COVID-19

Here, you will find updated information on COVID-19 and procedures. We will keep this current with useful resources and information.

March 10, 2021

August 10, 2020

• Application instructions
• A frequently asked questions section
• A link to the application

1. Individual assistance grant applications opened last week. ($21.1 million allotted)
2. Small and medium business grant applications will opened yesterday. ($15 million allotted)
3. Inter-government organization grant applications will open on August 17, 2020($8.3 million allotted)

• Paying rent and utilities
• Meeting payroll
• Paying outstanding debt to vendors
• Upgrading technology infrastructure
• Other immediate operational costs

August 6, 2020

The Florida Chamber’s Business Snapshot Survey for August is now available for feedback. This information will be used to gain perspective on what businesses in the state of all sizes are dealing with as a result of COVID-19.

August 4, 2020

• Application instructions
• A frequently asked questions section
• A link to the application

1. Individual assistance grant applications opened today, August 4, 2020, at 8 a.m. ($21.1 million allotted)
2. Small and medium business grant applications will open on August 10, 2020 ($15 million allotted)
3. Inter-government organization grant applications will open on August 17, 2020 ($8.3 million allotted)

July 30, 2020

• The Southeastern Conference has announced a 10-game conference-only football schedule and has delayed the beginning of the football season to September 26. The rescheduled start to the season will allow the SEC to continue to monitor health trends across its 11-state footprint, as well as monitor developments in technology around mitigation and treatment of the virus. Further decisions regarding safety standards related to athletics events, tailgating and other game day activities, including social distancing, face covering and other health measures consistent with CDC, state and local guidelines, will be announced at a later date.

July 24, 2020

• FREE DRIVE-THRU TESTING SATURDAY: The Community Foundation, the City of Gainesville and the Walmart Foundation are hosting a free drive-thru testing event at Citizens Field (1000 NE Waldo Road), beginning at 8 a.m. No doctor’s note is required, and children 5 and up can be tested when accompanied by an adult.
• ALACHUA COUNTY CARES APPLICATION PROCESS COMING SOON: Alachua County is working with an accounting firm, the County ITS Department, and the Finance and Accounting Section of the Clerk of the Court to institute an application system that is clear and functions well. Staff will bring the application system to the County Commission at their August 3, 2020 Special Meeting. Applications will be available for businesses and individuals shortly thereafter. We will keep you posted as new developments occur.
• SECOND CROSSROADS CONVERSATION THIS WEDNESDAY: If you think barriers to diversity may be hiding in your policies and practices and want to explore how to remove them without sacrificing business objectives, join us virtually next Wednesday, July 29th at 1 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required. Visit https://cutt.ly/Crossroads2 to get signed up or submit anonymous questions and/or comments that we will use to inform the conversation.
• CHAMBER HAS MASKS AVAILABLE: The Chamber has masks available to those who need them. To reserve yours, fill out the form here. We have a limited amount, so please have a number in mind before requesting.

July 20, 2020

Free Drive-Thru Testing this Saturday

Saturday, July 25, 8 a.m., Citizens Field, 1000 NE Waldo Road

The City of Gainesville, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida and the Walmart Foundation again have partnered to deliver free drive-thru testing this summer.

No doctor’s note is needed. Children 5 and over may be tested with an accompanied adult. The Alachua County Department of Health will provide the free coronavirus tests. The University of Florida College of Medicine Mobile Outreach Clinic will administer the tests on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 1,000 individuals will receive an assortment of PPE including face masks, hand sanitizer and school supplies.

Free coronavirus testing also is available Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment at the former headquarters of the City’s Regional Transit System. Call 352-334-8810 to schedule an appointment.

The scheduled testing supports the East Gainesville COVID-19 Testing, Education and Relief Initiative (EGCTERI) which is dedicated to providing residents of East Gainesville with access to coronavirus testing, personal protective equipment and educational information in the fight against coronavirus.

For additional information, please contact Rossana Passaniti at 352-393-7842 or by email at passanitir1@cityofgainesville.org.

