INFORMATION ON COVID-19

Center for Disease Control – Latest info from Federal Government; prevention tips for individuals and organizations

For local information about COVID-19 updates, prevention, and community resources: https://www.buncombecounty.org/covid-19/default.aspx

• You can also sign up for the Buncombe County COVID-19 newsletter and alerts at the Buncombe County website.
• Watch Buncombe County daily briefings on facebook
• COVID-19 Self Checker: Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self-Checker is a quick, confidential, easy-to-use assessment tool you can use online or by phone to help determine if you have COVID-19 and how you can proceed to get medical care. This helps public health experts better understand how the virus is spreading in Buncombe County and allows medical experts and local leaders make the best possible, data-driven decisions to protect everyone.
• For general questions about COVID-19: ready@buncombecounty.org or call (828) 250-5300.
• For public health questions related to sanitation and cleaning: EHRequest@buncombecounty.org

NCDHHS – latest state information about COVID-19 including FAQs, guidance for different groups, state restrictions and news

• Holding weekly forums: The forums will enable members of the business community to obtain timely information on COVID-19 and to pose questions directly to public health subject matter experts.

FAQ on NC Stay at Home Order  (expired April 29th)

FAQ on NC Phase 1 (expired May 22nd)

FAQ on NC Phase 2 (expires June 26th)

Keep up with global updates on the virus on the World Health Organization’s website

Buncombe County Guidance on Social Distancing

N.C. 211 –  call “211” to get free and confidential information on health and human service resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NAACP Call to Action Program – discussions on impact of COVID-19 on communities of color

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES & COMMUNITY

In this time of uncertainty, we encourage you to support those companies whose businesses are impacted by closures or restrictions.

• Donations of any amount to One Buncombe show we are a community that cares and support grants to impacted individuals and small business loans.
• See info in our Business Directory for businesses offering online service, take out, or other resources.
• Call ahead or check online to find out if business hours or services have changed.
• Consider buying a gift card from a local business or donating to arts/nonprofits. Check out ashevillestrong.com – all proceeds go to businesses.
• Support local restaurants by buying gift cards, ordering take-out, etc. – search our directory
• Sign up for United Way of Asheville-Buncombe County volunteer opportunity alerts here.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Member Businesses offering supports – Local businesses offering resources such as staffing, technical support, etc.

Need in-kind support or want to help other businesses? United Way is coordinating requests for in-kind donations for groups and organizations.

Buncombe County COVID-19 Planning Guide for Businesses

Guidance from Buncombe County HHS:

• Guidance for Food Service Establishments:   English | Russian  | Spanish
• Approved Cleaners for Food Service Establishments: English  | Russian  | Spanish
• Food Service FAQ: English | Russian | Spanish
• Cashier Guidance English

Interim Guidance for Businesses from NCDHHS – includes specific guides for Restaurants &  Bars, Malls & Shopping Centers, Public-Facing Businesses & Agencies (including retail, healthcare and office buildings) and Organizations that gather less than 50 people together. Also guides on environmental cleaning.

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers from CDC

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces from OSHA – includes guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 and preventing worker exposure (also available in Spanish)

Legal Guidance on Workplace Pandemic Planning (EEOC)

Guidance for Businesses from SBA – includes information about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Resources for Tourism Industry from Explore Asheville

Resources for Employers related to employment issues from Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP

• Article (3/18/20) : EEOC Updates COVID-19 Guidance – FAQ on EEOC issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act including what employers can ask of and how they can respond to potentially sick employees.

Resources for Employers related to tax/accounting issues from Johnson Price Sprinkle PA

Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (HHS & CDC) – resource for large businesses

Legal Guidance on Workplace Pandemic Planning (EEOC)

Sample Pandemic Preparation Questions

National Association of Manufacturers: Coronavirus Resources

North Carolina Business Relief Resources – EDPNC

SBTDC – help to navigate your business through COVID-19

Sanitizing/Disinfecting:

• American Industrial Hygiene Association
• EPA Disinfectants List and Details
• Video: Why soap is effective against COVID-19
• For supplies, try JonDon ULINE, Grainger and Northern Tool
• Tips:
  • When using concentrated cleaners, need to make you follow the directions, more is not better.
  • Also, if you are going to clean with ammonia, bleach, or alcohol, use only one type, do not mix. Mixing types can cause some toxic chemistry.
  •  For common solutions, use regular household bleach mixed per the guidelines on CDC. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing: 5 tablespoons (1/3^rdcup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

For addressing supply chain disruptions: ManufacturedNC:

• This database of suppliers contains every kind of thing produced in NC. Whether you’re a manufacturer who wants to localize your supply chain or a business searching for packaging suppliers, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
• If you are an N.C. manufacturer, please register your business with ManufacturedNC here. Other businesses may be looking for you!

