Search Results for keywords:"COVID-19"

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is proposing an extension of the waiver on certain fees for member organizations operating on the Trading Floor. Since the Trading Floor continues to operate with reduced capacity due to COVID-19, the NYSE wants to keep offering these waivers to help reduce financial burdens for these organizations. The extended waiver covers 50% of charges related to telephone systems and service fees, as well as trading license fees for eligible firms. The rule change was filed for immediate effectiveness to ease costs for firms affected by the pandemic-related partial closure of the Trading Floor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a notice about a proposed rule change by Nasdaq PHLX LLC. The change allows for a "Virtual Trading Crowd" to operate when their physical trading floor is unavailable. This proposal, influenced by COVID-19, aims to ensure that trading can continue in a virtual environment similar to in-person open outcry trading. It includes measures for communication and security to maintain the integrity and smooth operation of the trading system.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection shared its observations on how various financial services adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted in this special edition of Supervisory Highlights. The report documents the Bureau's assessments in areas like mortgage, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, and more, noting challenges faced by these sectors and their responses to rapidly changing consumer needs. Many financial institutions struggled with increased consumer requests for assistance, inaccurate information dissemination, and operational adjustments, highlighting risks that could potentially harm consumers. The Bureau aimed to help these institutions recognize and address these risks to better protect consumers.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued an interim final rule allowing the collection of wage data for the Federal Wage System through various methods such as phone, mail, and electronic means, rather than just in-person visits. This rule aims to provide more flexibility in gathering accurate wage data amidst challenges posed by COVID-19. The rule was implemented based on recommendations from the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee and a request from the Department of Defense. Public comments are invited on this change until March 31, 2021, but the rule is already in effect temporarily due to urgency.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), issued an order requiring everyone to wear masks on all forms of public transportation and at transportation hubs within the United States. This measure aims to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a virus that is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets. The mask requirement applies to all travelers, operators, and anybody present in transportation hubs, with certain exemptions for young children and individuals with specific disabilities. This order is intended to help control the pandemic and support public health response efforts across various governmental levels.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued a notice inviting public comment on a proposed data collection related to the "Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19." Originally ordered in September 2020, this eviction moratorium aims to prevent evictions for those unable to pay rent due to the pandemic. The CDC seeks feedback on the necessity and impact of this collection, emphasizing the need for comments by March 8, 2021. Individuals must submit their comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal or by mail, ensuring they include the agency name and docket number.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is providing extra support to farmers impacted by COVID-19. This final rule offers more help to swine producers who applied for CFAP 1 and extends aid to some swine and poultry contract producers under CFAP 2. It also updates eligible commodities, changes payment calculations for some crops, and includes new rules based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Eligible producers don't have to reapply if they've applied before but must meet certain criteria to receive aid.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended a temporary halt on residential evictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This extension lasts from January 31, 2021, through March 31, 2021, and aims to protect renters from eviction if they meet certain criteria, like having a drop in income or making partial rental payments. The order seeks to prevent evicted individuals from moving into crowded settings, which can heighten the risk of spreading the virus. It also highlights available federal resources, such as rental assistance programs, to support those financially impacted by the pandemic.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the allocation of $85,291,000 in Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery funds to aid in long-term recovery efforts from major disasters that occurred in 2018 and 2019. This funding builds on previous allocations and includes provisions for additional activities, such as mitigation efforts for 2018 disasters. The notice also provides guidance on using these funds, including the need for an action plan detailing fund usage. Special waivers and alternative requirements are outlined to assist affected areas, particularly the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in their recovery and planning.