Covid-19: Returning to a Mask-Free US Workforce? Not Quite Yet.
On May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance, stating that individuals who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 “can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
CDC Guidelines are just that – Guidelines. They do not have the force of law unless adopted by a government body with legal authority. US employers must still follow Department of Labor, OSHA, EEOC and state and local laws and regulations. The article below from K&L Gates discusses these “exceptions” in greater detail.
Sharing COVID-19 Preparation Plans on Your Catering Company Website
Many caterers have opted to share their COVID-19 Preparation Plan on their website home page so that prospective clients know their plans to keep everyone safe.
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Is Your State Taxing Forgiven PPP Loans?
State and Local Response Information
MultiStates Associates has created a googledoc that outlines all 50 states with the following information: Link to Heath Department COVID-19 Website, Key Contacts, Governments Plan to Reopen, State of Emergency Documents, Executive Orders, Session Changes/Capitol Changes, Travel Restrictions Information
Second Round PPP Dilemma
The first question one has to check into for the second round of PPP is, do you qualify for the program? The first test is black and white, and you have to meet one of two criteria.
- Your gross receipts in 2020 are down at least 25% compared to 2019
- Your gross receipts in one quarter of 2020 are down at least 25% compared to the same quarter in 2019
If you have made this cut: many business owners then face a more challenging and greyer decision. You have to sign that you need the money to support the ongoing operations of your business.
Interim Final Rule on Payroll Protection Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of the Treasury has released an Interim Final Rule on the Payroll Protection Program. It includes information on the Business Loan Program Temporary Changes, Paycheck Protection Plan - Revisions to Loan Forgiveness Interim Final Rule and SBA Loan Review Procedures Interim Final Rule.
A Guide to State Coronavirus Reopenings and Lockdowns
Many states are weighing how to ease weekslong restrictions on travel and business. Many states are lifting restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The Wall Street Journal shares what each state is doing. The article is updated frequently.
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OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
The US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a 35 page guide. The guide outlines steps all employers can take to reduce workers' risk of exposure to COVID-19.
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Entry/Exit Tips from US Foods Blueprint
US Foods we'll show you how to change your entry path and establish 6-foot distances by creating turns to slow diners' pace, help them notice important signs, and demonstrate the right way to move through your space.
Read the following article that will give you the details on how to keep customers feeling safe in the new era of dining - from contactless delivery to tamper resistant packaging and more.
Get all the the right signage for reopening, from posters and banners to window, door and floor decals. Let your diners know you're open for dine-in, your operation is safe; and enforce social distancing.
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The Event Safety Alliance (ESA) Reopening Guide for Event Professionals during COVID-19
The guide will go over the following items:
1. Planning when to reopen: when it's legal and reasonably safe
2. Patron Education
3. Worker Health and Hygiene
4. Sanitizing the Venue
5. Ingress and Egress
6. Front of House Circulation, Food and Beverage, and Merchandise
7. Production Issues and more
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NEW Ecolab Reopening Resources
Return to Normal Operations Checklists: Recommendations at the restaurant level to help you make plans for resuming operations after a partial or full closure.
Update Cleaning Procedures: Expert procedures to ensure your locations are using the most up-to-date cleaning procedures for COVID-19.
Top Considerations Post-COVID: Guidance to help identify gaps and provide direction as you navigate reopening and returning to fully operational.
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) Announces the Opening of its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is an SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Effective April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietors can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
The links below provide you with all of the information you need to begin the process.
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Paid and Sick Leave Regulations
Under the FFCRA
Reminder: Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCA) went into effect on April 1, 2020.
The FFCRA, signed into law on March 18, created two temporary leave programs (Emergency Paid Sick Leave, EPSL; and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion, EFMLE) that require private sector employers with less than 500 employees to provide leave to employees impacted by COVID-19. Under the law, covered employers qualify for 100 percent (full costs of both leave programs) reimbursement through refundable tax credits.
The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division is responsible for implementing and enforcing new leave mandates enacted as part of the Phase II COVID-19 response bill. Click here for more information
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COVID-19 Re-Opening Guidance
A Guide for the Restaurant Industry
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has released a 10 page document providing re-opening guidance for restaurants.
