COVID-19: Community Information and Updates

Please understand every effort has been made to ensure the information on this web page is accurate. This page will be updated as new information is made available.

Trending Now:

Georgia Safety Promise: This is a statewide campaign from the Governor’s Office and the Georgia Department of Health that encourages businesses and the public to agree to simple, but critical, measures that will keep Georgians safe from COVID-19, minimize spread of the virus, and keep Georgia open for business.

Governor Kemp's Executive Order: 07.15.20.01: Extends the current guidelines for social distancing, gatherings, and business operations through 07/31/20.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act: View summary courtesy of the Georgia Chamber. This Act makes the following changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):

• Extends the loan term from 8 weeks to 24 weeks;
• Lowers the percentage of loan proceeds that must be used on payroll from 75% to 60%; and 
• Extends the PPP from June 30th to Dec. 31, 2020.
   

Grants, Loans, and Other Assistance Programs: Electric Cities of Georgia's (ECG) Office of Economic & Community Development has assembled a list of current grants and funding opportunities that may be helpful to local businesses.

Georgia PPE Suppliers: Many Georgia companies have joined the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by providing critical health care supplies to those on the front lines of this fight. Click here to view the latest version of the Georgia Suppliers List, courtesy of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Conference Calls & Webinars:

View the Webinar Calendar for upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.

Chattahoochee Technical College: Chattahoochee Technical College, in an effort to support our communities, business and industry, and individuals in this time of need, is offering free access to several self-paced online courses that encompass a variety of topics useful in any work environment, such as soft skills, customer service, emotional intelligence, job search skills, time management, and more.

Local Business Resources:

Food Pantry and Emergency Resources: Thank you to Heritage Baptist Church for compiling this information.

Aire-Master: Offering a Hand Sanitizer dispenser service for $10 a service every 4 weeks. They also sell 64oz bottles with a pump by the case and have them in stock currently. Call 770-386-7822 for details.

Cartersville Medical Center: Protecting Your Business & Workforce Flyer

Georgia Tech's Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership: Useful information to help manufacturers manage the COVID-19 outbreak.

Reach Technologies: Reach Technologies has N95 masks, forehead thermometers, disposable gloves, and other supplies available. Learn more.

Small Business Development Center: Offering one-on-one counseling services for small businesses at no cost to help with tactical plans, cash flow issues, and more. Visit this page to view an overview of SBA emergency loans and regional webinar information.

Starr-Mathews: Starr-Mathews has assembled a General Checklist and an Insurance Checklist along with a Guide to Creating a Return to Work Action Plan to help businesses prepare for re-opening to the public.

Stratus Building Solutions: Stratus is providing cleaning and disinfecting services to aid in flattening the much discussed "COVID-19 curve." Find more information on their Facebook page or call 678-427-5751.

West End Pharmacy: West End Pharmacy is making their own hand sanitizer: 4 oz bottles available for $5.99.

State and Federal Business Resources:

State COVID-19 Hotline: (844) 442-2681

CDC:

• General COVID-19 Information
• COVID-19 Handouts & Printable Posters

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):

• Six Cybersecurity Essentials for Business
• Additional CISA Resources

Georgia Commute Options: GCO has developed a Quick Start Telework Guide and hosted a three-part webinar series offering practical guidance on how companies can maximize productivity and decrease employee stress while navigating responses to COVID-19.
 

Georgia Department of Labor:

• Update on Federal Stimulus Bill (including FPUC/PEUC/PUA) (04/28/20): View update.
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): Detailed information is available here.
• Unemployment: View article and updated filing instructions.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Summary of Paid Leave Provisions

Georgia Department of Public Health: Includes information about COVID-19, industry guidance, and additional COVID-19 resources and guidelines.

Governor Brian P. Kemp, Office of the Governor:

• 07/15/20 Executive Order
• 06/29/20 Executive Orders .01 and .02 and Press Release
• 06/11/20 Executive Order and Press Release
• 05/28/20 Executive Orders .01 and .02 and Press Release
• 05/12/20 Executive Order and Press Release
• 04/30/20 Executive Order and Press Release
• On 04/20/20, Governor Kemp announced Phase I Reopening for the State of Georgia. The Executive Order released on 04/23/20 provides guidance on reopening.

IRS:

• Coronavirus Tax Relief
• People First Initiative

President Trump, The White House: Includes resources, updates, and what you should know about the Coronavirus.

SBA: Disaster Loan Assistance

U.S. Chamber:

• Independent Contractor's Guide to CARES Act Relief
• Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs
• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Guide
• Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide
• Coronavirus Response Toolkit for Businesses

U.S. Department of Agriculture: COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

U.S. Department of Justice: U.S. Attorney urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraud.

U.S. Department of Treasury:

• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Includes an overview of the program, FAQ, and more information and applications for lenders and borrowers.
• PPP Loan Forgiveness Guide: Courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

City and County Service Updates:

Bartow County Library System: All branches are now open with limited hours and restrictions. View details on their website.

Bartow County School System: Visit their Facebook page for the latest updates on reopening for the upcoming school year or view the reopening resource guide on their website.

Cartersville City Schools: Visit their website for the latest updates on reopening for the upcoming school year.

City of Adairsville: Visit their website for the latest information on Customer Service and other City services.

City of Cartersville: View the News Flash section at the bottom of the City's home page for the latest news and any changes to City services.

City of Emerson: City offices are open. More information on other services can be found on their website.

City of Euharlee: Information on changes to operations can be found on the City's Facebook page.

City of Kingston: City Hall is open. Visit their website for more information.

City of White: City Hall is open. Visit their website for more information.

Press Releases:

AT&T: AT&T Extends Customer Relief During COVID-19

Cartersville Occupational Health: Relocates to West Avenue

Georgia Department of Human Services: New Office Protocols

Highland Rivers Health: Mental Health and Family Coping Strategies During Coronavirus Outbreak

How Can I Help:

Download your checklist to start helping the community!

• Shop local online - View the Chamber directory for Shopping & Specialty Retail
• Purchase gift cards now to use later
• Call in orders for takeout or delivery - View the Chamber directory for Restaurants, Food & Beverages
• Donate to local non-profits or charitable funds, such as the COVID-19 Response Fund by the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia or by United Way of Bartow County
• Check out FEMA's recommendations for helping with donations, volunteering, and the private sector
• Understand the hard decisions with closings and/or cancellations
• See if your company can assist the state healthcare system
• Donate convalescent plasma if you have tested positive and have recovered from COVID-19