As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country, the CDC has once again extended its ban on evictions. 

The CDC's new order is different from the one last year. 

The moratorium only applies to counties with a substantial or high transmission rate of COVID-19.  

For the past week, the moratorium was expired in Erie County. 

However, with the recent spike in cases, Erie is now in the substantial category. 

The moratorium was put in place during the pandemic, to protect renters from being evicted from their homes. 

It was extended in March and June, but expired on July 31, after Congress failed to take any action to extend it. 

The new order runs through October 3.  

Meanwhile, for those struggling to pay rent, there is still more than $9 million available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. 

The money is given to landlords to help cover the cost of rent and utilities. 

So far, nearly $8.6 million has been given to 1,600 households in our area.  

Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper urges anyone behind on rent to apply.
 
“That (funding) will help a lot of people.” said Dahlkemper. “In Erie County, we've actually done better than pretty much any county in PA, and probably most across the United States in getting the assistance to people through the federal rescue money that's out there for people who are struggling to pay their rent." 

The money is distributed by Erie County Care Management. 

Information on how to apply is available here.