Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Last update: 05/25/2021 at 09:25 AM
This page is a resource for our Carbon County, PA residents, businesses and travel and tourism partners and visitors on factual information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We will continue to make regular updates to this page as necessary. Please feel free to share this resource with anyone whom you know who can benefit.
COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses
Issued May 4, 2020, last updated May 4, 2021
Effective Monday, May 31, 2021 at 12:01 AM, all COVID-19 restrictions related to gatherings, restaurants, and other businesses will be lifted.
The masking order will remain in place until 70% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated. In accordance with the CDC, fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians are not required to wear a mask during certain activities.
The Department of Health recommends that Pennsylvanians refer to CDC guidance and recommendations regarding ongoing COVID-19 safety measures and procedures.
All Pennsylvanians ages 16 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccination process, call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough. But Pennsylvanians have proven that together, we’re tougher.
We’ve seen the positive actions of our businesses, communities, and neighbors flatten the curve. Our united efforts in the face of this global public health crisis is working.
As our communities bounce back, all of us have an important role to play in maintaining our public health and safety.
This guide includes the basics our businesses and workers need to safely get back to work. As you reopen, you will need to follow all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Resource pages for Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network offer information on health-related issues due to COVID-19.
BUSINESS RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE INFORMATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
CareerLink:
Unemployment:
Small Business Relief & Non-Profit Assistance:
- Small Business Guide to the CARES Act (House Small Business Committee)
- Guide to SBA Emergency Disaster Loans (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
- Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
- Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA): COVID-19 Working Capital Assistance Fund (CWCA)
- NEPA Alliance & SBA Disaster Assistance Available to PA For Small Businesses
- Emergency Agriculture Assistance Grants
- What Coronavirus Emergency Loans are Available?
- Small Business Financing Assistance
- NCAC Non-Profit Assistance
Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association
- PRLA Information and Resources
- National Restaurant Association: Information and Resources
- American Hotel & Lodging Association: What We Know
- American Hotel & Lodging Association: Toolkit
Small Business Administration:
Other Resources:
- Small Business Fact Sheet on Families First Coronavirus Response Act- FAQs
- PA Dept of Community and Economic Development Assistance
- Center for Disease Control
- CARES ACT - Small Business Owners Guide
- Small Business Administration
- Department of Labor
- Senator Yudichak 14th District COVID-19 Business Resources
- PA Manufacturing Call To Action Portal
- Posting --U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) additional implementation guidance
The Chamber’s Public Policy team will continue to provide you with the most up to date state and federal information that you can use right now for your business and your employees. We thank our public officials for recognizing that businesses need immediate assistance as you work to stay above water and be helpful to your employees.
We continue to be in daily communication with our legislative leaders and staff to monitor progress and will update you immediately on results from which you may be able to benefit.
Please contact us with any questions you may have.
The Chamber's Coronavirus Resource Guide
Public Policy Team Contact Information:
Brittney Waylen:brittneyw@lehighvalleychamber.org | 610-739-1642
Matt Powell: mattp@lehighvalleychamber.org | 610-810-6412
January 8, 2021
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM REOPENS MONDAY, JANUARY 1
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Treasury Department announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will reopen January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
On January 11, community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP loans and Second Draw PPP loans on Wednesday, January 13.
The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Click here for more information.
Key Paycheck Protection Program updates include:
- PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs
- PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures
- The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations
- The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees
- Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount
- Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan
- Businesses may now deduct expenses paid for with the PPP loan
- Simplified loan forgiveness for loans under $150,000
For more information on how to apply click here.
To download the PPP application form clickhere.
December 30, 2020
Pennsylvania COVID-19 Update: This afternoon, Governor Wolf announced the limited-time mitigation orders put into effect on December 12 will expire, as originally intended, on Monday, January 4 at 8AM.
