Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus (responsible for COVID-19) that was not identified in humans before December 2019. Center for Disease Control (CDC) Fact Sheet
COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program
The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. According to the DCED resources, food manufacturers qualify to apply for the grant. The window for applications is open immediately through July 31st.
The Pennsylvania Manufacturing Call to Action Portal:
The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development – in collaboration with its strategic partners including NEPIRC– wants to mobilize manufacturers that can produce critical medical supplies and products in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Portal welcomes Pennsylvania’s manufacturers, distributors, and other suppliers to inform us of your critical supply chain capabilities, needs, workforce gaps, or innovative opportunities – allowing us to help identify opportunities and solutions. Please join the portal HERE.
Protocols for Positive COVID-19 Case
It is best practice to have a plan already in place for how you will communicate to your team and other stakeholders should you have an employee test positive for the virus. Below is an example of protocols and communications for such a case. CONTACT US for support creating a Coronavirus Response Protocol for your specific manufacturing business.
Guide for Reopening
As manufacturers begin to re-open or create long term plans for how to move forward into what is being called a “new normal,” many manufacturers are looking for where to start. NEPIRC has created a Reopening Guide to help navigate this process.
Gov. Wolf: Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Small Businesses and Non-Profits Facing Losses Related to COVID-19
Governor Tom Wolf announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
“We are incredibly grateful that the SBA recognized the urgency of this situation and granted our request so quickly,” said Gov. Wolf. “I encourage our businesses and non-profits to look at the SBA resources available to them and take advantage of this opportunity for financial assistance during this time of uncertainty.
Download the application HERE.
Call For Manufacturers Who Can Help with Critical Supplies
NEPIRC has established a direct line of communication with the White House, along with regional and state partners, and elected officials. They are calling on the manufacturing sector to help during this crisis.
The list below is not all inclusive (you can fine a more complete list HERE) and we will share more as we learn it. You may be able to produce these critically needed items or perhaps have a supply you no longer need:
• Protective equipment
• Impervious gowns
• N-95 face masks
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes
• Disinfectant soap
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Full face shields
• Ventilators
• Air purifiers
All manufacturers that are interested in helping out, please email Leigh Ann Wilson at leighann@nepirc.org ASAP with the following information:
Name of Company:
Contact Name:
Email Address:
Telephone:
One sentence on what they can manufacture and how they can help.
IRS Resources for Sick Leave and Payroll Taxes
On March 20th, the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act), signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020. CLICK HERE for more information.
Specialty Solutions
NEPIRC is here to support the manufacturing sector navigate these new waters with resources for your full range of business needs from workforce, to clear customer communication, to supply chain management. CLICK HERE to reach out to a business adviser to discuss your needs.
Protecting Your Workforce
As concerns about Covid-19 continue to rise, many employers are in new territory looking for ways to support and protect their workforce. In order to help employers plan and respond to Covid-19, the CDC has issued guidance.
CDC Recommendations for Protecting Your Workforce
Cleaning for Health in a Business
US Chamber of Commerce Covid-19 Recommendations
Pennsylvania State Resources:
PA Department of Community and Economic Development COVID-19 Business Resources
Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID-19 Resources
CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID0-19) Resources