
During the sessions, NHLA Fair Housing Project advocates will review housing protections and answer general questions. Advocates are unable to provide legal advice in specific cases. Attendees will also learn how they can help NHLA fight housing discrimination by becoming a Fair Housing Tester. For
questions about the online presentation, contact Maria Eveleth at meveleth@nhla.org or call at 603-668-2900 Ext 2904.
NHLA’s Fair Housing Project investigates complaints and assists victims of housing discrimination to help them gain the protections and remedies they deserve. In addition to individual representation, the Fair Housing Project engages in systemic advocacy by providing training throughout the state on fair
housing topics and by advocating for changes in laws, ordinances, and policies that have a negative impact on protected class members. The Fair Housing Project also operates a Testing Program to identify and root out unlawful housing discrimination. For more information on the Fair Housing Project, visit
nhla.org/legal/housing.
More information: call 603-224-3333 or 1-800-639-5290
211 RESOURCE
211 is New Hampshire’s first statewide, comprehensive, information and referral service. Thanks to a unique coalition of non-profit, government, corporate and volunteer partners, New Hampshire residents need only dial 211 to be connected, at no cost, with trained Information and Referral Specialists who can provide them with the health and human service information they need to get help, give help or discover options. - 211nh.org
211 NH is the connection for New Hampshire residents to the most up to date resources they need from specially trained Information and Referral Specialists. 211 NH is available 24 hours, 365 days a year. Multilingual assistance and TDD access is also available. For those outside of New Hampshire, call 1.866.444.4211.
211 NH is an initiative of Granite United Way and relies on the generosity of donors and partners like Eversource, the State of New Hampshire, Volunteer NH and local United Ways. - 211nh.org
For more information on what they can assist you with, please visit: https://www.211nh.org/
211 NH is the connection for New Hampshire residents to the most up to date resources they need from specially trained Information and Referral Specialists. 211 NH is available 24 hours, 365 days a year. Multilingual assistance and TDD access is also available. For those outside of New Hampshire, call 1.866.444.4211.
211 NH is an initiative of Granite United Way and relies on the generosity of donors and partners like Eversource, the State of New Hampshire, Volunteer NH and local United Ways. - 211nh.org
For more information on what they can assist you with, please visit: https://www.211nh.org/
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS - WITHHOLD TAXES OR NOT?
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The IRS has more information regarding this and you may visit their website at www.irs.gov/UC or you can contact New Hampshire Unemployment Office at www.nhes.nh.gov/ or call at: (603)271-7700.
** Please note the New Hampshire Unemployment site states: "Due to COVID-19, all claims and questions should be directed to www.unemploymentbenefits.nh.gov or call the Unemployment Assistance Hotline at 603-271-7700.
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IRS takes new steps to ensure people with children receive $500 Economic Impact Payments
IR-2020-180, August 14, 2020
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service continues to look for ways to help people who were unable to provide their information in time to receive Economic Impact Payments for their children. As part of that effort, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it will reopen the registration period for federal beneficiaries who didn't receive $500 per child payments earlier this year.
The IRS urges certain federal benefit recipients to use the IRS.gov Non-Filers tool starting August 15 through September 30 to enter information on their qualifying children to receive the supplemental $500 payments.
Those eligible to provide this information include people with qualifying children who receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement benefits and Veterans Affairs Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefits and did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019.
The IRS anticipates the catch-up payments, equal to $500 per eligible child, will be issued by mid-October.
"IRS employees have been working non-stop to deliver more than 160 million Economic Impact Payments in record time. We have coordinated outreach efforts with thousands of community-based organizations and have provided materials in more than two dozen languages," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Given the extremely high demand for EIP assistance, we have continued to prioritize and increase resource allocations to eligible individuals, including those who may be waiting on some portion of their payment. To help with this, we are allocating additional IRS resources to ensure eligible recipients receive their full payments during this challenging time."
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service continues to look for ways to help people who were unable to provide their information in time to receive Economic Impact Payments for their children. As part of that effort, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it will reopen the registration period for federal beneficiaries who didn't receive $500 per child payments earlier this year.
The IRS urges certain federal benefit recipients to use the IRS.gov Non-Filers tool starting August 15 through September 30 to enter information on their qualifying children to receive the supplemental $500 payments.
Those eligible to provide this information include people with qualifying children who receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement benefits and Veterans Affairs Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefits and did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019.
The IRS anticipates the catch-up payments, equal to $500 per eligible child, will be issued by mid-October.
