Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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.

READ MORE HERE

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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

RESOURCES:

Small Business Fact Sheet on Families First Coronavirus Response Act- FAQs

PA Dept of Community and Economic Development Assistance

Center for Disease Control

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