Hello Chamber Members and Partners,
Here are the latest updates and resources for businesses and employees during this uncertain time.
Send us any questions or updates you may have, we are here to help provide information, connect the dots and assure those in the North Country that we will get through this together.
Onward and Be Well!
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US-CANADA BORDER RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED
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As expected, the U.S. and Canadian governments have jointly agreed to extend existing restrictions on non-essential travel across our shared border for an additional thirty days. The restrictions imposed in March and extended in April were due to expire May 21, but will now remain in place through June 21. Individuals may cross the border only for established essential purposes which have not changed and include health care workers and others commuting for essential work, travel for medical care, emergency services, truck drivers and pilots, and military and diplomatic personnel, among the limited exceptions.
On the commercial side, movements remain unrestricted and continue to be strong at the Champlain/Lacolle gateway.
As we have said before, this unprecedented separation between neighbors, friends and family on either side of the border becomes ever more sad as time goes on, and has hopefully taught us to never again take our bi-national connectivity for granted.
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To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, T
he North Country Chamber of Commerce
has created a comprehensive list of resources to navigate state and local requirements. As well as a
series of webinars
for businesses to help educate and provide answers to common questions.
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Your North Country Chamber team is working to schedule more webinars in the coming weeks to aid in the reopening process. Look for webinars geared towards Hair Salons and personal services, as well as the Retail/Office Sector. We are also working to coordinate HR focused seminars to help understand and answer employees concerns.
Stay Tuned!
T
hese webinars are free and provided with funding from NYS.
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Past Webinars - Listen Here!
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Montreal Retail Stores and Day Cares on Track to Reopen
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Conceding there is a certain risk involved, the Legault government has decided to stick with its plan to open retail outlets in the greater Montreal region on May 25 and daycares on June 1.
Premier François Legault said his government is working on a plan for how the summer will unfold with guidelines on safe social interactions in a COVID-19 environment plus decisions on what will be permitted by way of restaurant openings, sporting events, tourism and religious gatherings.
Legault said Quebec is entering a new phase of the pandemic, but he said Quebecers still have to respect the rules including in retail. After strongly recommending masks on pubic transit, Legault said Monday shoppers and store workers alike should wear them.
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CDPHP: Gym Reimbursement Includes Online Classes
Eligible CDPHP members can now be reimbursed for paid, online fitness classes and subscriptions like Peloton and Beachbody. Members may submit for reimbursement for online class or subscription costs paid on or after April 1, 2020.
The gym reimbursement is available as a buy-up for self-funded groups. Members should check their plan contract or call the number on their member ID card to confirm eligibility.
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MVP: Important Information for Employer Groups
In MVP's continued effort to support members during this unprecedented time, MVP will continue to waive COVID-19 treatment costs for members in most health plans through May 31, 2020. Treatment of COVID-19 is defined as supportive therapies to maintain respiratory and other organ functions.
Additionally, MVP will waive member cost-shares for FDA-approved antibody tests and immunoassays (qualitative, semiquantitative, and single step method) for COVID-19 for all members.
MVP is monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and continue to share the most up-to-date information on their
website
.
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Does your Health Insurance Company Have Information to Share?
If you are one of the many health insurance company's that our broker, Lisa Bedard Dupee works with and has an update you would like shared with our membership, please email it to her today. We will do our best to get it featured in an upcoming edition.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Mark Lukens, MBA (BHSN)
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Mark Lukens,MBA - CEO of Behavioral Health Services North, wrote a very insightful blog called, "Why Your Company's Huge, Sweeping Overhaul Might Fail."
It explores how "A steady stream of marginal improvements can build into big results." As we navigate this changing and evolving environment - it is important to remember to take baby step and change your mindset to achieve lasting change in your workplace.
Thanks for the insight, Mark!
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The home page of the Chamber's website is now your go to resource for all things Coronavirus related. From information to help your business, health insurance, employee guidelines, restaurant offerings and CDC resources, our website will hopefully make things a bit easier for you during this challenging time.
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- Looking for Supplies: If your business is looking for hard to find protective products, we have created a list of businesses offering hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, masks and other items.
- Now Hiring: Whether you are hiring or looking for work, we have a page dedicated to helping pair potential employees with employers.
- Webinars: Did you miss one of our webinars, you can find them all here.
- How to Help: If you are looking for a way to help the North Country, we have created an ever growing list of needs in our community. And if you are a non-profit, health care organization or a business helping those in need, email us with your needs, contact information and we will be happy to add you to our growing list.
- SCORE: Visit Scores Coronavirus page for webinars and useful articles for small businesses.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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