The coronavirus on Smart Talk Tuesday; Emergency food distribution, COBRA insurance and pets and COVID-19

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received approval from the Federal government last week to operate emergency food assistance through area food banks and pantries.

The Disaster Household Distribution program allows the Department of Agriculture to provide critical food supplies to Pennsylvanians in need. The program is available under the federal government’s declaration of a national emergency.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding joins us on Smart Talk Tuesday to offer details about the program and discuss the availability of food. For information about volunteering or food access visit the website of Feeding Pennsylvania, a partnership formed among Pennsylvania’s Feeding America member food banks.

Now that thousands of Pennsylvanians are suddenly out of work during a global health crisis, the availability of health insurance is in the spotlight.

COBRA is a temporary government health insurance continuation program for employees and their families whose coverage is stopped for reasons like a layoff or termination. Healthcare.gov

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman appears on Smart Talk to discuss insurance options. Consumer services hotline for questions or issues relating to insurance is 1-877-881-6388. Consumers can also visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department for information.

Pennsylvanians are understandably worried about the spread of the coronavirus and most are doing their part to maintain social distancing.

But what about their pets? Can animal companions’ contract or spread the virus? And what should a person do with their pet if the owner requires hospitalization?

Joining Smart Talk to offer guidance for pet owners are Kristin Donmoyer, director of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement with the Department of Agriculture, along with Dr. Bryan Langlois DVM, Medical Director of the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County and Immediate Past-President of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA). For information on pet pantry resources or caring for your pet visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.