Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
Updated: March 30, 2020
The Capital Region Chamber is dedicated to providing leadership and resources for our members and region. While we may be in a time of uncertainty, our commitment will not change.
It is important for each of us to stay informed and we believe that providing links to resources in one central location will help everyone in our community to make the best decisions possible.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed and has allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. The U.S. Chamber has provided this resource guide and checklist.
Click here to submit your COVID-19-related business question to Empire State Development
Click here to submit your COVID-19-related business question to the Capital Region Chamber
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Guidelines for Businesses
All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from the Coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations. Please see below for guides to learn more about how employers and employees can prepare for and address the impacts of the Coronavirus.
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America
Empire State Development is providing up-to-date guidance for the agency’s partners and other stakeholders impacted by the virus. Please click here for more information.
Under legislation signed by Governor Cuomo, New York workers are guaranteed job protection and financial compensation while they are on a mandatory or precautionary quarantine order due to COVID-19. What employers need to know about COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave.
https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/covid19
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published its first round of implementation guidance pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The guidance addresses critical questions such as:
- How does an employer count its number of employees to determine coverage?
- How can small businesses obtain an exemption?
- How does an employer count hours for part-time employees?
- How does an employer calculate wages employees are entitled to under the FFCRA?
The initial WHD guidance is available in three-parts:
Fact Sheet for Employees
Fact Sheet for Employers
Questions & AnswersCoronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees
Guidance For Employers To Plan and Respond To Coronavirus
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Summary of CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed and has allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Please see below for helpful links that break down details and its impact.
Summary of Bipartisan Agreement on “CARES” Act
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Guidance Regarding Essential Businesses
Please continue to check back for updates.
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SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs & Resources
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest loans to for-profit and non-profit businesses of all sizes.
U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet – Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Listen to the Recording: SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs Zoom Information Session
Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservi[email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 18, 2020.
For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit: SBA.gov/coronavirus.
If you have a question in filling out the application, please contact John Skrobela on our Chamber team.
If you are looking for short-term capital to keep people working or to cover expenses ask your local bank if they are an SBA-preferred lender. If they are, the SBA Express program is offering bridge loans to those impacted by the outbreak. Loans of up to $25,000 are available for short term operating needs. Click here for more information.
- Labor/Workforce Information & Updates
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Upcoming Webinars
Sandler Training will be hosting webinars on Tuesday, March 31; Wednesday, April 1 and Friday, April 3 about how to navigate sales in times of uncertainty. Limited seats available.
John Connors, The Connors Group will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 1 at 10 a.m. about how to work/sell remotely and stay connected. No cost but registration is required.
The Business Council is offering a webinar on Connectivity During Quarantine: Technical & Legal Implications of COVID-19 on Thursday, April 2 at 11 a.m.
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Small Business Impact & Resources
More than 85% of the Chamber’s membership is made up of businesses and organizations with less than 20 employees. We understand the impact that Coronavirus is having on you, your business and employees. While you may be looking for short-term loan options, we remind you to be cautious of scammers who offer “quick money” or deals that are too good to be true. Please be sure to take the time to read contracts and/or fine print. We also recommend that members reach out to their various lending contacts and request possible forbearance of payment periods.
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Click here to learn more.
On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed emergency legislation guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Read more here.
View the small business guide and checklist on emergency loans from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
COVID-19 Briefing Note from McKinsey & Company – Global Health and Crisis Response
The NYSDOL Shared Work Program
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Federal, State and County Resources
As this situation is ever-changing, please regularly check this page, the NYS Department of Health COVID-19 webpage and the CDC Coronavirus webpage for updates. Also, each of our counties have websites that they will be updating as necessary.
To help protect yourself from COVID-19 and stop the spread of germs, download the COVID-19 and “attention all visitors” signs.
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Resources for Nonprofits
NYCON has gathered local and national resources that your nonprofit may find helpful in light of the COVID-19/Coronovirus Pandemic. Please click here for links and resources.
The Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development at The University at Albany is moving all of their nonprofit workshops online with free access. Check out their calendar here.
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Resources for Restaurant Owners & Retail
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Click here to learn more.
Visit www.tipyourbartender.online to virtually tip your those in the hospitality industry. With any tip over $5 you’ll be entered into a raffle for a free $50 gift card to a restaurant in the Capital Region.
Feed Albany was launched by a group of concerned restaurant professionals, a business executive and local official who saw an opportunity to help both unemployed restaurant employees and those in need by providing prepared meal solutions to at risk and in need individuals in the Capital Region.
The New York State Restaurant Association is constantly updating their website with the latest information. Please check back frequently.
Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 for Retail Stores
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Notice Regarding Chamber Offices, Events and Programs
Due to COVID-19, please note all three office locations of the Capital Region Chamber are closed until future notice. Our staff are working remotely and can be contacted through the Chamber directory at 518.431.1400 or by email as found on our homepage.
We have postponed or canceled our events and in-person meetings through the end of April and we will not be offering the ability to rent our conference rooms located in Albany, Clifton Park and Schenectady. To stay up to date on the status of our events, please visit our events calendar.
Certificates of Origin will be done by appointment only. Please see below for locations, dates and times.
Office in Clifton Park: 58 Clifton Country Road, Suite 102, Clifton Park on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Please email Sheila Whinnery to schedule your appointment.
Office in Schenectady: 1473 Erie Blvd, 3rd Floor, Schenectady (building next to the casino with the pedestrian walkway going over Erie Blvd. We are on the casino side of the building) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 – 4 p.m. Please email Sharon Cutler to schedule your appointment.
Sheila and Sharon need to be NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE if you intend on coming by.
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Employment Opportunities and Resources
The Chamber has compiled a list of businesses who are currently looking to hire along with local recruitment and staffing firms who can assist you. Please check back as we will be updating this document as necessary.
Job & Employment Opportunities
You can also view current openings on the Chamber’s job board.
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Giving Opportunities
Co-led by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, The Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund has been established to provide flexible resources to 501c3 organizations working with local communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak.
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Changes to Hospital/Medical Visitor Guidelines
Local hospitals have updated their visitor guidelines. Please be sure to call in advance to ask about their policies.
Update from Albany Medical Center re: visitor guidelines
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School Closures & Online Education Resources
Many schools in the Capital Region have closed due to risk of Coronavirus. Here’s a list compiled by WNYT. Please be sure to check with your individual district for the most up-to-date information.
The Chamber has compiled a list of online education resources. View them here.
WMHT Public Media has introduced a new programming block in coordination with Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to support in-home learning for grades 4-12. Learn more here.
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Mental Health Resources
Please take the time to read this article from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention about how to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty.
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 _ CDC
The Guardian: If coronavirus scares you, read this to take control over your health anxiety
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Event/Program Impact
Per a recent announcement from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on March 12, 2020, events with 500 or more individuals in attendance should be cancelled or postponed; any gathering under 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent and only medically necessary visits to nursing homes will be allowed to protect the most vulnerable.
CBS6 Albany has compiled a list of everything that has been cancelled and closed in the region as a result of Coronavirus.
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has outlined planning recommendations to minimize the impact within your community. On this page you will find best practices, event communications and policy templates, along with other resources for businesses, such how to to host your meeting or event virtually.
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Freelance Artist Resources
HowlRound plus a group of artists, arts administrators, and others from around the US presented a webinar on Monday, March 16 about how COVID-19 is impacting freelance artists (those who identify as independent contractors) from all disciplines and where artists can look for support in this complicated moment. Click here to view the video recording.
- Child Care Resources and Information