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.

• Overveiw
• FAQs on Dept of Labor Poster Requirement
• Employee Poster

UNEMPLOYMENT & JOB INFORMATION

Some typical restrictions on unemployment insurance have been lifted. UI now covers anyone affected by COVID-19 in all industries.

Federal legislation to respond to the COVID-19 crisis will provide unemployment payments for up to four months and in NC up to $950 per week ($350 current benefit + $600).  Contract workers, nontraditional workers and gig workers will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

Employers can find info regarding unemployment insurance from the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security.

Contact the DES Employer Call Center with any questions or concerns: 866.278.3822

Individuals who want to apply for Unemployment can contact: https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment  or 888.737.0259

Job seeker information:

• Local temp agencies have also indicated they are hiring for temp work. Check out these Employment Services
• Companies now hiring – as of 4/6/20
• NC Works Career Center: NCWorks Career Centers: Asheville – 828.251.6200

Understanding eligibility – flow chart from NC General Assembly

FUNDING RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS

SBA Overview of COVID Relief Programs available to small businesses

FAQs on SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: also lists local providers who can assist with navigating the process.

Coronavirus Loan Options: Compares the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan

One Buncombe: Community funded relief for individuals and small businesses

Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Act:  Signed into law May 5, this act allows Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish a $5 million fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others. Grants can be used to restart business as restrictions are lifted and recovery begins, to help with rent, payroll, inventory, and other expenses associated with reopening.

NC Rapid Recovery for Small Businesses: Mountain BizWorks is providing NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans as as vital resource to help Western North Carolina small businesses be resilient and adaptive in the face of the coronavirus crisis. These are primarily designed to be a timely source of bridge loan financing until businesses can access SBA Disaster or other federal disaster funding.

FAQ on Employee Retention Credit – from US Dept. of Treasury

FAQs on COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses – from IRS

Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist – from US Chamber of Commerce

Paycheck Protection Program:

• Overview – pdf from US Dept. of Treasury
• Fact Sheet & FAQ – pdf from US Dept of Treasury
• Quick Overview FAQ – pdf from NC Bankers Association

Main Street Lending Program 

• Overview – web page from the Federal Reserve with fact sheets, FAQ, and more
• Article – How the Main Street Lending Program differs from other programs

Misc.:

• Thread Capital (NC Rural Center) – Thread Capital was launched in 2018 by the NC Rural Center and continues to be an operating subsidiary of the Center.
• Self-Help Credit Union – alternative lending institution | as of June 2nd, 2020, they still have funding left for PPP
• Carolina Small Business Development Fund
• NC Community Development Initiative – Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
• Facebook Small Business Grants Program
• Google Ads Credits
• IRS Tax Extension
• Truist – NCIFund Grant Program is providing grants of $5,000 to $25,000 to small businesses in North Carolina and neighboring states.

RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

•  Community Resources Guide on public assistance, community resources, new unemployment information, and other resources that might be beneficial to you. Please review the entire list as you might be eligible for assistance and resources you’re not aware of.
  • Info on Special Shopping Hours for Vulnerable Populations
• N.C. 211 –  call “211” to get free and confidential information on health and human service resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• COVID-19 Prevention/Testing:
  • COVID-19 Self Checker: Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self-Checker is a quick, confidential, easy-to-use assessment tool you can use online or by phone to help determine if you have COVID-19 and how you can proceed to get medical care. This helps public health experts better understand how the virus is spreading in Buncombe County and allows medical experts and local leaders make the best possible, data-driven decisions to protect everyone.
  • Information on Community Testing Sites
  • Individuals with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should call their primary care, call urgent care, or if you don’t have a primary care/urgent care provider, call the Buncombe County Public Health Nurses at 828-250-5109.
  • See this guidance from NCDHHS on what to do if you feel sick
  • Everyday Precautions and Preparation from Pardee Hospital
  • Precautions when a household member is sick from Pardee Hospital
• Internet Access for families:
  • Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
  • Charter is opening up their wi-fi locations for public use. Find a hotspot
  • Map of free WIFI lots (from Land of Sky)
• Food/Nutrition:
  • Manna Foodbank
  • Several local restaurants are offering free meals for students, including White Duck Taco and Twisted Laurel.
  • YMCA of Western North Carolina resources including food distribution: ymcawnc.org/emergency-resources
  • Expensify.org will reimburse families on SNAP benefits to purchase additional essential goods. See expensify.org/hunger
• The following will not cancel service due to non-payment during this time:
  • Duke Energy  (Will also waive late fees, returned check fees, reconnect fees, and credit and debit fees.)
  • City of Asheville water
• Transit:
  • City of Asheville ART buses will be fare-free starting March 20th through April 5th. The City will also waive fees for on-street parking and city garages
• Financial Services:
  • One Buncombe: Community funded relief for individuals and small businesses
  • Bank of America will provide additional support for consumers and businesses experiencing hardship from the impact of  coronavirus, including loan payment deferral, refunds on late fees, mortgage payment deferral with no negative credit bureau reporting, and a pause on foreclosure sales, evictions, and repossessions.
  • Article from Mosaic Realty: FAQ on Federal Mortgage Forbearance for homeowners that have been impacted by COVID-19, includes sample lease amendment prepared by a local law firm for commercial & residential tenants to use for requesting relief from Landlords.
  • New Belgium Bar & Restaurant Relief Fund – supports laid off and furloughed workers
  • NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund
  • COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Round for LGBTQ Southerners from Campaign for Southern Equality; also grants to fund community projects.
  • Article from NPR on financial questions related to being out of work
  • Pandemic of Love – the local Asheville chapter will match local donors with those in need for groceries, bills, fuel, and other items
• Continuing education for children:
  • The Khan Academy and Bank of America have partnered to offer detailed daily schedules for students age 4 to 18 as well as educational webinars.
  • The Asheville Museum of Science will update their website with daily science education videos for kids.
  • Emergency Child Care for Essential Workers – YMCA
  • Homeschool resources from YMCA: fun educational activities, active play ideas, character development exercises, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) projects for all ages.
  • Parent-Led Education Resources
  • For more ideas, sign up for the One Great Thing daily newsletter from EdNavigator
• Mental health:
  • Asheville Community Yoga has opened a library of online classes.
  • Namaste In Nature has shared several free guided meditation and yoga videos focused on boosting the immune system and releasing stress.
  • Quarantine Concert Series: IAMAVL and the Orange Peel are providing live virtual performances every evening from 7-8:30 p.m. Stream on their website.
  • Enjoy a virtual tour of the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s current exhibitions.
  • Google and Explore Asheville have created interactive, virtual tours of 20+ hiking destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Browse the Asheville Museum of Art’s collection digitally 
  • A full list of more free activities and virtual experiences from NPR

Webinar Recordings

Recordings from past workshops & town halls:

•  Virtual Town Hall: Employment Considerations in the COVID-19 Crisis
•  Virtual Town Hall: Business Continuity and Lending in the COVID-19 Crisis
•  Q&A on Buncombe County’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order – Senior VP of Economic Development Clark Duncan talks with Buncombe County’s Tim Love on what you and your business need to know about the order in effect Thurs. 3/26 through Thurs. 4/9
•  What’s in the $2 Trillion federal stimulus package? – VP of Public Policy Corey Atkins explains the new law
•  Resilient Brands Need Nimble Marketing
•  Ins and Outs of SBA Resources
• Best practices for setting up & maintaining an online store
• Working from home? Here’s what works
• Strategies for Business Continuity
• Virtual Legislative Luncheon,  Discussion with Senator Chuck Edwards, Senator Terry Van Duyn, Representative Chuck McGrady and Representative Brian Turner on ongoing state and local efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, as well as what to expect from the upcoming NCGA Short Session.
• Answering Adversity with Innovation