COVID-19 Business Resources
Business hasn't stopped, and your Chamber hasn't either. We are working closely with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance, Small Business Administration and the Ohio Travel Association to advocate in your best interests. We are continually monitoring the impacts of the coronavirus on businesses and our county. We will be updating this site on a regular basis.
On Monday, April 27th, Governor DeWine explained the process of businesses reopening beginning May 1, 2020.
Testing & Tracing
Business Reopening in Ohio
Stay at Home Order
There will continue to be a Stay at Home Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we move forward.
Director's Stay Safe Ohio Order - April 30, 2020
Testing & Tracing
- There is a testing capacity plan in order to do more testing and create more swabs for test specimens.
- Local health departments have been tracing close contacts through the COVID-19 outbreak.
- A contact tracing workforce is being implemented in order to ramp up contact tracing, and offer more people to assist with this.
- There are about 900 qualified volunteers so far to help with contact tracing.
Business Reopening in Ohio
- Governor DeWine is moving forward with the reopening of businesses, while helping Ohioans get back to work and keeping everyone safe.
- On May 1, 2020 medical procedures and operations will be able to continue again so long as the health procedures do not require overnight stay in hospital.
- On May 1, 2020 dentists and veterinarians will be able to be open.
- On May 4, 2020 manufacturing, distribution, and construction will be able to operate.
- On May 4, 2020 general offices can open.
- On May 12, 2020 consumer retail and services can open.
- There has been an established protocol which must be followed by all businesses beginning on the date of opening. These 5 parts make up the protocol:
- Every employee must wear facial covering
- Conduct daily health screens for employees
- Establish frequent handwashing and social distancing
- Sanitize workplace throughout day and end of day
- Limit total capacity to meet social distancing guidelines
Stay at Home Order
There will continue to be a Stay at Home Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we move forward.
Director's Stay Safe Ohio Order - April 30, 2020
Responsible RestartOhio
|
| ||||||
Governor DeWine announced the Responsible RestartOhio plan which aims to protect the health of employees and customers while supporting community efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, and responsibly getting back to work. A summary of the plan and reopening schedule is listed below.
- May 1, 2020: Medically necessary procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a healthcare facility or do not require inpatient hospital admission and minimizes use of personal protective equipment may move forward. This includes regular doctor visits, well-care checks, well-baby visits, out-patient surgeries, imaging procedures, and diagnostic tests. Dental services and veterinary services may also proceed if a safe environment can be established.
- May 4, 2020: Manufacturing, distribution, and construction businesses may reopen if these businesses can meet mandatory safety requirements for customers and employees. Additionally, general office environments may reopen if they can also meet mandatory safety requirements.
- May 12, 2020: Consumer, retail and services, may reopen if these businesses can meet mandatory safety requirements for customers and employees.
- All businesses must follow general safe business practices as they reopen. Those include requiring face coverings for all employees, and recommending them for clients and customers at all times; conducting daily health assessments or self-evaluations of employees; maintaining good hygiene and social distancing; cleaning and sanitizing workplaces; and limiting capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.
- Schools and daycares, dine-in restaurants, beauty businesses, older adult daycare and senior centers, adult day support or vocational rehabilitation services in group settings, entertainment, recreation, and gyms are all ordered to remain closed due to their increased risk of COVID-19 exposure.
- Because the danger of COVID-19 still exists, Ohio's Stay at Home order will remain in effect to encourage Ohioans to continue making reasonable, rational decisions about leaving home. Large gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited.
- We would like to thank the following associations and companies for supporting Governor DeWine’s actions to begin reopening Ohio’s economy: The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Business Roundtable, National Federation of Independent Businesses-Ohio Chapter, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Township Association, Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Mayors Alliance, County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Ohio Bankers League, Ohio Credit Union League, Ohio REALTORS, Ohio Apartment Association, The Columbus Partnership, Ohio Grocers Association, Ohio Conference of AAA Clubs, and Marathon Petroleum Corporation.
- More detailed information on the Responsible RestartOhio plan can be found at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov/ResponsibleRestartOhio. Also below are several documents that were previewed during the press conference.
- Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
Ohio Restaurants Opening Dates
Outside Dining: Friday, May 15
Inside Dining: Thursday, May 21
Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio restaurants will open outside dining Friday, May 15, and inside dining on Thursday, May 21. To see the list of guidelines, please refresh the Sector Specific Operating Requirements page using the link below. This page will be updated sometime on May 7th with those new guidelines.
VIEW GUIDELINES HERE
As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.
Inside Dining: Thursday, May 21
Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio restaurants will open outside dining Friday, May 15, and inside dining on Thursday, May 21. To see the list of guidelines, please refresh the Sector Specific Operating Requirements page using the link below. This page will be updated sometime on May 7th with those new guidelines.
VIEW GUIDELINES HERE
As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.
More Responsible Restart Ohio Forms & Info
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
| County Fairs.pdf |
Printable posters and forms for employers/businesses to download and use HERE.
| Responsible Camping.jpg |
Executive Orders
Find a list below of executive orders and updates from Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health, Champaign Health District and local responses to the COVID-19 outbreak that affect employers.
State of Emergency Declared
Director's Stay-At-Home Order
Prohibiting In-Person Dining at Restaurants and Bars
Closure of all K-12 Schools
Find a list below of executive orders and updates from Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health, Champaign Health District and local responses to the COVID-19 outbreak that affect employers.
State of Emergency Declared
- Declares a state of emergency across Champaign County and Ohio in order to protect the well-being of Ohioans from the dangerous effects of COVID-19.
Director's Stay-At-Home Order
Prohibiting In-Person Dining at Restaurants and Bars
- Restricts the purchase of food, beverages and alcohol at restaurants and bars to carry-out and delivery orders only
- Restriction of on-site consumption is in effect indefinitely
- Chamber creates a comprehensive list of all county restaurants and a central location for menus.
Closure of all K-12 Schools
- All K-12 school buildings will be closed to students for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year
- It is up to the administration at each school to determine access to the building for teachers and other staff
- All county schools continue to provide meals for students
| Checklist for K-12_04.20.20.pdf |
Limiting of Mass Gatherings
Cancellation of all Non-Essential Surgeries
Closure of Beauty Salons and Tattoo Parlors
Closure of Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Guidelines for Golf Courses
SharedWork Ohio Program
The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) has the SharedWork Ohio Program, a voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity.
Ohio employers may apply if they meet the following criteria:
TechCred Program
The TechCred Program can be utilized by Ohio employers to upskill their employees while they may be unable to perform their typical day-to-day duties. Many of these trainings can be completed online.
TechCred offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, up to $30,000 per employer per round. These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need.
The current application period is open through March 31 on TechCred.Ohio.Gov. If a business has questions, email Workforce@OWT.Ohio.Gov.
One-Time Liquor Buyback
The Ohio Department of Commerce will immediately begin offering a one-time liquor buyback option to support bars and restaurants. This will especially aid those establishments that have stocked up on high-proof liquor ahead of the St. Patrick's Day holiday for which they now have no use, due to their closure to in-house patrons.
Bars and restaurants wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should return their unopened, high-proof liquor products (obtained within the past 30 days) to the agency where they purchased the product. This opportunity is also extended to those with temporary (F2) permits for events scheduled between March 12 and April 6, 2020.
If a business has questions about this program, they should reach out directly to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center (LESC) at 1(877) 812-0013 or by emailing OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.Gov
For detailed instructions on how to utilize this program, click here.
Tax Payment Deadline Extension (Updated 3.20.20)
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the Treasury Department has pushed back both the April 15, 2020 tax filing and payment deadlines by 90 days. This will give businesses and individuals additional time, potentially lessening cash-flow issues that many are facing.
Traditional extensions are still available for those needing more time to file a return. Ohio Chamber members should consult their accountants or tax preparers if they have any questions concerning this announcement.
Full tax payment relief details can be found on the IRS info page.
BWC Delays Premiums
To help businesses facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio BWC is announcing that unpaid insurance premium installment amounts due for March, April, and May for the current policy year can be deferred until June 1, 2020. BWC will consider the issue further as we approach June 1, 2020.
