PHILADELPHIA, PA - March 20, 2019 - Pennsylvania State Representative of the 175th District, Mary Isaacson, visited Philadelphia’s Chinatown and announced the available resources for PA businesses and residents and additional resources that are to come to Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Rep. Isaacson assured the community that their concerns were being heard. “I have been talking with people across this District and across this state, and I know the devastation that COVID-19 is having on our families and businesses”, said Rep. Isaacson.

For individuals and families that have had their employment impacted by the coronavirus, the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation is now taking applications for Unemployment Compensation benefits and Workers’ Compensation benefits.

She shared that she has been stressing to state administrators the increased need for language accessibility. Rep. Isaacson said, “Our state government must help all residents regardless of English language ability”. For business support, the Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development is developing capital funding to help businesses weather this crisis. Businesses are advised to regularly visit the DCED Resource webpage for any new information.

Rep. Isaacson will be meeting with Pennsylvania legislatures next week to propose a disaster relief program to provide financial assistance to all.

In regards to public reactions of the coronavirus, Rep. Isaacson strongly denounced any acts of racial intimidation, harassment, and assaults against ethnic Chinese and Asian Americans due to misinformation about COVID-19. “The idea that ethnic Chinese and Asian Americans are contagious and to be blamed is ridiculous and false. I am asking the state administration to provide resources to deter these acts and offer resources to victims”, said Rep. Isaacson.

If you are a victim of harassment or violence, please call 9-1-1 to report it.

Mary Isaacson was elected state representative for the 175th District in Philadelphia in November 2018, serving the areas of the River Wards along the Delaware River from Old Richmond to Queen Village and points in between including Chinatown and historic Washington Square.

The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation is a community-based, grassroots nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. PCDC’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote Chinatown as a viable ethnic, residential, and business community.