MESSAGE FROM THE NRV HEALTH DISTRICT

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA UPDATES

Office of the Governor: Governor Ralph Northam signed House Bill 5005, Virginia’s revised biennial budget. The Governor called the General Assembly into special session on August 18 and has worked with legislative leaders to enact a spending plan that protects key priorities, preserves the Commonwealth’s financial options, and addresses critical challenges that Virginians are facing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“This budget gives us the tools we need to contend with the challenges brought on by the ongoing pandemic,” said Governor Northam. “I am grateful to our partners in the General Assembly for their work in crafting a revised spending plan that protects the most vulnerable Virginians, stays true to our shared values, and puts the Commonwealth in a strong position to weather this public health crisis.”

The signed budget finalizes previously announced funding allocations that Virginia received under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT (FFCRA)

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will help the United States combat and defeat COVID-19 by giving all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. The legislation will ensure that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus while at the same time reimbursing businesses. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS

Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Explained: A webinar presented by the Virginia SBDC, Virginia Community Capital, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on the Payroll Protection Program loan forgiveness process and criteria. To view the webinar click here.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program: Virginia received a statewide Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses and non-profit organizations located throughout the state can now apply for a loan of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses.

SBA Express Bridge Loans: Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA.

Paycheck Protection Program: is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses.

If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable.

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits: The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses and nonprofits keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help organizations understand what to expect and prepare to file for a loan.

GRANTS

Hotel-Motel Recovery Grant Program – Montgomery County and the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg have established a grant fund to support small business recovery in response to COVID-19. One-time grants are being provided to offset business impacts during the pandemic. Applications are due Dec. 7, 2020. To submit an application, click here.

Rebuild VA Grant Fund – The Rebuild VA Grant Fund is a program to help small businesses and nonprofits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19. Businesses and non-profits that are approved for a Rebuild VA grant may receive up to 3 times their average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000. To learn more click here.

Pulaski County Small Business Recovery Grant Program: Pulaski County Board of Supervisors has developed the Pulaski County Small Business Recovery Grant Program to support local small businesses with recovering from the comprehensive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.Small Business Recovery Grants in the amounts ranging from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00 will be made available through direct application on a first-come-first-served basis for registered small businesses located in Pulaski County, who have 25 employees or less, are in good standing with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), and are up to date on all Pulaski County taxes, charges, and fees. Priority will be given to those small businesses that have not received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. TO learn more click here.

MANUFACTURING

Virginia Department of Emergency Management: The Virginia Department of Emergency Management(VDEM) is reaching out to the private sector businesses to see what products and/or services could be provided to the State to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

VDEM is asking for assistance with sourcing products to include surgical masks (face masks), N95 respirators, Tyvek protective suits or equivalent coverall, disposable medical gowns, latex gloves, ventilators, non-splash goggles and face shields, and COVID-19 test strips/test kits and components. They are also sourcing equipment, services, and specialized teams such as those with spiritual care and medical expertise.

If you have Offers of Assistance (donations, in-kind, discounted, contract), please provide them via https://arcg.is/1amrze.

If you would like to do business with Virginia for the COVID-19 response and are not registered as a vendor, please register here: https://lnkd.in/ektGErd.

EMPLOYEE RESOURCES

Employee Paid Leave Rights (FFCRA): The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

Virginia Career Works: Resources for workers whose job has been impacted due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Employees 1st: Offers an employee assistance program (EAP) designed to help companies help employees facing financial difficulties immediately after a disaster or personal hardship.

Virginia Employment Commission: If you are a worker who has been totally/partially separated from your job due to Covid-19, the VEC will allow you to file a claim for unemployment insurance.  You can also call 1-866-832-2363, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM -5:00 PM.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Virginia Department of Health: The VDH is responding to the outbreak of respiratory illness, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), that is caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.

New River Health District: The local health district in the NRV has set up an online resource with information about COVID-19 – www.nrvroadtowellness.com/covid19.

World Health Organization: Here you will find the latest situation updates and data regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

TELEWORKING

TeleworkVA: Provides tips for employees and managers, resources , and free hotline that can help those newly working from home.

HELPFUL TOOLS