Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Florida Businesses
The following list covers the top questions we have heard from our members regarding reopening in midst of the COVID-19 crisis:
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Download our business guide: The Back-to-business Toolkit by The Greater Naples Chamber |
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How are we really doing? What’s the best source of information about COVID-19?
The Florida Scorecard has the latest information for t he state and every county. According to Gov. DeSantis, we should pay most attention to the rate of positive cases and hospital capacity. As testing increases, there will be an expected increase in positive cases, but the goal is to reduce the percentage of people who test positive. To see Gov. DeSantis April 29 presentation regarding re-opening Florida, click here.
The Florida Scorecard has the latest information for t he state and every county. According to Gov. DeSantis, we should pay most attention to the rate of positive cases and hospital capacity. As testing increases, there will be an expected increase in positive cases, but the goal is to reduce the percentage of people who test positive. To see Gov. DeSantis April 29 presentation regarding re-opening Florida, click here.
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Who can start opening and who shall remain closed?
As of May 4, 2020, Executive Order 20-112 maintains limitations on movements of persons except for those businesses and services currently open (per Executive Order 20-91), those businesses that can open at 25% capacity (restaurants and retail), and those in support of elective surgeries. For more information about the latest executive order (20-112), click here. |
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I’m getting ready to reopen, how to protect my employees and customers?
The FL Department of Health recommends 5 steps to prevent exposure: (1) social distance, (2) wear a cloth cover in public, (3) avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, (4) cover coughs and sneezes, (5) clean and disinfect “high-touch surfaces.” These steps can be posted around your business as a reminded for employees and customers. For more tips, OSHA published 10 steps all workplaces can take to reduce the risk of exposure. For employers of 500 employees or less, help your employees understand their rights under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act, so that they feel safe staying home if they have been exposed or are presenting symptoms. The US Chamber of Commerce has provided a great tool, where you can customize a flyer with the precautions your business is taking to protect customers and employees. Customize your own flyer here. |
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How to protect my business from frivolous COVID related lawsuits?
Currently, there is no legislation protecting businesses against frivolous COVID related lawsuits. You may contact local legislators to express your need for such legislation. However, the Florida Chamber is working with their partners in the state legislature, at the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform and at the Florida Justice Reform Institute on draft legislation and is advocating for a legislative solution that limits liability exposure for businesses as a result of COVID 19 at both the federal and state levels.
Currently, there is no legislation protecting businesses against frivolous COVID related lawsuits. You may contact local legislators to express your need for such legislation. However, the Florida Chamber is working with their partners in the state legislature, at the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform and at the Florida Justice Reform Institute on draft legislation and is advocating for a legislative solution that limits liability exposure for businesses as a result of COVID 19 at both the federal and state levels.
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What resources are still available to help my business endure?
The Florida SBDC at has created a Small Business Guide – Tips to do Right Now to Stay Afloat. This guide addresses questions regarding the Paycheck Protection Program loans, Economic Injury Disaster loans, and SBA Relief Program, among other tips you can apply to your business today. The Small Business Council also has a COVID-19 resources center through the FL Chamber website, which contains other resources and Frequently Asked Questions geared towards small business. SBDC at FGCU has also put together a comparison sheet for the funding programs available. Click here. |
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Where can I give to help in the recovery?
For non-profit organizations, the Community Foundation of Collier County has created the Collier Comes Together-Coronavirus Relief fund. To learn more, or to donate, click here. 100% of all funds will be distributed for Coronavirus relief with no administrative fees. |
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Top Resource Pages:
- Florida Chamber of Commerce: COVID19 Resource Page: Follow the Facts, Not Fear
- US Chamber of Commerce: Combating the Coronavirus
- Collier County: COVID-19 INFORMATION
- Collier County Public Schools: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
- FL Small Business Development Center: Small Business Preparedness, Recovery Resources for the Coronavirus
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