OUR TOP PRIORITY is keeping you and your employees healthy.
Stay up to date on the latest developments by relying on credible, official sources such as those listed below.
Responsibly Restarting Ohio
The State of Ohio has developed Sector-Specific Operating Requirements for those businesses eligible to open. Business types that remain closed can be found here.
Business Protocols &
Re-Opening Your Business
The Ohio Department of Health has determined five responsible protocols for all Ohio businesses to follow as well as actions to take when a Covid-19 infection is identified.
Paid sick leave requirements relative to COVID-19 have been expanded under the The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). If an employee becomes sick due to Covid-19, they are eligible to receive paid leave and employers qualify for a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement. Courtesy of Albeit Weiker LLP, an outline of the Act can be found here.
Buildings sitting vacant during Ohio's recent Stay At Home order may need their plumbing systems flushed. The CDC has developed Guidelines for Building Water System after a prolonged shutdown and the Ohio Association of Plumbing Inspectors has developed a guide to help businesses safely reopen.
There has been a lot of conversation about face covering requirement in the workplace. Check the Ohio Department of Health's Face Coverings FAQ's to learn your responsibilities.
Tools You Can Use
And while we're focused on face masks, remember that wearing masks is about protecting everyone. The CDC still recommends that people wear a face covering when out in public. If you want to require your customers to wear a mask, you’re not alone. Costco, Meijer and others are requiring their customers wear face coverings when entering their place of business. If you're looking to do the same, Franklin County Public Health has created this downloadable 'Mask Required' sign, for you to place in your business window.
Franklin County Public Health Department has created a plethora of fabulous downloadable signage for your workplace. They've covered hand washing, the elevator, staying home when you're sick, and more.
The Office of Small Business Relief is a great resource. Under the Ohio Development Services Agency, it is available to identify and provide support for Ohio’s nearly 950,000 small businesses.
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has put together COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) reopened on April 27, 2020, offering an additional $310 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Contact your lender to find out if they are a participant. Newly added guidelines limit publicly traded companies from accessing the program. An updated PPP FAQ sheet can be found here.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan is a low-interest, fixed-rate loan, with extended terms, purposed to offset a lack of working capital for small businesses, used to pay operational costs such as rent, utilities, and payroll based on lost revenue directly related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Your Anthem Health Plan Helps You Handle COVID-19
Anthem will cover diagnostic testing when ordered by a doctor, ease network, referral and prior authorization requirements and/or waive patient cost sharing. Contact your Anthem representative for details.
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services is your resource for Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Industry Associations
Society for Human Resource Management
Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association
Other Organizations
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Women’s Small Business Accelerator & WSBA Small Business Crisis Team
National Council of Nonprofits – What Steps Should Nonprofits Take?
Columbus Foundation – COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
Financial assistance available for Franklin County nonprofits negatively affected by Coronavirus
