Chamber News: Important Updates to Help with Reopening
Dear Mountain View,
The re-opening process continues to unfold, and we remind businesses that each county has different guidelines and timelines. We are providing information as it becomes available and encourage you to stay up to date.
The job and funding landscapes also change rapidly. Congress is debating new legislation with local implications, and Caltrans has announced new projects.
The Chamber of Commerce also continues its Back to Business series of online forums, discussions, and presentations on key issues related to re-opening our local economy. Every week we spotlight a different topic, with experts on hand to provide valuable information, listen to your comments and ideas, and answer questions.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU as to what concerns are top of mind as the restrictions are lifted and we get back to business. Please send us your suggestions for future topics at info@chambermv.org. Thank you!
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"Back to Business" Series:
In case you missed the second installmanet of our Back to Business series, El Camino Health's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Adams,
gave detailed information on the coronavirus itself as well as steps needed to take to be safe when re-opening. He also pointed out that it's not going totally away, so we need to adapt practices that allow us to live with the virus even when we are no longer sheltered.
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Re-Opening Guidelines from the City
Remember, even though Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that certain portions of the state have moved into late Phase 2 or early Phase 3 of re-opening, Santa Clara County has not. Businesses such as barbershops, hair salons, and other areas that have re-opened elsewhere, such as places of worship, continue to remain closed.
Businesses that are able to reopen under Phase 2 will be required to implement certain physical distancing guidelines, including:
- Ensuring businesses train employees on new county guidelines and have publicly posted in their business the physical distancing requirements customers must follow
- Allowing only one employee per 300 square feet
- Requiring face masks inside all businesses or anywhere that has indoor activity. Masks are also strongly recommended when you are out in public.
Additionally, curbside pick-up for retail is now allowed, as long as stores have direct access to sidewalk or parking lots. Associated manufacturing and logistics can also open.
Outdoor car parades, historical sites and outdoor gardens will be permitted/reopened where social distancing can be maintained.
Expect more updates in The Briefing as new information becomes available. Remember, you can get The Briefing sent directly to your email by texting 'MVCOVID' to 22828.
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Industry-Specific Checklists for Re-Opening
What you need to do to re-open!
One of the challenges with preparing to re-open is knowing what specifically needs to be done for your particular type of business. California has created several industry-specific checklists for employers to utilize as the state continues to reopen, including requirements for written reopening plans and employee training. Click here and scroll down to your specific industry.
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Project Opportunities from Caltrans
Caltrans has available work on State and Federal projects. Here are some highlights as well as links to learn more:
Construction Projects over $333,000
Procurement, Service Contracts, and Construction Projects Under $333,000
Cal eProcure is an online portal designed to improve the experience of businesses selling products and services to the state of California. Cal eProcure gives businesses access to bidding and contracting resources all in one location at https://caleprocure.ca.gov/
Professional Services
Other useful links for working with Caltrans
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PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
Additional documents you’ll need to submit:
- Payroll records
- Receipts and agreements for approved nonpayroll costs (mortgage interest, rent, utilities)
- Other documents deemed necessary by the SBA
More information, as well as a helpful FAQ and examples, are available from Venturize here.
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US Congressional Updates
Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act
The House voted 417-1 this week to pass legislation that will make urgently needed changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), created to assist small businesses struggling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act (H.R. 6886), is designed to make PPP loans more accessible by making its terms of use more flexible.
The Senate Small Business Committee introduced their own PPP reform bill last week (S. 3833) that would give businesses up to 16 weeks to use the loans instead of eight weeks, among other changes. The Senate has indicated it will likely vote next week on S. 3833. Following that, a compromise bill will have to be negotiated between the House and Senate before a final vote.
Pandemic Risk Assurance
This week also saw the House introduce the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act of 2020 (H.R. 7011), which would establish a system of shared public and private compensation for business interruption losses and event cancellations resulting from future pandemics or public health emergencies. If enacted, associations and others would have access to this insurance beginning on January 1, 2021.
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Mountain View Chamber of Commerce580 Castro StreetMountain View, CA 94041 |
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