NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER CLOSING ALL NON-LIFE-SUSTAINING BUSINESS

After announcing 39 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 163, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a new executive order Wednesday that will limit some businesses to telework and “minimum business operations” beginning Thursday night.

The businesses that can stay open to the public, defined in the order as “life-sustaining retail,” include: grocery stores, drug stores, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, agricultural operations, gas stations, and others.

Under the order, all Kentucky businesses are permitted to operate via telework and remain open for what are defined as “minimum basic operations.” Read much more about the executive order and a full list of “life-sustaining” businesses on The Bottom Line here.

YOUR QUESTIONS ON SBA LOANS ANSWERED

On Tuesday, the Kentucky Chamber hosted a webinar to speak directly with small businesses across the state about how to apply for a federal small business disaster loan through the Small Business Association (SBA).

Michael Ashcraft, the senior area manager and PIO of the SBA’s Kentucky District office, detailed the low-interest federal disaster loans to Kentucky businesses for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19.

You can also find other SBA resources on our website at our Disaster Loan Information page.

Click here to watch the webinar

MORE STEPS BEING TAKEN BY BUSINESSES TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES

As America continues its battle to control the coronavirus pandemic, governments continue to place restrictions on businesses, greatly impacting their day-to-day operations.

In order to assess how the pandemic has affected Kentucky business owners and their employees, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has conducted two statewide surveys since March 16, 2020 asking business leaders how they are managing amid this new environment. The two surveys asked similar questions to gauge how quickly employers were adapting to new regulations.

The first survey, conducted March 16-19, saw a response from 345 employers. And the second survey gathered information from 321 respondents over the weekend of March 20-22.

Are you able to allow your employees to work from home?

Survey 1: 56% yes

Survey 2: 69% yes

Have you restricted or halted travel for your employees?

Survey 1: 63% yes

Survey 2: 75% yes

Are you able to provide paid leave for your employees?

Survey 1: 45% yes

Survey 2: 47% yes

Have you eliminated some costs in your business to adapt?

Survey 1: 44% yes

Survey 2: 60% yes

Have you had to lay off any employees, temporarily suspend pay, or implement salary reductions?

Survey 1: 20% yes

Survey 2: 36% yes

Read more about the survey results and some best practices from businesses unable to have employees work from home and more here.