Members and Friends,

I am writing today to let you know that the I, along with the PCC Board of Directors, am closely monitoring the COVID -19 situation. Our top priority is the health and safety of our members and visitors. We know this pandemic may have a huge economic impact, and we are committed to working with local and state agencies while monitoring the recommendations of the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so that we may best support you.

This week, the Governor made a recommendation to postpone events with 250 or more attendees, and this recommendation may become more aggressive as the number of cases increases; moving forward. Future Piscataquis Chamber events will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We will keep you informed via email, social media and our website.   

In the meantime, we intend to keep our doors open and to do what we can to support our members and those in our community who are being impacted by this situation. We ask our members and our community to come together at this time to support one another while continuing to make well-informed decisions to protect yourself, your family and your business.

Please contact us with suggestions on how we can best support you during this time.

I have included some valuable resources and information below, as well as some printable documents for your work place. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Sincerely,
Denise Buzzelli
Executive Director
Easy ways to stay informed:
DIAL 211 for up to date COVID-19 information
TEXT your zipcode to 898211 for local updates.
This morning, the Bangor Region Chamber hosted a COVID-19 live-stream with Anne-Marie Storey at Rudman Winchell to discuss employer challenges, and Dr. Noah Nesin, PCHC Medical Director to discuss the virus and steps we can take to slow it down. This timely seminar covered topics such as community emergency preparedness efforts and current and developing employment laws, including workers' comp, ADA, FMLA and wage and hour issues. It is roughly one hour in length. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Anything that can impact your ability to operate your business normally constitutes an emergency.

Please rest assured the state legislature is working with local agencies to develop emergency legislation and programming to support our employers.

Here is some helpful information:

Stay informed and use only reliable resources.
(Confidentiality, OSHA, Wages, Hours, & Leave)


We will keep you abreast of changing laws
as they are announced so that you can best manage your workforce.
TIPS to stay healthy and prevent infection from COVID-19:

DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE
- eyes, nose, mouth, or ears.

WASH YOUR HANDS
- with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day, especially if you've been around others.

AVOID PHYSICAL CONTACT - hand-shaking, hugs

STAY HOME at the first sign of a cold. Call your Doctor.
COVID-19 incubation period is 4-7 days.
CDC recommends staying home for two weeks if you are sick.

AVOID travel when possible. If you leave the country,
best practice is NOT to return to work for 2 weeks after returning.

AVOID large gatherings.

BE AWARE of what others may touch.
Don't use railings; open doors with a tissue,
don't use a touch pad with debit card, or wear gloves and dispose of them after shopping. Think about armrests, shopping carts,
and non-packaged food items such as fruit.
Wash thoroughly prior to using or consuming.

TAKE CARE of Your IMMUNE SYSTEM
Rest, eat well, avoid sugar, alcohol and smoking, at least until this is over!



Each of us can make a difference in this epidemic,
 by using common sense and reasonable care. 
We can do it!
Please E-Mail the Chamber HERE or call 207-564-7533
with any questions or concerns. We are here for you!