COVID-19 Industry Update
April 8, 2020
We are evolving what these COVID-19 updates look like because the situation and information are rapidly changing, and we want to bring you the best and most relevant information to you when appropriate. Moving forward, we’re going to bucket information into different categories to allow consumption based on topic easier, in addition to highlighting webinars at the bottom of each email.
As always, if we can add particular information or adjust how we’re communicating to help you, please let us know.
Legislative
With the implementation of the CARES Act underway, conversations on Capitol Hill have quickly moved to the next phase of legislation. While another sweeping relief package (Phase 4) is still on the table for the coming weeks, discussions have shifted to technical corrections to the CARES Act as well as replenishing the funds it provides. U.S. Travel anticipates that Congress will take up a CARES Act technical corrections/replenishment of funds relief package at the end of April that would further expand on the CARES Act and secure more relief for healthcare, American workers and small businesses across the country. Meanwhile, U.S. Travel is also calling for $600 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Local Order
Pinellas County Administration and the Sheriff have updated the guidance of essential and non-essential businesses to help answer questions for local businesses. Here’s a complete rundown that was updated on Tuesday.
Health
Late last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their guidance to recommend that all U.S. residents wear "cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain," such as grocery stores. However, the CDC maintains that surgical masks and N-95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare workers. Track Florida’s latest trajectory for COVID-19 cases here.
Unemployment
Late Wednesday, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity rolled out a new website to sign up for unemployment. Any Floridian who hasn't yet successfully applied for unemployment should now use this new mobile-friendly site. Before applying, the state recommends referring to this site for items needed during the process.
