The Portland Regional Chamber is committed to staying up to date on this pandemic and will ensure our community stays informed. Choose from the menu above or scroll down for the latest developments on a city and state level.
Please, do not hesitate to reach out to the Chamber with any questions or concerns.
- Quincy and the Portland Regional Chamber team
Please, do not hesitate to reach out to the Chamber with any questions or concerns.
- Quincy and the Portland Regional Chamber team
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CLOSURES & GATHERINGS
Governor Mills Mandates Closure of Non-Essential Businesses
Governor Mills announced on March 24th an order mandating that all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing, meaning those that allow customer, vendor or other in-person contact. The Order also closes non-essential business sites that require more than ten workers to convene in a space where physical distancing is not possible.
The Order is effective tomorrow, March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and extends for a period of 14 days through April 8, 2020 at 12:00 a.m.
In the Governor’s release, she lists businesses providing essential services. If the function of your business is not listed, but you believe that it is essential, you may request designation as an essential business at https://www.maine.gov/essentialservice.
The following is a list of essential services:
The Order is effective tomorrow, March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and extends for a period of 14 days through April 8, 2020 at 12:00 a.m.
In the Governor’s release, she lists businesses providing essential services. If the function of your business is not listed, but you believe that it is essential, you may request designation as an essential business at https://www.maine.gov/essentialservice.
The following is a list of essential services:
- agriculture
- animal feed and supply stores
- auto repair
- banks
- behavioral health providers
- biomedical
- childcare providers
- construction
- food processing
- gas stations
- grocery and household goods (including convenience stores)
- hardware and home repair
- health care providers
- hotel and commercial lodging
- industrial manufacturing
- insurance
- laundromats
- pharmacy and other medical facilities
- post offices and shipping outlets/stores
- public transportation
- trash collection
- veterinary clinics
City of Portland Extends Stay At Home Order Through April 27
The Portland City Council voted on Monday, March 30 to extend the Emergency Stay At Home Order through April 27th. The emergency stay at home order continues to have measures that apply to both residents and businesses. In addition to extending the order, the Council also approved three amendments to the order, including;
View the full release on extending the order from the City of Portland HERE
- Requesting that residential and commercial landlords rescind or suspend evictions
- Prohibiting short-term rentals in Portland until the order is lifted (with some exceptions)
- Preventing a lapse in many City permits and licenses while the order is in effect
View the full release on extending the order from the City of Portland HERE
LEGISLATION & GUIDANCE
Maine Legislature Passes Governor Mills’ Emergency COVID-19 Legislation
On March 17, 2020, the State Legislature approved emergency legislation responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation was submitted by Governor Mills and includes, among others, the following provisions:
- Establishing a consumer loan guarantee program through FAME, in partnership with financial institutions, to provide low- or no-interest loans for eligible people in Maine;
- Temporarily expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19 (see Unemployment Update below)
City of Portland Rental Guidance
On Monday, March 23, 2020, Portland Mayor Kate Snyder announced guidance for landlords and renters. Her guidance asks landlords to halt evictions and any rent increases for 90 days and work with tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to COVID-19.
You can learn more about the Mayor’s guidance HERE.
You can learn more about the Mayor’s guidance HERE.
UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATES
Information on Unemployment Insurance (UI) Temporary Flexibilities
Businesses that are temporarily closing their doors, drastically reducing services, and/or sending employees home (who are not working from home), should be clear with their employees that this is a “temporary layoff.”
Those temporarily laid-off employees are eligible to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the State by visiting www.maine.gov/unemployment and filing a claim. An employee filing for UI, in this case, WILL NOT affect the employer’s experience rating record.* The work search requirement for individuals still connected to their employer but temporarily laid off is waived for this period.
Timeline: The 1 week waiting period for UI benefit has been waived, but there is still a process that usually takes roughly 10 days.
The Maine Department of Labor is continually updating its website to reflect the most recent UI eligibility requirements. Please visit this website for more information on UI and the latest changes.
