HBAT Update | April 01, 2020
Quick items today.
  1. Job site infection prevention one-pager
  2. Information about federal loan programs. There are several kinds and deadlines.
  3. Other federal program Employers should know about.

Updated information 03/31/2020 - 3:00pm Central Time

Job Site COVID Prevention 1-Pager
Print & Post at your Work Sites.
Even though construction and associated businesses have been determined to be essential business services in Governor Lee’s Executive Order 22, job sites must comply with the Public Health Safety Measures.


We advise you to post these job site protocols to reduce the spread of infection. We worked really hard to justify why residential construction and our associates should be allowed to keep working. We explained to the Governor that we could work safely and would take all the necessary precautions. Don’t let another builder or company draw the wrong kind of attention, create a media uproar, and gets construction shut down.  

We have also posted images of these prevention plans on Facebook. We encourage you to share them, so others can know HBAT members are taking appropriate action to protect the heath of our workers and the public. 

Current Federal Loan Programs for Small Business
You should talk to your Banker or the Bank that handles your payroll checking account about the Paycheck Protection Program recently passed by Congress. 

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

Small businesses, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

All loan terms will be the same for everyone. The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as: The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and Employee and compensation levels are maintained. Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee.

Applications open Friday, April 3 for small businesses and sole proprietorships. Applications for independent contractors and self-employed individuals open Friday, April 10.
Pinnacle Finance Partners is an Annual Sponsor of HBAT
Pinnacle Financial Partners has a detailed summary with questions and answers about the Paycheck Protection Program. We encourage you read it and see if the program is a good fit for you and your business. 


More information from the U.S. Department of Treasury on PPP.
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the coronavirus. These are available now.

These loans come directly from the SBA, and applications will be made through the SBA, not your bank. It is still advisable to discuss this option with your accountant, banker or financial advisor, they can help you gather the required materials and help determine how it fits into your overall needs.
Pinnacle Financial Partners also has a quick description of the criteria and terms for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. We encourage you read their summary as well to determine if the program is a good fit for you and your business.
Pinnacle Finance Partners is an Annual Sponsor of HBAT
We encourage you to work with a bank or financial professional that you know when discussing these programs.

Be Alert, Don't Get Scammed : Be careful responding to emails or unsolicited phone calls requesting banking information. Hackers and Scammers are active now and will surely use fake loan programs as bait in the weeks ahead. 
Other Programs Employers Need to Know About
We are still gathering information on how the paid sick leave mandate will work. 
Recent federal legislation enacted other changes that will impact employer operations.

Paid Sick leave:  Employers with fewer than 500 employees must pay two weeks of sick leave up to $511 per day for any employee who is sick, quarantined, is caring for someone who is sick, or is caring for a child whose school is closed. The employer must pay for 10 more weeks of family leave, up to $200 per day, for an employee who is caring for a child whose school has closed or their childcare provider is unavailable. The federal government will reimburse employers for the full cost of this sick and family leave and advance funds to employers who do not have the cash to pay it.

Unemployment compensation:  The federal government is giving states an extra $600 to add to every laid off employee’s unemployment compensation check for 16 weeks. In Tennessee, the maximum weekly benefit is $275; with an additional $600 it will be $875.

For more Unemployment information visit the TN Department of Labor’s resource page is being updated daily with additional information. The FAQs are very helpful. 

Where Can Home Builders Stay on the Job?  
This week, Tennessee joined many states ordering non-essential businesses to close to stop the spread of coronavirus. Thankfully, Tennessee and other states included exemptions for construction workers and related services allowing them to continue working. Source: NAHB
On March 30, 2020 Governor Bill Lee Issue Executive Order 22 calling for Tennesseans to stay at home and for businesses to develop alternative work schedules. Construction and construction related businesses were determined to be essential business services and are listed in Amendment A to the Order.
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.