July 17, 2020

• BUSINESS RELIEF FROM COUNTY: The Alachua County Commission recently passed a $46.9M COVID relief plan that includes aid for local businesses. The County is still working on the process for applying for assistance. As soon as the process is announced, we will notify our members.
• VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY: The voter registration deadline for the 2020 Primary Election is July 20. Additionally, any voter who desires to change his or her party affiliation must do so by the July 20 deadline for it to be in effect for this election. All Alachua County voters will be able to vote in this election, which will be held August 18. Florida is a closed primary state, meaning that voters who want to vote in a partisan primary election must be a registered voter in the party for which the primary is being held. Verify your voter registration here or register here.
• CHANGE IN UPDATES: Starting next week, our updates will no longer be strictly Monday-Wednesday-Friday, but only come when there is high-priority COVID-19-related information or policy-related information that we will disseminate to members. Be sure to check our COVID-19 page for the latest updates.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 143 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing the cumulative total to 2,465. For more information, visit the FDOH’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

July 15, 2020

• STIMULUS HELP FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES: In the first CARES Act, municipalities with populations below 500,000 received no direct federal funding to mitigate the costs of COVID. With Congress potentially returning to Washington next week, talks on the next stimulus package are anticipated to ramp up. When funds are distributed to local municipalities, they are then able to provide direct aid to local businesses and the community. We want to ensure that as the next stimulus is developed, lawmakers have a clear picture of the impact on businesses in medium-sized and small cities. Please take a moment before the end of the week to contact our congressional delegation, including Congressman Ted Yoho, Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, and the Trump administration to:
  • share the financial impact COVID-19 has had on your business.
  • ask them to support an allocation of funds to municipalities with populations under 500,000.
  • express that the COVID crisis has created a financial crisis for small cities that were financially sound before the pandemic, and additional funds would help them to rebuild and restore the economic health of our nation.
  • signify your agreement that emergency funding to small cities should be COVID-focused, timely, targeted and transparent, and should support local jobs and small businesses.
• Please feel free to express the above in your own words or to use those words – whichever is your preference. You will find contact information for our congressional delegation here.

• CHAMBER HAS MASKS AVAILABLE: The Chamber has masks available to those who need them. To reserve yours, fill out the form here. We have a limited amount, so please have a number in mind before requesting.

• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 149 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 2,322. For more information, visit the FDOH’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

July 13, 2020

• WEAR A MASK: While we enjoy many freedoms in this great nation, it remains important to think of others. In Florida, as we see skyrocketing cases of COVID-19, we urge all who read this to wear a mask. If we continue down this path, we will be sacrificing future success for present convenience economically and with regards to public health. Wearing a mask does not cause you physical harm, while not wearing one puts you and others around you at risk. The more swiftly we make this small sacrifice, the sooner we won’t need to wear them because things are more back to normal. We have them for free at our office if you need some.
• UF’S PLAN FORWARD: The University of Florida’s Plan Forward is a comprehensive guide for students, faculty, staff and the Greater Gainesville community on what the fall semester will entail. It is a living and flexible document as understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and best practices to address the virus evolve.
• SMALL BUSINESS POWER HOUR WEDNESDAY: The City of Gainesville is launching a “Lunch & Learn” workshop series designed to give power-packed information on how to further grow and develop your small business. The upcoming workshop on July 15th will focus on “Having a Crisis Management Plan.” Or find more information here.
• ABLE TRUST SURVEY: The Florida Chamber has asked for our help in circulating this survey as far and wide as possible. Please take a few minutes to complete this important anonymous survey now as it closes July 17. Please forward the survey to other business leaders so they can participate in securing Florida’s future as well.
• CHAMBER HAS MASKS AVAILABLE: The Chamber has masks available to those who need them. To reserve yours, fill out the form here. We have a limited amount, so please have a number in mind before requesting.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 195 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Friday, bringing the cumulative total to 2,173. For more information, visit the FDOH’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

July 10, 2020

• HELP THE ABLE TRUST – ANONYMOUS SURVEY: Together, we can build a diverse workforce that provides opportunity for all Floridians. The Able Trust, is providing opportunities for successful employment for Floridians with disabilities – especially as we relaunch through the changing COVID-19 workforce environment. The Florida Chamber has asked for our help in circulating this survey as far and wide as possible. Please take a few minutes to complete this important anonymous survey now as it closes July 17. Please forward the survey to other business leaders so they can participate in securing Florida’s future as well.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 186 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 1,978. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