The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development is also encouraging all employers to do the following:
From COVID Legislation FAQs (download complete FAQs HERE and below):
Q. Can an employer who needs to temporarily lay off employees because of COVID -19 continue to pay health insurance premiums for the employee during the layoff period or will that negatively impact the employees’ unemployment benefits?
A. Continuing to provide health insurance will not impact your employee’s ability to receive unemployment benefits.
Those temporarily laid-off employees are eligible to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the State by visiting www.maine.gov/unemployment and filing a claim. An employee filing for UI, in this case, WILL NOT affect the employer’s experience rating record.* The work search requirement for individuals still connected to their employer but temporarily laid off is waived for this period.
Timeline: The 1 week waiting period for UI benefit has been waived, but there is still a process that usually takes roughly 10 days.
The Maine Department of Labor is continually updating its website to reflect the most recent UI eligibility requirements. Please visit this website for more information on UI and the latest changes.
The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development is also encouraging all employers to do the following:
- Sign up for the state information data exchange system, which is web-based and allows transmission. This portal can be found HERE.
- Contact your financial institution to inquire about the possibility of receiving a loan, restructuring current loans, delaying payments, receiving information on loans for employees, and other available support.
- Visit Maine Career Center and find your nearest center. Give them a call and they will help walk you through the programs and assistance available to you and your employees. They also have a chat function on their website. The offices are closed but the services are still available over the phone and online.
- Email business.answers@maine.gov with additional questions.
From COVID Legislation FAQs (download complete FAQs HERE and below):
Q. Can an employer who needs to temporarily lay off employees because of COVID -19 continue to pay health insurance premiums for the employee during the layoff period or will that negatively impact the employees’ unemployment benefits?
A. Continuing to provide health insurance will not impact your employee’s ability to receive unemployment benefits.
| covid19uilegislationfaqs2mar18__1_.pdf |
*Important Information for Employers Regarding Unemployment Insurance
The Maine Department of Labor (DOL) is in the process of updating its system in accordance with the newly passed state and federal legislation. Emergency legislation passed by the Maine State Legislature includes a provision stating that, in the case of a temporary layoff due to COVID-19, unemployment benefits paid to an individual will not be charged against the experience rating record of any employer. Due to the number of unemployment claims and the need to update the system, employers may receive paperwork that has not been updated and states their experience rating will be charged. Please know this is in error and simply a result of the need for DOL to update their systems to reflect recent emergency legislation. Please visit the Maine DOL website for the most up-to-date information
The Maine Department of Labor (DOL) is in the process of updating its system in accordance with the newly passed state and federal legislation. Emergency legislation passed by the Maine State Legislature includes a provision stating that, in the case of a temporary layoff due to COVID-19, unemployment benefits paid to an individual will not be charged against the experience rating record of any employer. Due to the number of unemployment claims and the need to update the system, employers may receive paperwork that has not been updated and states their experience rating will be charged. Please know this is in error and simply a result of the need for DOL to update their systems to reflect recent emergency legislation. Please visit the Maine DOL website for the most up-to-date information
Resources Related to Health Insurance for Laid Off Employees
The Chamber recognizes that maintaining health insurance is a concern for any employee being laid off, as well as struggling employers, during this extremely challenging time for businesses. Included below are resources and information on health insurance from Maine Career Centers:
Health Care and Health Insurance is often a concern for someone who has lost a job. Consumers for Affordable Health Care is a consumer advocacy organization which can provide you with information on possible options for insurance and medical care through their ‘Helpline” at 1-800-965-7476.
Please refer to ‘Transitions’, a more comprehensive service guide (Download HERE and below).
It is also available online at www.mainecareercenter.gov. Click on the ‘Library’ tab to access ‘Transitions.’ Page 7 of this document has information on health insurance.
Additional information is available about a wide variety of state and local programs and services either online at www.maine.gov or by phone by calling ‘211’.If you have any questions about available services, please contact your local CareerCenter.
