A Different Approach

On April 14, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), for the first time ever, released cybersecurity guidance for retirement plan sponsors, service providers, and participants. With approximately $9.3 trillion in retirement plan assets nationwide, it is important that retirement plan sponsors, trustees, and any other service providers with discretion or control over retirement plan assets (collectively, “fiduciaries”) review the DOL guidance and ensure that there are policies and controls in place to protect retirement plan assets from cyberattacks.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it will begin taking applications for its COVID-19 funeral assistance on April 12, 2021. All applications must be made by phone by calling 844-684-6333. The application call center will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST). Applicants will then submit supporting documentation online, by mail, or by fax.

On March 24, 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced long-awaited details of its COVID-19 funeral assistance program. In the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Congress allocated funds for FEMA to provide financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses.

On March 22, 2021, Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam announced that she had amended the state’s mask order to align with new interim recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19.