"IRS employees have been working non-stop to deliver more than 160 million Economic Impact Payments in record time. We have coordinated outreach efforts with thousands of community-based organizations and have provided materials in more than two dozen languages," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Given the extremely high demand for EIP assistance, we have continued to prioritize and increase resource allocations to eligible individuals, including those who may be waiting on some portion of their payment. To help with this, we are allocating additional IRS resources to ensure eligible recipients receive their full payments during this challenging time."
GOVERNOR SUNUNU'S REOPENING TASK FORCE
Governor Chris Sununu formed of the Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force, which will develop a plan and oversee the state and private-sector actions needed to reopen New Hampshire's economy while minimizing the adverse impact on public health. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:2, this meeting is open to the public.
GOVERNOR SUNUNU'S SAFER AT HOME GUIDE
These guidelines apply to businesses and organizations that have been deemed essential and remained open during the “Stay at Home Order” and those that are re-opening all or a portion of their operations. These guidelines are based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA).
Safer at Home Universal Guidelines from the Governor's Economic Reopening Task Force that was updated June 15, 2020.
Click the button below for details.
Safer at Home Universal Guidelines from the Governor's Economic Reopening Task Force that was updated June 15, 2020.
Click the button below for details.
For specific businesses and public guidelines, please visit: https://www.nheconomy.com/reopeningtaskforce
HELPING CHILDREN UNDERSTAND CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
This free online illustrated book for children talks about how 2020 Spring was a different time that changed things, about the Covid-19 virus, and things kids can do to help prevent the spread of the disease to help end the pandemic. Simply click the button and then click on the story book cover to start the book.
June 2020
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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR - EXECUTIVE ORDERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The John W. King New Hampshire Law Library site contains list of governor's executive orders. To view, click here.
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Questions and Answers on Evictions and Foreclosures in New Hampshire during the Covid-19 State of Emergency (SOE)
Link to a fact sheet created by New Hampshire Legal Assistance: http://granitestateorganizing.org/covid-19-resources/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Hampshire Legal Assistance LEGAL LINKS: https://courts-state-nh-us.libguides.com/legallinks NH LAW ABOUT … courts-state-nh-us.libguides.com<http://courts-state-nh-us.libguides.com> ATTORNEY BORROWER FORM: http://bit.ly/1VCrvef If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency, you can open a case here or by calling my office at (603) 647-7500.
https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/services/casework/open-case/ To get copies of divorce certificates and/or divorce decrees. The Law Library has a guide on what they are and where they’re to be found: https://courts-state-nh-us.libguides.com/divorcecertificatesdecrees. |
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New Hampshire Legal Assistance for community guidance for CoVid-19 crisis. This is an overview on public programs and systems. Topics include: Social Security Benefits; Unemployment Insurance Benefits; Utilities; Food stamps, cash assistance and Medicaid; Domestic Violence; Housing; Senior and Consumer Law; Youth Law/Education. https://www.nhla.org/blog/NHLA-Community-Guidance-for-COVID-19-crisis-entry-76
The Law Library of Congress has issued a Coronavirus Legal Resource Guide: https://bit.ly/3bbF2Hj @LawLibCongress #COVID19
NH Unemployment Benefits – apply at certain times by first letter of last name: https://bit.ly/2vI481u @NHESWorking
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Questions about NH Unemployment?
Call (603) 271-7700 or visit https://www.nhes.nh.gov/ @NHESWorking #COVID19 To file for unemployment in NH: visit www.nhes.nh.gov and click on the File a Claim for Benefits button on the left side of the homepage, or call the NH Unemployment Assistance Hotline, 603-271-7700.
Notice from NH Employment Security to Employees (should be given to all employees who are laid off/furloughed) |
@SBAgov granted NH a disaster declaration to enable more small business loans: https://bit.ly/2UmBTxD #COVID19
Business & Industry Association of NH COVID-19 resources for employers: https://bit.ly/3bltJwk
Up coming webinars to help small businesses and family run businesses during this time can be found by clicking here.
Up coming webinars to help small businesses and family run businesses during this time can be found by clicking here.
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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION
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World Health Organization website for the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Information changes quickly. Stay informed on #COVID19 activity in NH: https://www.nh.gov/covid19/ @NHDHHSPIO
The Heritage Emergency National Task Force has a compiled list of links from its members and other stakeholders that are relevant to Coronavirus (CoVid-19). You can access the site with a list of helpful sites by clicking here.
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Twitter: @nhsl
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Twitter: @nhsl
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