COVID-19 Updates & Resources

posted on Friday, July 17, 2020 in Grow Cedar Valley

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State of Iowa

Business Guidance & Financial Assistance

Cedar Valley Resources

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Information for Employers  (Reopening, Returning to the Workplace, Health & Safety Guidelines)

Schools and Education

Other Resources

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Recent Updates

Updated 2/15/2022

• (New) Health Department Transitions COVID-19 Response Efforts

  • Black Hawk County Health Department is scaling back universal county wide COVID-19 case contact tracing and investigation, and transitioning to a more strategic COVID-19 response focused on resources and efforts on strategies that prevent and reduce severe illness due to COVID-19. This includes continuing to work with community health partners to offer vaccine and testing opportunities, increased education to vulnerable populations and high-risk settings, and targeted investigations as needed.

• Updated Quarantine and Isolation Guidance for Employers

  • Black Hawk County Public Health has put together some updated guidance for employers to reflect the CDC Isolation and Quarantine guidance, as well as make recommendations on how to handle illness in the workplace. 

• COVID-19 ETS Compliance & Testing – Employer Survey

  • In response to OSHA's release of their Emergency Temporary Stand, MRA conducted a survey asking employers how they are preparing for the pending COVID-19 Compliance and Testing policies. 

• OSHA Releases the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements and Compliance Dates

  • OSHA’s anticipated ETS was released and includes guidance for large, private sector employers to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. It is intended to pre-empt state and local agencies from adopting and enforcing workplace requirements that ban or limit an employer from requiring vaccination, face coverings, or testing. Covered employers will have until January 4, 2022 to comply with the ETS. 

• Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children Age 5-11

  • The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the emergency use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children ages 5-11, following approval from the U.S Food and Drug Administration. In Black Hawk County, the vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age will initially be available through MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, and Peoples Community Health Clinic. Employers are encouraged to offer employees the flexibility of time and consideration to attend to children who are eligible for vaccination.

• Updates to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program

  • To expedite the application process, the SBA recently simplified the affiliation requirements, and streamlined the loan review process. The program’s low interest rates and 30-year repayment term provide manageable payments that can be deferred up to 2-years – allowing better control of cash flow. The program closes on December 31, 2021.

• Increased COVID-19 Testing Options in Black Hawk County

• Public Health Proclamation - 9/17/21

• A apolitical, independent nonprofit organization seeking to remove financial barriers to getting vaccinated for COVID-19.

  • Worth-A-Shot Program for Organizations

  • Worth-A-Shot Program for Applicants

• Black Hawk County Public Health Town Hall: COVID-19 update 

• Black Hawk County Public Health Town Hall Power Point Slides

• A Guide to How Employers Should Respond to the Delta Variant

• How to Develop a COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Policy

• Black Hawk County Encourages Vaccination and Indoor Mask Use
• IDPH and SHL Announce At Home Testing Option
• COVID Impact Survey 3 Results for the Cedar Valley Region
• A tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses to fully offset the cost of paid leave for employees to get vaccinated and recover from any after-effects of vaccination. 

  • More details can be found here:

    • Internal Revenue Service Fact Sheet

    • Snapshot from the Department of the Treasury

• SBA Announces Official Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application and Guidelines Economic relief prioritized for underserved communities

  • Under this announcement, details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English at www.sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at www.sba.gov/restaurantes.

• Assistance Programs for Renters and Homeowners Application Period Opens March 29
  • Iowa COVID-19 impacted renters and homeowners will be able to apply for assistance with rent and mortgage payments through two assistance programs beginning Monday, March 29 at 2:00 p.m. Program details can be found at IowaHousingRecovery.com.

• Iowa Governor Announces The Iowa Restaurant and Bar Relief Program

• COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool

  • This map shows the risk level of attending an event, given the event size and location. The risk level is the estimated chance (0-100%) that at least 1 COVID-19 positive individual will be present at an event in a county, given the size of the event

• COVID-19 Information in multiple languages

  • Important information about COVID-19 symptoms and how to seek care or access to testing in different languages are available for download on the Black Hawk County Public Health's website.

