Congresswoman Stevens responds to questions about COVID-19

During a teletown hall about the coronavirus pandemic hosted by AARP Michigan, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens fielded questions about stimulus checks, testing availability, nursing home resident protection, small business loans and a host of other topics.

Hundreds of participants lined up to ask one-on-one questions during the hour-long call on Tuesday.

Here are a few highlights:

Question: I’m worried about having enough testing kits. I’d like to get tested because I live in Oakland County. Where do I go?

“You should be able to get a test by going through your doctor,” Stevens said. She added that there is a drive-through testing center at 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac. The center can be reached at 1-800-848-5533.

I still don’t have my stimulus check. How can I find out when it’s coming?

“You can check with the IRS,” Stevens said, at IRS.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment, or call the Congresswoman’s office for help at 734-853-3040.

I’m a building manager of a senior citizens center. The majority there don’t have transportation to a testing center. How can we get transportation?

“We know that’s a problem; it’s something we’re working on,” Stevens said.

Because so many of us can’t work, is there anything that can be done to get credit card companies to not charge interest for a couple of months?

“Talk to your bank about that. They might have help available for you,” Stevens replied.

My wife hasn’t been able to get any relief for her small business. Will help be available?

“This is straining banker-client relationships across the board. It’s like rolling the dice for some people. Banks have been put in a situation of total frustration. I’m trying to get answers myself.”

My mother is in a nursing home where there are coronavirus cases. I’m told the staff has not been tested and there’s nothing they can do to make them get tested. Can’t that be required?

“We know we need to get better testing in nursing homes. I’m working on that in Congress. It’s absolutely inexcusable… that your precious mother is exposed to this virus.”