COVID - 19
UPDATES
FEBRUARY 28 UPDATE: Delaware's State of Emergency will terminate at 6pm on March 1
Governor John Carney on Monday announced that he will sign an order terminating the COVID-19 State of Emergency and the masking requirement in public and private K-12 schools and child care facilities effective at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 1. The announcement is consistent with new masking guidance issued on Friday by the CDC. The Governor also announced that vaccine or testing requirements for educators and state employees will expire at 11:59 pm today, Monday, February 28.
Read the full announcement >
Read the full announcement >
FEBRUARY 7 UPDATE: Expiration of Universal Indoor Mask Mandate set for February 11
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OMICRON AND DELAWARE: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Dr. Marci Drees, chief infection prevention officer and hospital epidemiologist at ChristianaCare, shared her perspective on the Omicron variant and outbreak. She also addressed questions around booster efficacy, what to do if you experience symptoms or test positive, how long the current spike could last, and more. |
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DECEMBER 13: GOV. CARNEY, DOE, DHSS FORMALLY EXTEND SCHOOL MASK REQUIREMENT . Read the full announcement >
DECEMBER 3 UPDATE: Governor Carney EXTENDS COVID-19 State of Emergency
NOVEMBER 3: DPH ADVISES VACCINE PROVIDERS TO OFFER PFIZER COVID-19 VACCINE FOR CHILDREN 5 TO 11 YEARS OF AGE. Read the full announcement >
covid-19 vaccine
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The Delaware Division of Public Health is working with federal, state and local stakeholders to implement an efficient and equitable distribution of one or more COVID-19 vaccines to all Delaware communities. View their resource page >
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available from hospital systems, pharmacies, some doctor’s offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Division of Public Health clinics or other state-coordinated events, and community-based events. Find a vaccination location or event near you > |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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Vaccine Tracker - Bloomberg
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J&J Vaccine Information - FDA
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5 Things you Need to Know - ChristianaCare
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Vaccine Development 101 - FDA
prevent the spread
Do not touch your face.
Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. |
Wash your hands frequently.
Be sure to wash thoroughly your hands for 20 seconds. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. |
Wear a mask.
Masks are a simple and proven barrier to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others. |
Stay home when you
are feeling sick. Be safe. If you feel sick, stay home. |
Get vaccinated. Get boosted.
Be sure to receive your COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible. |
aid & relief
Coronavirus aid, relief, & economic SECURITY (CAREs) act
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US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CARES ACT RESOURCES:
The CARES Act expands the Small Business Administration’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). The EIDL program was created to assist businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters. Guide to SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans > The Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19. Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit > The extension stimulus bill allocated an additional $310 billion ($350 billion in the first round) to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Small Business Guide & Checklist for Coronavirus Emergency Loans > Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness > |
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S CORONAVIRUS RELIEF OPTIONS:
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides capital to cover the cost of retaining employees. Note: The PPP closed on August 8, 2020. Learn more > PPP loan forgiveness fact sheet > Apply for loan forgiveness > The Economic Injury Disaster Loans provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Learn more > SBA Express Bridge Loans enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. Learn more > SBA Debt Relief: The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more > |
America’s banks are taking steps to respond to the needs of individuals and small business owners directly affected. This support will vary by institution and the customer’s specific circumstances, but could include, for example, fee waivers; deferred payments for credit cards, auto loans and mortgages; loan modifications; low-rate and zero-rate loans, and other accommodations.
Download Tips for Managing Your Finances >
America’s banks are taking steps to respond to the needs of individuals and small business owners directly affected. This support will vary by institution and the customer’s specific circumstances, but could include, for example, fee waivers; deferred payments for credit cards, auto loans and mortgages; loan modifications; low-rate and zero-rate loans, and other accommodations.
