What should we do if our business is impacted by coronavirus?

The Employment Security Department on March 9 issued new emergency rules regarding COVID-19.

The Department will provide wage replacement to employees. Click the links below to learn more.

SharedWork and other resources from the Employment Security Department.
The Governor’s Office has compiled resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19 coronavirus.
COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits
Emergency rules regarding COVD-19

Sign up for our coronavirus text alert resource

Get updated on the latest decisions and developments in the coronavirus situation within Washington state in real time from your mobile device by signing up for text alerts. There are two ways to sign up for our mobile text alert resource:

1. Text “COVID19” to 52886

2. Click here and sign up.

Seattle mayor launches support package for small businesses

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced a package of relief measures for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The initial support package, comprised of five components, includes deferral of B&O taxes, expansion of the Small Business Stabilization Fund, assistance for Small Business Administration loans, utility relief for residential and commercial customers and a small business recovery task force.

The Seattle local government affairs team has been working daily with the Mayor’s team to advocate on behalf of our members. Local Government Affairs Director John Lane will serve on the small business recovery task force. The package will be solidified through an Executive Order later this week. Read the details here.

Federal funds for emergency loans

On March 6, President Trump signed an $8.3 billion emergency spending bill related to COVID-19. The legislation includes funding for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide low-interest loans for small businesses dealing with economic loss due to COVID-19. The Seattle local government affairs team has been working with the Seattle Office of Economic Development to provide necessary documentation to make King County eligible for economic injury assistance; once a county is approved, contiguous counties also become eligible.

As soon as the federal funds are made available, the SBA will provide applications and fact sheets for the emergency loans. We will share additional information and application details with members as soon as they are available. Click here for more information.

[Tools] How to safeguard your business against coronavirus

News reports continue to trickle out updates on the dangers of COVID-19, the coronavirus. We continue to update our coronavirus toolkit with new and current information. This toolkit includes:

FAQ on HR and employment law
What to tell your customers
King County specific information
What to do if a guest shows flu-like symptoms
What to do if your business is economically impacted
Click here

Did you miss Monday’s webinar?

We’ve got an article that breaks down some of the key points of Monday’s coronavirus webinar.