Grow Cedar Valley has hosted several informational webinars with current information, updates, and best practices.

View Recordings

State of Iowa

• (NEW) Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children Age 5-11

• IDPH and SHL Announce At Home Testing Option

• Iowa Department of Public Health Vaccine Information Page

• Gov. Reynolds new proclamation information- Updated 9/17/21

• Gov. Reynolds announces Coronavirus Relief Fund Registered Apprenticeship Expansion Grant Opportunities  

• IEDA COVID-19 Mitigation Q&A for Business

• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and State Extended Benefits

• Iowa Childcare Availability Map: Interactive Map of Providers and Availability

Business Guidance & Financial Assistance

Categories

• Tips
• IRS Tax Relief
• Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
• American Rescue Plan Act
• Iowa Economic Development Authority
• Unemployment
• Small Business Administration
• Black Hawk County Health Department
• Other Funding Sources for Businesses

Tips

• Review your supply chain and analyze the potential impact and alternatives for supplies.

• Review finances, work on contingencies of how to manage finances should a business begin to slow, talk with your banker about options that you can tap into should the need arise.

• Talk with your business insurance provider as well.

• If the business does slow, document your losses. 

IRS Tax Relief

• COVID-19 Tax Relief
• Employee Retention Credit
  • U.S. Chamber - Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

The FFCRA legislation took effect on April 1, 2020, and includes expansions of FMLA and Paid Sick Leave. Mandates apply to all employers with less than 500 employees (with some exemptions).

• Department of Labor

  • The Department of Labor issued the model for notice of employee FFCRA rights that must be posted in places of employment subject to FFCRA (see attached).  Due to the number of employees working remotely, the DOL will also allow employers to satisfy this requirement by emailing or posting this notice electronically.

  • Additional information from the Department of Labor on the FFCRA

• HR Dive - Small Business Exemption
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Guide for Employers: Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Summary
• MRA Resources (FAQ, Requirements, Sample Policies, Forms & Checklists)

American Rescue Plan Act

• The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries for programs the SBA is currently administering and adds new efforts, including:

  • $7.25 billion additional for the Paycheck Protection Program, including to expand eligibility to additional nonprofits and digital news services
  • Additional funds are allocated for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, and now allows businesses to apply for both a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, and the SVOG
  • $15 billion additional for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL) payments, including NEW $5 billion for Supplemental Targeted EIDL Advance payments for those hardest hit
  • NEW - $28.6 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund for industry-focused grants  
  • NEW - $100 million to establish a Community Navigator pilot program; grants will go to eligible organizations supporting efforts to improve access to COVID–19 pandemic assistance programs and resources. 

Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)

• IEDA announces a new e-commerce platform to support Iowa’s small businesses 

  • Shop Iowa is an easy-to-use platform that gives retailers, particularly those who didn’t previously have an online presence, a place to showcase their products and businesses; and allows consumers to browse through local stores for clothing, books, games, pet supplies, and much more.

• Business Recovery Guidance

Unemployment

• Business Guidance & Financial Assistance
  • Onboarding Existing Workforce from Layoff/Furlough – If your business has offered work to employees and your employee refuses to return to work, you must notify Iowa Workforce Development.  Complete the  “Job Offer Decline Form for Employers” 
• Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) COVID-19 Resources
  • IWD Updates Leave Policy for Employees Impacted by COVID-19 Layoffs

    • The CARES act has been signed into law.  IWD is awaiting more information from the U.S. Department of Labor. IWD is now accepting applications. Employees who are or will be laid off, or are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19, will no longer be required to use all paid leave before being eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Change is not retroactive before the week of March 29, 2020, for new or existing claims.

Small Business Administration

• Updates to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program

  • To expedite the application process, the SBA recently simplified the affiliation requirements, and streamlined the loan review process. The program’s low interest rates and 30-year repayment term provide manageable payments that can be deferred up to 2-years – allowing better control of cash flow. The program closes on December 31, 2021.

