While painful, health officials advise that restricting some indoor operations is effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Following measures, like wearing masks, maintaining a 6-foot distance from others, avoiding crowds, washing hands and the like, can help slow the spread of the virus. If we are successful in slowing the spread of the virus and bringing down the average daily case rate, then the county can progress to less restrictive tiers which allows for greater indoor operations. Our actions have a direct impact on slowing the spread so please encourage your friends and family to do their part to help keep our businesses open.
How long?
Just as the county has experienced two consecutive weeks of missing the thresholds moving us to a more restrictive tier, we will need to experience two consecutive weeks of improved community health indicators to move us to a less restrictive tier. When a county regresses to a lower tier, it must remain there for at least three weeks regardless of community case numbers, meaning new restrictions will last past the Thanksgiving holiday and into December.
An Available Resource – Carlsbad Business Loan Program
The Carlsbad Business Loan Program provides funding to Carlsbad small businesses to keep operations going. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses. The first are small business microloans of between $5,000 -$10,000 for businesses with $2,000,000 or less in gross revenue or 15 or fewer employees. The second are small business recovery loans of between $10,000 - $25,000 for businesses with $3,000,000 or less in gross revenue and 50 or fewer employees. Both loans types include scaled interest rates depending on how quickly the loan can be repaid. Neither loan type is forgivable. Access the application here.
Help Inform the City’s COVID-19 Business Response
With the changing operating environment, the City of Carlsbad wants to hear from Carlsbad businesses. The city would like to better assess the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and understand the impact and outlook for businesses, including continuing challenges.
The Office of Innovation & Economic Development is available to assist businesses with challenges they may be facing. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.