July 8, 2020

• COUNTY UNVEILS CARES ACT PLAN: Yesterday the County approved a plan to disperse the $46.9 million in COVID relief funds allocated to it by the state. The funding will be received by the County in rounds and our first round will be $11.7 million. In order to be eligible for the additional rounds, the County will have to use up this round completely. The County’s CARES plan will provide about $15 million in relief to small and medium-sized businesses that have lost revenue due to the pandemic, and about $6 million in relief to citizens who have been affected by COVID. The County will hear from staff next Tuesday on progress related to implementing the program.
• SMALL BUSINESS POWER HOUR STARTING NEXT WEEK: The City of Gainesville is launching a “Lunch & Learn” workshop series designed to give power-packed information on how to further grow and develop your small business… all within ONE hour. Workshops will be held every third Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. The upcoming workshop on July 15th will focus on “Having a Crisis Management Plan.” Or find more information on this flier.
• LIFESOUTH SEEKING PLASMA FROM RECOVERED COVID-19 PATIENTS: As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, the need for convalescent plasma is on the rise. LifeSouth is partnering with local medical centers to find plasma from blood donors who have recovered from the virus to help critically ill patients fighting the virus. Potential donors should visit www.lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707 to schedule an appointment.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 156 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 1,792. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

July 6, 2020

• PPP APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Paycheck Protection Program application deadline extension has been approved by both houses of the U.S. Congress, has been signed by President Trump. The new bill extends the program’s application period to August 8.
• LUNCH & LEARN WEDNESDAY: Join us Wednesday at Noon with Bob Ganzak of Dale Carnegie for “Who Moved The Room?” a session on the skills needed to be successful in a virtual world and how you can transfer those success traits into your office environment.
• CENSUS-A-THON THIS WEEK: This week, the City of Gainesville is hosting a Census-A-Thon each day from Wednesday, July 8 to Friday, July 10, 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Be sure to check their Facebook and YouTube pages to learn about the census and win prizes, such as a GoPro, wireless headphones and an Amazon Echo Dot.
• ATTENTION CROSSROADS AND GROUNDWATER ATTENDEES: Your feedback is important to our efforts to explore race issues from a business perspective, and help local companies remove real or perceived barriers to diversity, equality and cultural acceptance. Please take a few moments to answer a few questions to help us narrow down specific topics, panelists and actionable steps we can take as a business community to move Greater Gainesville toward equality.
• CHAMBER HAS MASKS AVAILABLE: The Chamber has masks available to those who need them. To reserve yours, fill out the form here. We have a limited amount, so please have a number in mind before requesting.
• GAINESVILLE ENTREPRENEUR INITIATIVE: Sean McIntosh, a prominent Gainesville Real Estate Executive, has partnered with The Lonely Entrepreneur, a 501c3 corporation, to create the Gainesville Entrepreneur Initiative (GNV^EI) to empower current and aspiring Gainesville entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to succeed. GNV^EI will also align this goal with the goals of Gainesville’s corporate and philanthropic community by helping them support small businesses, enhance their brands and meet their community, diversity, and social responsibility goals. Learn more here.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 213 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Friday, bringing the cumulative total to 1,636. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

July 3, 2020

• CELEBRATE SAFELY: This Independence Day weekend, we hope you create memories to cherish, but we ask that you do so safely. With coronavirus cases spiking, remember to continue physical distancing, washing your hands, wearing your mask and avoiding large crowds. Doing so will protect our community from further mass infections, and help us create a safer environment.
• PPP APPLICATION DEADLINE TO BE EXTENDED: The Paycheck Protection Program application deadline extension has been approved by both houses of the U.S. Congress, and will go to the President to be signed. The new bill would extend the program’s application period to August 8.
• CHAMBER HAS MASKS AVAILABLE: The Chamber has masks available to those who need them. To reserve yours, fill out the form here. We have a limited amount, so please have a number in mind before requesting.
• GAINESVILLE ENTREPRENEUR INITIATIVE: Sean McIntosh, a prominent Gainesville Real Estate Executive, has partnered with The Lonely Entrepreneur, a 501c3 corporation, to create the Gainesville Entrepreneur Initiative (GNV^EI) to empower current and aspiring Gainesville entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to succeed. GNV^EI will also align this goal with the goals of Gainesville’s corporate and philanthropic community by helping them support small businesses, enhance their brands and meet their community, diversity, and social responsibility goals. Learn more here.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 178 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing the cumulative total to 1,423. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

