STAYING SAFE.

Info for Businesses

Florida businesses and employers should refer to the CDC for up-to-date guidance on business operations. And the Orlando Economic Partnership has assembled a robust resource guide. Please visit it for a wide range of information.

Recommended Strategies

• Actively encourage sick employees to stay home

• Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette, and hand hygiene for all employees

• Perform routine environmental cleaning

• Advise employees before traveling to take preventative steps recommended by CDC

Resources for Businesses and Employers

• Small Business Association’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Toolkit

• CDC Stop the Spread of Germs Poster

• CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Poster

• Guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• Information from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Business Damage Assessment Survey for COVID-19
On March 12, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.

The National Small Business Association also has set up an online portal for small businesses to share how their business is being impacted in order to provide real-time insight to reporters and policymakers on what small business needs. They have been connecting small-business owners with reporters to get the word out about how the virus is impacting them which has resulted in some important coverage.

Potential HR Issues Arising from the Coronavirus

The American Society of Employers (ASE) has put together this very comprehensive FAQ regarding coronavirus and how employers can respond to and work with your employees. Read the FAQs.

Small-business owners should also be aware that there may be some OSHA-related implications when it comes to the virus. Companies in certain industries where workers are at risk of encountering infection may be subject to requirements to protect workers from exposure by using appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye, face, and respiratory protection.  If a worker becomes sick after exposure on the job, it could be a recordable illness.

Click here for more information.

In addition to these resources, it is worth noting that the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship sent a formal letter and request to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to detail its plan to support small business in the case of a broad outbreak. Committee Chair Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Ranking Member Ben Cardin (D-Md.) have also requested a formal briefing from SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

That letter can be found here.

Info for Displaced Staff

Temporary/Remote Job Opportunities

• 25+ Sites for Finding Remote Work

• 2020 Census Jobs 

• Resources for Remote Work

• Resources for Employees who are Artists and Freelance Creatives

Info for residents

Hey APGD: In these uncertain times, our priority as the APGD Main Street program is to support you in the best way we can. As all of you are doing, we are monitoring the developing situation with COVID-19, and following city and state guidelines.

In these newly uncertain times, we’re all adjusting to new ways of living and working in the neighborhood. Our personal and collective health is of utmost importance and in this new but temporary normal, there are options! Order delivery. Get take out. Call your favorite retailer for shopping FaceTime-style. Order a gift certificate from your favorite local business and plan on using it later. Let's stay safe, take care of ourselves, and each other.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns or suggestions! You can email us at director@audubonparkgardens.com