Oregon Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Paycheck Protection Loans Now
Oregon businesses that have not yet applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans can still take advantage of the funds, with an estimated $100 billion still available in the program nationwide. Business owners are encouraged to visit the COVID-19 Small Business Navigator or call 833-604-0880 for assistance navigating available resources.
Lists of Oregon financial institutions participating in SBA Paycheck Protection Program are available here for credit unions (provides website link to check and see if they are still accepting applications) and banks (list vetted/categorized by whether they are accepting or not).
Updated Guidance on Face Coverings
Under new statewide guidance for face coverings, all of the following businesses must provide face coverings and require employees to wear them:
- Grocery stores
- Fitness-related organizations
- Pharmacies
- Public transit agencies and providers
- Personal services providers
- Restaurants, bars, breweries, brewpubs, wineries, tasting room and distilleries
- Retail stores
- Ride sharing services
In public, all Oregonians must wear a face covering on public transit, and it is strongly recommended that Oregonians wear a face covering in settings like grocery stores where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
Summer School and Summer Program Guidance
ODE has issued new statewide guidance for in-person instruction for summer school and other summer programs.
Summer Camp Guidance
OHA has also issued new statewide guidance for the safe operation of summer camps. All camps must have a communicable disease management plan in place for staff and for youth.
Public Transit Guidance
Transit has continued to operate throughout this crisis, but new statewide guidance for public transit was issued today.
Guidance for Oregonians Experiencing Homelessness and Service Providers
Updated statewide guidance reiterates that COVID-19 health and safety directives are not to be used to criminalize homelessness.
Employment and Economic Response to COVID-19
Daily Digest: Friday, May 15
This digest is a compilation of information and resources related to employment, commerce and economic development issues surrounding COVID-19. There are numerous online resources for those seeking health-related information, including daily COVID-19 updates from the Oregon Health Authority at https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19.
Governor Kate Brown announced yesterday the counties that can begin entering Phase 1 of reopening under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. Qualifying counties demonstrated that they meet all of Oregon’s safety and preparedness prerequisites for reopening, as well as a declining prevalence of COVID-19. Read the news release. Governor Brown also issued a new executive order related to the reopening.
PPE resource list: Business Oregon has compiled a resource list of PPE manufacturers and distributors. Small businesses may use the list to help find equipment necessary to reopen, including gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and more. See the list.
The Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation has a messaging toolkit with signs and social media ideas to encourage safe and responsible outdoor recreation during the pandemic. See the toolkit.
The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development has created a resource guide for land use planners and economic development officials to use during COVID-19. The pandemic presents an opportunity to rethink local codes and planning programs, and the guide provides tools to help recovery planning and community development. Read more.
The Oregon Employment Department received 14,100 initial claims for unemployment benefits during the week of May 3 to May 9. The agency has received 396,000 initial claims since COVID-19 business closures began in mid-March. Read the news release.
Impact of COVID-19 on travel industry (UPDATED 5/12): To help share information about COVID-19 impacts to the travel industry, Travel Oregon’s research team is compiling state and national data on a weekly basis to share with external partners. Read the report.
The Oregon Farmers Markets Association has written an Oregon-specific guide for farmers market operators and vendors to share current COVID-19 policy, best practices and resources. Read the guide.
