Q: Some local business with "non essential" products offering drive-up pick-up. Is this allowed for all businesses or only officially sanctioned "essential" items/services?
A: Only those businesses listed as essential can continue to operate, all non-essential businesses should follow the Public Health Order.
Q: Why are some businesses allowed to stay open for walk-in customers- such as Hobby Lobby, The Phone accessory Store, Matures store?
A: You may have seen some businesses still open during the shelter-in place order. These businesses have been deemed essential per the State Public Health Officer. For a detailed list of essential businesses please visit https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf
Q: How does the virus spread? Should everyone be wearing a face mask? Who is the most at risk? How do you know you are infected/what are the symptoms?
A: COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Per the CDC website, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath 2-14 days after exposure. You should seek medical attention immediately if you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face. *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. For more information on how to protect yourself, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Q: Business finance during this period of time, for highly impacted business such as hospitality
A: Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources)
Guidance for businesses and employers, government contracting, and local assistance information from the US Small Business Administration.
The US Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance)
Guidance for businesses and employers, government contracting, and local assistance information. Live agents are available to guide you through the process at 1-800-659-2955.
US Chamber of Commerce Foundation (https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/aid-event/coronavirus-covid-19)
Funding and resources from corporations on a national level.
California Restaurant Association Resources (https://www.calrest.org/coronavirus-resources)
Resources specific to the restaurant industry from the California Restaurant Association.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program (https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants)
If your business is experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19, Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time.
U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (https://home.treasury.gov/coronavirus)
The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. This guidance does not change the April 15 filing deadline.
For more information please visit https://rapidresponse.metrochamber.org/additional-resources/
Q: How will I know if and when my business can re-open?
A: The stay-at-home order went into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice. The State Public Health Officer may issue orders as needed –
for example if more information emerges about the public health situation – and issue new orders and directives as conditions warrant. Learn more here: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
Q: Should we insist that our volunteers and staff who are over 65 stay home? Should some of our vulnerable staff work from home (over 65, underlying health issues, etc.) Should we limit direct contact with our clients?
A: As of March 19, 2020, all individuals currently living within the County of Sacramento are ordered to stay at home or place of residence, with the exception of essential workers as defined in the Public Health Order.
Q: What is going to be done to support small businesses that have been forced to close?
A: There is effort on the federal level to grant relief to small businesses. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201/text. In addition, the Governor has
forbidden new residential evictions during the emergency period (https://scng-dash.digitalfirstmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.16.20-Executive-Order.pdf).
US SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Guidance for businesses and employers, government contracting, and local assistance information is available from the US Small Business Administration.
California EDD Rapid Response Services for Businesses https://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8714rrb.pdf
Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or explore other alternatives from California EDD to laying off employees: https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/Layoff_Alternatives.html
Storefront Safety
If you close and/or vacate your business for an extended period of time, follow these important steps for crime prevention.
To avoid attracting negative activity at your business, if you choose to post an exterior sign to notify customers you are closed, please add this important language: This space is monitored by the [insert local police department or sheriff].
Tape an interior-facing phone contact list at all entry and exits into your business to provide quick contacts for first responders. This should not be visible from the exterior.
Notify your alarm company of the extended absence and ensure they have accurate contact information for your business. If you receive an alarm call, do not cancel it.
Notify your local PBID, Merchant Association or similar to share an email and phone contact that should be utilized in case of emergencies.
Q: Are small business with 10 employees required to pay sick leave under COVID-19 legislation if it creates a financial hardship for the business? If so, what are the effective dates?
A: Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for exemption from the requirement to provide leave due to school closings or child care unavailability if the leave requirements would jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern.
To learn more please visit: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave