Shelter in Place Business Update
We understand that businesses are frustrated and having difficulty determining if they are essential and if they can remain open. This email provides information that reflects the interpretation of the Governor's Executive Order as of April 3, 2020. This is a fluid situation and information may change at any time. Orange blocks in this email contain information that has been updated since last night's email.

***Please keep in mind that the intent of the Executive Order is to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus so please work remotely and stay home when at all possible***
Governor Kemp Issues Shelter in Place Order
The Shelter In Place order for the entire state of Georgia begins at
6 p.m. on Friday, April 3 and runs through Monday, April 13 at 11:59 p.m.

Read the full order: HERE .

View Statewide Shelter in Place handout: HERE .
***Individuals who do not comply with the order are subject to being charged with a misdemeanor which can be up to $1,000 fine or 12 months in jail.
Should My Business Remain Open?
The Governor's Executive Order breaks businesses into three categories:
  1. Businesses that MUST cease in person operations
  2. Businesses that fall into the category of "critical infrastructure"
  3. Businesses considered "non-critical infrastructure"
NO LETTER REQUIRED
You do not need a letter from your employer or the government to prove that you fall into one of the exceptions for essential services, necessary travel, critical infrastructure or minimum basic operations.

To confirm, scroll to the last page of the Statewide Shelter in Place Handout.
1.Businesses that MUST cease in person operations

• Bars/Nightclubs
•  Gyms
•  Fitness centers
•  Bowling allies
•  Theaters
•  Live performance venues
•  Operators of amusement parks
•  Dine-in services at restaurants and private social clubs
   ◦  Exceptions: Take-out; curbside pick-up; delivery; and dine-in services at hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities
•   Hair designers
•    Estheticians (e.g., waxing, threading, eyelash extensions, cosmetic treatments)
•   Body art studios (commonly known as tattoo parlors)
•   Beauty shops and salons (including home beauty shops and salons)

•   Cosmetology schools
•   Hair design schools
•   Barbering schools
•   Esthetics schools
•   Nail care schools
 •    Licensed massage therapists

View list HERE .
2 . Businesses that fall into the category of
 "critical infrastructure"
Identifying Critical Infrastructure Businesses and Organizations
To help determine whether your business or organization is considered "critical infrastructure"
and to view the definitions of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors (shown below) HERE .
Requirements for "critical infrastructure" businesses
Businesses that fall into the category of “critical infrastructure” may continue operations, with a strong suggestion that they implement measures that mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19 among its workforce and fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Screening and evaluating workers who exhibit signs of illness, such as a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, or shortness of breath;
  2. Requiring workers who exhibit signs of illness to not report to work or to seek medical attention;
  3. Enhancing sanitation of the workplace as appropriate;
  4. Requiring hand washing or sanitation by workers at appropriate places within the business location;
  5. Providing personal protective equipment as available and appropriate to the function and location of the worker within the business location;
  6. Prohibiting gatherings of workers during working hours;
  7. Permitting workers to take breaks and lunch outside, in their office or personal workspace, or in such other areas where proper social distancing is attainable;
  8. Implementing teleworking for all possible workers;
  9. Implementing staggered shifts for all possible workers;
  10. Holding all meetings and conferences virtually, wherever possible;
  11. Delivering intangible services remotely wherever possible;
  12. Discouraging workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment;
  13. Providing disinfectant and sanitation products for workers to clean their workspace, equipment, and tools;
  14. Prohibiting handshaking and other unnecessary person-to-person contact in the workplace;
  15. Placing notices that encourage hand hygiene at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen;
  16. Suspending the use of Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) pads, PIN entry devices, electronic signature capture, and any other credit card receipt signature requirements to the extent such suspension is permitted by agreements with credit card companies and credit agencies.

View requirements HERE .
3.Businesses considered
"non-critical infrastructure"
Identifying Non-Critical Infrastructure Businesses and Organizations
Includes ALL businesses that are not covered under sections 1. Businesses that must cease in person operation and 2. Businesses that fall into the category of critical infrastructure.