On Monday, mitigation efforts will revert to the orders that were in place on December 11. Mitigation orders that will remain in effect include:
Restaurants:
- Self-certified restaurantsmay open at 50% capacity for indoor dining; Restaurants that have not self-certified are at 25% capacity for indoor dining
- On-premises alcohol consumption prohibited unless part of a meal; cocktails-to-go and carryout beverages are allowed
- Serving alcohol for on-site consumption must end at 11 p.m., and all alcoholic beverages must be removed from patrons by midnight
Business, work, school, child care and congregate settings
- Child care may open, complying with guidance
- Congregate care restrictions in place
- Prison and hospital restrictions determined by individual facilities
- Schools subject to CDC and commonwealth guidance
- Telework must continue unless impossible
- Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements
- Masks are required in businesses
- All in-person businesses may operate at 75% occupancy, except where noted
- Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only
- Indoor recreation and health facilities (such as gyms and spas) open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged; fitness facilities directed to prioritize outdoor activities
- All entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and museums) open at 50% occupancy
- Construction at full capacity with continued implementation of protocol
- Hospitals are still being monitored to determine if elective procedure reductions should be ordered regionally
- The out-of-state testing requirement is still in place
- Local governments may still have more strict guidance in place
Social Restrictions
- Gatherings limits determined using maximum occupancy calculator
- Face coverings are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home
- Unnecessary travel should be limited
A copy of Governor Wolf's Press Release can be foundhere.
A copy of Governor Wolf's Press Release outlining mitigation efforts in place on December 11 can be found here.
December 22, 2020
FUNDING FOR YOUR BUSINESS IS ON THE WAY, COVID-19 STIMULUS HEADED TO PRESIDENT'S DESK!
President Donald Trump is expected to sign into law a $2.3 trillion year end spending bill which includes $900 billion for COVID-19 relief. Important provisions of this bill which may help your business include:
Paycheck Protection Program
- $284 billion allotted to reopen the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for forgivable loans.
- Expands eligibility to 501(c)6 nonprofits.
- Businesses may now deduct expenses paid for with the PPP loan.
- Simplified loan forgiveness for loans under $150,000.
- Expands the number of qualified expenses to include operating costs, supplier costs, worker protection costs, and property damage costs.
- Restaurants and hotels are eligible for increased PPP funding.
- Sets the maximum loan amount at $2 million.
- Click here for more information on how to apply for a PPP loan.
Additional Funding for Small Businesses
- $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.
- $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants for businesses in low-income communities.
Business Tax Credits
- Extends and expands the Employee Retention Tax Credit through July 1, 2021 and increases the refundable payroll tax credit to a maximum of $14,000.
- Employers may now also take the Employee Retention Tax Credit and participate in PPP but it cannot be for same costs.
- To be eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit, businesses must have experienced a significant decline in revenue or a partial or full suspension of operation due to government orders limiting business operations.
- Extends tax credits for providing both paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through March 21, 2021
Unemployment Benefits
- Extends unemployment compensation benefits for 11 weeks through mid-March.
- Includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) which extended unemployment benefits to workers who traditionally were ineligible, such as gig economy workers and independent contractors and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUA), which will now provide an additional $300 per week supplement for state unemployment.
- Workers with at least $5,000 in self-employment income may be eligible for an additional $100 per week benefit as part of the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation to adjust for a lower UI base payment.
Stimulus Payments
- $600 per individual making up to $75,000 per year.
- $1,200 per couple making up to $150,000 per year.
- $600 payment for each child dependent.
- Eligibility is based off of 2019 tax return data.
Additional Provisions
- $25 billion for rental assistance programs and an extension of an eviction moratorium thorough January 31, 2021.
- $82 billion for education providers like schools and colleges to help reopen classrooms safely.
- $69 billion for vaccine procurement, testing, contact tracing, and funding for healthcare providers.
- $10 billion to help with child care assistance.
- $13 billion in increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and child nutrition benefits.
- $7 billion for broadband access for low-income families and rural areas, including $250 million for telehealth.
- $45 billion to fund transportation related aid.
- A ban to surprise medical billing.
The Chamber has fought to include liability protections from COVID-19 related lawsuits for businesses, as well as additional funding for state and local government in this package. While both of these provisions have been removed from this bill, this will remain a priority for the Chamber and our members. We will persist in our plea to our elected officials for these essential policies. If your business is unfortunately experiencing any liability trouble related to COVID-19, please share your situation with us so we may show our representatives first hand why liability protections are so important. Out team's contact information is below.
