The health and safety of our residents and businesses are our priority. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up‐to‐date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID‐19). Please note that the Florida Department of Health has a dedicated COVID‐19 webpage offering up‐to‐date information as well. For other questions or concerns related to COVID‐19, please contact the COVID‐19 Call Center at (866) 779‐6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. There is also the option of sending an email to COVID‐19@flhealth.gov.
Business Updates
On March 17, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program available to all Florida counties statewide that experienced economic damage as a result of COVID‐19. For more information please visit the following webpage FloridaDisasterLoan.org.
The Small Business Administration offers interim guidance that may help prevent workplace exposure to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID‐19, in non‐healthcare settings. Below are the recommended strategies for employers to use now. In‐depth guidance is available on the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers web page:
Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
- Separate sick employees
- Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
- Perform routine environmental cleaning
- Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps
Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from designated countries with risk of community spread of Coronavirus, and information for aircrew, can be found on the CDC website.
Additional Measures in Response to Currently Occurring Sporadic Importations of the COVID‐19:
Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID‐19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
If an employee is confirmed to have COVID‐19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID‐19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co‐worker with confirmed COVID‐19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
SBA provides a number of loan resources for small businesses to utilize when operating their business. For more information on loans or how to connect with a lender, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding‐ programs/loans.