Greater Portland Career Center
1-877-594-5627 (career center offices are closed but services are available via phone and online)
www.mainecareercenter.gov
Health Care and Health Insurance is often a concern for someone who has lost a job. Consumers for Affordable Health Care is a consumer advocacy organization which can provide you with information on possible options for insurance and medical care through their ‘Helpline” at 1-800-965-7476.
Please refer to ‘Transitions’, a more comprehensive service guide (Download HERE and below).
It is also available online at www.mainecareercenter.gov. Click on the ‘Library’ tab to access ‘Transitions.’ Page 7 of this document has information on health insurance.
Additional information is available about a wide variety of state and local programs and services either online at www.maine.gov or by phone by calling ‘211’.If you have any questions about available services, please contact your local CareerCenter.
Greater Portland Career Center
1-877-594-5627 (career center offices are closed but services are available via phone and online)
www.mainecareercenter.gov
| transitions_guide_2020.pdf |
STIMULUS, LOANS & GRANTS
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Federal Economic Stimulus Package)
The CARES Act was signed into law on Friday, March 27th. The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program, an initiative that provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses, meaning financial institutions will be allowed to lend directly to businesses, and those loans will be backed by the Small Business Administration. A portion of these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward (details below under the “Loan Forgiveness" section, below).
Businesses are eligible if they are:
Note for Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, and Self-Employed Individuals: Payroll Costs are defined as the sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than $100,000 in one year, as pro-rated for the covered period.
Loan Forgiveness
Businesses may be eligible for all or a portion of their loan to be forgiven. The loan forgiveness is equal to the monetary amount spent on the items listed below during the 8-week period beginning on the date of origin of the loan.
The amount of loan forgiveness may be reduced depending on reductions in the number of employees or a reduction in salaries (see below for sample calculations).
Number of Employees:
Payroll Cost x Average number FTEs per month for 8 weeks of loan / Average number of FTEs from Feb 15 – June 30 OR Average number of FTEs from Jan 1 – Feb 29 OR Average number of FTEs from Feb 15-June 30.
For example: If your business had a total of 10 full-time equivalent employees during the period of January 1, 2020 – February 29, 2020, and after receiving the loan you only employ 5 full-time employees during the 8-week period, the amount that would be forgiven would be one-half of the amount expended for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities during that 8-week period (see below if you restored or plan to restore these employees/wages)
Reduction in Salaries:
Payroll Cost minus (-) the amount of reduction in wages greater than 25% compared to the most recent full quarter. (FTEs earning more than $100,000 not included)
If you bring back employees or restore their wages – Reductions in employment or wages dating back to February 15th and ending April 27th will not reduce the amount of loan forgiveness AS LONG AS by June 30th you have eliminated the reduction in employees or wages.
You can view the SBA’s guidance on the Protection Protection Program HERE
More on the CARES Act
For Employers:
The CARES Act expands eligibility for entities suffering economic harm due to COVID-19 to access SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). In addition, businesses that apply for an EIDL will be allowed expedited access to capital through an Emergency Grant—an advance of $10,000 within three days to maintain payroll, provide paid sick leave, and to service other debt obligations. Businesses can request access to EIDL Emergency Grants through their lending institution.
The Act also:
For Individuals/Employees:
Businesses are eligible if they are:
- A small business with fewer than 500 employees
- A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard
- A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees
- An individual who operates as a sole proprietor
- An individual who operates as an independent contractor
- An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business
- A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard
- A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard
- If you are in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis
- If you are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company the normal affiliation rules do not apply
- Payroll costs
- Costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums
- Employee salaries, commissions or similar compensation
- Payment of mortgage interest
- Rent
- Utilities
- Interest on other debt obligations incurred prior to February 15, 2020
Note for Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, and Self-Employed Individuals: Payroll Costs are defined as the sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than $100,000 in one year, as pro-rated for the covered period.
Loan Forgiveness
Businesses may be eligible for all or a portion of their loan to be forgiven. The loan forgiveness is equal to the monetary amount spent on the items listed below during the 8-week period beginning on the date of origin of the loan.