- ACCE - Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
- NEPA - Northeast Pa Alliance
- CDC & U.S. Travel
- C-Span Videos
- Destinations International
- Facebook Business Resource
- PA Governor
- PRLA
- United Way Crisis Response Fund
- LVHN
- ACCE
- Carbon County
- Monroe County
- Pike County
- Wayne County
- School Closures
- Contact Us
Dear members,
Thank you for staying strong through this crisis.
The Chamber continues to fight for you and call on our elected officials to reopen our state and provide additional funding to keep your employees employed and your business strong. We remain focused on providing the most important resources available to you, our members.
We will all come out of this stronger together #ChamberStrong
What else are we focused on for your business?
The Chamber joined a nationwide group of business and manufacturing industry associations to request action from Congress to ensure that businesses which have remained operational during these times of legal uncertainty, don’t risk becoming the targets of coronavirus-related lawsuits which would derail our recovery.
____________________________________________________________________________________
ASK US A QUESTION...
We know these are difficult times, we want you to know that we are here for you. If you have a question, need assistance or are looking for someone to talk to for advice and direction, please reach out to our office at info@carboncountychamber.org or call 610-379-5000. Our staff is here to assist you with your needs at this time.
____________________________________________________________________________________
From the CCEDC
May 22, 2020
On behalf of CCEDC – we are very excited to see Carbon County move to the Yellow Phase of our reopening! Special thanks to the collaboration and support of our Carbon County Commissioners, the PMVB, the JTTA, our hospitals… LVHN and St. Luke’s … just to name a few! When our leaders come together… great things happen…communication amongst each other is the KEY! We are dedicated to our business community and are here to support with resources and guidelines for a safe reopen for those who are ready to roll.
And to our businesses…. hats off to so many of you who have blazed the trail to the reopen following critical CDC guidelines – great work!
Our economy has suffered enough and our businesses need to open – safely – so that employees feel great about returning to work and our visitors and customers feel even better when they return to visit and explore our beautiful county.
Please reach out if you are in need of assistance and be sure to visit our #ReOpen Carbon County webpage for information, resources and printable signage to assist with reopening your business … we are here for you! WE ARE READY!!
December 22, 2020
FUNDING FOR YOUR BUSINESS IS ON THE WAY, COVID-19 STIMULUS HEADED TO PRESIDENT'S DESK!
President Donald Trump is expected to sign into law a $2.3 trillion year end spending bill which includes $900 billion for COVID-19 relief. Important provisions of this bill which may help your business include:
Paycheck Protection Program
- $284 billion allotted to reopen the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for forgivable loans.
- Expands eligibility to 501(c)6 nonprofits.
- Businesses may now deduct expenses paid for with the PPP loan.
- Simplified loan forgiveness for loans under $150,000.
- Expands the number of qualified expenses to include operating costs, supplier costs, worker protection costs, and property damage costs.
- Restaurants and hotels are eligible for increased PPP funding.
- Sets the maximum loan amount at $2 million.
- Click here for more information on how to apply for a PPP loan.
Additional Funding for Small Businesses
- $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.
- $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants for businesses in low-income communities.
Business Tax Credits
- Extends and expands the Employee Retention Tax Credit through July 1, 2021 and increases the refundable payroll tax credit to a maximum of $14,000.
- Employers may now also take the Employee Retention Tax Credit and participate in PPP but it cannot be for same costs.
- To be eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit, businesses must have experienced a significant decline in revenue or a partial or full suspension of operation due to government orders limiting business operations.
- Extends tax credits for providing both paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through March 21, 2021
Unemployment Benefits
- Extends unemployment compensation benefits for 11 weeks through mid-March.
- Includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) which extended unemployment benefits to workers who traditionally were ineligible, such as gig economy workers and independent contractors and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUA), which will now provide an additional $300 per week supplement for state unemployment.
- Workers with at least $5,000 in self-employment income may be eligible for an additional $100 per week benefit as part of the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation to adjust for a lower UI base payment.
Stimulus Payments
- $600 per individual making up to $75,000 per year.
- $1,200 per couple making up to $150,000 per year.