July 1, 2020

• COMPANIES TO WATCH: GrowFL, Florida’s leading organization in support of second-stage growth companies, is now accepting applications for its annual Florida Companies to Watch® awards program. Honorees are selected for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout Florida. Applications are open until July 31. Apply here.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 86 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 1,245. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 29, 2020

• CHAMBER HAS FREE MASKS AVAILABLE: The Chamber has a limited quantity of masks available for businesses in increments of 5. Please click here to let us know if you would like any and to schedule a time to come to the office to pick them up.
• GOVERNOR SIGNS 2020-2021 BUDGET: Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a slimmer, $92.2 billion budget for the new fiscal year, which begins in two days. The Governor cut about $1 billion from the budget due to revenue shortages as a result of COVID-19. While teacher pay and several priority environmental projects remained funded in the budget, other areas have seen deep cuts. The Chamber will issue a special legislative update tomorrow summarizing notable vetoes.
• DAILY PULSE RESULTS: Last Friday’s Daily Pulse explored whether you had applied for and/or received funds from any government loan programs. Of all who answered, 72 percent applied for Paycheck Protection Funds, 14 percent applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and 14 percent applied for no loans. 80 percent of respondents who applied for PP loans were approved and have received the funds, while 20 percent were denied and received no assistance. Of respondents who applied for EIDL loans, none were approved or received assistance.
• MASK POSTER FOR BUSINESSES: Alachua County Commission voted earlier this week to tighten up on the mandatory face mask requirement. Businesses are required to post signage reinforcing the mandatory face mask order and providing social distancing guidelines. Please feel free to print and display this free poster in your establishment. The County will be driving around as well to provide copies to businesses.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 214 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Friday, bringing the cumulative total to 1,159. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 26, 2020

