COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
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SCAM ALERT! Please be cautious during the COVID-19 pandemic. BIA is becoming aware of various telephone scams that seem to be directed at finding out whether businesses are open or closed due to the “Stay at Home” order. Please forward any suspicious activity you have experienced to the NH Department of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau: DOJ-CPB@doj.nh.gov
Old News
US House Passes, President signs $2.2 Trillion “CARES Act” Economic Stimulus Package.
The US House has passed the “Phase 3” stimulus package known as the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) and President Trump made good on his promise to sign the bill as soon as it reached his desk.
Among the major provisions, the new law provides cash payments up to $1,200 for individual Americans; offers $367 billion in low-cost loans to affected small businesses; expands unemployment insurance by $250 billion, while extending existing benefits by 13 weeks; and furnishes $500 billion to backstop loans for the hardest-hit industries, including airlines and hotels.
Governor Sununu issues two new emergency orders
Governor Sununu issued two new emergency orders today, numbers 18 and 19 temporarily modifying Department of Safety modifying procedures at the Motor Vehicle Division and extending school closures until May 4th, consistent with yesterday’s “stay at home” emergency order closing non-essential businesses throughout the state. The Governor’s office has released a list of businesses deemed essential and has also provided a way for business owners to request an essential designation if they are not on the list.
The US House has passed the “Phase 3” stimulus package known as the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) and President Trump made good on his promise to sign the bill as soon as it reached his desk.
Among the major provisions, the new law provides cash payments up to $1,200 for individual Americans; offers $367 billion in low-cost loans to affected small businesses; expands unemployment insurance by $250 billion, while extending existing benefits by 13 weeks; and furnishes $500 billion to backstop loans for the hardest-hit industries, including airlines and hotels.
Governor Sununu issues two new emergency orders
Governor Sununu issued two new emergency orders today, numbers 18 and 19 temporarily modifying Department of Safety modifying procedures at the Motor Vehicle Division and extending school closures until May 4th, consistent with yesterday’s “stay at home” emergency order closing non-essential businesses throughout the state. The Governor’s office has released a list of businesses deemed essential and has also provided a way for business owners to request an essential designation if they are not on the list.
State Resources
NH Employment Security Offers For-Profit/Non-Profit Employer Guidance
New Hampshire’s Department of Employment Security has produced two new documents to assist For-Profit Employers and Non-Profit Employers the information they need to navigate expanded unemployment benefits associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to deal with the number of first time filers for unemployment benefits, specific days and hours for filing will continue to be based on the first letter of the individual’s last name.
NH State of Emergency Declared
On March 13th Governor Sununu issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency. The executive order outlined new provisions allowing individuals who are quarantined due to confirmed or potential exposure; individuals needing care for themselves due to a related illness, individuals needing to care for an ill family member and individuals needing to care for a dependent to be able to access state unemployment benefits. Since that time, he has release various emergency orders relating to the pandemic.
NH Department of Labor – Suspension of Workplace Audits and Inspections
New Hampshire’s Department of Labor is suspending all workplace audits and/or inspections for the duration of the state of emergency. Exceptions will be made if a complaint is filed for non-payment of wages for hours worked or for not having Workers Compensation Insurance coverage for employees working.
New Hampshire’s Department of Employment Security has produced two new documents to assist For-Profit Employers and Non-Profit Employers the information they need to navigate expanded unemployment benefits associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to deal with the number of first time filers for unemployment benefits, specific days and hours for filing will continue to be based on the first letter of the individual’s last name.
NH State of Emergency Declared
On March 13th Governor Sununu issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency. The executive order outlined new provisions allowing individuals who are quarantined due to confirmed or potential exposure; individuals needing care for themselves due to a related illness, individuals needing to care for an ill family member and individuals needing to care for a dependent to be able to access state unemployment benefits. Since that time, he has release various emergency orders relating to the pandemic.
- Emergency Order #1 closes all public schools in the state for a three-week period.
- Emergency Order #2 prohibits public gatherings of 50 people or more (exempting legislative activity and business activity) and restricting all food and beverage sales to carry-out, delivery, curbside pickup or drive through only (exemptions for healthcare facilities, airports and private business cafeterias primarily intended to serve the employees of that business).
- Emergency Order #3, prohibits discontinuation of service for all electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable and internet for the duration of the state of emergency.
- Emergency Order #4 prohibits landlords from issuing or enforcing eviction notices for the duration of the state of emergency.
- Emergency Order #5 temporarily suspends the one-week waiting period for individuals who have filed for unemployment benefits.
- Emergency Order #6 temporarily allows properly licensed restaurants to sell and deliver sealed wine and beer with along with food sales
- Emergency Order #7 requires all New Hampshire schools to transition to temporary remote instruction by March 23rd,
- Emergency Order #8 requires all health insurance carriers to allow all in-network providers to deliver clinically appropriate, medically necessary covered services to members via telehealth.
