Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Florida Businesses
These are times when unity and reverence for each other help us overcome the challenges we face. United, we can lift one another and keep our community strong. At the Greater Naples Chamber, we are committed to making Collier County the best place to live, work, and play. Especially in hard times, we are here to support our members and our community as we persevere and recover together.
As we work together to reopen and recover from the current COVID-19 crisis, we encourage local and state leaders to consider the following:
To read my full editorial about reopening, originally published today in the Naples Daily News, please click here.
Michael Dalby
President & CEO
Greater Naples Chamber
As we work together to reopen and recover from the current COVID-19 crisis, we encourage local and state leaders to consider the following:
- Make health and safety the top priority. We must ensure that our desire to reopen does not put our family, friends and neighbors at risk.
- Let healthcare experts take the lead on recovery efforts. Professionals on the frontlines will have the best pulse on the effects of reopening.
- Reopen our economy in phases. The decision to reopen can’t be instantaneous. We must work through multiple considerations to get it right.
To read my full editorial about reopening, originally published today in the Naples Daily News, please click here.
Michael Dalby
President & CEO
Greater Naples Chamber
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The following list covers the top questions we have heard from our members regarding reopening in midst of the COVID-19 crisis:
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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