Under the CARES Act many changes were made to Unemployment. One notable change is that self employed individuals may apply for unemployment if their business is closed due to COVID-19. Here is information from Iowa Workforce Development on how self-employed individuals can apply. 
https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/how-self-employed-can-file-unemployment-insurance-benefits

Thank you to Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives and to Fareway for donating Fareway gift cards to us. We are able to give these gift cards to businesses that need them. If you are in need of a $50 gift card to Fareway or if you know of someone who is please email us at echamberdirector@gmail.com. While supplies last. 

PUBLIC NOTICE
Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation on 3/19/2020, that waives late penalty on PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS through April 16, 2020, to help give some assistance to Iowans dealing with the impact of COVID-19’s arrival in our state. Payments must be postmarked by April 16, 2020, paid online at
www.iowa treasurers.org by April 16, 2020, or dropped off in the drop box on West side of Courthouse by April 16^th to avoid a late penalty.  The Emmet County Treasurer’s staff are still in the office handling workflow and answering questions by phone and email. 
 
If your DRIVER’S LICENSE has an expiration date of January 16, 2020 or later, you do not have to renew your license at this time.  It will remain valid until the declared disaster is lifted.  It is also considered valid to fly with an expiration date during this time period.
 
If your VEHICLE REGISTRATION expired January 2020, or later, it will be considered valid until the declared disaster has ended. 
 
If you purchase or transfer a vehicle, you will not be required to obtain a title and registration within 30 days.  This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.  Carry your purchase documents/bill of sale in your car when driving until it is transferred into your name and plated. The bill of sale is also needed at the treasurer’s office to complete the transfer.
 
All of this could change if there is an extension to the proclamation. If you have questions, call the Emmet County Treasurer’s office at 712-362-5679. 

Allocation Range: $500-$3500
Geographic Range: Iowa
Target: Small businesses disrupted by COVID-19 with 1-7 employees that are not recipients of Federal and State Small business relief dollars.  

​To be eligible, businesses are required to:  
​·         have 1-7 employees prior to March 17, 2020 or classify as a sole proprietor.
·         be based in Iowa
·         complete the online application
·         provide a 3 month P & L statement/bank statements
·         provide 2019 and 2020 Q1 revenue

Funds could be used for business expenses in including : *
​·         Rent
·         Insurance
·         Utilities
·         Delivery services
·         Product packaging
·         etc.
Questions, email: 

​

Governor lifts restrictions in 77 counties, including Emmet and all regional counties except Woodbury.

Iowa reports 349 new cases for total of 5,868. Over 1,600 negative tests for total nearing 40,000. Over 2,000 Iowans have recovered. Emmet is one of 15 counties with zero cases. Nine additional deaths were reported for a total of 127 Iowans who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

Here are the businesses that can reopen, while still practicing social distancing and hygiene, as of May 1, all at 50% capacity:

Restaurants (this does NOT include bars)
Fitness centers
Libraries
Retail stores
Enclosed malls, with no food courts or play centers,
Motor race tracks, but not for audiences; and

Social, community, recreational, and leisure/athletic facilities still limiting to 10 people.

Churches can resume activities for gatherings of over 10 with the use of sanitizer and social distancing of six feet when feasible. Weddings and funerals are still limited to gatherings of 10 or fewer, however.

Still closed: bars, theaters, casinos and gambling establishments, social clubs, including VFW/American Legions aside from take-out meals, Senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades, and amusement parks, museums, aquariums, and zoos, indoor or outdoor roller or ice skating rinks and skate parks, outdoor or indoor playgrounds or children’s play centers, swimming pools and spas, wading pools, water slides, wave pools, spray pads, and bath houses, salons, barbers, spas, tattoo establishments, massage, door-to-door sales.

The governor said her team is continuing to evaluate other establishments for a possible opening day of May 15. Governor Reynolds urged Iowans to continue using caution and exercising personal responsibility.

All vulnerable individuals with pre-existing conditions and those over 65 are still encouraged to limit their activities outside their homes. This also does not change the recommendation for everyone to continue social distancing, wash hands or use sanitizer, limit gatherings to 10 or fewer, and use a face covering when out.