Dear Businesses:
To assist with re-opening the state’s economy, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs is conducting a confidential survey of New Hampshire businesses to see how they are meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The information provided will assist efforts to help businesses, and the state’s economy, recover in the weeks and months to come.
The survey is available here.
The
New Hampshire
Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force
has begun meeting almost daily with a focus on a different sector each meeting. You can dial in and listen to the discussion. They will be sending a survey out for businesses soon to weigh in on issues concerning reopening, which I will forward once ready.
The NH Association of Chamber Commerce Executives has representation on the Task Force. If you have info you would like to share concerning how you see your business reopening, please email me and I will forward.
On Friday, April 24th, 2020,
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott
released his
Work Smart & Stay Safe – Restart VT Phase II
(Addendum 11 of Executive Order 01-20). Included in the addendum are the Health & Safety Requirements, Training Requirements, Customer & General Public Mask Use, Phased Restart, Farmers Markets and other items. Important for All Business are the Training Requirements included in Phase II:
Training Requirements. All employers shall provide training and a written copy of standard operating procedures to be developed by the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Agency (VOSHA), in consultation with VDH, on, at a minimum:
a. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and an explanation of how the disease is spread;
b. Information on appropriate social distancing and personal hygiene practices, including those set forth in this Addendum 11 to the Executive Order and applicable ACCD Guidance; and
c. The types, proper use, limitations, location, handling, decontamination, removal, and disposal of any PPE being used.
Employers may adopt another training program that meets or exceeds the VOSHA-provided standard, or additional policies and procedures that are applicable to the employment environment and employees’ duties, which shall not be less restrictive than those developed by VOSHA.
All businesses and non-profit and government entities in operation must complete and document mandatory health and safety training by May 4, 2020.
Wondering why you haven't seen your unemployment benefits yet? Check out
NHES' Weekly New Unemployment Claims by Town
.
It's eye-opening. However, NHES has been receiving help from 100 National Guard reservists and they have helped significantly in clearing out the backlog of applications.
Upper Valley banks, economic development and business support
entities have created the
"
Upper Valley Regional COVID-19 Business Support Resources”
bulletin
to help you find direct, person-to-person advice and assistance in this region. The one-page hard copy and digital pamphlet also includes basic guidance on federal and state programs, required application information and pro tips to keep in mind as you consider your options. Given the dynamic and changeable nature of the COVID-19 response, program details remain fluid. This bulletin provides current information as well as contacts – virtual and personal - to revisit over the coming days in order to access updates.
Helpful Webinars & Links:
