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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
Stay In-the-Know: Subscribe to our Newsletter
LIVE WEBINARS & REPLAYS
CALL FOR WEBINAR PRESENTERS!
If you are a teacher or presenter with useful practices to share with our community, please fill out the presenter proposal form HERE or contact the Chamber directly with any questions.
NOTE: You do NOT need to be a Chamber member to present.
If you are a teacher or presenter with useful practices to share with our community, please fill out the presenter proposal form HERE or contact the Chamber directly with any questions.
NOTE: You do NOT need to be a Chamber member to present.
Webinar Replays & Downloads:
Watch the 3/25/20 Bernstein Shur Webinar Replay HERE
Watch the 3/19/20 Bernstein Shur Webinar Replay HERE
Download the 3/19 Bernstein Shur webinar slides HERE and below.
| updates_on_coronavirus_-__legal_and_practical_guidance_for_businesses_3.19.20.pdf |
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Download the 3/16 Bernstein Shur webinar slides HERE and below.
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Download the supplemental FAQ sheet from Bernstein Shur HERE.
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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 Issues Stay at Home Order
The City of Portland has announced a Stay at Home Emergency Order for all non-essential businesses and services in Portland. This order goes into effect at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25 and has measures that apply to both residents and businesses. The order is in effect for 5 days.
The City’s order reinforces Governor Mill’s order (see below) and takes it a step further by stating that all persons may leave their residences only to access COVID-19 Essential Services or as otherwise expressly provided in the proclamation.
For more information, you can view the City of Portland’s press release on this announcement here.
The City of Portland has also released a list of COVID-19 Essential Services, found on page 5 of the proclamation document.
The City of Portland is taking such actions given that most of Maine’s COVID-19 cases are in Cumberland County and the Maine CDC has noted evidence of community spread in Cumberland County.
The City’s order reinforces Governor Mill’s order (see below) and takes it a step further by stating that all persons may leave their residences only to access COVID-19 Essential Services or as otherwise expressly provided in the proclamation.
For more information, you can view the City of Portland’s press release on this announcement here.
The City of Portland has also released a list of COVID-19 Essential Services, found on page 5 of the proclamation document.
The City of Portland is taking such actions given that most of Maine’s COVID-19 cases are in Cumberland County and the Maine CDC has noted evidence of community spread in Cumberland County.
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 |
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
U.S. Senate Approves Economic Stimulus Package
The U.S. Senate approved Phase 3 of a Coronavirus relief package late on Wednesday, March 25.
The relief package totals $2 trillion and includes a host of provisions to provide aid to businesses, organizations, governments, schools, and individuals. The U.S. House reportedly plans to vote on this package before the end of the week, and if approved, the legislation would go to the President for his signature.
Among the provisions included in the package;
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.
The relief package totals $2 trillion and includes a host of provisions to provide aid to businesses, organizations, governments, schools, and individuals. The U.S. House reportedly plans to vote on this package before the end of the week, and if approved, the legislation would go to the President for his signature.
Among the provisions included in the package;
- Funds for state and local governments
- Tax credits and additional financial assistance for small businesses and non-profits through the Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Funds for hospitals
- Additional unemployment benefits lasting up to four months
- Payments to individuals (amounts based on income)
- Emergency funds for schools
- Loans for businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic
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)
Maine DECD Business Resources
COVID-19 Response Financial Resources (Individuals and Employees)
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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
Maine DECD Business Resources
COVID-19 Response Financial Resources (Individuals and Employees)
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
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