- Emergency Order #9 establishes the COVID-19 Emergency Healthcare System Relief Act, up to $50 million to provide, as needed, emergency relief to all aspects of New Hampshire’s healthcare system and to promote and secure the safety and protection of the people of New Hampshire.
- Emergency Order #10 requires all grocers and retail stores to temporarily transition to use of single use paper or plastic bags to reduce potential spread of Coronavirus via reusable shopping bags.
- Emergency Order #11 provides the authority to perform secure remote online notarizations.
- Emergency Order #12 modifies rules regulating public access to meetings under RSA 91-A
- Emergency Order #13 temporarily allows New Hampshire pharmacists and pharmacies to compound and sell hand sanitizer over the counter and to allows pharmacy technicians to perform non-dispensing tasks remotely
- Emergency Order #14 temporarily authorizes out-of-state pharmacies to act as a licensed mail-order facility within the State of New Hampshire.
- Emergency Order #15 temporary authorizes out of state medical providers to provide medically necessary services through telehealth
- Emergency Order #16 temporarily prohibits social gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Emergency Order #17 orders the closure of all non-essential businesses and orders Granite Staters to stay at home.
- Emergency Order #18 temporarily modifies Department of Safety and Motor Vehicle Division procedures.
- Emergency Order #19 extends school closings until May 4th.
NH Department of Labor – Suspension of Workplace Audits and Inspections
New Hampshire’s Department of Labor is suspending all workplace audits and/or inspections for the duration of the state of emergency. Exceptions will be made if a complaint is filed for non-payment of wages for hours worked or for not having Workers Compensation Insurance coverage for employees working.
Private Sector
Facebook announces small business grants program
Facebook will soon be taking applications for a new Small Business Grants Program designed to assist small businesses in response to COVID-19. The program will be offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 small businesses over the world. While details are still being formed, Facebook lists possible uses of the grant money as helping with rent and covering operational costs.
NH Charitable Foundation unveils new Community Crisis Action Fund
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has announced the Community Crisis Action Fund, which will provide grants to nonprofits who are working to reduce the impact of COVID-19, such as food for children and seniors, shelter for homeless and families, and transportation. Grants will also help longer-term needs like health care, emergency response, childcare, and food security. Additional grants will be used to support local emergency funds.
The following links are provided to employers seeking more information on best practices for responding to Coronavirus:
US Chamber Coronavirus Information Page
https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/coronavirus
Center for Disease Control – Guidance for Business
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
OSHA Guidance for Employers
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
US Department of Labor
NH Department of Health & Human Services
https://www.nh.gov/covid19/
NH Bankers Association
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources
NH Small Business Development Center
SBDC COVID-19 Assistance Page
Facebook will soon be taking applications for a new Small Business Grants Program designed to assist small businesses in response to COVID-19. The program will be offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 small businesses over the world. While details are still being formed, Facebook lists possible uses of the grant money as helping with rent and covering operational costs.
NH Charitable Foundation unveils new Community Crisis Action Fund
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has announced the Community Crisis Action Fund, which will provide grants to nonprofits who are working to reduce the impact of COVID-19, such as food for children and seniors, shelter for homeless and families, and transportation. Grants will also help longer-term needs like health care, emergency response, childcare, and food security. Additional grants will be used to support local emergency funds.
The following links are provided to employers seeking more information on best practices for responding to Coronavirus:
US Chamber Coronavirus Information Page
https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/coronavirus
Center for Disease Control – Guidance for Business
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
OSHA Guidance for Employers
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
US Department of Labor
- COVID – 19 Fair Labor and Standards Act
- COVID – 19 Family Medical Leave Act
NH Department of Health & Human Services
https://www.nh.gov/covid19/
NH Bankers Association
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources
NH Small Business Development Center
SBDC COVID-19 Assistance Page
BIA Member Resources
AARP
Preparing Caregivers during COVID-19
Health and Food Help During COVID-19 Outbreak in New Hampshire
Baker Newman Noyes
COVID-19 Updates and Resources from our Practice Groups
Bernstein Shur
Legal Guidance on COVID-19 and FAQs-19 and FAQs
Jackson Lewis
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resource Page
JP Morgan Chase
COVID-19: Your Guide to Navigating Economic Uncertainty
McLane/Middleton Law Firm
McLane/Middleton Coronavirus Resource Center
Pierce Atwood Law Firm
Recent Updates and Directory of COVID-19 Attorneys and Resources
Preparing Caregivers during COVID-19
Health and Food Help During COVID-19 Outbreak in New Hampshire
Baker Newman Noyes
COVID-19 Updates and Resources from our Practice Groups
Bernstein Shur
Legal Guidance on COVID-19 and FAQs-19 and FAQs
Jackson Lewis
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resource Page
JP Morgan Chase
COVID-19: Your Guide to Navigating Economic Uncertainty
McLane/Middleton Law Firm
McLane/Middleton Coronavirus Resource Center
Pierce Atwood Law Firm
Recent Updates and Directory of COVID-19 Attorneys and Resources
