COVID-19 Resources
Resources for Opening Your Business
Tips for Opening Safely
As the pandemic presents new challenges in health and the workplace, employers must take steps to protect their workers and business from COVID-19. Use the resources available here to learn about COVID-19 workplace requirements such as safety procedures, training for employees on infection prevention, and what to do in case of an infection or outbreak. Here are resources provided by the state on training, testing and more. For more information visit: https://saferatwork.covid19.ca.gov/employers/
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Phased Approach to Vaccine Distribution - Given the limited initial supply of COVID-19 vaccines, distribution will be limited at first and increase over time. Determinations will be based on reaching critical populations to reduce morbidity and mortality rates due to the transmission of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
Vaccine development and testing are proceeding rapidly in the U.S. and are beginning to receive vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use and for distribution throughout the population, first in limited amounts to carefully selected high risk groups and later to more and more people until everyone has access to the vaccine in what is called a "phased approach" to vaccine distribution.
Volunteers are needed to support County Vaccine locations, see details HERE. Please register at https://oneoc.org/.
A COVID-19 vaccine is a very important tool to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/ for information on the State’s plan for distribution in California.
New Grants Available (January 2021)
Applications for $500 Milling In Grant Funding for Small Businesses Now Available
The first round of applications for the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now open. On November 30, 2020, Governor Newsom and the State Legislature announced the allocation of $500 million available to small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is administered by California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
Paycheck Protection Program Reopens January 11, 2021
On January 8, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of Treasury, announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11, 2021 for new borrowers and some existing PPP borrowers. The initial wave of loans issued on Monday, January 11, and Wednesday, January 13, will only be available to community financial institutions, but the PPP will open up to all eligible lenders shortly after.
Small Business-Specific Guidance
READY TO REOPEN: A PLAYBOOK FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Download this step-by-step guide to help your company reopen safely and keep employees and customers healthy and informed as restrictions lift across the country. The playbook includes safety and sanitation guidance, communications advice, and other best practices information.
CALIFORNIA GUIDELINES FOR OPENING BUSINESSES:
Californians have been staying home and saving lives since the start of our statewide stay-at-home order issued on March 19, 2020. These efforts have allowed the state to move forward on our roadmap for modifying the statewide order.
We are now in early Stage 2, where retail, related logistics and manufacturing, office workplaces, limited personal services, outdoor museums, child care, and essential businesses can open with modifications. The state is issuing guidance to help these workplaces reopen safely.
https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/
Email re State Guidance QUESTIONS: EssentialServicesInquiries@cdph.ca.gov
As California reopens, every business will need to create a safer, low-risk environment. If you own or manage a business, follow the guidance below to protect your workers and customers.
The industry-specific guidance applies to businesses statewide. Review the guidance that is relevant to your workplace, make a plan, and put it into action. Post your completed checklist so everyone can know the steps you’ve taken. Feel free to add more safety measures to the ones listed here. All businesses are also required to post an attestation documenting their COVID-19 related procedures. Click here to download an attestation sample.
COUNTY VARIANCE:
Updates from County of Orange
Some counties have received state approval to move further into the reopening roadmap. Learn more and find related industry guidance on the County Variance page.
- Before reopening, all facilities must:
- Perform a detailed risk assessment and create a site-specific protection plan
- Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes how to screen themselves for symptoms and when to stay home.
- Set up individual control measures and screenings
- Put disinfection protocols in place
- Establish physical distancing guidelines
Industry Specific Guidelines: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/
Open sectors in counties with variance: The following may open only in counties approved to move further in the Resilience Roadmap, including Orange County. They are not open statewide. Dine-in Restaurants, Hair salons and barbershops, casinos More Information
More open sectors in variance counties after June 12
More open sectors in variance counties after June 19
The following are not open county or statewide
The following sectors, businesses, establishments, or activities are not permitted to operate in the State of California at this time:
- Indoor playgrounds such as bounce centers, ball pits and laser tag
- Live theater
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Nightclubs
- Concert venues
- Festivals
- Theme parks
- Higher education
Statewide business guidance industry-specific guidance.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM INFORMATION: