March 17, 2020 8@8 COVID-19 Update
Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership Spearheading Efforts to Assist Saratoga County Businesses and Employees Impacted by Coronavirus
The U.S. Small Business Administration is working directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. Find more information on the SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
3. Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program allows Employees to Receive Partial Unemployment Benefits While Working Reduced Hours
The Saratoga Partnership is working in partnership with the Saratoga County Employment and Training Office and New York State Department of Labor to ensure your company and employees whether the storm of COVID-19. Consider the shared work program as you manage the disruption of your business cycle do to the impact of COVID-19. Shared Work lets you keep trained staff and avoid layoffs. Employees can receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working reduced hours. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible. Click here for details or contact Jenniffer McCloskey at the Saratoga Employment + Training Office at (518)884-4170.
4. Empire State Development – Guidance for New York State Businesses related to COVID-19
As New York State continually monitors and responds to developments related to COVID-19, Empire State Development (ESD) is providing up-to-date guidance for the agency’s partners and other stakeholders impacted by the virus. This is a rapidly changing situation and ESD will be updating the resources below to reflect the latest information available. ESD has created this detailed FAQ to answer immediate questions businesses may have regarding State regulations and general guidance related to the coronavirus.
5. Deloitte: Combating COVID-19 With Resilience
Public authorities are taking decisive action to respond to the emerging health threat, leading the business community to reconsider the adequacy of their preparedness measures. This page brings together all of the resources available from Global Deloitte insights to help businesses manage and mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Read about 10 Key Actions for Enterprises in An Epidemic, Rapid working capital optimization and credit solutions, Practical workforce strategies that put your people first , managing cash flow during a period of crisis, building a crisis resilient workforce, and more here.
6. 7 Effective Ways to Work From Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Good Housekeeping offers tips will help keep you productive and sane if your job becomes remote. As more and more companies implement work-from-home policies due to the spread of COVID-19, employees are now tasked with trying to be just as productive without their normal resources and routines. While working from home sounds like a luxury in theory, it’s certainly no vacation and being productive is easier said than done.
Every job is different and the amount you’re able to achieve will vary between career types, employers, and internal policies, but there are some key strategies to working from home when it comes to getting your tasks done efficiently. Click here to read more.
7. Why Outbreaks like Coronavirus Spread and How Social Distancing Works
The Albany Business Review reports that yesterday Gov. Andrew Cuomo asked businesses to seriously consider letting employees work from home or voluntarily closing to stop the spread of coronavirus. The governor said that if businesses do not voluntarily close physical locations, he may take mandatory measures, including limiting capacity even more or closing them all together. Although this feels sudden, extreme, and potentially devastating for your business this ounce of prevention could help contain the spread of the virus until it is contained. What does social distancing mean and how does it help contain the virus or “Flatten the Curve?” The Washington Post has offered a free simulator of how an outbreak like COVID-19 can grow and how “social distancing,” avoiding public places and social interaction, can slow down the exponential rate of growth throughout the U.S. This chart explains why slowing the spread of the infection is nearly as important as stopping it.
- If you are over 60 years old and/or your health is compromised, avoid attending meeting in groups or large gatherings.
- Visit the grocery store or pharmacy at slow hours, where the number of people are reduced.
- Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Keep a distance of at least 6 feet to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership leads a host of critical economic and workforce development initiatives across the public and private sectors, driving economic success for residents, businesses and government in Saratoga County, New York. The Saratoga Partnership provides a point of contact for business retention and expansion, enabling a seamless delivery of programs and services for businesses seeking to grow, and spearheads semiconductor industry marketing and attraction, global trade assistance, community economic development, and data collection and planning.