• BARS RESTRICTED FROM SERVING ON-PREMISES ALCOHOL: This afternoon, Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears issued Emergency Order 2020-09, prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of any establishment that derives more than 50% of its revenue from the sale of alcohol. Bars may stay open and sell alcoholic beverages in sealed, to-go containers for consumption off the premises. Restaurants, or vendors who are licensed as public food service establishments under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes) may continue to allow the on-premises consumption of alcohol at tables pursuant to Executive Order 20-139. In order to qualify for the restaurant-specific provision, the establishment must derive 50% or less of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
• FREE COVID TESTING SATURDAY AT CITIZENS FIELD: The County is conducting free COVID-19 testing from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at Citizens Field (1000 NE Waldo Road). Adults must present a community or government ID. Children 10 years of age and older can get tested when accompanied by a parent or guardian. No doctor’s note is needed. Individuals will obtain a phone number to call for test results after 72 hours. The Alachua County Department of Health will provide free coronavirus tests. The University of Florida College of Medicine Mobile Outreach Clinic will administer the tests on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 300 individuals will receive PPE including face masks and hand sanitizer.
• CHAMBER HAS FREE MASKS AVAILABLE: The Chamber has a limited quantity of masks available for businesses in increments of 5. Please click here to let us know if you would like any and to schedule a time to come to the office to pick them up.
• MASK POSTER FOR BUSINESSES: Alachua County Commission voted earlier this week to tighten up on the mandatory face mask requirement. Businesses are required to post signage reinforcing the mandatory face mask order and providing social distancing guidelines. Please feel free to print and display this free poster in your establishment. The County will be driving around as well to provide copies to businesses.
• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse explores whether you have received government funding for which you’ve applied. Tell us here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse asked you for your thoughts on the mandatory mask requirement. Here’s what you told us: 69% of respondents said they would wear a mask willingly and that doing so is an effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19. 13% said they didn’t want to wear a mask and that government shouldn’t be able to require them to do it. 4% said they didn’t really want to wear one but would do it since they had been told to. 4% said they know that masks prevent the spread of COVID-19, but that they still didn’t want to wear one.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 138 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing the cumulative total to 945. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 24, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse explores your thoughts on the requirement to wear a mask. Tell us your thoughts here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Monday’s Daily Pulse asked you about your thoughts on what the state’s response to the rising COVID-19 cases should be. 42% thought the State should prohibit large gatherings and other major risks to curb infections, but try to have some semblance of normalcy. 24% of respondents said the State should allow us to be as open as we can to work toward herd immunity. 18% thought the state should limit all but essential activities. 15% thought the state should allow us to operate as closely to normal as we can as long as the “curve” is flattened enough to prevent hospital overcrowding.
• SCAMS TO WATCH FOR: Scammers are making phone calls in which they pretend to be Department of Health employees performing contact tracing duties. Please know that if you receive such a call and the person asks for your social security number, you should not give it to them and hang up immediately. The Department of Health will never ask for your social security number when performing contract tracing duties. Another scam that targets job-seeking college students involves a job offer contingent on the student’s willingness to cash a check that the scammer mails to them and return the funds back to the scammer. Ultimately, the check turns out to be fraudulent. By the time the student finds out the check is fraudulent, the cash is already gone, leaving the student with the responsibility of reimbursing the bank.
• TEACHER PAY RAISE BILL SIGNED BY GOVERNOR: Governor DeSantis today signed into law a $500 million plan to boost the minimum salary for all teachers toward $47,500. The bill sets aside $400 million to recruit new teachers and $100 million to raise the pay of existing teachers and instructional personnel such as guidance counselors and librarians.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 69 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday, bringing our total to 807. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 22, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today’s  Daily Pulse explores your thoughts on what the state should do to curb the increase in COVID-19 cases. Tell us what you think here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse asked you about your thoughts on the Chamber’s daily newsletter. Here’s what you told us: 63% of respondents said they want the Chamber to keep the updates coming, and that they find them helpful and informative. 26% said keep them coming but not as often. 11% said they are looking for more information and that the Chamber’s updates are not informative enough or don’t have the right information.
