It is important to stay informed and prudent when it comes to COVID-19/Coronavirus precautions and preparations – and follow the guidance of the local health department, health experts and government agencies. In addition to encouraging and practicing healthy habits, businesses can take specific actions to stay ahead of the game as much as possible when it comes to preparing for local Coronavirus challenges.

For your information, below are some resources that may be helpful to you.

NOTE: The first resource under the U.S. SBA below is available today (April 3, 2020). While the Unemployment and SBA programs are available now, the systems are being overloaded, so you may need to be patient if you are not connected immediately. For Businesses applying for the SBA, it it suggested that you print the application, gather your tax returns for the last two years, and have it all filled out before applying online.

Informational Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration

• COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Online Application (new 4-1-20)
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet (new 4-2-20)
• Disaster Assistance Loans
• Customer Service: call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
• Disaster Assistance (new 3-25-20)
• Disaster Assistance Application Instructions (new 3-25-20)

Nebraska Department of Labor – Short-Term Compensation Support

• Unemployment Insurance Q&A (new 3-30-20)
• Employee Resources (new 3-25-20)
• Unemployment Insurance for Employers (new 3-25-20)
• Nebraska 2017 Employer Guide for Unemployment Insurance
• Unemployment Insurance Waivers for Coronavirus (3/22/20 – 5/2/20) (new 3-19-20)
• Short-Term Compensation Support
• Or contact Jeannie Holbrook, Workforce Coordinator/Rapid Response at the NE Dept. of Labor Office in Lexington – by phone at 308-324-2064 or via email at holbrook@nebraska.gov.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

• Grants and Loans for Businesses (new 3-25-20)
• Field Staff Assistance (new 3-25-20)

Center For Rural Affairs – Emergency Credit

• Existing Loan Relief and Emergency Credit for Small Businesses (new 3/26/20)

Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC)

• Business Resiliency and Disaster Loan Advisory Services (new 4-1-20)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• Coronavirus Emergency Loans – Small Business Guide & Checklist (new 3-30-20)
• Combatting the Coronavirus
• Resilience in a Box
• Workplace Tips

U.S. Internal Revenue Service & State taxes

• Tax Assistance and Questions Related to Coronavirus
• Nebraska State Tax Filing and Payment Extension (New 3-23-20)
• Federal Tax Filing and Payment Extension (new 3-21-20)

Local Health Department & Emergency Guidance

Our local health agencies, such as the Loup Basin Public Health Department, are probably one of the best sources for information in our area. They are leading preparation, educational and response efforts for our area, and can be your first contact when you have questions or need assistance evaluating local conditions and determining your next steps.

• Loup Basin Public Health Department – Website
• Loup Basin Public Health Department – Facebook Page
• Local Region 26 Emergency Management – Website
• Local Region 26 Emergency Management – Facebook Page
• Virtual Public Meetings Flexibility (3/17/20 – 5/31/20) (new 3/20/20)

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

• Nebraska Map of Cases (new 3-30-20)
• Coronavirus Screening & Testing (new 3-30-20)
• Coronavirus Information
• Subscribe for Updates
• DHHS One-Pager for Business

University of Nebraska Medical Center

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Virus and Precautionary Measures

Centers for Disease Control

• Individuals and Communities
• Businesses and Employers
• Event Guidance (new 3-25-20)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• Coronavirus Information
• Refusal to Work (new 3-25-20)

National Association of Manufacturers

• U.S. EPA Coronavirus Resources (new 3-30-20)
• U.S. EPA COVID-19 Enforcement Program (new 3-30-20)
• COVID-19 Resources
• EPA Guidance on Disinfectants

Nebraska Department of Insurance

• Coronavirus – Insurance Coverage
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners Coronavirus Updates

U.S. Department of Labor

• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) – Employer Paid Leave Requirements (new 3-30-20)
• FFCRA Employee Paid Leave (new 3-3o-20)
• FFCRA Paid Leave Q&A (new 3-30-20)
• FFCRA Notice to Employees Q&A (new 3-30-20)
• FFCRA Poster for Non-Federal Employees (new 3-30-20)
• FFCRA Poster for Federal Employees (new 3-30-20)
• Guidance for Navigating Labor and Safety Issues – Coronavirus (new 3-24-20)
• Family & Medical Leave Act with COVID-19 (new 3-24-20)
• Fair Labor Standard Act with COVID-19 (new 3-24-20)

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

• American with Disability Act and COVID-19 (new 3-30-20)
• ADA Compliant Preparedness (new 3-30-20)
• ADA Q&A for Employers (new 3-30-20)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

• Lending for Rural Housing, Businesses and Utilities (new 3-30-20)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

• Travel Restrictions (new 4-1-20)