HBAT Update | March 16, 2020
The following information in this email should not cause alarm. According to the CDC, the risk of being exposed to the coronavirus (COVID-19) for most people is low.
We only want to provide recent updates so you can make good decisions. The best thing you can do is get informed and make responsible decisions.  Stay calm and follow the suggested guidelines for families and businesses.
At the bottom of the email, we have links to information for Businesses from the Centers for Disease Control and the Small Business Association.

Updated information 03/16/2020 - 3:15pm Central Time

The Latest developing information.
Sunday night, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued an advisory against large gatherings of people. The CDC stated large events can fuel the spread of the disease, gatherings of 50 people or more should be canceled or postponed throughout the country for the next eight weeks. Many organizations are in the process of cancelling events.

Another announcement was made that older adults (over 60) should stay home and avoid groups of more than 10 people. Older adults with pre-existing conditions are more susceptible to the impacts of this infection.

We all should be in daily communication with our family and neighbors. If some one is in need, we need to take responsible steps to assist them
Legislature to Narrow Focus, Pass a Budget then Recess
Will work through the weekend then recess
Nashville, Tenn . – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lt. Governor Randy McNally and Speaker Cameron Sexton issued the following statement:

“Over the last week, we have remained in close contact with the state’s health leaders, and we have continued to carefully monitor the complex and aggressive COVID-19 virus in Tennessee. The latest guidance from both the CDC and Department of Health requires us to take unprecedented action . In the best interests of public health, we have jointly decided to limit all remaining legislative business to fulfilling our constitutional requirement of passing a balanced budget, and any associated actions that will ensure Tennessee can keep its doors open. This is a serious time for our state and country, and we all must make adjustments in response to this threat. Our approach will take into account the unique public health challenges this complex virus presents, as well as the economic disruption likely to occur as a result of its spread. Passing an amended budget now and recessing will allow the General Assembly to focus on an immediate plan of action, while still determining needs down the road. This pathway forward should only be reserved for extraordinary circumstances. We will continue operating out of an abundance of caution and take additional action if it becomes necessary.”

For those who follow our Government Affairs Activities.

This means only essential bills in committees will be heard, those items dealing with the functions of state government. The remaining bills will not be heard and left in committee until a future date. The key term in the statement is “recess”. The legislature is reserving the ability return at a future date. At this time a date to return has not been set. We will keep you updated. 

Governor Encourages Public Schools to Close through March 31
Measure intended to stop the spread of infectious disease COVID-19
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement regarding statewide school closure:

“As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the latest. Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020 to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31. Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface with the closure of schools.”

Each school district is likely to address this differently. Employees with school age children are going to need flexibility in working arrangements.

The Centers for Disease Control Recommendations 
Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers
How to plan, prepare and respond to prevent exposure.

All employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread of acute respiratory illness and lower the impact of COVID-19 in their workplace in the event of an outbreak in the US. You should identify and communicate your objectives, which may include one or more of the following:
(a) reducing transmission among staff,
(b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications,
(c) maintaining business operations, and
(d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains.
Risk Assessment for Business
For most places in Tennessee our risk of exposure is low. If an employee does not feel well, they should stay home.
Proper Cleaning Techniques for Facilities with Suspected Exposure
Good techniques of how to clean surfaces and clothes to avoid spreading infection.
Tip: bleach and water solutions in a spray bottle work well.
Information from the Tennessee Department of Health 
The TN Dept of Health have a recommended protocol for cases, household contacts, and non-household contacts for positive cases. This chart can be reviewed here .
Basically, if you have been exposed to someone known to be infected, you should stay home to avoid spreading the infection to anyone else.

If someone tests positive for COVID-19, the Department of Health will have that data when the results are provided to the patient. If that person was an employee of your business, you will be contacted and advised of appropriate steps to take.
Small Business Administration
SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). 
Legislation Under Consideration in Congress
My former Colleagues at the US Chamber of Commerce provided a summary for legislation moving through the US Congress.  The Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed the House and should pass the Senate this week. President Trump announced his support and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said there will be technical correction made Monday.
Tips for Cybersecurity when Working Remotely
With increases in the number of people working remotely, it is important that we also take care. Awareness and preparedness are both vital. 

Workers should be suspicious of emails from people they don't know -- especially if they ask to click on links or open files. Phishing messages try to create an impression of urgency in order to panic you into clicking on a link. Also watch for emails sent from people you do know, but they are asking for unusual things. If a request seems odd or suspicious -- so double check by phone.

Basic security advice for employees working from home includes
·        Verify secure wifi connection. Most wifi systems at home these days are correctly secured, but some older installations might not be.
·        Fully updated anti-virus system in place.
·        Up to date security software. Security tools such as privacy tools, add-ons for browsers etc need to be up to date.
·        Remember to back up periodically. All important files should be backed up regularly.
·        Lock your screen when not using your work computer. 
·        Check if you have encryption tools installed and use a secure connection to your work environment.
 
Things employers can do:
·        Provide initial and then regular feedback to staff on how to react in case of problems. Who to call, hours of service, emergency procedures and how they may evolve.
·        Give suitable priority to the support of remote access solutions. Employers should provide at least authentication and secure session capabilities (essentially encryption).
·        Ensure adequate support in case of problems. This may require setting up special scheduling rotations for staff.
·        Define a clear procedure to follow in case of a security incident.
·        Consider restricting access to sensitive systems where it makes sense.