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A Message About Coronavirus

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During this uncertain time in our lives and business, keeping up with the updates in local rules, orders, and law at the federal and state level has become a challenge. We provide this email to our valued clients as a service to assist in navigating these developing matters. We will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. We are also aware that many of you are receiving COVID-19 pandemic information from news organizations, business associates, and trade groups. Therefore, we will attempt to keep our information limited to that which directly affects your business and legal options in the future.

This update pertains specifically to the federal emergency loans to small businesses, which was part of the $2 trillion stimulus package Congress recently passed. Of that money, approximately $350 billion has been set aside for The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. In part, this money is allocated to assist small businesses (those with less than 500 employees) in keeping their workers employed and on the payroll during this challenging time. This is the Paycheck Protection Program loan incentive, which may be forgiven. This Act may enable your business to survive this difficult period without employees having to apply for unemployment benefits. Applications will be accepted starting tomorrow, April 3, 2020, at SBA approved lending banks. Please contact your financial institution.

Many businesses across the country will be vying for these limited funds. If your business is eligible, and if you are confident that you can meet the requirements for forgiveness, we strongly encourage you to apply for these funds and to do so as soon as possible.  Details are available here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

There is another relevant federal act, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This Act affects how certain employers must handle sick leave for a sick employee, or an employee who is caring for someone else, affected by COVID-19. This Act expands the rights of employees’ paid sick leave and family and medical leave due to COVID-19 related illness.

The attached documents provide a useful overview of the two Acts:

·     CARES Act Brochure – prepared by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

·     The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act – prepared by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship

·     Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Information Sheet – prepared by the U.S. Department of Treasury

·     Employee Rights Under FFCRA Poster – prepared by U.S. Department of Labor

Please check our website www.elmslaw.com for updates and relevant documents. Updates are occurring daily and we will keep you informed of those most pertinent to your business’ legal needs. While the above information is general and not legal advice for any specific situation, we are available if you would like to discuss your situation further.

We are all in this together and will all get through it together.

Elms Macchia, PLLC

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