SS+D COVID-19 Response Team: Federal and State Update April 6, 2020

STATE – GOV. DEWINE ISSUES GUIDANCE REGARDING WEDDING CELEBRATIONS
Ohio’s stay-at-home order recently was extended through May 1, 2020. The governor’s extended order provided additional guidance related to gatherings within Ohio. Weddings and funerals, in particular, are considered essential activities under the order. However, wedding receptions are limited to gatherings of 10 people.

FEDERAL – IRS GUIDANCE ON FEDERAL STIMULUS CHECKS
The IRS recently provided guidance to taxpayers related to the distribution of stimulus checks. The IRS expects to begin making payments in the next three weeks, but some have reported that payments could begin as early as this Thursday. No action is required of most taxpayers; the IRS will deposit funds using the direct deposit information from your 2019 tax return (or your 2018 return, if you have not filed your 2019 return yet).

If you do not normally file a return, the IRS and TurboTax have launched a web portal to allow you to provide the IRS with your direct deposit information.

Additional information is available directly from the IRS here.

STATE – SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO EXTENDS COURT CLOSING AND CONTINUANCES TO JUNE 1, 2020
On April 3, 2020, the Southern District of Ohio extended its closure order through June 1, 2020. All civil and criminal trials between now and June 1 will be continued for 60 days, and all in-person hearings scheduled between now and June 1 will be continued, pending further orders from the District Court. Judges still may decide to proceed with video and teleconference technology.

FEDERAL – CDC WARNS PUBLIC OF PHONE SCAMS AND PHISHING ATTACKS DURING PANDEMIC
The CDC issued a warning to the general public about recent phone scams. The scammers represent themselves as CDC officials in these calls and request donations. Cybercriminals are also targeting businesses, especially health care IT systems, through phishing emails that contain links and downloads for malware. Individuals and businesses need to be aware of these schemes and respond to all emails and calls with caution.

ABOUT THE SS+D COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM
The SS+D COVID-19 Response Team was formed to provide clients, colleagues, and friends of the Firm updates for the foreseeable future on COVID-19 issues facing businesses, executives, and employees. Please let us know if there are any items/issues you would like for us to track or summarize.