Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Toolkit for Chambers, Business & Industry

It's important to stay informed and prudent when it comes to coronavirus precautions and preparations. It's also important to follow the guidance of the U.S. government and health experts.

The information outlined here will help you stay prepared and resilient through the coronavirus pandemic.

Health & Safety

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Centers for Disease Control remain the foremost sources of guidance and information related to business and employee actions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Preparedness & Response

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are the leading authorities as businesses prepare to contain the spread of coronavirus and avoid disruption of critical supply chains to support Americans and their health.

Reopening

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has released new guidelines and best practices for businesses reopening. Find information for restaurants in Spanish and English, Child Care regulations, and other facilities.

Employee Privacy

The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) provides guidance to employers regarding best practices in respecting employee privacy and confidentiality, while taking appropriate measures to identify and contain the spread of COVID-19.

Loan and Grant Assistance

Small businesses seeking financial relief resources or emergency working capital to keep employees and/or support my operations can leverage a variety programs offered by the federal government.

Tax Relief

The Federal government has instituted a Coronavirus Tax Relief package. There are extended tax filing dates for federal and state taxes. The Employee Retention Payroll Tax Credit provides up to a 50% credit for qualified wages paid during the coronavirus pandemic. Caps apply.

Workforce Reduction

The federal and state governments are offering enhanced unemployment options for reductions in force or work hours resulting from the fight against coronavirus.

Contractors & Self-Employed

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the federal government established funds for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits that are available to self-employed individuals and independent contractors.

Paid Leave & Labor Law

Federal relief provisions require certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Employers must post these benefits to their employees as of April 1, 2020

Other Educational Resources

The Nebraska State Bar Association has linked material submitted by member law firms for education and other background on developing coronavirus issues, legislation and regulatory guidance.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

National Association of Manufacturers

The U.S. Chamber provides a toolkit for businesses and employees on how to plan and respond to coronavirus and ways businesses of all sizes can help support relief efforts.

Find more resources for businesses uschamber.com/coronavirus.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is working with federal authorities to bring developing information to members.

Find more resources for manufacturers at nam.org/coronavirus.