SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
· The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
· Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
· SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
· Once a declaration is made for designated areas within a state, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to all affected communities.
· 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 without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
· SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
· SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Additional Resources
Greater Houston Partnership: 5 issues to consider in your company's response to COVID-19
SBA: Webinars this week for Houston area businesses affected by COVID-19
OSHA: Guidance for preparing workplaces for COVID-19
US Chamber: Coronavirus workplace tips for employees
US Chamber: Resources to assist small businesses
US Chamber: Guidance for employers to plan and respond to coronavirus
Greater Houston Partnership: Teleworking tips and best practices for working remotely
World Health Organization: COVID-19 updates
We are encouraging everyone to follow the CDC guidelines for large events and mass gatherings. This morning the recommendations was to cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more, however the President has suggested avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people.
Mayor Turner has announced the cancellation of city sponsored, produced and permitted events through April 30, 2020.
Vote passed to continue the disaster resolution indefinitely.
Houston Public Libraries will remain closed.
Starting Wednesday, March 18, 2020 (4) drive-in testing stations will soft launch: 2 in the City of Houston (Butler Stadium and Delmar Stadium) and 2 in Harris County (Campbell Center and Berry Center). We are awaiting the PPE's (Personal Protective Equipment - HAZMAT) and swabs for the testing to arrive from the federal government.
Proclamations will be postponed until the end of April 2020.
Private testing will be available at Quest Labs and Lap Corp at $150.00 per test.
The Department of Public Works announced the COH water is safe. Public Works is advising residents to only flush toilet paper in small amounts at a time. Wipes and other objects should not be flushed down toilets.
Starting today restaurants closed their dine in options and continue their services via take out, delivery and drive through for the next 15 days. Bars and clubs must close.
All school districts have food distribution sites ck their websites for locations/times
Meal distribution sites are open to all families. Sites have been strategically located throughout the district to ensure all families have access. Specific dates and times are listed below. Distribution will take place outside in the parking lot. The program will continue to be evaluated throughout the week and extended, as needed.
All districts are continuing to monitor the situation and stay in close contact with health and education officials and will provide updates as necessary. Families are encouraged to bring their own bags, totes, or other storage when visiting meal distribution locations. For updates and information, please visit www.houstonisd.org/HealthAlerts
METRO UPDATES
METRO understands the critical role public transportation provides for the region and is continuing to expand its public service efforts to help safeguard against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Later this week (week of 3/16):
More buses will be put in service on heavily traveled local routes in order to lessen crowding Approximately 50 percent fewer seats will be available on buses There will be fewer available seats on light rail and METROLift as well
These additional safety measures are designed to encourage responsible social distancing on local bus routes, light rail, Park & Rides and METROLift.
Stay informed by subscribing to receive service alerts for the route(s) of your choice. We'll send real-time, personalized route information straight to your email for free. It takes just seconds to subscribe.
You can also monitor METRO's Facebook and Twitter feeds.
As always, METRO Customer Service can be reached at 713-635-4000.
Information has been updated on the www.ridemetro.org website. Please see below addressing "social distancing".
https://www.ridemetro.org/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
In addition to the steps above, the Authority will continue:
Putting an even greater emphasis on disinfecting surfaces frequently touched by the public during our daily bus and rail cleaning Displaying posters along the system reminding riders of public health officials' recommendations to stop the spread of germs Communicating safety messages on service alerts Remaining in close and continuous communication with local public health and emergency management officials to monitor developments Evaluating the threat of this virus and responding appropriately Providing service, and doing so safely Protecting the health and safety of patrons, employees and the community is METRO's number one priority.
News Releases
03/16/20- METRO Expands Public Safety Efforts, Adjusts Some Service, Encourages Social Distancing on System
03/06/20- METRO Steps Up Public Service Efforts, Cleaning to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 Take Care of Yourself While METRO uses an antibacterial disinfectant to clean vehicles and facilities, self-care is still the best protection. It is important that you rely on credible sources for information and follow the guidance of health officials who suggest the following:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol) Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household spray or wipes Practice social distancing - keep distance between yourself and others When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with tissue or your arm Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth with unwashed hands If you feel sick, stay home and contact your healthcare provider before returning to work If you travel internationally and you return home with symptoms of COVID-19, please check with your doctor
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline
If you have questions about coronavirus, please call the
COVID-19 hotline staffed by the
Houston Health Department...
Phone: 832-393-4220
Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Additional Resources
National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Local (Harris County) Harris County Public Health Houston Health Department Local (outside Harris County) Brazoria County: Brazoria County Health Department Chambers County: Chambers County Public Health Department Fort Bend County: Fort Bend Health and Human Services Galveston County: Galveston County Health District Liberty County: Liberty County Indigent Health Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Health District Waller County: Indigent Health Care
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