- $600 payment for each child dependent.
- Eligibility is based off of 2019 tax return data.
Additional Provisions
- $25 billion for rental assistance programs and an extension of an eviction moratorium thorough January 31, 2021.
- $82 billion for education providers like schools and colleges to help reopen classrooms safely.
- $69 billion for vaccine procurement, testing, contact tracing, and funding for healthcare providers.
- $10 billion to help with child care assistance.
- $13 billion in increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and child nutrition benefits.
- $7 billion for broadband access for low-income families and rural areas, including $250 million for telehealth.
- $45 billion to fund transportation related aid.
- A ban to surprise medical billing.
The Chamber has fought to include liability protections from COVID-19 related lawsuits for businesses, as well as additional funding for state and local government in this package. While both of these provisions have been removed from this bill, this will remain a priority for the Chamber and our members. We will persist in our plea to our elected officials for these essential policies. If your business is unfortunately experiencing any liability trouble related to COVID-19, please share your situation with us so we may show our representatives first hand why liability protections are so important. Out team's contact information is below.
A Message from Marlyn Kissner, Executive Director, CCEDC
Dear Member and Partner,
As we navigate through the uncertainties of the situation at hand, please know that we are here to support the business community and will continue to do so with best practices, programs and important information as it comes available to us.
At this time, we have postponed and rescheduled a majority of our March and April CCEDC events. For workshops and meetings that could be moved online to a webinar format, we have done so and have indicated this on the event listing on our calendar.
We will continue to keep you informed of further event or news updates here on our website, via email and also on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/carboncountycced/ .
Please click here to download the Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act.
We are strong, we are resilient and will make it through this together. Please feel free to contact us any time, we are here for you!
Regards,
Marlyn
Marlyn Kissner, Executive Vice President, Northern Region
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Carbon Chamber and Economic Development
Pocono Chamber of Commerce
Mobile: 610.751.4932
____________________________________________________________________________________
April 13, 2020
On behalf of the Chamber’s Nonprofit and Business Partners Council, we hope you are staying safe as we are all working to adjust to staying at home or modifying the way we work to continue social distancing. We are sending along some links to free webinars below, hoping there may be some good information there for you and if you have suggestions, immediate needs, other resources to share or if you just want to say hello, we would love to hear from you. Looking forward to being together again soon!
Managing through Uncertainty Part 1
Thursday, April 16 1:00 PM ET
How can nonprofit leaders organize and plan for the months ahead? Join NFF’s Jina Paik and Dominique Hugg as they discuss practical steps for moving from response and recovery into resilience, cash management and planning strategies, and budgeting in a time of uncertainty.
https://nff.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5f92fd04a98a5568f6beecdea&id=0b402b76a2&e=294b885459
Managing through Uncertainty Part 2
Friday, April 17 1:00 PM ET
How can nonprofit leaders organize and plan for the months ahead? Join NFF’s Jina Paik and Dominique Hugg as they present common financial strategies for managing in crisis, practical advice for completing a financial scenario plan, and best practices for communicating and reflecting on the financial impact of COVID-19.
https://nff.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5f92fd04a98a5568f6beecdea&id=a9cf2b1797&e=294b885459
__________________________________________________________________________________
A Message to our Members:
"This is a tough time and we’re tough people, but we’re human. So share with your family, your friends and your co-workers if you’re feeling low. There’s a bright light at the end of this tunnel, I’m certain of that."
– Tony Iannelli, Chamber President & CEO
Click here for important updates from our Public Policy team!
___________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 30, 2020
Gov. Wolf and Sec. of Health Expand ‘Stay at Home’ Order to Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin and Schuylkill Counties, Extend School Closures Indefinitely
As COVID-19 cases continue to grow and the state continues to seek relief to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19, today Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine revised their “Stay at Home” orders to include Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin and Schuylkill counties, bringing the state total to 26 counties under a stay-at-home order. This order takes effect at 8 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2020, and will continue until April 30. All stay-at-home orders are now extended through April 30. All Pennsylvania schools will remain closed until further notice. Non-life-sustaining business closures remain in effect.
