Resources to help you and your business address COVID-19

This page will be updated with new and relevant resources for business as they become available. If you have information that you would like to share with Catawba County’s business community regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), please email us.

On this page, you will find:

  Schedule Virtual Meeting: EDC Staff
  COVID-19 Vaccinations: Informaiton for Organizations with Essential Workers
  NC Job Retention Grants
  NC Executive Orders
  Lear’s Safe Work Playbook: Resource
  Business Safety Measures
  Assistance for Your Business
  Shifting Production to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
  Unemployment Insurance Changes Due to COVID-19
  Covid-19 & Your Business Webinars
  We Need Your Feedback (Survey)
  Informational Resources for Your Business
  International Travel and Business Information
  Reliable Sources for COVID-19 Information and Updates

 

Schedule Virtual Meeting: EDC Staff

Since mid-March, Catawba County EDC staff have undertaken a significant 1-on-1 outreach program to area industry, calling and providing follow-up information to more than 300 companies. 

We continue to invite individual questions from local companies, but should you want to have a longer phone conversation or talk through a number of questions you and your team might have, please feel free to use this link to schedule a call (EDC also has GoTo Meeting capabilities) with Nathan Huret, Director of Existing Industries

COVID-19 Vaccinations: Information for Organizations with Essential Workers

As of March 17th, vaccination registration is now open to a portion of Group 4, specifically individuals with one or more conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID disease (list of health conditions here) and people living in congregate housing .

For companies, please note additional members of Group 4 (essential workers not already vaccinated - industry sectors defined here) will become eligible on April 7, according to the state.

Vaccination of healthcare workers, individuals age 65 and over, and frontline essential workers will continue, and Catawba County’s vaccination providers will honor appointments already made for individuals/companies in these groups. The current expectation is that new registrations within today's group should expect to wait 2-3 weeks before a vaccination appointment becomes available.

As a final reminder, unless individuals are part of this newly-opened group, local vaccination providers continue to ask Group 3 or (future) Group 4 companies to discourage employees from requesting an individual appointment, as this will slow down the process for everyone.

Companies can register at anytime through the joint vaccination appointment request process at www.CatawbaVaccine.org and click on the Business portal, where you will find more information about the process.

You will then complete a brief form (called an Organizational Information Form on the site) on behalf of your company; a member of the Catawba County Public Health scheduling team will contact you within two weeks with next steps.

 

Included below are links to a few helpful resources you can use to communicate with your fellow employees. Please feel free to modify them to suit your organization’s needs.

  • Communication Letter Template and FAQ for Employees (Please email ekillian@catawbacountync.gov if you need this in Spanish.)
  • Downloadable Essential Worker Vaccination Toolkit and Communication Resources (A Spanish version is available through the language toggle at the top of both resources.)
  • Because many organizations have the same sorts of questions, a Frequently Asked Questions document has also been developed as a guide for Catawba County employers. Feel free to use this if you or your team members have questions.
  • a recording of a recent webinar (conducted by Catawba County Public Health and linked below), covering the Group 3 process. This webinar from Catawba County Public Health overviews the process for Vaccination Group 3 companies to register and eventually schedule vaccinations for their employees.

To enroll your company please visit www.catawbavaccine.org.

 

As the vaccine supply remains extremely limited, it may be a while before one of the vaccination partners is able to schedule your group (all scheduling is based on vaccine availability). In the interim, Catawba County Public Health will soon begin communicating weekly updates to registered companies and seeking to provide helpful information for you and your employees.

As more companies are scheduled, there are some things you can be doing to help prepare your employees. Please let your eligible employees know about this process and that you will be coordinating their vaccinations. Catawba County Public Health is asking companies to discourage employees from requesting an individual appointment, as this will slow down the process for everyone.

Included below are links to a few helpful resources you can use to communicate with your fellow employees. Please feel free to modify them to suit your organization’s needs.

 

NC Job Retention Grants

North Carolina businesses and certain nonprofits that missed out on other COVID-19 relief funds can now apply for a new state program offering up to $250,000 in grants to help companies maintain their workforce.
 