• NEWSLETTER FREQUENCY CHANGE: Based on member feedback, we’ve made the decision to move our newsletter to a three-times-per-week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• ATLANTA FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR TO JOIN RELAUNCH FLORIDA CALL THIS WEEK: Atlanta Federal Reserve President and CEO Dr. Raphael Bostic will join the Florida Chamber for an important discussion on the economy this Thursday, June 25 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT. You are invited to participate and have your questions answered by Dr. Bostic and Florida Chamber Foundation Chief Economist Dr. Jerry Parrish. Register here.
• PROVIDE ANONYMOUS FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS ON ISSUES OF RACE AND BUSINESS: As a precursor to Wednesday’s Crossroads workshop, we are giving members and the community the opportunity to anonymously ask questions and make comments. We will include as many of the questions and comments as we can in the discussion among our six panelists. Our goal? To provide a form for safe, authentic, productive conversation on the challenges we face at the intersections of race and business. Register here.
• REPORT CARDS ARE IN: The Florida Chamber and U.S. Chamber have released their annual legislative report cards, which “grade” lawmakers based on their votes on pro-business legislation. Each member of Alachua County’s federal delegation received the U.S. Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award and the majority of the Alachua County state delegation received A’s on the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card. View the U.S. Chamber’s Legislative Report Card here. View the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card here.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has reported 105 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Friday. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 19, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse seeks your feedback on our daily updates. Tell us what you think here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse recognized we were at Day 100 of the pandemic and explored where, at the beginning of the pandemic, you thought we would be at this point versus where we actually are. Here’s what you told us: Half of respondents thought we were right where they initially imagined we would be. 28% said they initially thought we would be back to normal in a few weeks. 21% said they initially thought we would be worse off than we are.
• CROSSROADS WEDNESDAY: We invite you to participate in Crossroads: Exploring Intersections of Race and Business on Wednesday, June 24. We have formatted this series to connect businesses, professionals, and the community with expert perspective, best practices and a safe space to productively comment and ask questions without having to be identified. The event is open to businesses, employees and the community.
• FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: We are delighted to partner with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association to host The Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL) on June 23, 24 and 25, 2020. Click here for more info.
• NOW HIRING: Join us for a discussion about HHA/CNA positions with Comfort Keepers!
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 633 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case was 101 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 18, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today is day 100 since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Alachua County. In some ways, Day 1 feels like yesterday, and in other ways, it feels like these three months have been three years. Tell us here your thoughts on where you imagined we would be on Day 1 here.
• PANELIST LINEUP FOR CROSSROADS: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTIONS OF RACE AND BUSINESS – We are excited to announce that the following business and professional leaders will join us as panelists for the first conversation in our new series designed to explore the intersections of race and business. Take a look here to see who they are.
• WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE BUT DON’T KNOW THE ROPES? We are delighted to partner with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association to host The Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL) on June 23, 24 and 25, 2020. Click here for more info.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 600 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case was 100 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 17, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse inquires about when you next see yourself being in a large crowd. Give us your thoughts here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse explored your thoughts on the greatest contributing factor to a continued uptick in positive COVID cases. 35% of respondents said the greatest factor would reopening of the economy. 21% said it would be protests and/or marches; 13% said it would be travelers from other areas; and 8% said it would be agricultural outbreaks. Another 21% said the greatest contributing factor would be something other than those named above. Their comments ranged from naming all four options equally contributing factors to an ongoing uptick, as well as combinations of two to three of them. Others included large group gatherings and the abandonment of protocols such as social distancing and mask-wearing as likely contributing factors.
• CROSSROADS: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTIONS OF RACE AND BUSINESS: Please join the Chamber and Gainesville Black Professionals virtually on June 24 at 1 p.m. for the first in an ongoing series of discussions on intersections in race and business. This series is designed to connect businesses, professionals and the community with expert perspective, best practices and a safe space to productively comment and ask questions without having to be identified. More here.
• NO SMALL MATTER TOMORROW: The Alachua County Grade-Level Reading Campaign is having a showing of NO SMALL MATTER: A film about early education in America tomorrow, June 18 at 1:45 p.m. To register for a virtual screening and panel discussion of the film about early education in America, click here.
