Committed to Caring for You and Our Community

By Radwan Chowdhury, Chief of News

UDiON Foundation COVID-19 Taskforce

Washington, D.C. | April 11, 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is affecting lives across our local neighborhoods and around the world. None of us are entirely isolated from the challenges of this moment, even if we remain physically healthy.

As we navigate these circumstances, our primary focus remains on the safety, health, and well-being of everyone impacted. During times like these, showing up for one another as a community is essential.

If you are feeling the weight of stress or anxiety right now, know that you are not alone. It is completely natural to feel overwhelmed, whether you are concerned about your family's health or navigating the broader disruption to daily life.

Community Relief & Local Coalition

Many non-profit organizations across the region are stepping up to support families in need. The UDiON Foundation is working to build a centralized coalition to coordinate relief efforts across the Greater Washington region.

Several individuals and partner groups have already stepped forward to offer assistance, including:

• UDiON Foundation
• Ekattor Foundation (Distributing protective face masks directly to residents by mail)
• AABEA (American Association of Bangladeshi-American Engineers and Architects)
• Kabab King (Mohammed Hossain)
• News Bangla (Kajol Bhai)
• Shampa Banik & Rajib Barua

Our local area is home to dozens of community organizations. Now is the time to pool our strength. Every year, our community invests significant resources into regional cultural events. Channeling those funds and energy into direct aid will make a real difference for the families who need it most.

Key Resources & Support Links

Understanding the CARES Act

The federal government recently passed the CARES Act, providing roughly $2 trillion in economic relief to individuals, families, and small businesses. Key components of the package include:

• Direct Economic Payments: Eligible individuals will receive up to $1,200, married couples up to $2,400, and $500 per qualifying child (graduating down for incomes above $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples). The IRS uses tax filings from 2019 or 2018 to deposit funds automatically.
• Expanded Unemployment: Provides an additional $600 per week for up to four months on top of state benefits, expanding coverage to self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and gig workers.
• Small Business Relief (PPP): The Paycheck Protection Program allocates nearly $350 billion in forgivable loans for businesses with 500 or fewer employees to help cover payroll, rent, and utilities.
• Retirement Account Access: Waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty for coronavirus-related distributions up to $100,000 and doubles available 401(k) loan limits.
• Healthcare & Testing: Ensures COVID-19 testing and future vaccines are covered without out-of-pocket costs for patients, while delivering direct financial relief to hospitals and frontline healthcare providers.

Note: The federal personal tax filing deadline for 2020 has been extended to July 15, 2020.

Small Business PPP Documentation Checklist

If you are a business owner preparing to apply for SBA relief, gather the following documentation early:

1. 2019 Payroll Reports: Complete documentation for the previous 12 months.
2. 2019 Tax Forms: 1099 statements for qualifying employees and independent contractors serving as full-time staff.
3. Healthcare Costs: Documentation of employer-paid group health insurance premiums.
4. Retirement Funding: Records of company-funded retirement contributions.

Official applications and disaster loan details are available directly through the Small Business Administration.

Health & Safety Reminders

Please follow current guidance from public health agencies:

• Practice Distancing: Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from others outside your household.
• Monitor Symptoms: Watch for fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden confusion. Seek emergency medical care immediately if severe symptoms develop.
• Official Sources: Stay informed using verified health updates from CDC.gov and Coronavirus.gov.

Consumer Warning: The IRS and Treasury Department will never contact you by phone, text message, email, or social media to demand personal details or bank accounts for relief checks. Verify all communications independently and watch for phishing scams.

#UDiON #StopTheSpread #StayHome #SaveLives #COVID19