Applications for the Job Retention Grants are available here on the North Carolina Department of Commerce website. The short window for applying closes September 1st, so applicants should move quickly.
 
State lawmakers provided $15 million for the grants being awarded by Commerce. The funding is part of a larger $500 million Covid-19 relief measure signed by the Governor July 1st.
 
The new grants are an entitlement program - if qualified applicants request amounts that total more than the $15 million available, each grant award will be reduced proportionally.
 
Grant recipients must not have participated in the federal Paycheck Protection Program, the federal Main Street Lending Program, or the North Carolina Rapid Recovery Loan Program.
 
In addition, an eligible business or nonprofit must meet the following conditions:
  • It employs at least 90% of the number of full-time workers during the COVID-19 period (defined as March 1 to May 31) in North Carolina as it employed at the end of February.
  • It demonstrates that it experienced an economic loss due to the pandemic. For a business, that means its sales for the COVID-19 period are at least 10% below sales for the same period last year. For a nonprofit, that requires its gross receipts for the COVID-19 period are at least 10% below its gross receipts for the same period last year. 
 
The maximum grant amount is up to two months of a company’s average monthly payroll costs from 2019, plus 25% of that amount. But the grant is capped at $250,000.
 
To learn further about the program, NC Commerce will offer two webinars next week: Monday, August 8th (11:00AM) and Thursday, August 13th (2:00PM). Registration has not opened for these webinars yet, please contact us and we will ensure you receive the information to participate.
 
 

NC Executive Orders

Tuesday, March 2nd, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible for vaccinations beginning tomorrow, March 3. 

Wednesday, February 24th, Governor Cooper announced the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 pm and 5 am has been lifted.

  • The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors.
  • The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9 pm to 11 pm.
Executive Order No. 195 has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30% capacity and 50% capacity. Because indoor spaces have a higher risk of spread for COVID-19, indoor facilities in the 30%-occupancy category may not exceed two hundred fifty (250) people per indoor room or indoor space. 
 
 30% Capacity Limit (may not exceed 250-persons in indoor spaces)
  • Bars
  • Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
  • Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
  • Indoor areas of Amusement Parks
  • Movie Theatres
  • Entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo parlors, gaming establishments)
  • Sports Arenas and Fields*
  • Venues*
    *Indoor event venues with more than 5,000 seats may be excepted from the 250 person limit if they follow additional safety measures up to 15% capacity.
50% Capacity Limit 
  • Restaurants 
  • Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
  • Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, bowling alleys, rock climbing facilities)
  • Pools
  • Museums and Aquariums
  • Retailers
  • Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks
  • Salons, Personal Care, Tattoo Parlors

Wednesday, January 27th, Governor Cooper extended the Modified Stay at Home Order through February 28, 2021 with Executive Order 189. Governor Copper is also extending the sale of “to-go” or delivery of mixed beverages through March 31, 2021 with Executive Order 190. 

Wednesday, January 6th, Governor Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am to last through at least Friday, January 29th. Secretary Cohen also issued a Secretarial Directive with stark warnings for North Carolinians to avoid indoor spaces without masks and gatherings between households. Read Executive Order 188. Read here for more details on the Secretarial Directive.  

Monday, December 21st, Governor Cooper has signed off to allow bars and restaurants to sell mixed alcoholic beverages for carryout and delivery. The order allows businesses, including restaurants, hotels, private clubs, private bars, and holders of distillery permits , to sell mixed beverages (cocktails) to-go with limitations. Read Executive Order 183

Tuesday, December 8th, Governor Roy Cooper implemented a modified stay at home order – requiring nighttime closure for certain businesses and activities for all North Carolinians during overnight hours.

  • Restaurants, Bars, Entertainment Venues, Personal Care Businesses, Most Retail Stores, etc. are required to close by 10 pm
  • Onsite alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 pm
  • Requires people to stay at home 10 pm – 5 am 
  • Effective Friday, December 11th

Read Executive Order 181
Read the Frequently Asked Questions 

Monday, November 23rd, Governor Roy Cooper issued additional COVID-19 safety measures to tighten mask requirements and enforcement as cases continue to rise rapidly in North Carolina and across the country. Executive Order No. 180 goes into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and runs through Friday, December 11. The Executive Order:

  • Extends Phase 3 capacity limits and safety requirements.
  • Tightens the existing statewide mask requirement – making it clear that everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household. 
  • Adds the mask requirement to several additional settings including any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance; gyms even when exercising; all schools public and private; and all public or private transportation when travelling with people outside of the household. 
  • Requires large retail businesses with more than 15,000 square feet to have an employee stationed near entrances ensuring mask wearing and implementing occupancy limits for patrons who enter. 