• SBA Updated PPP guidance
• SBA Released EZ Forgiveness Application
  • Allowed to apply if you meet one of the following requirements:
    • You are self-employed and have no employees
    • Note: Businesses that don't meet one of these requirements will still need to complete the Full Forgiveness Application
    • You experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19 and did not reduce the salaries or wages of your employees by more than 25%.
    • You did not reduce the salaries or wages of your employees by more than 25% and did not reduce the number of hours of your employees
• COVID-19 Resource Center
• Request counseling from any center. Phone, email, and video assistance available

Black Hawk County

• (New) Health Department Transitions COVID-19 Response Efforts

  • Black Hawk County Health Department is scaling back universal county wide COVID-19 case contact tracing and investigation, and transitioning to a more strategic COVID-19 response focused on resources and efforts on strategies that prevent and reduce severe illness due to COVID-19. This includes continuing to work with community health partners to offer vaccine and testing opportunities, increased education to vulnerable populations and high-risk settings, and targeted investigations as needed.

• Updated Quarantine and Isolation Guidance for Employers

  • Black Hawk County Public Health has put together some updated guidance for employers to reflect the CDC Isolation and Quarantine guidance, as well as make recommendations on how to handle illness in the workplace.

• Increased COVID-19 Testing Options in Black Hawk County
  • Black Hawk County Public Health is partnering with Iowa Department of Public Health, the State Hygienic Lab, and community partners to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing options in Black Hawk County.
• A apolitical, independent nonprofit organization seeking to remove financial barriers to getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • Worth-A-Shot Program for Organizations
  • Worth-A-Shot Program for Applicants
• Black Hawk County Public Health Town Hall: COVID-19 update
• Black Hawk County Public Health Town Hall Power Point Slides
• Black Hawk County Encourages Vaccination and Indoor Mask Use
• Black Hawk County Health Department releases updates on health guidelines for businesses

Other Possible Funding Sources for Business

• Changes Made to Main Street Lending Program

• Kiva: Individual to individual lending. Has existed for a long time for supporting microenterprises across the world but also does loans in the USA.

• Delta Dental: Advance payments to dental practices and a grant program for NPO’s.
• Iowa Credit Union Association: $500 Grants for Individuals or businesses
• Thryve Foundation Business Grant
• Professional Beauty Association Relief Fund
• For Students/Educators

Cedar Valley Resources 

• Mask Up Cedar Valley Flyers

  • Grow Cedar Valley has shared some graphics businesses can use to promote the wearing of masks when social distance guidelines can not be followed. We know it is a sacrifice of our comfort, but we believe all measures must be taken seriously when it ensures our area businesses remain open. Please follow mask best practices and guidelines.

  • View flyers

• Grow Cedar Valley's Return to Work Guide

  • As the Cedar Valley continues to reopen, Grow Cedar Valley is doing the same. Our staff is gradually returning to the office while still conducting a majority of our work remotely. If your business is looking for assistance for reopening, please check out/use our Return to Work Guide as a reference!

• Mask of Wellness

  • A positive approach that benefits the social, physical, and economic wellness of a community and provides businesses with a free COVID-Conscious method and self-certification program

• EMBARC helplines in 10 different languages for refugee and immigrant community members for help with basic medical questions, essential supplies like food, victim services, and applying for unemployment benefits. 

  • Staff and volunteers with EMBARC are available to take calls and answer emails Monday to Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. 

