he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) released updated guidance today applicable to individuals recently vaccinated against COVID-19 with one of the vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). Notable, the update recommends that “fully vaccinated” people (defined as two or more weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine), with no COVID-19 symptoms, who have had close-contact exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, do not need to quarantine. This guidance also applies to employees of non-healthcare and low-density workplaces.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Update
October 8, 2020 (Press Release Number 20-81): The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in consultation with the Treasury Department, released a simpler loan forgiveness application (SBA Form 3508S) for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less.
MAKING SENSE OF COVID-19 What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Smart business owners are planning for when the regulations of quarantine will be relaxed and business operations will return. Forward-thinking companies should focus on three areas: 1) use of the loan proceeds under the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); 2) safe return-to-work practices, and 3) preparing for COVID-19 related lawsuits. The first area requires legal and financial planning and understanding the PPP. The second requires legal and workplace safety planning to meet CDC workplace safe distancing mandates. The last requires implementing corporate best practices and procedures to prepare now for a potential COVID-19 related lawsuit. This article discusses these topics generally, and the authors are happy to discuss your particular circumstances.
Three Phase Plan Checklist for Returning to the Workplace
Organizations around the country are beginning efforts to re-open offices, retail businesses, educational institutions, manufacturing facilities, and other physical locations. Interpreting requirements from varying levels of local and state governments while navigating the complexities of best practices issues by trade and industry groups is a challenge that most organizations could use help to manage.
Restaurant Litigation – Is This A Trend?
McDonald’s employees in Chicago and Los Angeles have sued over unsafe, COVID-19-related working conditions, claiming the burger giant failed to mandate OSHA/CDC social distancing guidelines and advise employees when their coworkers were diagnosed with the virus.
Federal Reserve Board Further Expands Main Street Lending Program
On April 9, 2020, the Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program (the “Program”) to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Jersey Lifts Stay-At-Home Order as Non-Essential Businesses are Primed to Reopen
On June 9, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy announced he would lift Executive Order 107 signed on March 21, 2020, which placed unprecedented restrictions on non-essential businesses in New Jersey because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
COVID-19 CARES Act Updates – Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
On May 22, 2020, the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) released two interim rules regarding (i) the forgiveness process of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), and (ii) the SBA’s process for reviewing loan applications and loan forgiveness applications, as well as the responsibilities of borrowers and lenders (collectively, the “Interim Rules”).
COVID-19 CARES Act Updates – Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA)
On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA). The PPPFA makes changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) established under the CARES Act (signed into law on March 27, 2020).
New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for Construction Projects during the COVID-19 Emergency
On May 13, 2020, the New York State Department of Health issued a model plan and guidance for reopening and operating construction sites in New York State during the Covid-19 Emergency. There is also an overall guide from the State entitled: NY Forward Reopening Guide that contains more general information. The following are links to the Master Guide, the Short Guide, Model Plan and Reopening Guide all prepared by the State of New York.