**For businesses that are deemed “non-critical infrastructure,” minimum basic operations include:
  1. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of a business, establishment, corporation, non-profit corporation, or organization, provide services, manage inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions. Such minimum necessary activities include remaining open to the public subject to the restrictions of this Order.
  2. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees or volunteers being able to work remotely from their residences or members or patrons being able to participate remotely from their residences.
  3. Instances where employees are working outdoors without regular contact with other persons, such as delivery services, contractors, landscape businesses, and agricultural industry services.

view this information on the Governor's website: HERE.
Requirements for "non-critical infrastructure" businesses
O ther businesses considered “non-critical infrastructure” may continue their work to perform “minimum basic operations**,” and must fulfill the following requirements:
  1. Screening and evaluating workers who exhibit signs of illness, such as a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, or shortness of breath;
  2. Requiring workers who exhibit signs of illness to not report to work or to seek medical attention;
  3. Enhancing sanitation of the workplace as appropriate;
  4. Requiring hand washing or sanitation by workers at appropriate places within the business location;
  5. Providing personal protective equipment as available and appropriate to the function and location of the worker within the business location;
  6. Prohibiting gatherings of workers during working hours;
  7. Permitting workers to take breaks and meals outside, in their office or personal workspace, or in such other areas where proper social distancing is attainable;
  8. Implementing teleworking for all possible workers;
  9. Implementing staggered shifts for all possible workers;
  10. Holding all meetings and conferences virtually, wherever possible;
  11. Delivering intangible services remotely wherever possible;
  12. Discouraging workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment;
  13. Prohibiting handshaking and other unnecessary person-to-person contact in the workplace;
  14. Placing notices that encourage hand hygiene at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen;
  15. Suspending the use of Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) pads, PIN entry devices, electronic signature capture, and any other credit card receipt signature requirements to the extent such suspension is permitted by agreements with credit card companies and credit agencies;
  16. Enforcing social distancing of non-cohabitating persons while present on such entity’s leased or owned property;
  17. For retailers and service providers, providing for alternative points of sale outside of buildings, including curbside pick-up or delivery of products and/or services if an alternative point of sale is permitted under Georgia law;
  18. Increasing physical space between workers and customers;
  19. Providing disinfectant and sanitation products for workers to clean their workspace, equipment, and tools;
  20. Increasing physical space between workers’ worksites to at least six (6) feet.
Resources for your business during COVID-19
Small Business Resources from Congressman Doug Collins
U.S. Congressman Doug Collins has put together a document of resources to help you make decisions regarding your business and employment.

Small Business Guide for Coronavirus Loans

Paycheck Protection Plan
  • Guide and Checklist: click here
  • Requires applying through a SBA lender. It is best to reach out to your current financial institution. View a list of local SBA lenders above.
  • PPP is available to small businesses and nonprofits beginning April 3rd
  • PPP is available to independent contractors and sole proprietorships on April 10th
  • ***Please note that lenders are experiencing delays in receiving requirements from the federal government so you may experience delays in application availability.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans
  • Apply directly online: Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application
  • If you own a small business and successfully fill out the the SBA (EIDL) loan application, you will be sent a $10,000 emergency grant within a few days (even if you are ultimately turned down for the loan).
  • The President's task force announced today that money will be available for direct deposit within 2 weeks.

For additional information about the financial support programs offered to businesses impacted by the current public health crisis, visit:
Navigating the CARES Act
Congress passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion stimulus package, and SBA programs are designed to lead the way in small business recovery. SBA and SBDC will continue to provide updated information about available programs.
 
View slideshow presentation from SBDC HERE

Register to participate in a free webinar: HERE.
Step-by-Step Instructions for applying for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration.


For business-specific questions during the loan application process, you can have those concerns addressed here:
 
By phone: SBA’s Disaster Loan hotline at 800-659-2955
 
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.


