COVID-19 Resource Page
COVID-19 Resource Page Intro
#TogetherKy
#TeamKentucky
Healthy At Work
Kentucky has been in the process of reopening for several months, while ensuring the state is meeting certain public health benchmarks. The minimum requirements for opening businesses include:
- Enforce Social Distancing (six (6) feet or more)
- Universal face coverings
- Provide Adequate Hand Sanitizer and Encourage Hand Washing
- Ensure Proper Sanitation
- Conduct Daily Temperature/Health checks
For more information on industry specific reopening guidelines, click here.
Local banks and credit unions response
Bank on Louisville has gathered information about how local banks and credit unions are supporting customers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Please contact your financial institution to learn more about these relief efforts and discuss your individual eligibility. You will need to contact your bank or credit union to participate in relief programs as they are not automatic.
To support restaurants and accommodate those who are picking up carry-out orders and gift cards, the parking authority is allowing free parking at meters adjacent to restaurants for up to 15 minutes. Cars must use their flashers.
Businesses
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program
Kentucky business and nonprofits can apply for loans through the SBA that may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75%. Eligible businesses and nonprofits can receive up to $2 million for up to 30 years.
To find out more and apply, visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Louisville Small Business Development Center Q&A about Economic Injury Disaster Loan process
Business Liability Insurance
Check with your insurance carrier about any benefits you may have from disruption due to acts of God.
METCO
Small business loans help start and grow our small business community that are the soul our community. Loan programs assist with start-up capital, working capital, capital improvements to commercial and public properties, and helps low and moderate income individuals start or grow a business.
As of Friday, March 20, the city’s small business loan program, METCO, has implemented the following temporary relief for current loan holders:
- No late fees will be implemented for three months
- Loans will be extended by loan holder's choice of 30, 60, or 90 days
Current loan holders should email METCO's loan administrator Brenda Hyatt to request loan deferment.
Loan programs assist with start-up capital, working capital, capital improvements to commercial and public properties, and helps low and moderate income individuals start or grow a business. For more information about the METCO loan program or small business resources, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/smallbusiness.
Other Loan Programs
Many community partners offer capital and help low and moderate income individuals start or grow a business. If you have an existing loan, please contact your lender organization for more information about relief efforts as they may not be automatically applied.
- Jewish Family & Career Services
- Optional three-month deferment on existing loans in good standing through Navigate Entreprise Center. Email Cynthia Brown.
- Community Ventures
- Borrowers should call (859) 231-0054 to discuss options.
- LHOME
- Existing borrowers are allowed a three-month forbearance period; borrowers can choose to extend loan for three months without penalty. Contact LHome at (502) 882-8091.
- Access Ventures
- Through Render Capital, businesses can apply for growth loans of up to $35,000 that provides flexible funding for working capital, website improvements and more. Current borrowers can make interest-only payments for 3 months.
More information is coming on emergency loan relief.
KIVA
KIVA expanded its 0% loan options. Effective immediately, U.S. applicants for a Kiva loan will have access to the following:
- Expanded eligibility: More businesses in the U.S. will be eligible for a Kiva loan than ever.
- Larger loans: The maximum loan on the Kiva platform will increase from $10,000 to $15,000.
- Grace period: New borrowers may access a grace period of up to 6 months for greater financial flexibility.
If you’re a small business owner who believes you can benefit from a Kiva loan, or you know one in your community, go to www.kiva.org/borrow to apply for a loan.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC also offers resources for business and employers on how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with guidance from health professionals. Visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html.
#TeamKentucky is working to prioritize requests for hand sanitizer with distillers and other companies that are rushing to obtain and produce the necessary products. Please complete this form so we can process and prioritize your request. Note: Hospitals, first responders and other critical employers are receiving top priority.
State Guidance for Home-Based Processors
State Guidance for Farmer's Markets
Employees
One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund
The fund will provide flexible funding resources for rental assistance, childcare assistance, transportation aid, food access, utility assistance, pharmaceutical needs and other support as determined, via $1,000 payments to eligible households. Funds will also be made available to community-based organizations that are being hit hard by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE for more information about eligibility and how to to apply. Donate HERE.
Team Kentucky Fund
The fund will provide assistance to Kentuckians who have been severely financially impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Public Protection Cabinet will oversee the Team Kentucky Fund. The fund is currently accepting tax-deductible donations. We will update with more information about eligibility and how to apply.