BWC will not refund amounts to employers who have already paid some or all of their premiums that were scheduled to be paid during those months.
Employers that wish to submit payments for March, April, and May are free to do so, but BWC will not lapse (cancel) coverage or assess penalties for amounts not paid because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
BWC Board approves $1.6 billion dividend for Ohio employers (April 10)
Move aimed at easing economic impact of COVID-19.
- Forbids events and gatherings of 50 or more people in a single place at the same time at any confined indoor or outdoor space including bowling alleys, workout facilities, indoor trampoline facilities and waterparks, movie theaters and performance halls, public recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, large conference rooms and meeting halls
- Ban does not include typical office environments, retail or grocery stores, factories, airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and athletic events without spectators
- Order is in effect until it is rescinded, or the state of emergency is lifted
Cancellation of all Non-Essential Surgeries
- To preserve personal protective equipment (PPE), hospital capacity and healthcare resources all non-essential or elective surgeries are canceled, and healthcare providers must remove non-essential individuals from procedure rooms and patient care areas.
- Each hospital or healthcare provider is responsible for establishing internal procedures to comply with the order.
- This order is in effect until it is rescinded or the state of emergency is lifted.
Closure of Beauty Salons and Tattoo Parlors
- On March 18, Gov. Mike DeWine announced he will be issuing an executive order to close all spas, tattoo parlors, barbershops and beauty salons effective at the close of businesses on March 18.
Closure of Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- On March 18, Gov. Mike DeWine announced he will be issuing an executive order to close the majority of Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations effective at the close of business on March 18.
Guidelines for Golf Courses
SharedWork Ohio Program
The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) has the SharedWork Ohio Program, a voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity.
Ohio employers may apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Have at least two affected employees that do not work on a seasonal, temporary or intermittent basis;
- Are current on all Ohio unemployment insurance reporting, contributions, reimbursements, interest and penalties due;
- Agree to the program requirements.
- More information on SharedWork Ohio, including employer FAQ, can be found on their website.
TechCred Program
The TechCred Program can be utilized by Ohio employers to upskill their employees while they may be unable to perform their typical day-to-day duties. Many of these trainings can be completed online.
TechCred offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, up to $30,000 per employer per round. These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need.
The current application period is open through March 31 on TechCred.Ohio.Gov. If a business has questions, email Workforce@OWT.Ohio.Gov.
One-Time Liquor Buyback
The Ohio Department of Commerce will immediately begin offering a one-time liquor buyback option to support bars and restaurants. This will especially aid those establishments that have stocked up on high-proof liquor ahead of the St. Patrick's Day holiday for which they now have no use, due to their closure to in-house patrons.
Bars and restaurants wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should return their unopened, high-proof liquor products (obtained within the past 30 days) to the agency where they purchased the product. This opportunity is also extended to those with temporary (F2) permits for events scheduled between March 12 and April 6, 2020.
If a business has questions about this program, they should reach out directly to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center (LESC) at 1(877) 812-0013 or by emailing OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.Gov
For detailed instructions on how to utilize this program, click here.
Tax Payment Deadline Extension (Updated 3.20.20)
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the Treasury Department has pushed back both the April 15, 2020 tax filing and payment deadlines by 90 days. This will give businesses and individuals additional time, potentially lessening cash-flow issues that many are facing.
Traditional extensions are still available for those needing more time to file a return. Ohio Chamber members should consult their accountants or tax preparers if they have any questions concerning this announcement.
Full tax payment relief details can be found on the IRS info page.
BWC Delays Premiums
To help businesses facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio BWC is announcing that unpaid insurance premium installment amounts due for March, April, and May for the current policy year can be deferred until June 1, 2020. BWC will consider the issue further as we approach June 1, 2020.
BWC will not refund amounts to employers who have already paid some or all of their premiums that were scheduled to be paid during those months.
