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Covid-19 Resources and Information
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As we all know, things are changing rapidly on the CoronaVirus front. Please visit this website frequently for up-to-date resources.
State of Emergency Extended Through August 29
On June 29, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order No. 59 to extend the State of Emergency related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to September 30, 2020. The order allows the continued suspension of various laws and regulations and other measures in these orders to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19 through regulatory flexibiity, promoting social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Governor Lee also signed Executive Order Nos. 51 and 52, which extend provisions that allow for electronic government meetings subject to transparency safeguards and remote notarization and witnessing of documents, respectively to August 29, 2020.
To read a summary, click here.
Tennessee Business Relief Program
Governor Lee has announced a new relief program for Tennessee businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will direct approximately $200 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds through the Department of Revenue directly to small businesses that qualify. Read more here.
On August 13, more small business categories were added to to the criteria. For more information, click here.
Governor's Guidance for Reopening Tennessee
Click here for the Governor's Tennessee Pledge: Guide to Reopening Tennessee Responsibly. To download a pdf of the Governor's white paper on Reopening Tennessee Responsibly, click here.
Tennessee's Universal Guidelines for All Businesses
Click here for a video that can be shared with employees and others.
Specific Guidance for Opening
- Office Buildings
- Lodging and Accommodations
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Non-Contact Recreation
- Exercise Facilities
- Restaurants
- Retailers
- Close Contact Business
- Large, Non-contact Attractions
City of Oak Ridge Guidance for Reopening
Click here for information on City of Oak Ridge services and building openings.
The Oak Ridge Municipal Pool is open with COVID-19 changes. Click here to read more.
On April 27, the City of Oak Ridge Released Guidance on the Phased Reopening of Businesses, Restaurants and Public Facilities. Click here to read the City's guidance.
Daily Press Briefings:
Governor's Tennessee Pledge Toolkit
Governor Lee is encouraging all businesses to access a downloadable Tennessee Pledge Toolkit which includes:
- Social media graphics along with sample social media copy
- Variations of two posters - one for customer-facing front of house use and another for employee-facing back of house use. There is additional room for company/association logo.
- TN Pledge logos for various uses
- PSA copy and talking points
CDC Guidance
- Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Workplaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Restaurants and Bars during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Youth Programs and Camps during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Child Care Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Public Health Considerations for reopening Mass Transit during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Additional COVID-19 Related Resources
- Tennessee COVID-19 Unified Command - updated daily with the latest numbers on COVID-19
- Click here for the state's PPE Vendor Directory.
- Covid-19 Unemployment Information
Hotel Reopening Guide
- Streetsense has published a Hotel Survival Guide: How to Reopen Profitably.
FTC Guidance for Those Facing Financial Challenges
As companies struggle to stay afloat financially due to the economic reverberations of COVID-19, employees are facing the same challenges at home. The FTC has something you can share with staff members in need - and it doesn't cost anything. Click here for more details.
Employee Work Refusal Form
If an employer reopens for business, and requests an employee return to work, that employee must report to remain eligible for unemployment benefits. Federal law requires individuals who have been placed on a temporary layoff related to the COVID-19 health emergency return to work if called back. If a Tennessee employer has an employee who refuses to return to work, that employer can notify the Department of Labor and Workforce Development by filling out this form.
Healthcare Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Testing
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In Anderson County: COVID-19 testing is available by appointment only at the Anderson County Health Department, 710 N. Main Street, Suite A, Clinton, TN. Testing Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Call 865-425-8801.
Health Insurance Resource
- If you have lost, or expect to lose your health insurance, you may be eligible to apply for health insurance through a Special Enrollment Period, and depending on your income, you may qualify for a subsidy to reduce the cost of your health insurance premium. Click here for more information from the Senate Finance and HELP majority staff.
Governor's Economic Recovery Group Survey
- The Governor's Economic Recovery Group has opened up a survey for businesses to let them know how COVID-19 has affected your business and what you need most in this process. Click here to take the survey.
Small Business Resources:
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Roane State Community College offers free and confidential counseling. As everyone is adapting to working in different ways, the center has moved to remote counseling. The center is well-equipped to work with clients by phone, email, or video conferencing.
To contact us, please call 865-483-2668 or email Jutta Bangs. Click here for more information. Click here to become a client. Choose "Local Advising" from the options and follow the steps.
- Joint Statement on the passage of the PPP Flexibility Act
- Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
- Small Business Administration: Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- Facebook Small Business Grants Program
- National Retail Federation: Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
- NFIB: Small Business Resources
- U.S. Chamber Small Business Guide and Checklist for Small Business Emergency Coronavirus Loans
Tax Information:
- Tennessee Hall Tax Deadline Extended to July 15
- Federal Income Tax Filing Deadline Extended to July 15
Other Useful Resources:
- Center for Disease Control's Covid-19 Website
- Tennessee Covid 19 Task Force Website
- Tennessee Department of Health Website
- Anderson County Department of Health Website
- Roane County Health Department (visit Tennessee Department of Health's Website)
- Knox County Health Department
- Tennessee Governor Lee's Covid-19 Website
- Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Covid-19 Resources for Business
- The FDA's Coronavirus Rumor Control Website
- Tennessee Career Awareness and Preparation System Free Teacher and Parent Resources for Remote Learning
Local Information
- List of Restaurant Schedule Changes/Curbside Pickup/Delivery
- City of Oak Ridge Closures and Information
Need Help or Want to Know How Can You Help?
- The United Way of Anderson County is maintaining a website with resources for families and individuals who are searching for resources during this trying time. Click here to see what is available and find out how you can help.
- Food Service for Families With Children Under 18 Years of Age - summer pickup at Oak Ridge High School only. For families unable to find transportation to the high school, contact Jo Bruce at the Family Resource Center and arrangements will be made to get food to you.
- ORUD Round Up Program - supports needy families with their natural gas utility bill through ADFAC
- Sew Good Masks - A group of volunteers sewing free, non-medical, cloth face masks for the general public, focusing on those with greatest need. Volunteers are needed to cut fabric and ties (no sewing skill required) and sew masks. For more information on how you can help or to request masks, visit the Sew Good Mask website or find them on Facebook.
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In Business FOR Business.