KentuckianaWorks
The Region's Workforce Development Board has launched a new jobs board with information about companies that are hiring at www.kentuckianaworks.org/jobs. Although its physical facilities are closed, virtual career services and guidance are still being offered to employees and employers. For more information about services provided, visit www.kentuckianaworks.org/covid19.
Local Gig Workers Relief Bank (led by Lance Minnis)
With A Little Hope From My Friends - Louisville Musician Relief Fund (led by Carly Johnson)
Restaurant Worker Relief Fund
The LEE Initiative and Makers Mark are providing free carry-out, heat-and-serve meals to restaurant workers with pay stubs to prove their employment. Workers can pick up the meals (limit 2 per person) at 610 W. Magnolia Ave. from 5 to 8:30 p.m. They are also stocking family necessities for babies and children, non-perishable canned foods, toilet tissue and Tylenol. Everything is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Donate to the fund at www.leeinitiative.org.
Apron Inc. Emergency Fund for Restaurant Workers
A $10,000 emergency fund specific for COVID-19 affected businesses and employees, and Apron will be distributing $400 grants to eligible applicants.
To be eligible for a grant, a person must:
- Be diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. You will require a doctor’s letter.
- Be employed in an independent restaurant for at least six months.
- Be able to produce bills to be paid. They do not give money directly to grantees.
Apply at www.aproninc.org/application.
Governor's Executive Orders
Order prohibiting price gouging
Order permitting carry-out and drive-thru alcohol sales
Executive order on dispensing of pharmaceuticals
Executive order regarding schools
- All public and private schools (K-12) must cease in-person instruction
To sign up for updates on the state's response to COVID-19, click here.
Other Community Resources
Bartender Emergeny Assistance Program
The U.S. Bartenders Guild is offering eligible bartenders grants to help with expenses. Bartenders do not have to be members of the Guild to apply.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries. More information is available HERE.
Governor Beshear recently announced that manufacturers who had been designated as non-essential will be allowed to reopen and reboot operations on May 11 provided the following guidelines can be met:
- Telework where possible
- Return to work in phases
- Onsite temperature/health checks
- Universal masks and other PPE
- Close common areas
- Enforce social distancing
- Limit face-to-face meetings
- Provide sanitizer/hand wash stations
- Provide special accommodations
- Have a testing plan
Testing Sites
To view an interactive map of testing locations on the Official Team Kentucky site, visit KYcovid19.ky.gov.
Testing Partnerships
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has chosen Baptist Health as its partner and resource for the COVID-19 testing required for businesses to reopen. Read more details about the partnership here. For more information about Baptist Health’s COVID-19 workplace reopening services, contact Kelli Limbach, assistant vice president for value based care & strategy, at Kelli.Limbach@bhsi.com or 502.253.5351.
COVID-19 Vaccine Procedure
The planned vaccination phases are:
- Phase 1a: Long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and health care personnel
- Phase 1b: First responders, Kentuckians age 70+, and K-12 school personnel
- Phase 1c: Kentuckians age 60+, anyone older than 16 with underlying health conditions which increase the risk of serious, life-threatening complications from COVID-19, and all other essential workers
- Phase 2: Kentuckians age 40+
- Phase 3: Kentuckians age 16+
- Phase 4: Children under the age of 16 if the vaccine is approved for this age group (estimated to comprise 18% of Kentucky’s population)
On March 6, 2020, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed Executive Order 2020-215, declaring a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus (“Coronavirus”), a public health emergency. Since declaring the State of Emergency, Governor Beshear has issued a series of additional Executive Orders that effect businesses in the Commonwealth and its citizens at large. To assist our valued clients and other friends of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, we have developed the following “FAQs” to help summarize the directives set out in Governor Beshear’s Executive Orders.
CAN I RAISE THE PRICE OF MY GOODS OR SERVICES DURING THIS STATE OF EMERGENCY?
Pursuant to Executive Order 2020-245 issued on March 20, 2020, no seller of goods or services shall sell or offer to sell any good or service at a price grossly in excess of the price prior to the declaration of a State of Emergency on March 6, 2020.
IF I LOSE MY JOB DURING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY, HOW QUICKLY CAN I APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS?
Pursuant to Executive Order 2020-235 issued on March 16, 2020, workers who become unemployed during the State of Emergency are immediately eligible for unemployment insurance benefits – the unemployed workers are not required to serve the standard waiting period of seven (7) days.
WHAT IS THE COST OF TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS?
