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Business Planning and Preparation for COVID-19
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) has arrived in Michigan and it has many businesses asking critical questions. How can we keep our workplaces safe and clean? How can we accommodate changes in employee needs, like having to work remotely? And how might this impact my business and our economy?
The Petoskey Chamber is here to help. We compiled resources from trusted sources, aimed at helping you answer questions, and carry on with your business throughout this epidemic.
The most trusted sources, providing up-to-date information are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and county health departments. All of these websites have resources for businesses and employees that are updated frequently.Our partner Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is frequently updating a one-stop resource to help individuals in Michigan understand the risks and symptoms of the virus, when to seek medical care, and how to seek care to keep the public and healthcare workers safe.
Michigan Executive Order for Unemployment Benefits-
Prevention - The best methods for slowing the spread of COVID-19 are:
- Keep your hands clean – wash with soap and water – and refrain from touching your face
- Scrub for 20 seconds
- Only use 60% alcohol-based sanitizer and rub for at least 20 seconds
- Practice social distancing: Recommendation from Governor Whitmer and the reasons for the recommendation from the University of Michigan
- Stay home if you are sick
- Cover your nose and mouth with your shirt, elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaning spray or wipe certified by the EPA to kill COVID-19
- Keep your hands clean – wash with soap and water – and refrain from touching your face
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Trusted NGO and Government COVID-19 Websites:
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
- State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- Mitigation Strategies from Governor Whitmer
- Sign up for updates from the Governor
- Northwest Michigan Health Department
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As new information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emerges, the Petoskey Chamber is working closely with Traverse Connect to share the most current updates for our community and businesses. As national and state legislative developments relevant to business emerge, we will share that information here.
As of Friday, March 13 President Trump declared a national emergency, opening access to up to $50B. On Tuesday, March 10 Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency in response to two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan at the time. Through the declaration of a state of emergency, the state can maximize efforts to assist local governments to help to slow the spread of the virus. As of February 3, the Community Health Emergency Coordination Center has also been activated and has been working diligently with local health departments, health systems, and medical providers throughout Michigan to make sure appropriate screening and preparations for COVID-19 are being made.
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Calender of Events
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Summary of Latest Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response
On March 14, the House of Representatives passed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce supported, Families First Coronavirus Response Act. President Trump has announced his support for the bill and it is expected to pass the Senate early next week. Secretary Mnuchin has announced that there will be additional technical corrections to the bill as soon as Monday.
Below is a summary of the bill coverage.
• Unemployment Compensation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Family and Medical Leave
• Provisions for Diagnostic Testing
• Health Services
• School Nutrition Programs, WIC, SNAP, Senior Food Programs
• Medical Devices Liability
• Discussion of Liquidity Impact for Small Businesses
Download the full overview here.
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Additional state response includes:
- The Governor issued an Executive Directive that all public bodies of departments and agencies of the state, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, and councils must consider postponing public meetings that may be moved to a later time. Additionally, department and agency public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act that must continue to meet must do so in a way that ensures adequate notice and access for all participants. This could include remote participation by conference call, real-time streaming, or other platforms, so long as public access and participation is preserved.
- Starting at 5 pm on Friday, March 13 through Sunday, April 5, the Governor has prohibited the gathering of all assemblages of more than 250 people in a single shared space and all events of more than 250 people. Exemptions are given for industrial or manufacturing work, mass transit, or the purchase of groceries or consumer goods.
- The Governor calling for the cancellation or postponement of large gatherings, conferences, and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people). (In nationwide COVID-19 news, some communities are encouraging individuals to avoid gatherings of more than 50.)
- Starting Monday, March 16, all schools are ordered closed until April 5.
- As of Thursday, March 12, a supplemental budget bill that includes $25M in state COVID-19 response funding, and authorization to spend $50M in federal funds, is headed to the Governor.
- Also on Thursday, March 12, the Governor announced that her administration will expand access to telemedicine by immediately allowing Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their home.
- It should be noted that insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Priority Health, Meridian, CVS Health, McLaren, and Health Alliance Plan also announced that they will cover and encourage the use of virtual care and telemedicine, as well as waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing.
- State Capitol tours and events are suspended until May 1.
- Senate committee hearings are to continue as needed and after the week of 3/15, the Senate will weekly evaluate the need for session.
- Certain House and Senate staff, such as those over 60 and vulnerable individuals/those with underlying health conditions, may or are required to work from home.
- Subscribe to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services updates on COVID-19 to stay up-to-date on the state’s response.
- Sign up for the Governor’s updates to stay current on Michigan’s response.
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The federal response includes:
- Last week Congress passed and the President signed an $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Congress is currently negotiating a relief package that is anticipated to be voted on in the near future.
- On the evening of Wednesday, March 11, the President addressed the Nation announcing support to small businesses through low-interest loans.
- The U.S. Department of Labor is offering informational resources to workers and employers on workplace preparedness and common issues.
- A Presidential Proclamation was signed restricting travel to the United States from foreign nationals who have recently been in certain European countries.
- Reference the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for information on COVID-19.