Information for Employers
Employers are required to file employer filed (partial) claims online on behalf of their full and part-time employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily reduce work hours or there is no work available due to COVID-19. Filing employer filed claims results in your employees receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically.  Click here for more information.


Employee Retention Tax Credit
NOW AVAILABLE
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service on March 31st launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.

Click here to learn how to qualify and how the credits are calculated.


Call for Help from Manufacturers and Distributors
Governor Brian P. Kemp has called on all Georgia businesses who are able to help the state provide, produce, distribute, or store critical health care items needed to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Businesses able to provide assistance and resources with factories already up and running, or facilities that can be repurposed for these vital products, are asked to complete an informational form online  here . This is simply for the purpose of collecting information. Submission of the form will not equate to a commitment by the state of Georgia to purchase.
Employer Rights in Screening Employees for COVID-19
B e informed on the basic employer rights in screening employees for COVID-19 and protecting other employees and the public. This information was compiled with assistance from Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP. Click  HERE  for more information.
For up to date information for businesses and citizens about the impact of COVID-19 in Georgia and guidelines to promote safety, please visit these trusted sources:
Important Information Specific to Dawson County & Dawsonville
As of today, April 3, 2020 at 6 p.m., the City of Dawsonville and Dawson County are under a mandatory Shelter in Place Order issued by Governor Brian Kemp

Information from City & County Government

Citizens are encouraged to not attend city meetings but instead watch them via our live streaming efforts on FACEBOOK, the recorded version on YOU TUBE or posted on our website.

A supply of commonly used applications, requests and other forms are available at the front door in a dry box. These can be completed and placed in the drop box outside City Hall.

For utility and other payments, citizens are encouraged to utilize ACH online payments, pay-by-phone or the utility drop box located outside City Hall. A 60-day grace period has been granted for the payment of water and sewer bills.

Planning and Zoning duties such as plan review, rezoning or annexation requests, and related services are being conducted by appointment only. Appointments can be made over the phone or via email at inspections@dawsonville-ga.gov.

Planning & Development – All business licenses are currently issued by mail and appointment only.
Margaret Honn, 706-344-3651, mhonn@dawsoncounty.org is our Business License Administrator. She will be able to aid you with any questions concerning the Dawson County Business License process.

Tax Commissioner - Taxpayers are encouraged to conduct their business through online services. We offer a number of motor vehicle and tax related services online, without the need of in-person interactions. MVD Self-Service Kiosk: Multiple motor vehicle transactions can be done on the kiosk including renewals that will print a decal immediately. Here is a list of all the Kiosk locations, https://dor.georgia.gov/mvd-self-service-tag-kiosk. For questions, call (706) 344-3520 or visit www.dawsoncountytax.com.
Dawson County authorizes Take Out and To Go
Sales of Unopened Alcoholic Beverages
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DawsonToGo
Like and share updates on special services your business is offering, including curbside and delivery to the new Dawson ToGo facebook page.
Dawson Endures
Visit our website, https://www.dawsonchamber.org/dawson-endures/ for updates on resources, news and legislation regarding COVID-19. Please consider taking our quick survey so we can best support and find our businesses the resources you need.
Resources for employees and citizens who are experiencing financial hardship
Click the county of residence to find information about food distribution, emergency shelter assistance, and more.
Please also contact Goodwill or the Chamber if your business is currently hiring.
Every. One. Counts.
Make sure that you and your family are counted today by visiting: 
This information was compiled and is owned by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. Please feel free to forward to anyone who may benefit from the provided information. Do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.
The Dawson County Chamber seeks to provide access to recommendations, regulations, services and expertise to its members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mission remains constant. Prior to acting, members should consult their own professional advisors for information and counsel specific to the individual and unique situations faced by organizations, individuals and corporations. The opinions, interpretations and recommendations of the Dawson County Chamber are informational only and should not be relied upon by the recipient as legal or professional advice.  The Dawson County Chamber makes no representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the content contained herein. Users of this information accept any and all risks associated with the use of such information and agree that the Dawson County Chamber has no liability to user.