REMINDER:

ZERO Plastic Bags in 2022

Guam has had several months to consider alternative sources as Guam phases out the use of plastic bags by December 31, 2021. Paper bags for most retail and all wholesale establishments will be phased out by July 1, 2022 (with exemptions for eating establishments). Review Public Law here.

View PL 35-130

U.S. Dept of Labor Guidance on President Biden's private sector vaccine mandate

Although a federal appeals court reinstated President Biden's mandate to require vaccination and testing of private sector businesses, there is still uncertainty regarding this mandate. We felt it was wise to send you the latest from OSHA's website for your reference:

Litigation Update

OSHA is gratified the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit dissolved the Fifth Circuit’s stay of the Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard. OSHA can now once again implement this vital workplace health standard, which will protect the health of workers by mitigating the spread of the unprecedented virus in the workplace.

To account for any uncertainty created by the stay, OSHA is exercising enforcement discretion with respect to the compliance dates of the ETS. To provide employers with sufficient time to come into compliance, OSHA will not issue citations for non-compliance with any requirements of the ETS before January 10 and will not issue citations for noncompliance with the standard’s testing requirements before February 9, so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance with the standard. OSHA will work closely with the regulated community to provide compliance assistance. View Webiste

ON-SITE FREE COVID TESTING

Guam has a new on-site Covid testing option, which makes it convenient for your company to test at your place of business.

USA Medical LLC, a company focused on developing safe, accurate, and fast COVID-19 test kits, announced the immediate availability of free test kits for all organizations. Organizations include schools, colleges, prisons, businesses, government organizations, shelters, manufacturing plants, and other organizations with individuals in close proximity to each other.

The federal CARES Act has provided $10 Billion in CDC funding that allows for FREE in-house Covid testing for all organizations and businesses. These tests are easy to administer, and results are reported confidentially to your organization within 48 hours of receiving your samples. NO personal information is collected from your employees during the entire process. The process is simple: Organizations contact the local representative, Phil Leddy, to schedule their day/time for the weekly testing. A trained professional will be present to administer the tests on-site (est. 2 mins per person). The tests are mailed to company labs in Hawaii. 

Working with CDC Guidelines, the goal is to quickly track any virus spread to keep your employees and students safe during current uncertain pandemic-related times. Everything is no charge, FDA approved, 100% accurate, and organizations are notified within 48 hours after the ones that tested positive, and all results are accessible via our secure web portal.  **These tests detect new COVID strains/variants, including Omicron.

Organizations can schedule and order their Free Covid tests by reaching out to Phil Leddy II at 6717770240 or emailing at marianasfreecovidtesting@gmail.com. 

View FAQ Sheet

Small Business Relief and Support Available through LEAP

Applications available December 20

Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero announces the opening of the application period for the Local Employers’ Assistance Program (LEAP) will be at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 20, 2021. LEAP was established through Executive Order 2021-25 and will provide direct financial assistance to small businesses that experienced extreme levels of pandemic-related interruption. 

LEAP funding will be prioritized for the following:

• Small businesses that can demonstrate a business interruption rate of 50% or greater; and 
• Small businesses that have been verified as a “covered establishment” pursuant to Department of Public Health & Social Services requirements and that can demonstrate a business interruption rate of 20% or greater.

LEAP provides loans to small businesses that meet all eligibility criteria, chief among them a demonstration of business interruption experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loan funds can be used for eligible business operating expenses with a focus on ensuring that businesses have adequate resources to maintain and possibly increase employment. Loans may be forgiven if at least 60% of all proceeds are used for eligible employee wage and benefit costs.

View Website

View LEAP Application Guidance

EO 2021-31

On November 22, 2021, the Department announced the publication of the final rule, “Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors.” The Department has finalized regulations to implement Executive Order 14026, “Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors,” which was signed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on April 27, 2021. Executive Order 14026 states that the Federal Government’s procurement interests in economy and efficiency are promoted when the Federal Government contracts with sources that adequately compensate their workers.

The Executive Order raises the minimum wage paid by those contractors to workers performing work on or in connection with covered federal contracts to $15.00 per hour, beginning January 30, 2022; and beginning January 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, an amount determined by the Secretary of Labor (Secretary). This final rule establishes standards and procedures for implementing and enforcing the minimum wage protections of Executive Order 14026 and is effective on January 30, 2022.

This EO now covers Guam.

VIEW Presidential Executive Order 14026

VIEW Final Rule Comparison from Previous EO to latest EO

REMINDER: BIG SHIP VISIT!

December 23-28

Joint Region Marianas has confirmed that a big ship visit will take place between December 23rd - 28th. There will be over 5,000 military personnel on Guam for some R & R and about two-thirds of the group will be out in town to enjoy our island's culture and people for the Christmas holiday. Let's ready our businesses and employees to welcome our guests with a warm Hafa Adai!

Cyber Security Basics

Protect your business and yourself from ransomware attacks, which take place prevalently during the holidays and the weekends (when offices are normally closed in the U.S.).

Download Cybersecurity factsheet

View Joint Cybersecurity Advisory

As we look optimistically to the new year, we at the Chamber are revamping and retooling our Chamber committees and are looking forward to rolling out updates to you very soon! Until then, we encourage you to consider how you can participate in Chamber programs and activities to help move our economy forward to a better and brighter future!