Read Executive Order 180
Read the Frequently Asked Questions

Tuesday, November 10th, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Phase 3 will be extended through December 4th, 2020. The only change to Phase 3 is the indoor mass gathering limit, lowering from 25 to 10 people. 

Below is the press clipping on Executive Order 176, but here are some of the key points as well as the EO and FAQs:

  • North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4.
  • As the weather gets colder, more people will be gathering indoors. Science has shown that indoor gatherings increase risk of transmission of COVID-19, and this Executive Order seeks to limit indoor gatherings that could rapidly and dangerously spread the virus. 
  • The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out.

Read the Executive Order.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions

Wednesday, October 21st, Governor Roy Cooper announced the extension of Executive Order 169, keeping the state in Phase 3 of lifting coronavirus restrictions. Read the Executive Order

Wednesday, September 30th, Governor Roy Cooper announced starting on Friday, October 2nd at 5:00pm, North Carolina will move to Phase 3.  Here are some of the key points:

  • Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators. 
  • Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less. 
  • Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less. 
  • Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only. 
  • The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. 
  • The 11 pm curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23.  

State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next several weeks to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires October 23. 

For more information on Executive Order 169 and the FAQs for EO 169, click the links below:
Read the Executive Order
Read the Frequently Asked Questions

Thursday, September 17th, Governor Roy Cooper announced that beginning on October 5th, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5).

Plan A continues to include important safety measures like coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening, but not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom. Read the full press release here. 

Tuesday, September 1st, Governor Cooper announced that the state will move into Phase 2.5 starting Friday, September 4th at 5 PM.

Here are some key points:

  • Mass gathering limits will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors. 
  • Playgrounds may open.
  • Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity. 
  • Gyms and indoor exercise facilities, such as yoga studios, martial arts, and rock climbing, as well as skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor basketball, volleyball etc., may open at 30% capacity. 
  • Bars, nightclubs, movie theatres, indoor entertainment facilities, amusement parts, dance hall will remain closed. 
  • Large venues remain subject to the mass gathering limits.

 

Wednesday, June 24th, Governor Cooper extended the Phase 2: Safer at Home order along with implementing a mask requirement while in public places. This new order went into effect on Friday, June 26th at 5 PM. Read the FAQ for Executive Order 147 here. 

Click here to download a digital face covering poster for free to print and display. A second option can be downloaded by clicking here

Monday, June 8th, state health and education leaders released interim guidance this week on how North Carolina public schools can reopen next school year from the coronavirus pandemic. Read the interim guidance here.

Friday, June 5th, The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA), was signed into law by President Trump which includes a number of key provisions providing greater flexibility for the PPP Program. Read the PPPFA here; key points summarized below.

Wednesday, May 20th, Governor Roy Cooper announces North Carolina will move into Phase Two on Friday, May 22nd at 5 PM with Executive Order 141.
 
Tuesday, May 5th, Governor Roy Cooper announces North Carolina will move into Phase One on Friday, May 8 at 5 PM with Executive Order 138.  Business Guidance for Phase 1.
 
Monday, May 4th, Governor Roy Cooper signed SB704 & HB1043 into law which included a COVID-19 Relief package of $1.6B for critical expenditures related to public health & safety, educational needs, small business assistance, & continuity of state govt. operations.  
 
Friday, April 24, Governor Cooper announced that public schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Virtual learning will continue. Read more
 
Thursday, April 23rd, Governor Roy Cooper announced that that his “Stay-At-Home” Order would remain in place through Friday, May 8, 2020. This order specifically continues his prior Executive Order 121. For more information, here is a link to today’s Executive Order 135 and here is a link to Executive Order 121 which was issued on March 27, 2020. 
 
