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March 31st, 2020
COVID-19 News & Updates
As you know, the Coronavirus is having an impact on business and society. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the situation. We will be providing daily and weekly updates about COVID-19 to you. We hope that you find these interesting and informative.

More Information on The CARES Act: What You Need to Know About Emergency Small Business Relief


On March 25, 2020, the United States Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), aimed at providing financial relief to the American people and American businesses in response to the economic fallout from the fast-developing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The measure provides direct financial aid to American families, payroll and operating expense support for small businesses, and loan assistance for distressed industries. The CARES Act now moves to the House for a vote, where it is expected to be adopted shortly and in substantially the same form. From there, President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.

One of the core pieces of the CARES Act is the provision of $349 billion for small businesses through federally backed loans under a modified and expanded Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan guaranty program called the Paycheck Protection Program. Congress has designed the program to make funds available to qualifying businesses quickly through approved banks and nonbank lenders.



Coronavirus and Managing Remote
Work Cyber Risks

Given the implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, countless employees across a variety of industries are working remotely. While this allows businesses to remain operational, it can create a number of risks, particularly for those who fail to take the proper precautions.

Above all, information security is one the greatest challenges for companies allowing remote work during the COVID-19 outbreak. When an employee is at the office, their work is protected by safety standards that keep your company’s network and data secure. However, an employee working from home may not have the same safety measures in place to protect your organization’s devices and information.

In order to safeguard your business and employees from data breaches, cyber scams and viruses, consider the following strategies
UHC Takeaways (3-31-2020)

  • UHC is donating $50 million to combat COVID-19 and support communities
  • Known cases will continue to rise due to spread and increased testing.
  • Increase rate has decreased over the past two days in the tri-state area.
  • COVID-19 patients are less than 2% of overall hospitalizations.
  • Emotional support hotline for anyone 1-866-342-6892 (24/7)
  • When a vaccine is here, it will be covered without any cost sharing.
  • Flex spending will adjust to include OTC medications that help to treat the virus.
  • Eligible telehealth providers can file claims without audio/video backup in most cases in a temporary basis.
  • Waived cost sharing for telehealth temporarily.
  • Temporary open enrollment through April 6 for an April 1 effective date.
  • Call center calls are dropping from the highest point. Current wait time of under 30 seconds.
  • Virtual visit wait times are down from over 2 hours to less than 15 minutes. Mainly due to additional physicians.
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An Employer's Quick Guide to Managing Remote Employees
During the Coronavirus Pandemic


The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused many employers across the country to make significant changes to their standard procedures, including shifting their employees from working at the office to working from home. While this working arrangement can help employers and employees stay healthy, it can be challenging for both parties to navigate.

For some employees, working from home is business as usual. For others, this may be the first time they’ve telecommuted. This working arrangement may seem exciting at first, but it can lose its luster over time, resulting in disengagement and decreased productivity.

For employers, figuring out how to manage a team of remote employees is most likely something they’re not familiar with. This guide serves as an introduction to managing remote employees and includes best practices for keeping employees engaged. It should be used for informational purposes only and not be considered as legal advice.

On behalf of all of our team, please know that we are here for you and that we will continue to do everything we can to support you during this time. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything you need! 

The Hatcher Agency