We are facing a changing environment with the arrival of COVID-19 in Pierce County.  These changes are generating many questions for businesses.  To answer these questions, we have put together this page.  Our team will continue to update this page as new information and resources become available.
 
Many organizations are looking to help businesses as they navigate these challenging times.  Some resources are available now and additional resources are in development. The goal of this page is to help you get valuable information and connect you with helpful resources.

On this page you will find:

1. COVID-19 Conference Call/Webinar
2. Business Resources
3. Chamber Events
4. Reliable COVID-19 News Sources
5. Current Health Department Recommendations
6. Additional Resources

Map updated 05/27/2020, ​Source: Washington Governor's Office

US CHAMBER INFO ON CARES ACT RELIEF

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn.  Known as the “Paycheck Protection Program,” the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency.  Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
Click here for the US Chamber's Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

​This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
Click here for the US Chamber's Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act

An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Click here for SBA's Payment Protection Program guidelines

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
See the Department of Labor Poster

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County, and the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance bring you experts from all areas of government and business to help answer your questions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Every Monday and Wednesday at 11:00AM.
Click here for info on the next broadcast and to listen to past broadcasts.

Another Chamber resource for up-to-date, in-depth information pertaining to the continuing COVID-19 crisis.
Click here for blog

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BUSINESS RESOURCES
Chamber's Business Resources Flyer

Financial Resources for Your Business:

• U.S. Chamber Corona Response Information and Resources: The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact. 
• SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus: Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million for up to 30yrs at 2.75% or 3.75%.  (More information available on our COVID-19 webinar on 3/18.  Please see the link to the recording above.)
• Preliminary Economic Injury Worksheet: Pierce County Department of Emergency Management assessment of damages to assist in qualification for disaster assistance.
• SBA List of Participating Lenders to help with applying for Funds: Lenders listed by location.
• Details of the new Coronavirus Relief Program 

Managing Employees:

• Employee/Employer Protections Q&A: “The new coronavirus’s spread is taking the relationship between employers and their workers into new territory—one in which both sides are trying to sort out their rights and responsibilities in containing the outbreak” from Wall Street Journal.
• Preparing Workplace for Coronavirus FAQ: “The steps employers should take are not unlike the approaches recommended to address the annual flu season as well as prior outbreaks” from National Law Review.
• Employment Security COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits: Potential options for employees to offset lost income depending on the situation provided by the Washington State Employment Security Department.
• SharedWork Program Guidelines: Opportunities to provide partial unemployment insurance up to $395/wk during a temporary economic setback. 
   Complete SharedWork website through the Washington State Employment Security Department
• HR Compliance Bulletin: IRS Guidance on Tax Credits for Paid Leave
• Alera Group COVID-19 Employer Pulse Survey Results​ The Alera Group COVID-19 Employer Pulse Surveyexplores the impact of the pandemic and offers insights into how employers throughout the country and in various industries are navigating employee health, benefits and human resources issues in the changing landscape.

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CHAMBER EVENTS
In accordance with recommendations from Governor Inslee and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, we are moving our April events to new dates or alternative formats.  Please visit our events page for the latest information on individual events.  We will update information as decisions are made.
 
COVID-19 Audio Webinars 
Please join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a call we host with experts and resources to provide updates on the response and resources available to our businesses. For the date, time, and login information for our next call, go to our calendar of events.

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RELIABLE COVID-19 NEWS SOURCES

• Simulations to Flatten the Coronavirus Growth Curve: The Washington Post provides clear visualizations of how social distancing can help decrease and slow infection rates.
• Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: Pierce County specific information and recommendations. Case count as of 4/8: 795
• Washington Department of Health: Statewide information and recommendations. Case count as of 4/7: 8,682
• US Centers for Disease Control: National information and recommendations. Case count as of 4/8: 393,011
• The News Tribune: Tacoma-Pierce County’s local newspaper

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PIERCE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
The Pierce County Health Department has provided instructions on how to prepare for COVID-19 in your business.

• Actively encourage sick employees to stay home.
• Ensure your sick leave policies are up to date.
• Prepare for increased number of absences.
• Notify employees of any confirmed COVID-19 cases.

In addition, as of March 10th, TPCHD is recommending additional precautions for the most vulnerable populations.  Those at higher risk include:

• People with weakened immune systems from medical conditions or medical treatment.
• Adults over age 60.
• Pregnant women.

​For these groups, TPCHD is recommending they 

• Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people including social gatherings
• Minimize errands and when possible getting friends or family to assist or using online services
• Explore flex and tele-work arrangements with their employers

Click here for more recommendations from Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Public & Private Schools: All K-12 public and private schools statewide shall be closed through the remainder of the school year.  Many higher education facilities are also altering schedules.  Please note that this mandate does not apply to childcare centers, though centers may take their own precautionary measures.  For additional details on educational closures throughout the state, please visit the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s website
• Resource List for Impacted Washington Businesses and Workers: A resource list compiled by the Governor’s Office
• COVID-19 Resources for Employers: A resource list compiled by the Association of Washington Business
• Small Business Resiliency Toolkit: A toolkit produced by the Small Business Development Center to assess risks and make contingency plans that will enable your business to recover from disruptions. Note that they are providing free daily webinars through 3/20​​

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