05/04/20 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

By Hector Montemayor-Perez
Senior News Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Local Health Department reported seven new COVID-19 lab-confirmed positive cases in Hays County, bringing the total amount of active cases to 65.

There have been 110 recovered cases in Hays County. Currently, there are five individuals hospitalized in Hays County due to COVID-19.

For the first-time ever, agricultural producers are now eligible for the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. 

SBA’s EIDL portal had been closed since April 15 but will reopen today in a limited capacity due to funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. This act was signed by President Trump one week ago and will provide additional funding for farmers and ranchers affected by the pandemic.

SBA is re-opening the Loan and Advance application portal to agricultural enterprises only. For agricultural producers who submitted EIDL loan applications prior to the legislative change, they will not need to re-apply as SBA will move forward with those applications. All other EIDL loan applications will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

You can find more information about SBA’s EIDL loans here.