The Lakeland-Lanier Chamber of Commerce's priority is to keep the business community informed and prepared.  We attached pertinent messages and links covering health and financial issues to help us navigate in an uncertain environment.

GET THE LATEST GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESS FROM

Agency Leaders

While this is a quickly evolving situation, we will work to provide up-to-date information, actionable intelligence and help employers adopt a prepared mindset to focus on the health of their business. Here is some of the latest, most relevant information and resources for employers from national health organizations and agency leaders.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Georgia Department of Public Health

Occupational Health & Safety Administration

World Health Organization

U.S. Small Business Administration

FIND HELP FOR YOUR COMPANY

Business Assistance Programs

These local, state and federal resources are available to support businesses during a disaster or crisis. Learn more about how these programs can assist your businesses, as well as how to apply and access these resources.

SBA Disaster Recovery Loans for Employers

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Learn more and apply online.

Georgia Department of Labor Emergency Unemployment

The Georgia Department of Labor updates rules so that Georgia employers may partial claims online on behalf of their employees for any week during which an employee (full-time/part-time) works less than full-time due to a partial or total company shutdown caused by the -19 public health emergency. Any employer found to be in violation of this rule will be required to reimburse GDOL for the full amount of unemployment insurance benefits paid to the employee. Download the  How Employers File Partial Claims Desk-Aid found on the GDOL Alert Page and follow the step-by-step instructions. Filing partial claims results in your employees receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically. Employees for whom you file a partial claim are NOT required to report to a Georgia Department of Labor career center, register for employment services, or look for other work. 

UGA Small Business Development Center

UGA Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) across the state are open and available to assist small businesses impacted by current circumstances. Virtual consulting and online resources are available. Contact SBDC-Albany at (229) 420-1144.

Download the SBDC’s “Guide to Conquering a Business Crisis” for tips and strategies on cash management, price and cost containment, supply chain management and marketing.

KEY DOWNLOADS

Important Preparation Resources

Download these critical business resources to assist your company during the pandemic.

The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Resilience in a Box provides best practices for addressing preparedness issues while building in flexibility to handle potential business interruptions.

>> Deciphering Disinfectants Infographic

>> COVID-19 customizable flyer for your work place.

>> Coronavirus workplace tips for employers.

>> Coronavirus preparedness toolkit.

The Lakeland-Lanier Chamber of Commerce encourages fact-based decision making on the Coronavirus and points to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a primary resource. Now is the time to prepare, not panic.

Below, useful tips and resources to help prepare your organization and teams.

Key considerations from the CDC include:

• Decide how to handle spikes in potential absenteeism
• Cross-train employees on essential functions in case of employee absence
• Determine whether flex working is an option
• Assess your essential functions and reliance on others – be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations
• Create an employee communications plan
• Coordinate with state and local health officials
• Make a business continuity plan
• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects regularly

Implement best health practices to prevent/limit workplace exposure:  

• Avoid close contact.
• Clean your hands by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water
• Stay home if you are a family member is sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose, and avoid touching your eyes, nose
  or mouth.
  Regularly sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects.
• Practice other good health habits.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

Other areas to monitor:

• Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Noticesbefore any international travel
• Beware Coronavirus scams, such as Websites selling bogus products, as well as fake emails, texts and social media posts designed to steal people’s money and personal information.
• Sign up for emails from the CDC
• Review S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s coronavirus resource page
• Updates from Gov. Brian Kemp
• CDC interim guidance for business

Communicate with Employees 

Preparing your Workplace 

Pandemic Guidance

Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention

Workplace Tips for Employees

Guidance for Employers

About the Coronavirus Disease 2019

Confirmed Cases in the U.S.

World Health Organization Video Explainer

CDC: Frequently Asked Questions