• NOW HIRING: In addition to our discussion with Liberty Airi , we have two more Now Hiring Series videos to share, with SharpSpring and North Florida Regional Medical Center.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 580 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case was 99 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 16, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse explores your thoughts on likely factors of a continued uptick in positive COVID cases.Tell us what you think here. 
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse explored whether the issue of race was affecting your businesses and caused you to think more about the issue. Here’s what you told us: 44% of respondents said that the recent focus on race has had an impact on their business and has caused them to think more about the issue. 22% said the recent focus hasn’t affected their business, but they still think a lot about the issue of race. 22% said they are not focused on race any more than they would be at any other time. 11% didn’t think the recent focus affects their business and that they don’t think much about the issue of race.
• CROSSROADS: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTIONS OF RACE AND BUSINESS: Please join the Chamber and Gainesville Black Professionals virtually on June 24 at 1 p.m. for the first in an ongoing series of discussions on intersections in race and business. This series is designed to connect businesses, professionals and the community with expert perspective, best practices and a safe space to productively comment and ask questions without having to be identified. More here.
• DIGITALIZATION WEBINAR TOMORROW: Join us at Noon tomorrow, June 17 for a webinar on The Digitization Age with Google’s Jaime Casap. This will explore how, in this new digital age, students need to understand the role digitalization plays and develop the critical human skills. This webinar is done in partnership with the Chamber, Spect App, ACEC, New Spectrum Educational Consultants and UCA Youth Marketing.
• MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM LENDER PORTAL OPEN: This morning the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston announced that the Main Street Lending Program Lender Portal is now open. The program, which will operate through three facilities – the Main Street New Loan Facility, the Main Street Priority Loan Facility, and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility – is designed to help ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have access to the credit they need to get through this challenging period.More information here.
• NOW HIRING: Our latest Now Hiring video is out, as we talk with Liberty Air.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 564 cumulative confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case was 98 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 15, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse explores whether the recent focus on racial equity is causing businesses to think about the issue in relation to their businesses or customers Tell us what you think here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Friday’s Daily Pulse explored your thoughts on the recent increase in the number of COVID cases. 29% of respondents think the number of COVID infections is going up and indicates the beginning of a spike. 21% think the number of infections is going up but are not indicative of a spike. 14% think the fluctuations in numbers are due to lags in data or other reporting-related issues. 10% don’t think the numbers are going up and don’t trust the data. 14% think the numbers are going up but don’t know what to make of it.
• WORKSHOP TOMORROW: The Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gainesville Black Professionals, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College have partnered with the Racial Equity Institute to offer the workshop, “Understanding Racial Equity: A Groundwater Approach.” The workshop will help attendees better understand how systemic racism affects our community by building a practical understanding of what it is. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Register here.
• TWO ALACHUA COUNTY SCHOOLS SELECTED TO RECEIVE COVID-19 ED GRANT: Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran announced 60 schools, representing 28 districts in Florida, were chosen to participate in the first phase of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI). On January 27, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the multi-year, $5 million grant from the Marcus Foundation, Inc., to elevate civic knowledge, civic skills and civic disposition for middle and high school students through speech and debate. To view a list of the 60 schools participating in the first phase and to learn more about the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, visit  www.floridaeducationfoundation.org/fcdi.
• Q1 REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS ACTIVITY: A recent report from Visa using proprietary information shows how small businesses fared in Q1 amidst the pandemic. Click here for the report.
• GNV4ALL MEETING THIS WEEK: On June 16th GNV4All will be having a meeting, at 6 pm. Join the Zoom Meeting here.
• QUALIFIED CANDIDATES: The qualifying period for candidates for office closed at noon on June 12. All qualified county-level and soil and water district candidates can be found here. Qualified representatives for congress and the state legislature can be found here.
• STRATEGIZE YOUR RE-ENTRY PLANS: If you need to determine how to build a 30/60/90-day plan that works for your business, create a strategy that allows you to capitalize on your goals and easily pivot and adjust marketing plans, you should plan to attend Rebuilding Revenue: How to get your business back on track now. The program will feature experts who will be discussing ways to help businesses strategize their re-entry plans and make sure they’re equipped with the tools needed to still reach their 2020 goals. Click here to for more info.
• CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 551 cumulative confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case was 97 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 12, 2020