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Employees Refusing to Return to Work? The SBA Offers Some Protection of PPP Forgiveness
The SBA’s latest round of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) gives employers an important new tool to address one of the biggest challenges of trying to maximize PPP forgiveness: How to respond to employees who refuse to return to work by June 30, 2020.
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CARES Act Tax Break Loses
The CARES Act temporarily rests the treatment of NOLs to pre-TCJA rules. You can now claim 100% of your net operating losses in 2020, 2019, or 2018, and carry them back for up to five years.
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COVID-19 Reopening Economy Guidelines 4/28
The reopening of child care programs is crucial to helping parents and guardians return to work. Read the CDC's Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs.
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Dramatic Rise in COVID-19 Related Scams
Below is a list of targeted topics that are susceptible to scammers right now:
- Protective Face Masks
- Illegal Online Pharmacies
- Supplements Marketed with Claims to Treat or Prevent COVID-19
- Home Test Kits
- Websites Flagged by Regulators
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Staying Ahead of the Money Curve Updates
Ami Kassar, CEO of Multifunding LLC provides updates on Staying Ahead of the Money Curve with frequent posts on his blog.
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Can the COVID-19 be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?
According to the CDC, “Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.”
North Carolina State University has created an informational FAQ concerning off-premises foodservice during the coronavirus. At this time, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging. The FAQs are based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food & Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Source: NRA)
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What other steps should we take to avoid infection?
The CDC suggests that people take the same steps they would to keep from getting the flu: get a flu vaccine, take everyday preventative actions – like washing your hands often – and see a doctor when you are sick.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued guidance for preparing a workplace for COVID-19 that include tips for preventing the spread of the virus and steps to reduce workers’ risk of exposure. And the CDC recently issued a strategy for implementing mitigation strategies for communities with local transmission. (Source: NRA)
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Keeping American Workers
Paid and Employed Act
Below is the complete act, along with helpful resources that breakdown the act section by section.
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Social Media Links
White House:
Youtube | Twitter | Facebook
US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
Twitter | Facebook
Center for Disease Control (CDC):
Twitter | Facebook
List of Antimicrobrial Products for
use Against COVID-19
On March 3, the EPA released a list of registered disinfectant products that have qualified under its emerging viral pathogen program for use again SARS-CoV-2. You can find the list here.
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SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Respond to COVID-19
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Learn more about programs offered to assist and protect small business owners during this time. You can also view a guide on best business and employer practices to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Managing Your Cash Flow During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis Presentation
In this presentation given by a keynote speaker, Ami Kassar, you will helpful information on how to plan and protect your business's cash flow during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out about resources available to assist you and steps you can take to make sure that your business remains strong.
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Sanitation Guide
This serves as a guide for best practices for Business Owners in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). You can also view latest news from the CDC to stay up to date with how the situation is evolving.
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Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. They will begin taking applications in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can click here to sign up to receive more information when it becomes available.
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Practical Tips from Nuphoriq
Nuphoriq is helping keep the catering community up to date regarding all things COVID-19. You can find tips on how to keep your business strong now and how to plan ahead for the future. You can sign up to receive breaking news alerts so you never miss a thing!
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COVID-19 Official or Elected Representative Template Letter
The Federal Government has created a number of programs to help provide funding assistance for businesses across an array of industries. Your elected officials need to hear from the business leaders in the community about how COVID-19 has affected our business and what they can do to help. Click below to view a COVID-19 Official Elected or Represented Template Letter.
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Cancellation Policy
View what other caterers are doing in regards to cancellation policies. Check back often as we add more catering company policies.
Letter to Catering Publications
This sample letter can be sent to catering publications to promote the catering industry.
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Letter to Clients
Take a look at what other catering companies are sending to their clients.
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Shared Work Programs
Many states are implementing "Shared Work" programs which help to prevent business downturns by providing an alternative to layoffs.
Below is the list of states participating in the program:
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| Make sure to check your state's eligibility requirements. Click here to learn more about Shared Work programs. |