- Payroll costs
- Interest on the mortgage obligation accrued
- Rent
- Utility payments
- Additional wages paid to tipped employees (if applicable)
The amount of loan forgiveness may be reduced depending on reductions in the number of employees or a reduction in salaries (see below for sample calculations).
Number of Employees:
Payroll Cost x Average number FTEs per month for 8 weeks of loan / Average number of FTEs from Feb 15 – June 30 OR Average number of FTEs from Jan 1 – Feb 29 OR Average number of FTEs from Feb 15-June 30.
For example: If your business had a total of 10 full-time equivalent employees during the period of January 1, 2020 – February 29, 2020, and after receiving the loan you only employ 5 full-time employees during the 8-week period, the amount that would be forgiven would be one-half of the amount expended for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities during that 8-week period (see below if you restored or plan to restore these employees/wages)
Reduction in Salaries:
Payroll Cost minus (-) the amount of reduction in wages greater than 25% compared to the most recent full quarter. (FTEs earning more than $100,000 not included)
If you bring back employees or restore their wages – Reductions in employment or wages dating back to February 15th and ending April 27th will not reduce the amount of loan forgiveness AS LONG AS by June 30th you have eliminated the reduction in employees or wages.
You can view the SBA’s guidance on the Protection Protection Program HERE
More on the CARES Act
For Employers:
The CARES Act expands eligibility for entities suffering economic harm due to COVID-19 to access SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). In addition, businesses that apply for an EIDL will be allowed expedited access to capital through an Emergency Grant—an advance of $10,000 within three days to maintain payroll, provide paid sick leave, and to service other debt obligations. Businesses can request access to EIDL Emergency Grants through their lending institution.
The Act also:
- Allows employers to defer social security payroll taxes, with half deferred until December 31, 2021, and the remaining half until December 31, 2022.
- Allows the SBA to increase the limit of their Express Loans from $350,000 to $1 million to help provide additional working capital to businesses.
- Provides a refundable payroll tax credit for employers whose operations were fully or partially shut down by COVID-19 or whose gross receipts declined by more than 50%.
For Individuals/Employees:
- The Act includes direct payments to individuals, with the following qualifications:
- $1200 for individuals making less than $75,000/year and $150,000 for couples.
- Those making more than these amounts (up to $99,000 for individuals and $198,000 for couples) will see a reduction in the payment.
- For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500.
- If you filed a tax return in 2019 or 2018, no action is required. If you did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019, you should file for 2019 as soon as possible. Find more info from the IRS HERE
- Individuals receiving unemployment benefits will be eligible for up to an additional $600 per week on top of state unemployment insurance. This added benefit will be available for up to 4 months.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has released a Q&A page to address the changes to paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave included in Phase 2 of the federal Coronavirus relief package. This page has information for both employers and employees.
Maine Financial Assistance for Businesses and Employees
Late last week, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) announced additional resources for businesses seeking financial assistance in response to COVID-19.
For more information on the terms of these additional resources and how to apply:
FAME COVID-19 Relief Loan Programs (including programs for businesses, individuals/employees, and lenders)
For more information on the terms of these additional resources and how to apply:
FAME COVID-19 Relief Loan Programs (including programs for businesses, individuals/employees, and lenders)
- COVID-19 Relief Business Direct Loan Program (businesses) – APPLY HERE
- Loan details: Direct Loans of up to $50,000
- Requirements: Maine-based businesses experiencing interruption/hardship due to COVID-19
- COVID-19 Relief Interim SBA Finance Loan Program (businesses) – APPLY HERE
- Loan details: Direct Loans of up to $100,000
- Requirements: Available to Maine businesses who provide proof of commitment for SBA financing (loan covers the interim period between securing and receiving of funding)
- COVID-19 Relief Consumer Loan Program (individuals) – LEARN MORE HERE
- Loan details: No-to low-interest consumer loans through a loan guarantee program
- Offers loans of up to $5,000 (minus any unemployment benefits)
- Borrowers may apply for up to three (3) loans, one per each 30-day period
- Requirements: Interested borrowers should contact their local bank or credit union (not FAME) to see if the lender is offering this program and to apply
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan information
The SBA is now offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Maine small businesses
On Monday March 16th the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Governor Mills’ request to provide disaster assistance to Maine small businesses. More detailed information on these loans can be found on our Coronavirus Resources Page.