Pursuant to Executive Order 2020-220 issued on March 9, 2020, all health insurers shall waive all cost-sharing (including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles) for screening and testing for the Coronavirus, including hospital, emergency department, urgent care, provider office visit, lab testing, telehealth, and immunization (if made available) cost-sharing. Additionally, all health insurers shall waive any pre or prior authorization requirements for screening and testing for Coronavirus.
ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS ON HEALTHCARE FACILITIES’ OPERATIONS?
Pursuant to an Order issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on March 23, 2020, all non-emergent, non-urgent in-person medical, surgical, dental, and any other healthcare practice or procedure must cease. Under all circumstances where clinically possible, use of telephonic or video communications to provide telemedicine is strongly urged. Medicare and Medicaid have waived typical telemedicine and HIPAA requirements, and non-HIPAA compliant video services such as FaceTime, Skype, and others may be used during the State of Emergency.
CAN I GET EMERGENCY PRESCRIPTION REFILLS?
Pursuant Executive Order 2020-224 issued on March 10, 2020, pharmacists located in the Commonwealth may dispense emergency refills of up to a thirty (30) day supply of any non-controlled medication for residents of any county of the Commonwealth.
CURRENT STATE OF RESTRICTIONS:
Order prohibiting price gouging
Order permitting carry-out and drive-thru alcohol sales
Executive order on dispensing of pharmaceuticals
Restrictions in place November 20 through December 13, 2020
- Restaurants & Bars: closed to indoor dining, carryout and delivery encouraged, socially distanced outdoor service.
- Private social gatherings: up to 8 people from a maximum of 2 different households.
- Gyms, fitness centers, pools, and other indoor recreation facilities: 33% capacity; group classes and team practices prohibited; masks must be worn at all times.
- Venues, event spaces, and theaters: rooms limited to 25 people; applies to weddings and funerals but excludes worship services.
- Professional services: offices limited to 33% capacity
Executive order regarding schools
- All public and private schools (K-12) must cease in-person instruction
To sign up for updates on the state's response to COVID-19, click here.
More Resources:
- U.S. Department of the Treasury: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet
- U.S. Department of the Treasury: How the Treasury Department is Taking Action (CARES Act)
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- PKF O’Connor Davies Accountants and Advisors: CARES Act Includes Payroll Tax Deferral and Employee Retention Credit
- PKF O’Connor Davies Accountants and Advisors: Webinar: How to Obtain CARES Act Tax Relief, Loans and Employment Assistance
- PKF O’Connor Davies Accountants and Advisors: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act-CARES
- Benefits.gov: Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- Paycheck Protection Program FAQs
- Webinar with details about additional funding expected from the government
COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map
Interactive map displaying travel restrictions around the world, powered by Timatic. Updated daily.
Canada-U.S. Border Travel
As of January 7, 2021, all air passengers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test prior to boarding flights bound for Canada. The test must have been performed within 72 hours of boarding and applies to all passengers over the age of 4. Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine
You are eligible to travel to Canada if you're a:
- Canadian citizen
- dual Canadian citizen with a:
- valid Canadian passport or
- special authorization
- permanent resident of Canada
- person registered under Canada's Indian Act
- protected person
More information about eligibility here.
More information about mandatory travel requirements here.
Risk Exposures in Commercial Banking
Key insights for banks, detailing how the coronavirus pandemic introduces new risks to the commercial banking sector.
US- COVID-19: Economic and Industry Impact
The effects of COVID-19 on the US business environment and the impacts on industries.
Canada- COVID-19: Economic and Industry Impact
Impact on economic indicators, key sector developments and industry exposure measurements for Canada.
Coronavirus: Guidance for Better Mental Health
An article about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This resource was created to assist increase awareness and understanding of all aspects of dealing with the stress of bereavement and the lockdown. With the current coronavirus
pandemic, many people who live with depression are struggling to stay afloat during self or mandated isolation.
This resource can be one of many stepping stones for those struggling and their loved ones to better understand their situation and lead them to find a safe and supportive environment, especially during the pandemic.
Is COVID-19 Leading to More Relapses?
A resource guide including signs of stress and potential relapse in family and friends with substance use disorders, relapse prevention, and how to respond.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people with substance use disorders and in recovery. People in recovery are finding it difficult to maintain sobriety with their routine uprooted. Social distancing is particularly problematic for addicts because it distances them from a key element of recovery; the support and strength gained from those around you. The Palm Beach Institute put together a guide to understanding addiction relapse during COVID-19 and tips for remaining sober.