• Service and opportunities from Grow Cedar Valley Investors
• Cedar Valley Strong: Local effort to communicate businesses still open, and clearinghouse for support of the local business.
• Cedar Falls Downtown Local Business Updates
• KWWL Takeout Guide
• Local businesses need your support. Check out our online directory, a great place to start.
• 5 Ways to Help Your Favorite Restaurant Survive COVID-19
• Cedar Falls, Iowa COVID-19 Relief and Information Site
• Waterloo, Iowa COVID-19 Information Hub

Education

• Return-to-Learn: Reopening Iowa's schools safely and responsibly

• Evaluating Sick Students & Staff: Reopening Iowa's schools safely and responsibly

Other Resources

• EMBARC helplines in 10 different languages for refugee and immigrant community members for help with basic medical questions, essential supplies like food, victim services, and applying for unemployment benefits. 
• Staff and volunteers with EMBARC are available to take calls and answer emails Monday to Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. 
• Toolkit for Reopening Your Business During COVID-19
• Iowa Legal Aid helpline for any legal issue related to COVID.  1-800-332-0419
• Visit the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) website for information on how to learn more about protecting your business, managing operations, and planning for supply chain disruptions.
• Resources for supporting Mental Health. Mental health is more important as more employees are working remotely 
• Iowa Childcare Availability Map: Interactive Map of Providers and Availability
• Upcoming & Recorded Webinars from Advanced Iowa
• Utilities
  • MidAmerican COVID-19 Safety Precautions
  • Cedar Falls Utilities
• MRA's Toolkit contains business owners and HR staff with timely resources on the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, such as sample policies, guidance on communicating and preparing your workplaces, and layoff/closing information.
• Economic Impact Payments: What you Need to Know

Information for Employers (Reopening, Returning to the Workplace, Health & Safety Guidelines)

• Reopening/Returning to the Workplace

  • (New) COVID-19 ETS Compliance & Testing – Employer Survey

  • OSHA Releases the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements and Compliance Dates

  • COVID Recovery Iowa Outreach Program: Free crisis counseling and other services over via zoom to those in the Cedar Valley that have been impacted by COVID (services available in English and Spanish).

    • Parent Group

    • Pre Teens

    • Teen Support (Age 12+)

  • Toolkit for Reopening Your Business During COVID-19

  • State of Iowa Agency Guidance by Industry

  • OSHA "Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus" Available in 11 languages.
  • Employee Safety & Facility Considerations to Prepare the Workplace for a Safe Return Webinar presented by MRA
  • Guidelines from OSHA on Preparing the Workplace for COVID-19 Safety
  • CDC Plan, prepare and respond to coronavirus disease 2019
  • Key Actions in Response to COVID-19 in the Workplace
  • COVID-19 Employer Guidance - IDPH Procedures on Outbreaks and Reporting
  • The Endangered Languages Project is compiling COVID-19 public health information in as many languages as possible.

• Health & Safety Guidelines

  • A Guide to How Employers Should Respond to the Delta Variant

    • Broad measures employers can apply to contain the threat now and handle other outbreaks as they arise.

  • How to Develop a COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Policy

    • Here is a seven-step process that can help employers decide whether to mandate that their workers be vaccinated against COVID-19, with guidelines for allowing workers to be temporarily or permanently exempted from the mandate.

  • Steps to take before COVID-19 Employee Testing
  • Frequent and deeper cleaning of the office and home. Most Clorox, Lysol, and Purell products should fit the bill. View a full list of products that can be used during a coronavirus outbreak.
  • SHRM's (Society for Human Resource Management) Coronavirus and COVID-19 Toolkit informs your employees about best practices to help stop the spread of illnesses.
  • Black Hawk County Health Department
  • Center for Disease Control
  • Iowa Department of Public Health

Grow Cedar Valley

We realize that the uptick in cancellations may feel alarming. Remember that these are all strategies to stop the spread. In light of that, we at Grow Cedar Valley will be implementing the following procedures to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus:

• All staff will telecommute when possible.
• Non-essential events and meetings have been or will be canceled, postponed, or adjusted to take place as a virtual meeting.
• Follow CDC guidelines and highly encourage the wearing of masks regardless of vaccination status, especially when social distancing is not feasible. 

As our community continues to contend with this health crisis, we want to thank our critical service workers, businesses, non-profits, and governments that have and will be on the front lines. We recognize that this is a fluid situation with changes occurring hourly around our community and the country. Rest assured, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide any updates regarding our operations.

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Grow Cedar Valley staff. We welcome your feedback, if there is a resource that you are looking for or requirements please let us know!