Additionally, Governor Cooper shared information about how North Carolina can gradually re-open over three phases to prevent hot spots of viral spread while also beginning to bring our economy back. These phases are based on the best information available now, but could be altered as new information emerges. To read more about Cooper’s phasing approach to re-opening NC’s economy, click here.
 

Thursday, April 9th – Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive Order 121 that provides new required and recommended policies for retail establishments, addresses COVID-19 mitigation measures for long-term care facilities, and expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims by expanding availability of the attached claims process. To learn more or review some FAQs about Executive Order 131, please click here

Friday, March 27th – Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121, a Stay-at-Home order, effective at 5:00PM on Monday, March 30th.  Businesses deemed non-essential must cease operations.  Essential Businesses as defined in the order, businesses with contractors/staff who operate solely out of their own residence and businesses who meet social distancing requirements may continue operations.  Review the order for details to determine if you meet these specifications. No special permit is needed for a business deemed essential or who falls under any of the categories stated above to continue operations. Read Executive Order 121:  EO121-Stay-at-Home-Order-3

For a complete summary of all updates that have taken place since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in NC: Updates since March 3, 2020

 

Lear’s Safe Work Playbook: Resource

Lear, a Tier One automotive supplier recently released their “Safe Work Playbook”, an interactive guide for Covid-19 pandemic preparedness and response.

While it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, the Safe Work Playbook includes practical recommendations, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization, that could be tailored by businesses to address various scenarios they may face when returning to work. Regular updates will be made to the playbook based on real-time feedback.

The manual covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Step-by-step guides for setting up a pandemic response team
  • Cleaning and disinfection procedures
  • Staggering shifts and lunch breaks and other social distancing strategies
  • On-site health screening
  • Protocols for isolating employees who become ill at work

As we look ahead to a time when shelter-in-place restrictions will slowly begin receding, reestablishing a workplace where employees feel comfortable performing their jobs safely will be a multi-faceted challenge – and this Playbook can be a tremendously thoughtful and detailed roadmap for management, HR and EHS team members. 

 

Business Safety Measures

With the potential for less staff on-site or even a temporary closure, the likelihood for property crime at your business is increased during this time.  Below are some security recommendations your business can take during this time to safeguard your property (those marked with an “M” are intended for larger facilities):

CLOSED BUSINESSES

  • Do not broadcast the closure of your business, which draws undue attention your facility’s vulnerability. (M)
  • Contact your local police department.  Let them know that your business has been closed and make sure they have an updated contact for the business. (M)
  • Review your security plans. (M)
  • Remove all cash from the business leaving cash drawers empty and open
  • Remove or secure items, especially those that can be seen and then grabbed by smashing an exterior window.  (M)
  • Lock up portable items stored outdoors, chaining them to one another or anchoring them to something immovable (M).
  • Check your security system is operational and accessible.  Arm it every time someone is not present.  Make sure the local police department has updated contact information for the business
  • Check to make sure security cameras are working (if applicable) and aimed at the right locations to capture suspicious activity and persons

REDUCED HOURS BUSINESSES

  • Review your security and staffing plans to ensure a sufficient number of employees are on site
  • Review plans for limiting opportunities for crime and insure staff know your procedures for robbery and theft incidents
  • Review your policies for cash on hand
  • Control access to the establishment for customers coming in for pickups; maintain safe spacing of at least six feet between people
  • Lock all doors that are not being used for the operation of your business
  • Secure access to non-public areas, bathrooms, and storage rooms
  • Train staff to be observant and report suspicious people within or around your business
  • Check to make sure security cameras are working and aimed at the right locations to capture suspicious activity

1

Assistance for Your Business

CONGRESS APPROPRIATES ADDITIONAL PPP FUNDS - As of April 24, lawmakers have approved $484 billion in funding for small businesses, including $310 billion for the PPP. SBA is expected to announce when it will take applications for PPP again. Check the SBA’s Coronavirus webpage for updates. While waiting for PPP funding to resume, businesses should collect all required documentation for the program and send it to their bank lender.

