Chamber Update P I S C A T A Q U I S C O U N T Y

**Important ** PAYCHECK PROTECTION NEWS In case you haven't heard, the Paycheck Protection Program has been extended through Aug 8th so that remaining funds from first round can be utilized prior to a new round being approved. If you have not yet applied, DO SO NOW. Not sure how? Email us here. Everyone that accessed PPP funds are grandfathered into the 60% (salaries)/40% (operations)ratio (changed from 75%/25%). Those who have received PPP funds are not entitled to apply again, however may be able to do so when/if a new round of funding becomes available. ***NOTE***: The SBA recommends business owners SHOULD NOT apply for forgiveness until the lender ASKS for the information, as details surrounding forgiveness may change yet again, so submitting prematurely would not work in the business owner's favor.

FOR an UPDATED forgiveness worksheet, click HERE. For a Forgiveness Application, click HERE. For a basic forgiveness calculator, click HERE.

The Mills Administration Announces nearly 18 "swab and send" Covid-19 Testing Sites, with more to come.

Read the announcement HERE

Seven health care organizations will collectively launch “swab and send” COVID-19 test collection sites, strengthening access to safe and accessible testing for residents, tourists, seasonal workers, and other visitors to Maine. The 18 drive-through, drive up, and mobile specimen collection sites, under agreements with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will offer specimen collection free of charge to any individuals who believe they may have COVID-19 or could have been exposed to the virus, with or without symptoms , as defined under the DHHS  Standing Order . This includes health care and hospitality workers, people of color given known racial disparities in COVID-19, those who have participated in large gatherings, and visitors from other states with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 than in Maine, among others. Under the Standing Order, these individuals at elevated risk may get tested without an order from a health care provider. The swab and send sites are or will be (within two weeks) available in Bangor, Brewer * , Old Town * , Augusta, Portland, South Portland, Belfast * , Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Dover-Foxcroft , Presque Isle, Calais, Greenville, Waterville, Pittsfield, Bar Harbor, and Fort Kent. Additional mobile sites will also launch within the next two weeks. To find a local testing site, click HERE. *now available

Guidance for out-of-state visitors can be found HERE , including the certificate of compliance for visitors (outside of NY, NJ, CT NH and VT, exempt).

REMINDER: Coastal Maine businesses ordered to enforce face covering requirement . Read more HERE.

ALL CHECKLISTS for REOPENING

CDC info for business owners CDC Guidelines for Businesses/Employers Info regarding the Use of Face Coverings to Slow the Spread Quick Links to Maine CDC COVID-19 Information ·     CDC print-only materials are developed to support COVID-19 recommendations.

Helpful Covid-19 resources for business owners from the U.S. Dept. of Labor, from workplace safety to wage, hours & leave, unemployment and much more. Click HERE. Beginning July 18th, changes to work search requirements for those out on unemployment, click HERE. FAQ regarding unemployment insurance, click HERE.

To register for weekly Q & A with DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson, click HERE.

COVID-19 UPDATES are ALWAYS available on the Chamber's new WEBSITE HERE:

Email us HERE. Call us at 207-564-7533. All updates posted on our FACEBOOK page.