Download Tips for Managing Your Finances >
state financial relief & unemployment benefits
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US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S DELAWARE OFFICE
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Delaware's application for an Economic Injury Declaration, which makes loans available to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Read the press release > Visit the SBA Delaware District Office website > Apply for Disaster Assistance > Download the Economic Injury Loan Fact Sheet > DE RELIEF GRANTS The DE Relief Grants program is a joint initiative of the State of Delaware and New Castle County, and is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Funds include nearly $200 million to assist Delaware small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more and apply > **With the new federal COVID-19 relief package signed into law, DE Relief Grant recipients now have additional time to spend their DE Relief Grant bonus payments. They will have until December 31, 2021 to spend the funds. DISASTER PLANNING Continuity Dynamics, Inc. provides Business Continuity Planning (BCP) for the Small-Medium Business (SMB) and Enterprise firms that are members of the State Chamber at a discounted price. This planning will assist in planning for, and responding to, disasters of all kinds. It will also help you to endure this coronavirus scenario, as well as providing critical crisis management direction to minimize reputational risk. Continuity Dynamics DSCC SMB Pandemic Action Plan > Learn more using code: DSCC > DELAWARE NONPROFIT SUPPORT FUND The fund contains $25 million, which will support organizations that have provided critical services to Delawareans and Delaware families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible services include: Homelessness and shelter assistance, Food assistance, Substance abuse counseling and services, Assistance for Delawareans who have lost employment, Domestic abuse services, Services for youth in crisis Learn more > Apply > |
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
DOL expands unemployment benefits to workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment Insurance FAQs > File an Unemployment Insurance Claim > Visit the DOL's COVID-19 Response Center > Looking for a job? Visit Delaware JobLink > FAMILIES FIRST Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides free coronavirus testing, strengthens food assistance, safeguards Medicaid benefits, enhances unemployment aid, and establishes paid leave. Learn more > FFCRA: Employee Paid Leave Rights > FFCRA: Employer Paid Leave Requirements > HOSPITALITY EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM (HELP) Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) provides financial relieve for restaurants, bars and other hospitality industry businesses. Learn more > Apply for the loan > HOUSING ASSISTANCE Delaware State Housing Authority announced a Housing Assistance Program: Up to $1,500 in assistance available to Delawareans struggling to pay rent or electric bills. Apply for housing assistance > THE WILMINGTON STRONG SMALL BUSINESS FUND Fund will offer grants of approximately $1,000 to small businesses located in the City of Wilmington to cover specific expenses such as rent payments, mortgage payments, utility and supplier bills. Learn more > NONPROFITS Delaware’s philanthropic and nonprofit leaders launched the Delaware COVID-19 Response Initiative that fundraises and manages relief funds and coordinates volunteer opportunities. Learn more > |
support each other
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
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recovery
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Governor Carney joins five governors in a multi-state council (DE, NY, NJ, CT, PA, and RI) to get back to work and restore the economy. The coordinating group – comprised of one health expert, one economic development expert and the respective Chief of Staff from each state — will work together to develop a fully integrated regional framework to gradually lift the states’ stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus. Read the announcement > Learn more about the State's economic recovery plan > The State released Phase 1 guidance on May 15 for a June 1 reopening. Read the full announcement > View Phase 1 guidance > On June 2, the State released Phase 2 guidance set for June 15 Read the full announcement > View Phase 2 guidance > Delaware Department of Labor Guidelines & FAQs for employers and employees. Download > US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Path Forward program is an initiative to address how Americans and businesses can return to work safely, successfully, and sustainably. The program includes a comprehensive framework of considerations, an event series that will feature diverse viewpoints from the public and private sectors and recommendations on the practices and policies needed to begin a phased process to bring the full American economy back to work. The US Chamber also launched a Digital Resources Center, which provides the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice, and other tools and resources to help employers and employees return to work safely and successfully. Reopening Business Digital Resource Center > Ready to Open: A Playbook for your Small Business > Standardized Employee Screening Questionnaire > |
DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As we begin to think about reopening Delaware’s economy, businesses need to create a return-to-work plan without jeopardizing employee’s or customer safety. We are pleased to share this guidance on COVID-19 Prevention Best Practices. Download the guide > Just as state and health care leaders are dealing with efforts to minimize the impact of the virus on Delawareans, business community leaders are beginning to consider the most effective way to get Delawareans back to work and drive economic recovery in Delaware without a resurgence of the virus. We believe the business community must be full partners in the decision-making process for development and implementation of any and all economic recovery initiatives that are undertaken. Download the proposal > 
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BUILD CONSUMER & EMPLOYEE CONFIDENCE
Based on the general guidelines for all businesses in the Phase 1 guidance, the Division of Small Business along with the Division of Public Health developed the COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards. Businesses following the Standards can get a free window cling to put at their front entrance – one per location – as a way to show customers that they are working to follow the State’s safety guidelines.
Based on the general guidelines for all businesses in the Phase 1 guidance, the Division of Small Business along with the Division of Public Health developed the COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards. Businesses following the Standards can get a free window cling to put at their front entrance – one per location – as a way to show customers that they are working to follow the State’s safety guidelines.
resources
BUSINESS-BUSINESS TOOLIKIT
As your business plans for reopening in the recovery, you might be looking for sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying other businesses to partner with for certain recovery tasks, finding additional funding, and more. Learn more >
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RETURN TO WORK GUIDELINES
Guidelines & FAQs for employers and employees. Download >
As your business plans for reopening in the recovery, you might be looking for sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying other businesses to partner with for certain recovery tasks, finding additional funding, and more. Learn more >
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RETURN TO WORK GUIDELINES
Guidelines & FAQs for employers and employees. Download >
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resources from dscc members
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Stay up-to-date
and informed |