Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Florida Businesses

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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:

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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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
Top Resource Pages:

Helpful resources for businesses and the public during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak

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 Closures. Press releases. Business recovery resources.

Centers for Disease Control: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Home Page
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America. What You Need to Know. Resources for the Community.  COVID-19 Cases in the U.S. Information for Healthcare Professionals. Federal Government Response.

Collier County Public Schools: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Latest Update from CCPS. Helpful links. School closures. eLearning information.

Florida Department of Health: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)
FL statewide information. Resource toolkit for disease prevention. Outreach materials and infographics.

FL Small Business Development Center: Small Business Preparedness, Recovery Resources for the Coronavirus

FL Small Business Development Center: Top 5 Things To Do NOW as a Small Business Owner 

Naples SCORE.org - Post COVID-19 Business Assessment
 This FREE program is being offered by SCORE Naples to assist you in jumpstarting the recovery of your business. The Business Assessment Program is performed by experienced SCORE mentors who will review the impact to your business from COVID-19 and quickly respond with recommended recovery actions. This program will be available through June 30, 2020.

News: New Federal Leave Requirements: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The federal government has now passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to help employees and businesses facing challenges related to the coronavirus. The Act guarantees free coronavirus testing, secures paid emergency leave, enhances Unemployment Insurance, strengthens food security initiatives, and increases federal Medicaid funding to states. Read more as we discuss these provisions and several remaining unanswered questions. 

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association: Resources
Emergency Funding. COVID-19 Business. Florida Department of Health. Resources for Consumers

Local Business: Naples restaurants offering takeout, delivery
208 Restaurants offering take-out and delivery in Naples and Ft. Myers

Small Business Administration: Resources
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Guidance for Businesses and Employers. SBA Products and Resources. Government Contracting. Local Assistance

FL Small Business Development Center: Empowering the Remote Worker During Uncertain Times 

FL Small Business Development Center: Keeping Your Small Business Operational: Financial Acumen During Crises 

Excelerate America: COVID-19 Business Resource Hub
​Business resources from large vendors: Dell, Office Depot, Morgan Stanley, OnDeck. Consulting resources