Editor’s Note: The State Bar of Texas is providing this collection of important links, blog posts, and media stories to keep its members and the public informed of the latest news and resources related to the novel coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the legal community.
Important links
State Bar of Texas Coronavirus Legal Resources Page — Texasbar.com/coronavirus
State Bar of Texas Coronavirus Public Resources Page — Texasbar.com/COVIDHelp
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program Well-being Resources page — Texasbar.com/remote-well-being
Commentary: How lawyers can manage stress and cortisol levels during the COVID-19 crisis — Dealing with stress is even more critical during this time of the novel coronavirus. — ABA Journal
Senate approves aid for small-business loan program, hospitals and testing — The Senate passed a $484 billion relief package, after Democrats and Trump administration officials finalized an agreement. — The New York Times
Now trending in Texas: Full-blown bench trials via Zoom — Although judges across the state have been using Zoom since late March for hearings in both criminal and civil cases, the use of the remote technology for a full-blown trial is new. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
New COVID-19 reality, how to swear in a deposition witness, notarize a document remotely — The many ways Texas lawyers practice law has undergone swift and dramatic change thanks to widespread shelter-in-place orders we are all soldiering through. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Activists commit to bailing people out of large county jails in Texas — The Texas Organizing Project will begin bailing out people from Bexar, Harris, Dallas and Fort Bend counties today out of concern for COVID-19. — Houston Public Media
Trump halts new green cards, but backs off broader immigration ban — After pledging to end immigration during the pandemic, President Trump moved to block new green cards but stopped short of ending all work visas. — The New York Times
Along the border, witnesses of smuggling crimes are being held in detention, despite coronavirus concerns — Even as jails across the country release low-level offenders, federal prosecutors in Texas are still asking judges to detain immigrants they want to testify against smugglers. — The Texas Observer
Even with COVID-19 cases, suing cruise lines is ‘extraordinarily difficult’ — Cruise lines are dealing with a host of lawsuits filed by passengers and crew who accuse the companies of negligence in exposing them to the coronavirus. — NPR
In a first, Missouri sues China over coronavirus economic losses — The civil lawsuit, filed in federal court by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, alleges negligence, among other claims. — Reuters
Law firm gives out masks to help Nueces County residents stay safe (video) — Herrman & Herrman law firm gave out 64 hundred masks. — KIII – Corpus Christi
You might be protected from eviction until Aug. 23. Here’s how to find out. — A new database allows renters to search if their buildings are under a federal eviction moratorium due to COVID-19. — The Texas Tribune
Need a job? Texas launches website to connect people with work. — Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced the launch of a job-finding website developed by the Texas Workforce Commission to help connect unemployed Texans with work. — Austin American-Statesman
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