SBA PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) - The CARES Act funding for a federal small business loan program called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program is designed to get cash in the hands of small businesses quickly, and incentivize business owners to keep employees on payroll by offering them loan forgiveness. This loan provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. SBA will fully forgive the loan if all employees are retained and if 75% of more of the money is used on payroll.  or answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

LISC SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANTS - The Local Initiatives Support Corporation grants will be made in the amounts of $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000. Applicants who applied in the first round must apply again by completing the application via the link below. Eligible Businesses - Small businesses and enterprises affected the COVID-19 across the country, especially those in under served communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses. Non-profit organizations are ineligible for this funding. Application must be completed by Tuesday, April 28th, 11:59 p.m. ET. Read more here.

OTHER GRANT PROGRAMS - Inc. Magazine is maintaining a listing of grant opportunities for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Click here to review.  

COVID-19 CAPITAL RELIEF DATABASE - CASE at Duke launched #COVID19CapitalRelief, a searchable database for global, national and regional capital sources for profit and nonprofit entrepreneurs at risk due to #COVID19. It already contains over 90 capital offerings worth over $14.5 billion. To find capital, Click here

LOCAL BANK ASSISTANCE  - Many of our local banks are offering low interest loans, payment deferrals, lines of credit and more. Additionally, they will assist you directly with applying for the federal stimulus programs as indicated above. Contact your local banker to see what assistance they can provide. If you do not have a banker, our team can provide you with a list of our partners. 

 

Shifting Production to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Economic Development Partnership of NC Guidance for Producers of Critical Medical Equipment and Supplies

  Want to make sure that others in the state know what you manufacture? Register on https://www.manufacturednc.com/. This site has existed for some time and is where we are directing individual hospitals and care providers who reach out to us seeking specific resources and items.

  Are you a manufacturer willing to help with production of finished PPE or materials? Is your business able to pivot to manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment? Manufacturers interested in contributing to textile PPE (gowns, masks, gloves, etc.) can contact the Carolina Textile District ((CTD is HQed in Morganton, NC)) for help in transitioning their production to prototype and producing medical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis. Contact Sara Chester. Carolina Textile District for more info at sara@theindustrialcommons.orgor by phone at 828-674-3141. The FDA has released guidance on masks (here), as well as hand sanitizer (here) in last couple of days.

  Are you a NC Manufacturer that can provide assistance producing critical healthcare products? Go to https://ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7R1zT6a3ffz96Hr and complete the form. The NC Manufacturing Extension Partnership will share the information with state and federal leaders who are seeking needed items. This includes parts or production of respirators.  If you have questions, please contact KeAnne Hoeg at ekhoeg@ncsu.edu.

  Looking for a site that facilitates connections for supplies and resources? BIO created the Coronavirus Hub to connect companies with capacity and resources with those that need them, including medical research centers, biopharmaceutical companies, testing developers and testing sites requesting supplies. The new hub will enable users to post requests for urgently needed items, as well as posting availability of supplies and capacity.

 
 
Unemployment Insurance Changes Due to COVID-19

The North Carolina Employment Security Division is publishing instructions and guidance on this page to help you understand new changes to the state’s unemployment system, due to the current impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus in North Carolina.

These changes were ordered by Governor Cooper on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, as outlined in his Executive Order 118.

The DES is working to ensure that necessary unemployment insurance benefits will be available to eligible North Carolinians affected by job loss due to the COVID-19 coronavirus disease in our state.

On this page, you will find answers and instructions:

 

Covid-19 & Your Business Webinars

In an effort to assist Catawba County businesses during this unprecedented time, local economic developer partners are continuing to host a series of webinars to provide beneficial health and business continuity information related to the Covid-19 virus.  In addition to this webinar series, the Chamber of Catawba County, Catawba County EDC (this page) and the SBTDC all offer Covid-19 Resource Pages for area business.  We hope you or representatives from your organization will be able to participate in these very important webinars.  The webinars will be recorded and placed online for viewing later if you are unable to make the presentation.

MOST RECENT WEBINAR

COVID 19 & Your Business Webinar Part 6: Open, Safe, & Profitable
As we enter into a phased reopening of our economy, the decisions and actions taken now will determine the success of your business in this "new normal". Thankfully, there are a host of partners ready to assist and are happy to provide the following webinar opportunity.

