In this unique and tumultuous time our community, we aim to help all members of our community remain safe and financially secure. In light of this, we ask that you consider our local businesses and their employees by supporting them in any way you can – whether by shopping online, purchasing gift cards or other considerations. This helps our workers maintain a stable income during an otherwise unstable time.
1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Avoid close contact with others
3. Cover nose + mouth around others
4. Cover coughs and sneezes
5. Clean + disinfect surfaces daily
The Latest
- Lifesouth is now testing all blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test conducted by LifeSouth is authorized for use by the FDA and detects if someone has developed antibodies to COVID-19. A positive test result may indicate past exposure and some immunity to the virus. This antibody test is not a diagnostic test and will not determine if the person currently has the virus.
- The Chamber is partnering with Dr. Angeli Maun Akey to host a webinar on Reopening Implications and Strategies to Maximize Workplace Safety on Tuesday, May 26, from Noon – 1 p.m.
- Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 346 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 72 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.
- This Memorial Day, we hope you remain safe and cognizant of all risks involved with COVID-19. Please socially distance when possible and abide by all health restrictions.
Coronavirus News
Business Resources
Florida Business Damage Assessment
SBDC Emergency Bridge Loan Program
SBDC Small Business Guide to COVID-19
SBA Small Business Loan & Guidance Resources
Small Business Council Toolkit
Coast PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculator
Getting Your PPP Loan Forgiven, the Legal Way
Donnelly + Gross Checklist for Reopening Your Business
Avison Young’s guide to Returning to the Workplace Amidst COVID-19
Policies Implemented
Alachua County Emergency Order 2020-21 (Phase 1)
Smart. Safe. Step-by-Step Reopening Plan (Phase 1)
- All non-essential retail businesses must restrict capacity to not exceed 50% of capacity.
- Restaurants have the option to offer dine-in service, but must limit to 50% capacity with 6 feet between each table
- Masks are required in public places except for eating or drinking and those with a doctor’s note
- Breweries are allowed to operate as long as a food truck is present and able to sell food on the grounds.
- All bars and nightclubs remain closed
- Museums, botanical gardens and libraries may open but must limit to 50% capacity.
- Hair salons, nail salons and barber shops are allowed to open under certain restrictions.
- Restaurants may serve mixed drinks in sealed containers.
- Fitness centers and gyms may open with appropriate social distancing measures
- Movie theaters remain closed until further notice
- Summer camps for children are allowed to reopen
- Burn ban in effect for Alachua County
- Gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited
How to be tested
The Alachua County Health Department is offering COVID-19 testing to Alachua County residents, regardless of symptoms. Residents who want a COVID-19 test are asked to call 352-334-8810 for an appointment. A referral from a doctor is not required. If your insurance covers this, it will be billed and no copay is required. If not, it is free. We expect an initial surge of calls. You may have to call back.
Learn more about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) from the Florida Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Working From Home Resources
COVID-19 Business Updates
- Lifesouth is now testing all blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test conducted by LifeSouth is authorized for use by the FDA and detects if someone has developed antibodies to COVID-19. A positive test result may indicate past exposure and some immunity to the virus. This antibody test is not a diagnostic test and will not determine if the person currently has the virus.
- Avera & Smith is offering free policy reviews for businesses that are being denied interruption coverage benefits by insurance companies. These disputes are spiking as the pandemic halts operations across the country. Avera & Smith has the proven trial record to help you navigate these choppy legal waters and help ensure the financial viability of your business.
- Sexton & Schnoll, CPAs is hosting a webinar on PPP forgiveness Tuesday, May 26 at 1 p.m.
- WCJB TV20 announced today that their 2-week virtual telethon raised over $107,000 for Catholic Charities. These funds will be used by Catholic Charities to help pay rent, utilities and other essentials for people impacted by COVID-19.
- Paramount Grill is opening for limited in-house dining on Friday and Saturday Nights, as well as Sunday Brunch.
- Since March 1, GRACE Marketplace has helped 69 people move into permanent housing.
For a full list, visit our business updates page.
To see stories of community support, visit our Support GNV page.
Intermed Adopts Antonio’s
The InterMed Group found itself in a unique position to help during the Covid-19 crisis not only in the medical world, but in our own community. To give back they have adopted a small locally owned restaurant in Micanopy Florida, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana. Read more here.
Florida Food Service Feeds GNV
Florida Food Service, Inc. has partnered with the FEED GNV program to donate food and supplies to participating Restaurants, helping to alleviate up-front financial burdens and provide much needed support. Read more here.
Campus USA Supports GNV
Like many of our businesses and organizations locally, Campus USA Credit Union has been doing a great deal to Support GNV in this time of need. To see all the ways they’ve helped, click here.
Hitchcock’s Donates 3,000 Meals
With supply chains strained, and customers worried and stressed, Hitchcock’s Markets donated more than 3,000 meals on a single day, March 28, 2020 to residents in their community. Read the full story here.
CONTACT US
Partners
CareerSource NCFL
Advantage Publishing
VyStar
Gainesville Sun
MARC Radio
Cox
James Moore
105.3
CBS/NBC
Celebration Pointe
Business Report
New York Times: The Dos and Don’ts of Online Video Meetings
SkillCrush: The Essential Remote Work Tools You Need to Get Things Done
PopSugar: 60 Free Educational Websites Parents Can Access While Schools Are Closed
LinkedIn: New to Working Remotely? These Resources Can Help
The Next Web: 7 habits of exceptionally successful remote employees
For the Kids:
The GNV Coloring Book, Volume I
Captain Quarantine