Preparing Your Business for COVID-19

It goes that without saying that this is a trying time for our community. I have spoken with several of you over the last week regarding how to handle numerous situations regarding COVID-19 and its impact on your employees and families. The coronavirus is an unprecedented event and appears to be creating new challenges on a daily basis. I wanted to share with you thoughts and ideas for planning.

The state has expanded programs to help support businesses and workers whose financial stability is affected by COVID-19.

SharedWork is a smart alternative to a layoff. The program allows employers to reduce the hours of full-time (I have heard on some cases part time) employees by as much as 50 percent, and the employees can collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.

Standby Unemployment

Temporary shutdowns due to quarantine: If you need to shut down operations temporarily because an employee becomes sick and other employees need to be isolated or quarantined, your workers may be able to receive unemployment benefits and you may receive relief of benefit charges. You may request to place employees on standby for up to eight weeks and your employees can collect unemployment benefits without having to look for other work.

Under the new emergency rules, temporary shutdowns related to COVID-19 infection at the place of business that cause you to close or severely reduce operations are considered extraordinary circumstances. You may request relief of benefit charges. Workers must accept any telework you offer.

Temporary layoffs due to a slowdown in business: You may request to place an employee on standby for eight weeks and your employee can collect unemployment benefits without having to look for other work. If on standby, workers must accept any work you offer that they can do without breaking isolation or quarantine. Relief of benefit charges currently cannot be granted in this situation.

Insurance Assistance

T he Insurance Commissioner has required all insurance plans to cover coronavirus tests with no cost-sharing and no prior authorization requirement for anyone who meets the CDC criteria for testing.He has also required insurance plans to allow enrollees to refill their prescriptions early one time in order to maintain an adequate supply.

Here are additional links that can help based on what has occurred, concerns, exposure and testing positive.

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDcasepositive.pdf

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDexposed.pdf

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDconcerned.pdf

Protect Your Health and Loved Ones

If someone you know has a fever and respiratory distress, they should call their doctor – not go to the clinic or hospital. Symptoms to watch for are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

The best preparations are to prevent infection with simple yet effective actions:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (singing happy birthday twice).
Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, sleeve or tissue (not your hands).
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Bump elbows with friends rather than hugs or handshakes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Use hand sanitizers when unable to wash your hands.
If you have symptoms and do not have a doctor to call, you can the King County coronavirus call center at 206-477-3977 or the Washington State Department of Health call center at 1-800-525-0127.

For the latest developments and the most up to date information, please visit the DOH Coronavirus , the King County Public Health , and the CDC COVID-19 Situation Summary. Additional resource: OneRedmond's Emergency Tool

If you have any questions or need guidance, please reach out to us .