Employers that wish to submit payments for March, April, and May are free to do so, but BWC will not lapse (cancel) coverage or assess penalties for amounts not paid because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
BWC Board approves $1.6 billion dividend for Ohio employers (April 10)
Move aimed at easing economic impact of COVID-19.
| BWC FAQs.pdf |
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES PRC RESPONSE TO COVID-19
April 3, 2020
OHIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CORONAVIRUS WEBINARS
April 3, 2020
OHIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CORONAVIRUS WEBINARS
|
Businesses Helping
Theresa's Gingerbread House received its Pandemic license at both the Urbana and West Liberty locations. Please call now to reserve your child's spot, they are limited. Urbana: (937) 653-8006 West Liberty: (937) 650-8006 Columbia Gas Columbia Gas has announced it will voluntarily suspend all shutoffs due to nonpayment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes all residential, commercial and industrial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. In addition, Columbia Gas will offer its most flexible payment plans to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19, and will suspend late payment charges until May 1. More information is available here. Dayton Power & Light DP&L is implementing changes to ease the financial burden for customers facing hardships. Plus, business customers may take advantage of benefits in the federal CARES Act. See our latest updates at: www.dpandl.com/update For residential customers, in addition to the suspension of disconnections already announced, the following customer payment relief actions are also in place for the duration of the State of Emergency.
CT Comm CT COMM announced it will voluntarily suspend service disconnections for non-payment throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, effective immediately. This suspension is for residential and business customers throughout its service area. More information is available here: https://www.urbanacitizen.com/news/75213/no-ct-comm-disconnections-for-non-payment?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1JgTQWGcsBaqf7CmXfm5JgxPBGjk-4PA8icQ5NxZwiXw1W4MMwjZHOXCQ Facebook has announced the creation of a $100 million grant program to help 30,000 small businesses around the world. This includes cash grants and ad credits. More information can be found here. |
JOBS
Lt. Governor Husted announced that the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has developed a website specifically geared toward matching essential businesses with Ohioans who are able and willing to work as an essential employee during the COVID-19 crisis.
Both essential businesses and current job seekers can visit JobSearch.ohio.gov to post and search.
Small Business Relief
On April 7th, Governor DeWine announced the creation of the Office of Small Business Relief to identify ways to provide support to Ohio's small businesses. This office will be housed within the Ohio Development Services Agency.
The Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR) is focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state's nearly 950,000 small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a span rebound. https://businesshelp.ohio.gov To extend a helping hand to small businesses suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – in partnership with Vistaprint and a coalition of supporting companies, foundations, and philanthropic donors – is working to provide financial relief through the Save Small Business Fund. This fund is a key pillar of the U.S. Chamber’s Save Small Business Initiative.
The Fund is providing $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States, including chambers of commerce. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community (you can search eligibility by zip code here). The grant application will go live on Monday, April 20 at 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT. To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund and to apply for a grant, visit savesmallbusiness.com. Support Local Ohio
Governor DeWine announced that Ohio is launching a website to encourage Ohioans to continue to support local retailers and restaurants by shopping online, choosing local, ordering carryout from restaurants, and taking virtual tours of well-known attractions around the state. There are currently more than 250 local restaurants, shops, and virtual activities being featured online. To find a local shop or restaurant to support, or to have your business featured, go to Ohio.org/SupportLocalOhio. Ohio Travel Association Webinar: Guest speaker Matt MacLaren, Director of TourismOhio, will provide an industry update and information on TourismOhio's new Support Local Ohio campaign. The Support Local Campaign encourages consumer spending at Ohio tourism businesses including take out from restaurants, online orders from local retailers, and VR and e-learning with Ohio attractions. During this webinar, you'll learn more about the message and how your businesses can be involved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh1EJuUB9oY&t=18s |
How to Help -
Companies With Medical Supplies, Equipment and Services
Companies With Medical Supplies, Equipment and Services
- To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please email specifics to covidsupplies@fema.dhs.gov.
- If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide us details on what you are offering.
- If you are a private company that wants to produce a product related to the COVID response – email nbeoc@max.gov.
- If you are a hospital and other companies in need of medical supplies, contact your state Department of Public Health and/or Emergency Management
- For non-medical supplies, services or equipment, if you are interested in doing business with FEMA, visit our Industry Liaison Program.