The order now includes all of Pennsylvania.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Chamber Members,
During this time of uncertainty, The Chamber’s Public Policy team will provide you with the most current state and federal information that you can use right now for your business and your employees. There are a number of proposals to implement funding solutions for business in both Harrisburg and Washington. We thank our public officials for recognizing that business needs assistance now as you work to stay above water and be helpful to your employees.
We continue to be in daily communication with our legislative leaders and staff to monitor progress and will update you immediately on results from which you may be able to benefit.
Please contact us (contact information below links) with any questions you may have and we will be back to you asap.
Thank you, Michelle
MARCH 31, 2020
In response to the Coronavirus, Congress has passed and President Trump has signed a $2.2 Trillion relief package with $350 million being targeted specifically to small businesses. The money is to be used to 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.
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is here to work with you and answer questions you may have on the numerous programs and guidelines. If we can’t answer it, we will find you the answer.
We know you are being inundated with emails and it becomes quite confusing for all of us. The Chamber’s Public Policy team focused on sorting through to provide you with the most updated information in the most expedient manner and the most important links available at this time to you, our members.
The NEW Stimulus Bill —How Can It Help Your Business?
(Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act)
Congress has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help keep their workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some — or possibly any — of the loan.
Paycheck Protection Program Q&A for employers LINK from attachment
What Coronavirus Emergency Loans are Available?
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Questions and Answers
Paid Leave Requirements
Posting --U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) additional implementation guidance
Pennsylvania State Government Updates:
- The Governor’s office updated list of life-sustaining and non-life-sustaining businesses: Link from attachment
- Q&A from the Governor’s office on determining life-sustaining businesses (updated Friday, 3/27): View file above.
- To request a waiver
- Unemployment Information:
- CarreerLink Lehigh Valley
RESOURCES:
Small Business Fact Sheet on Families First Coronavirus Response Act- FAQs
PA Dept of Community and Economic Development Assistance
Coronavirus unemployment offerings for employees impacted
Public Policy Team Contact Information:
Michelle Young: michelley@lehighvalleychamber.org
Brittney Waylen: brittneyw@lehighvalleychamber.org
Matt Powell: mattp@lehighvalleychamber.org
CHAMBER BUSINESS RESOURCES:
- Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber
- Pocono Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Page
- CARES ACT - Small Business Owners Guide
- Small Business Administration
- Department of Labor
- Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA): COVID-19 Working Capital Assistance Fund (CWCA)
- NEPA Alliance & SBA Disaster Assistance Available to PA For Small Businesses
- Senator Yudichak 14th District COVID-19 Business Resources
- St. Luke's University Health Network
- St. Luke's Tips for Mask Making
- Lehigh Valley Health Network
- PA Manufacturing Call To Action Portal
- Filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Small Business Owners, Nonprofits or Self-Employed Individuals
- Emergency Agriculture Assistance Grants
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives:
PA HEALTH COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION - Vaccines are safe and effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses. The COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed to Pennsylvanians in a phased approach. Find more information here.
The COVID-19 vaccine will not be the cure for the virus. It will be another tool in toolbox for our fight against COVID-19, and we must continue to practice other mitigation efforts, like wearing a mask, hand washing, physical distancing and downloading COVID Alert PA.
- Have a question about the COVID-19 vaccines? Call the PA Health Hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
- Interested in providing feedback about the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan? Complete the Pennsylvania Vaccination Plan Feedback FormOpens In A New Window
- In preparation for any volunteer needs to support the Pennsylvania COVID-19 response or any public health emergency, volunteers can sign up at https://www.serv.pa.gov/.
Lehigh Valley Health Network Get Notified When It's Your Turn to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine
There’s a lot of excitement about COVID-19 vaccines in our community, and for good reason. These vaccines have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective. It’s a sign that better days are ahead. At Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), we are working quickly to vaccinate front-line health care workers as well as residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities. Like many people, you may have questions. As your health care partner, LVHN is looking out for you. We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Here’s everything you need to know.
