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COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Grimes Chamber & Economic Development  is closely monitoring the changing developments of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on our members and community.

We want to draw your attention to the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Website (Link to https://www.dsmpartnership.com/covid-19). This site has resources, plans, and continually updated information.  This is an ever-evolving situation, and it is important for us to continue to support local businesses and each other especially during challenging times.

 

Updates: *subject to change*

March 28:

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 88 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 and two additional deaths in the state Monday.

This brings the total to 424 positive cases in Iowa.

Governor Kim Reynolds announced Sunday (March 15) that she suggests schools close for at least four weeks, according to KCCI Des Moines. A list of school closings can be found here. In accordance with this recommendation, the Iowa House and Senate waived the requirement for state schools to have to reschedule any canceled days from March 16, 2020 to April 12, 2020.

Governor Kim Reynolds on Tuesday, March 17th declared a statewide public health disaster emergency effective at noon that included limiting gatherings to 10 people and closing bars, restaurants, casinos and other businesses in response to the state’s coronavirus outbreak.

Reynolds said she took the action in activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the state disaster emergency plan to slow the community spread of the virus that already has triggered 23 confirmed cases and likely will grow in the future.

The governor said her order takes significant steps to require social distancing and limit community spread of the virus by implementing temporary measures including moving restaurants to drive-through, carryout and delivery only and closures of certain entities such as bars and recreational facilities.

The proclamation also allows state agencies additional flexibility in responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, and supports the critical work of public health, the governor said in a news release.

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

    • Fever
    • Runny Nose
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath

 

Grimes Restaurants Offering Drive-Thru or Order Out:

 

Grimes Churches Offering Virtual/Online Services:

GOVERNOR REYNOLDS ANNOUNCES ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 RELATED LAYOFFS

DES MOINES – Governor Reynolds today announced assistance for workers and employers impacted by layoffs related to COVID-19.  The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers.

“Iowa has incredible employers accommodating the needs of Iowans during the disruption caused by COVID-19,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The state of Iowa is doing everything we can to ease the process and shorten the time it will take for Iowans to receive unemployment benefits. All of our state agencies continue to work as one team to lessen the impact COVID-19 will have on our economy and our people.”

“Iowa Workforce Development is taking steps to reduce the impact of these claims on employers who have had to temporarily lay off staff due to closures or slowdowns,” said IWD Director BethTownsend. “IWD encourages all employers to utilize paid leave and telework options for employees before utilizing temporary layoffs.  Iowa Workforce Development will continue to monitor the situation, working with our stakeholders and updates will be released on our webpage.”  

Unemployment insurance claims:

  •         If you are laid off due to COVID-19 or have to stay home to self-isolate, care for family members or due to illness related to COVID-19, you can receive unemployment benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. Work search requirements will be waived. Those requirements essentially include working for wages from an employer who claims you as an employee in six of the last eighteen months and have earned at least $2,500 in the same time period. More specific explanation of benefit eligibility can be found at: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/2019-unemployment-insurance-claimant-handbook
  •         Claimants can expect to receive payment within 7-10 days after the date the claim is filed.
  •         Claims that are filed and identified as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19, will not be charged to employers.  Fact-finding interviews for these claims will be waived and not be held although employers will be notified of claims received.
  •         IWD will process unemployment insurance payments to ensure payment will continue to be paid in a timely manner.

“The Iowa Workforce Development team is dedicated to providing assistance to employees and employers affected by COVID-19.  Please do not hesitate to contact myself or our team for assistance at 1-866-239-0843,” said Director Townsend.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 AND IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

IWD COVID-19 page is updated as new information becomes available.

ACCE: Crisis Management Plans & Resources

https://resources.acce.org/crisismanagement/businessresources

 

Planning:

 

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM & TAX DEFERRAL

There’s more support coming for Iowa small business owners facing economic pain from the COVID-19 pandemic, in the form of new relief grants, tax deferrals and low-interest loans.
A new Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to Iowa-based small businesses with two to 25 employees experiencing business disruption. Eligible companies can receive grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000, in addition to the potential deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and a waiver of penalties and interest.

https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/our-agency-detail-resources/6710

The deadline to apply is March 31 at noon.

 

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Iowa Department of Public Health

Governor Reynolds Issues State of Public Health Disaster Emergency (3/17)

U.S. Small Business Administration Loans Now Available In Iowa:

Facebook Small Business Grants Program: (Will be taking applications in the coming weeks)

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program:

Fair Labor Standards Act Questions & Answers

Family and Medical Leave Act Questions & Answers

The White House

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