Presenters:
Ron Elmore, Regional Director, Small Business Technology & Development Center
Jeff Neuville, Director, Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College
Lindsay Keisler, President/CEO, The Chamber of Catawba County

Topics include:
What questions do you need to ask yourself to reopen profitably?
Communicating your reopening plans with your employees & customers
Sales forecasting and managing to cash
The Open & Safe Commitment

This series provided by: The SBTDC, The Small Business Center at CVCC, The Catawba County EDC & The Chamber of Catawba County

 

We Need Your Feedback (Survey)

In order to best understand how the EDC and other partners can assist you during this time - as well as gauge ongoing business impact from Covid-19 - we would greatly appreciate your 5-6 minutes to complete this IMPACT SURVEY by Friday, May 8th. 

Topics covered include: potential layoffs, year-over-year business comparisons, supply chain disruptions, & funding programs like the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

 

Informational Resources for Your Business

National Association of Manufacturers: Coronavirus Resources
The NAM is in contact with federal officials who are overseeing the response to the coronavirus and they are working to share additional available information.

US Chamber of Commerce: Combatting the Coronavirus
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

COVID-19: FAQs on Federal Labor and Employment Laws
Ogletree Deakins provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the latest developments on the virus and guidance from federal agencies.

Comprehensive And Updated FAQs For Employers On The COVID-19 Coronavirus
Fisher Phillips has assembled a cross-disciplinary taskforce of attorneys across the country to address the many employment-related issues facing employers in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The COVID-19 Taskforce has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, which has been continually updated since first published on March 3 and will continue to be updated as events warrant.

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC)
The CDC provides this interim guidance to help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19. Let your employees know you are monitoring the situation and share best practices for prevention and treatment.

Coronavirus – FAQ for Employers (CAI)
CAI addresses some of the most common questions received during this period of rapidly changing information.

 

International Travel and Business Information

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Assistance Importing Materials From International Locations
If your company is considering importing needed items or raw materials from overseas and you would like assistance vetting foreign sellers, please reach out to Michael Cole, International Trade Manager at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina at michael.cole@edpnc.com or by calling (919) 794-1158.

Travel > Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel (CDC)
This page offers current travel warning, alert and watches, as well as destinations with risk of community spread. RDU also has this page offering current information.

Pandemic Preparedness Planning For U.S. Businesses With Overseas Operations (CDC)
The United States Government has created the following guide to help U.S. businesses with overseas operations prepare and implement pandemic business continuity. This is a list of suggestions and can serve as a starting point for developing a comprehensive plan. The checklist highlights actions applicable to businesses of all sizes, although each item does not necessarily apply to every overseas business.

Getting Ahead of the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Checklist for Multinational Employers
Courtesy of a member company, a suggested macro-checklist for multinational employers designed to help plan for and respond to a potential pandemic.

 

Reliable Sources for COVID-19 Information and Updates

NC Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) COVID-19 Website: www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.  NC DHHS and NCAHEC Weekly Business Forum, Every Wednesday from 11:30am to 12:00pm beginning March 25, 2020.: The NC DHHS Division of Public Health (DPH) and NC AHEC will hold weekly forums for the NC business community. The forums will enable members of the business community to obtain timely information on COVID-19 and to pose questions directly to public health subject matter experts. Please submit any questions for subject-matter experts to prepare for in advance to questionsCOVID19businessforum@gmail.com. Questions must be received no later than 5pm on the Monday prior to the forum. Click here for call information.

Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Catawba County Public Health Website: www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/public-health

Catawba County Public Health Facebook: @catawbacountypublichealth

North Carolina Coronavirus Hotline > 866.462.3821
The North Carolina Division of Public Health has established a call line to address general questions about coronavirus from the public. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease, including daily updates.

World Health Organization: Video Explainer
Video from WHO explaining what’s currently known about the virus.

North Carolina AHEC Digital Library: COVID-19 Resources
A short, high quality list with selections from NC agencies and AHEC regions. Of note is this link to a list from the Eastern AHEC librarian containing a news feed for the latest information.