Please continue to turn to LVHN.org/vaccines and LVHN.org/vacunas for the most current LVHN information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve added some great new videos recently with step-by-step instructions on how to create a MyLVHN account:
- People Age 65 and Older
- People 18-64 with Qualifying Medical Conditions
- Essential Workers
- General Public
St. Luke's University Health Network COVID-19 Vaccine
St. Lukeʼs University Health Network is among the first group of hospitals in Pennsylvania to receive the approved and much anticipated COVID-19 vaccine in the nationwide effort to combat the pandemic. We are prepared to administer the vaccine in a thoughtful and orderly process as defined by state and federal guidelines.
The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has pre-determined the rollout of the vaccine and broken the timeline into three phases.
Although this is a pivotal moment in our fight against COVID-19, we do need to continue taking the precautionary measures of masking, social distancing and handwashing for the foreseeable future.
PA GOVERNOR & GOVERNMENT UPDATES & INFORMATION:
- Governor Wolf Daily Update
- PA Guide to Re-Opening
- The CARES Rent Relief Program (RRP)
- Homeless Assistance Program
- Center for Disease Control
- Commuter Services of Pennsylvania
- NCAC Non-Profit Assistance
- Pennsylvania Department of Health Website
- Representative Dan Meuser - COVID19 Coronavirus Resources
- Senator Yudichak 14th District COVID-19 Business Resources
- Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
POCONO MOUNTAINS COVID-19 RESOURCES INFORMATION
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau:
Pocono Mountains United Way:
Additionally, we’ve set up www.unitedwayglv.org/COVID-19 to quickly share the latest updates on 211, food services, etc. There is also a link on the right “For Nonprofits” where we’re just beginning to share the latest information.
Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
Last updated: January 8, 2021
COVID-19 cases are high across Pennsylvania. It’s more important than ever to wear a mask, keep your distance, and download the COVID Alert PA app.
COVID is tough, but together Pennsylvanians are tougher. United, we can defeat the virus. Here are resources to help individuals, families, and businesses do their part.
Keep checking back. This guide will be kept up to date as resources and information change. You can find up-to-date information about cases in Pennsylvania at on.pa.gov/coronavirus.
FOR BUSINESSES
Businesses play a critical role in protecting your workers, customers, suppliers, and the general public.
All businesses with in-person operations should follow building and business safety guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines may change over time, so be sure to check back for updates. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations still apply.
COVID-19 Guidance for all Businesses
All businesses are required to review and comply with the COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses. This guide includes the basics our businesses and workers need to safely get back to work. As you reopen, you will need to follow all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Please print, sign, and post the COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Businesses sign (updated 6/26/20) near all public entrances and in worker common areas. Signs should be easy to spot. Two sizes are available for download — use whichever size that works best for your printer.
Legal-sized paper (8.5×14 inches and only uses one piece of paper)
Letter-sized paper (8.5×11 inches and uses two pieces of paper)
Restaurant Self-Certification
Self-certification is an optional program by which you can reassure your employees and customers that you are adhering to all appropriate guidance. Self-certification does NOT impose additional obligations or result in additional inspections; rather, business operators who self-certify have taken the additional step of confirming their dedication to protecting their employees and customers from COVID-19, and thus may increase their occupancy to 50 percent.
It’s free to join the program and enrollment is voluntary. Participating restaurants will receive:
- A listing on the searchable public Open & Certified PA Business Directory
- Permission to increase indoor dining from 25% to 50% occupancy
- Free Open & Certified Pennsylvania signs for your physical location, website, and social media channels
- Timely updates, reminders, and alerts for new business guidance and resources
The self-certification form is now available. To complete the form, you must:
- Read the full requirements (also available in Spanish) for self-certification included in the form
- Agree to comply with all requirements
- Provide your maximum indoor occupancy based on the fire code
- Confirm your information is correct
Owners should keep a copy of the self-certification confirmation they will receive by e-mail. For questions about the Open and Certified Pennsylvania program, read the Frequently Asked Questions or email covidselfcert@pa.gov.
Resources and Loans
To help navigate through the potential financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Pennsylvania businesses, the state and federal government are offering loans to help offset the revenue lost.
Check the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website for the most up-to-date information on resources and loans for businesses.
Contact:
Please contact info@carboncountychamber.org if you would like to be connected with more information regarding COVID-19.
Corporate Sponsors & Partners