This is a request from Jim Freeman, the director of the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency:
The EMA is searching for any local business who fit test employee's N-95 masks in-house and have the testing solution the EMA could buy/borrow from them. The stuff is out of stock with every supplier we know of.
If you know anyone, please contact James Freeman at jfreeman@co.champaign.oh.us or 937-484-1642.
The EMA is searching for any local business who fit test employee's N-95 masks in-house and have the testing solution the EMA could buy/borrow from them. The stuff is out of stock with every supplier we know of.
If you know anyone, please contact James Freeman at jfreeman@co.champaign.oh.us or 937-484-1642.
Small Business Association
For detailed information on SBA programs for the coronavirus, visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus and for information on all federal programs, visit www.usa.gov/coronavirus.
Follow this link for daily updates on COVID-19: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/home
For a complete list of Unemployment FAQ's, visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm
The best way to apply and learn more is through https://unemployment.ohio.gov/
For detailed information on SBA programs for the coronavirus, visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus and for information on all federal programs, visit www.usa.gov/coronavirus.
Follow this link for daily updates on COVID-19: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/home
For a complete list of Unemployment FAQ's, visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm
The best way to apply and learn more is through https://unemployment.ohio.gov/
WHAT IS PATH FORWARD?
America is beginning to consider what it will take to restart the economy after a lengthy shutdown. It’s increasingly clear that the most likely approach is a gradual, phased reopening linked to regional conditions. But any effort to bring millions of people back to work comes with lots of big, complicated questions.
Path Forward, a new program from the U.S. Chamber Foundation, is designed to help business and community leaders find the answers they need to develop a responsible reopening strategy.
When will it be safe to reopen? How do we protect employees and customers from the coronavirus? Where will my staff get COVID-19 tests? Masks? Gloves? Who’s going to pay for all this?
Each episode features conversations between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne Clark and experts with practical recommendations for businesses of all sizes.
Path Forward events take place at 3 p.m. EST every Monday and Thursday. Register Now.
If you can’t attend, you’ll find a recording of each episode on the Foundation’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
America is beginning to consider what it will take to restart the economy after a lengthy shutdown. It’s increasingly clear that the most likely approach is a gradual, phased reopening linked to regional conditions. But any effort to bring millions of people back to work comes with lots of big, complicated questions.
Path Forward, a new program from the U.S. Chamber Foundation, is designed to help business and community leaders find the answers they need to develop a responsible reopening strategy.
When will it be safe to reopen? How do we protect employees and customers from the coronavirus? Where will my staff get COVID-19 tests? Masks? Gloves? Who’s going to pay for all this?
Each episode features conversations between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne Clark and experts with practical recommendations for businesses of all sizes.
Path Forward events take place at 3 p.m. EST every Monday and Thursday. Register Now.
If you can’t attend, you’ll find a recording of each episode on the Foundation’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
More Resources/Info Below
| Martin Browne Employment Law Update.pdf |
|
| ||||
| CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY LOANS Small Business Guide and Checklist.PDF |
| CHAMPAIGN CO. DEPT. OF JOB & FAMILY SERVICES PRC RESPONSE TO COVID-19.pdf |
| Paycheck Protection Program-FAQs.pdf |
| Signed Executive Order_2020-10d - Liquor Control Commission.pdf |
| Liquor Control Commission - Emergency Rule.pdf |
| COVID-19 Myths vs. Facts_04.07.20.pdf |
| Directors Order to Release Protected Health Information to Ohio's First Responders.pdf |
| Checklist for Long-term Care Facilities_04.13.20.pdf |
| Checklist for Safe Food Handling_04.13.20.pdf |
| COVID-19 Checklist Antibody Test Kits.pdf |
| Checklist Face Coverings_04.04.20.pdf |
| Checklist Decontaminating Masks_04.14.20.pdf |
| Checklist Exposed Essential Workers_04.14.20.pdf |
| Checklist Visiting Parks_04.20.20.pdf |
| Modeling 101_04.13.20.pdf |
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Webinar Recording from March 24th:
Click on images to download full-size versions.
|
|
|
|
|
Click to Download and View the Full Graphic
|
|
|
|
|
