Shelter in Place Info for Busines
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services has announced a Shelter in Place Order for all residents to stay inside their homes and away from others as much as possible in a move intended to curb the rapid spread of coronavirus across the region. The directive is set to begin at midnight tonight and is to stay in place until April 7.
The Health Order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most basic and essential needs. The press release provides a summary, but for definitions of Essential Businesses, restrictions on operations (Minimum Basic Operations), and information specific for your business see the Order.
- Order of the Health Officer Regarding Shelter in Place (C19-03)
- Shelter in Place Press Release – English
- Shelter in Place Press Release – Spanish
While we respect the expertise of public health leaders and understand the necessity of these restrictions, we also realize the acute impact they will have on businesses, residents, and employees in Sonoma County.
Below are some of the resources available to you right now. Please note that this may not be a complete list of all available support from private, public and nonprofit entities. Federal, State, and Local resources have been aggregated from respective websites.
The Metro Chamber is actively advocating for additional resources on your behalf and will update you as they become available.
Resources for Employers, Employees and Specific Industries
RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
Sonoma County Resources for Employers
The Sonoma County Economic Development Board has created a webpage that contains resources for Sonoma County employers and employees.
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California State Resources for Employers
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has resources available to businesses affected by COVID-19. For the most up-to-date state resources for businesses, visit the GO-Biz resource page.
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Telecommuting
Employers may be able to avert layoffs or work reduction by offering flexibility in work location and hours through telecommuting. The U.S. General Services Administration website provides an array of resources to help guide employers in offering and managing telecommuting or remote work.
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Delay of State Payroll Reports
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Partial Unemployment Insurance Claims to Keep Employees
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Work Sharing Program
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Federal Resources for Employers
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration has just announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans (up to $2 Million) for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus. 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.
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IRS Resources for Employers
The IRS has set up a special section to help taxpayers and businesses affected by COVID-19. The page will be updated as new programs are made available.
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RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES
California State Resources for Employees
The CA Employment Development Division (EDD) provides a variety of support and relief services to employees affected by COVID-19 in California. For the most up-to-date information, visit CA EDD’s COVID-19 resource page. LEARN MORE
Reduced Work Hours? Partial Unemployment Available
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Sick or Quarantined Workers Can File a Disability Insurance Claim
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Up to Six Weeks of Paid Family Leave for Caregiving
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Federal Resources for Employees
IRS Resources for Employees
The IRS has set up a special section to help taxpayers and workers affected by COVID-19. The page will be updated as new programs are made available.
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Tourism and Travel Related Resources:
- California Hotel & Lodging Association: https://calodging.com/coronavirus-information-resources
- U.S. Travel Association: https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/emergency-preparedness-and-response-coronavirus-covid-19
- Sonoma County Tourism: https://www.sonomacounty.com/partners
The Metro Chamber will continue to update you with new information as we receive it.