COVID-19 Information

What you need to know

• Vaccine Mandates: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has compiled easy to digest facts on the the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that requires businesses with at least 100 employees to ensure vaccination of their workers or, for those workers who are unvaccinated, masking policies and weekly testing. What does this mandate mean for business? Download the document.
  • View additional Fact Sheets from OSHA.
• State of Ohio Small Business Relief Grants: The State of Ohio has grant opportunities available for those businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those include Food & Beverage Establishments, Entertainment Venues, Lodging, New Small Businesses. Read More.
• On March 2, 2021 U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced the Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit Act. This would provide a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50% of the costs incurred by a business for testing, PPE, extra cleaning, reconfiguring work spaces for social distancing, and training and education on the prevention of COVID. Get more details.
• Targeted EIDL Advance: You may have heard about this new initiative by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide additional funding to businesses that received the first round of EIDL Loans. This second, targeted round, is currently being made available by invitation only. Read answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
• Eligible Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) expenses now deductible: The COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 amended the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to say that no deduction is denied, no tax attribute is reduced, and no basis increase is denied by reason of the exclusion from gross income of the forgiveness of an eligible recipient’s covered loan. This change applies for taxable years ending after March 27, 2020.
• Responsible Restart Ohio: Ohio’s Department of Health provides responsible protocols for getting back to work, a COVID-19 checklist for employers, and updates on the Governor’s Orders.
• OSHA Workplace Ventilation Tips: Ensuring adequate ventilation throughout the work environment can help to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Employers should work with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional to consider steps to optimize building ventilation.

Supplies

• Office Depot’s National Chamber Program: Offering supplies to chamber members at a discounted rate.

Resources

• Vaccines:
  • Ohio’s Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program website provides guidance for employers and organizations for vaccinating employees, or providing a convenient option for employees to get vaccinated.
  • The State of Ohio’s online COVID-19 Vaccine Location tool allows you to search for a vaccine administration location near you.
• Contactless payments offer customers a way to pay without touching payment processing equipment. Learn more from Infintech, which offers special rates to chamber members and a free quote on merchant services and payment processing.
• COVID relief provisions for non-profits from member Clark Schaefer Hackett.
• FREE Childcare! Help low-income employees and job applicants connect with free childcare through member Miami Valley Child Development Centers. Download the flier.