Businesses can apply, find more information, and download applications HERE.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The Deadline to apply for assistance is December 16, 2020.
Additional info from SBA:
Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Click HERE for the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - Need To Know Guide for SBA Disaster Loans
Additional Resources:
On Monday March 16th the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Governor Mills’ request to provide disaster assistance to Maine small businesses. More detailed information on these loans can be found on our Coronavirus Resources Page.
Businesses can apply, find more information, and download applications HERE.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The Deadline to apply for assistance is December 16, 2020.
Additional info from SBA:
Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Click HERE for the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - Need To Know Guide for SBA Disaster Loans
Additional Resources:
- https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19
- https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index
- https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4479
- https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
Free PSA's for Businesses from WMTW
As part of their "Keeping Maine Strong" service initiative, WMTW, Maine’s CW, MeTV, and Heroes & Icons will be airing a series of local business PSA announcements both on air and online so businesses can communicate to area consumers how they can help, free of charge. Learn more and submit your clip HERE.
| keeping_maine_strong_covid19_psa_series.docx |
Grants for Non-Profits
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has established two expedited grant programs for Maine nonprofit community service organizations in response to COVID-19:
EMPLOYER TIPS
Tips for Employers & Business Owners
Employment and Business: Top Five Things to Consider
- Cancel all nonessential business travel and carefully consider whether “essential” business travel is truly essential.
- Impose a mandatory 14 day quarantine for employees returning from travel to Warning Level 3 Countries, known hotspots within the United States, and cruises.
- Encourage remote work for those employees who can do so (see Tips for Working Remotely section, below).
- Businesses should allow employees to take accrued PTO, sick or vacation time while out on coronavirus related absences, but also consider creating a paid Coronavirus leave bank for impacted employees who may not otherwise have accrued time.
- If a temporary shutdown occurs, employees should be able to utilize accrued PTO, sick and vacation time, but may also qualify for unemployment (the Governor has submitted legislation on this, more information is included above under State and Federal Emergency Legislation).
Resources for Maine’s Immigrant Community
The Maine Business Immigration Coalition (MEBIC) has put together a factsheet detailing best practices for Maine’s employers for communications to immigrant staff related to COVIVID-19. The factsheet also includes additional resources for Maine’s immigrant community from MEBIC, Catholic Charities, and others.
- Access the MEBIC Factsheet HERE (and below)
- Access the Catholic Charities Maine COVID-19 Fact Sheet HERE (available in 18 languages)
| 3-19-2019_covid-19_reminder_v2[8].pdf |
The Verrill law offices have put together a COVID-19 Resources page for employers in various industries to help you address some of the challenges you and your business may be facing. We will update this page with changes in this rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape. You can access that page HERE.
REMOTE WORK TIPS
Tips for Working Remotely
Via flyte new media
| 10_things_to_when_working_away_based_on_awi_research__unbranded_.pdf |
Via Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA)
| telecommuting_tips_march_2020.pdf |
Via L.L.Bean
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MaineHealth has created a "Healthy Communities: Coronavirus" website page which they will be keeping up-to-date. Access that website HERE.
Download a handy sign/graphic encouraging people to practice social distancing HERE and below.
Download a handy sign/graphic encouraging people to practice social distancing HERE and below.
| 161287-20-mhs-covid19-hand-wave-mh-logo-8.5x11-4-rtp.jpg |
Additional Resources
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- U.S. CDC Guidance for Employers and Businesses
- Maine CDC
- Maine Department of Labor Resources
- City of Portland COVID-19 Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- OSHA: Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- OSHA: Protecting Workers in a Pandemic
