The first round of loans provided through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were quickly distributed, and the funds have been depleted. Many companies submitted applications through the Small Business Administration (SBA) without success, however, those applications will remain in queue for the next round of funding which is currently being negotiated. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the expanded package this week.
Small employers that have not yet submitted a loan application can still do so. The SBA website has information on how the program works and how to apply. Companies can also work with their bank to initiate the process.
Below is a chart with details on how to gather carrier billing invoices that are needed for the application process.
Fisher Phillips published a guide for employers, Post-Pandemic Back-to-Business FAQs For Employers. This comprehensive resource includes sections on General Return-to-Work Principals, Workplace Safety, Human Resources Considerations, Benefits/Taxes and more. Once cities and states begin to loosen restrictions on shelter-in-place rules, employers will need to have a plan in place to carefully bring employees back to the workplace.
Employers should follow the guidance of their state and local government leaders to determine appropriate timing of any business reopening decisions.
~~~
California Bay Area cities are implementing paid sick leave laws that expand on the FFCRA Emergency Sick Leave. San Francisco and San Jose have adopted new laws, and other cities, such as Oakland, may follow. The general intent of these laws is to expand the leave requirement to employers with more than 500 employees, which is the limit set in the FFCRA.
For more information, see the links for each city below:
San Francisco Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL):
~ Up to 80 hours of PHEL for leave related to COVID-19
~ Employees performing work in San Francisco
~ In effect only during the local emergency
San Jose Urgency COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Ordinance:
~ Up to 80 hours paid sick leave related to COVID-19
~ All Essential business
~ Effective through December 31, 2020
Contact your Johnson & Dugan team if you are interested in more information on any of these expanded paid sick leave laws.
~~~
