The well-being of the county’s businesses and citizens is a priority for us at Rockingham County Economic Development. We have been closely monitoring the numerous updates and gathering resources as they become available in an effort to help manage and reduce any hardships Rockingham County’s workforce may feel as an impact of this epidemic.
Below is an evolving list of resource pertaining to state and federal COVIC-19 announcements, programs, and information to help navigate through this challenging time. If you are aware of anything that needs to be added to the list, please email tmartin@co.rockingham.nc.us.
Direct Contact Information
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline-1866-432-3821
Stay-At-Home Order
Governor Roy Cooper issued a “Stay-At-Home” order to go into effect on Monday, March 30th at 5pm. According to the order, “Leaving the home and travel for Essential Activities is permitted.” Several essential activities are listed in section 1, activities including for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, and for outdoor activity, for certain types of work, to take care of others, place of worship, to receive goods and services, place of residence, and volunteering.”
To view the entire order, visit here!
Information for Employers
US Small Business Assistance
US Small Business Administration: Guidance for Small Businesses
US Small Business Administration: COVID-19 Small Business Loans and Information
US Small Business Administration: Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Local US Small Business Administration: Local Assistance
Golden Leaf Small Business Loans-up to $50k with zero interest and no payments for 6 months
General Business and Small Business Resources
US Chamber of Commerce: Resource Page
U.S. Chamber of Commerce-Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers: see here
NC Small Business and Technology Development Center
NC Department of Commerce COVID-19 Resources: see here
Business Operations Information
What to say? Templates for member/client communications
Prepare for possible disruption
Identifying critical employees and ensuring that work-at-home systems
U.S. Chamber guidelines and webinar
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services practices
OSHA guidelines maintain your business operations
Lead your business through the coronavirus crisis
8 strategies to set up remote work during the coronavirus outbreak
How brand managers should address COVID-19
Coronavirus could force teams to work remotely
Business planning for the COVID-19 Coronavirus
Business Resilience and Continuity Planning Resources
Shelter in Place Information
Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
Sample Letter for Essential Activity-During a “shelter in place” situation, essential businesses may remain open. During this time, it is suggested that particular steps be taken should questions arise. Many employers are providing a letter of sorts for employees to keep in their car to prove their destination is for essential activities. A sample of the letter is in the link just above.
Unemployement Information
COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Claims
Under Executive Order #118, individuals who, as a direct result of COVID-19, are separated from employment, have had their hours of employment reduced, or are prevented from working due to a medical condition caused by COVID-19 or due to communicable disease control measures may apply for unemployment assistance immediately.
- Order removes the one-week waiting period for individuals to apply for benefits
- Order removes the requirement that a person must look for another job during this time
- Order also allows employees, who lost their jobs or who have had their hours reduced due to COVID-19 issues, to apply for unemployment benefits
- Order instructs the Employment Security office to not allocate charges to employers’ accounts for individuals who are paid benefits for reasons related to COVID-19
COVID-19 Unempolyment Insurance FAQ
Link to Apply for NC Unemployment Benefits
The Top 11 Unemployment Questions Related to the Cornavirus Answered
Other Information
Restaurants and Bars-Effective 5 pm, March 17, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper closed restaurants and bars for dine-in customers following increased numbers of coronavirus cases across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rockingham County Restaurants Offering Curbside and Delivery Services