• CASE NUMBERS CLIMB: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 502 cumulative confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, up 90 from 412 on Wednesday. The county’s first confirmed case was 94 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.
• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse explores your thoughts on the recent increase in the number of COVID cases. Tell us what you think here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse explored the circumstances under which you would get tested for COVID. Here’s what you told us: 31% of respondents said they would get tested after learning they had been exposed to the virus. 25% said they would go after developing strong symptoms; 25% said they would go without provocation and out of curiosity. 12% said they would go after developing mild symptoms, and 6% said they would not go at all and did not want to be tested.
• A WORKSHOP ON UNDERSTANDING SYSTEMIC RACISM: The Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gainesville Black Professionals, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College have partnered with the Racial Equity Institute to offer the workshop, “Understanding Racial Equity: A Groundwater Approach.” The workshop will help attendees better understand how systemic racism affects our community by building a practical understanding of what it is. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Register here.

June 11, 2020

• SCHOOLS ALLOWED TO REOPEN IN THE FALL: Today Gov. DeSantis announced state recommendations for a return to on-campus instruction in the upcoming school year, saying final plans for exactly if and how schools will reopen will be decided at a local level.
• A WORKSHOP ON UNDERSTANDING SYSTEMIC RACISM: The Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gainesville Black Professionals, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College have partnered with the Racial Equity Institute to offer the workshop, “Understanding Racial Equity: A Groundwater Approach.” The workshop will help attendees better understand how systemic racism affects our community by building a practical understanding of what it is. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Register here.
• DAILY PULSE: Today, we want to know more about the point at which you would decide to be tested for COVID. Tell us here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse explored what you believe the future holds for COVID. Here’s what you told us: 27% of respondents believe there will be a second wave of the virus and then it will subside. 68% believe there will continue to be waves until there is a vaccine. 4% believe there will not be another wave of COVID at all.
• WEBINAR WITH SUPERINTENDENT CLARKE: Today, the Chamber hosted a webinar with Superintendent Karen Clarke and her team discussing the district response to COVID-19 and the direction for how the district will function during relaunching. A recording is available on Facebook here.
• CONNECT ON FRIDAY: In partnership with CareerSource NCFL, the Chamber is hosting a virtual CONNECT meeting this Friday, June 12 from Noon – 1 p.m. We will be discussing the video “Telling Your Career Story” presented by our guest Eva Del Rio, President and Founder of HR Pro On Demand.
• CASE NUMBERS SPIKE: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 443 cumulative confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, up from 412 yesterday. The county’s first confirmed case was 93 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 10, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today, we want to know what you think the future holds for COVID. Tell us here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse explored your level of clarity regarding industry-specific implications of entering Phase II of the plan to reopen Florida. An even 50% of respondents said they feel totally clear on the industry-specific implications of Phase II. The other half felt somewhat clear on those implications and felt able to infer their intent. No respondents expressed a complete lack of clarity on these implications and no respondents felt that the executive order had no bearings on their industry.
• STORM/COVID-19 RESPONSE: The Florida Department for Emergency Management has released its Pre-Landfall Tropical Weather/COVID-19 Co-Response Guide for State and local response to both tropical weather and COVID-19. It can be found under the Community Resources of our Together page.
• HELP FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS: The Market Facilitation Program (MFP) provides assistance to farmers and ranchers with commodities directly impacted by unjustified foreign retaliatory tariffs, resulting in the loss of traditional export markets. Assistance is available for agricultural producers of non-specialty crops, dairy, hogs, and specialty crops. The USDA has announced that Dividends earned through an IC-DISC may be considered farm income for 2019 MFP purposes. Persons and legal entities affected by this must take these specific actions by June 30, 2020.
• WEBINAR WITH SUPERINTENDENT CLARKE: On Thursday, June 11 at noon, the Chamber will be hosting a webinar with Alachua County Schools Superintendent Karen Clarke. Karen and her team will discuss the district response to COVID-19 and the direction for how the district will function during relaunching.
• CONNECT ON FRIDAY: In partnership with CareerSource NCFL, the Chamber is hosting a virtual CONNECT meeting this Friday, June 12 from Noon – 1 p.m. We will be discussing the video “Telling Your Career Story” presented by our guest Eva Del Rio, President and Founder of HR Pro On Demand.
• LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 412 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 92 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 9, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Executive orders often don’t go into industry-specific details, but they set the parameters for them. Today’s question explores the amount of clarity you have in relation to how your industry can safely operate in Phase II. Share your thoughts here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Yesterday’s Daily Pulse explored your thoughts on where we are in the reopening of the state. Of those who responded, 57% believe we are rushing it and were not ready to leave Phase I. 14% think we are taking it just right and we are ready to be in Phase 2. Another 28% wonder what we are waiting for and are ready to move into Phase 3.
• WEBINAR WITH SUPERINTENDENT CLARKE: On Thursday, June 11 at noon, the Chamber will be hosting a webinar with Alachua County Schools Superintendent Karen Clarke. Karen and her team will discuss the district response to COVID-19 and the direction for how the district will function during relaunching.
• CONNECT ON FRIDAY: In partnership with CareerSource NCFL, the Chamber is hosting a virtual CONNECT meeting this Friday, June 12 from Noon – 1 p.m. We will be discussing the video “Telling Your Career Story” presented by our guest Eva Del Rio, President and Founder of HR Pro On Demand.
• FURLOUGHED OR LAID OFF EMPLOYEES NOT INTERESTED IN COMING BACK ? An unintended consequence of the CARES Act was removing the incentive to return to work for some people who, with the enhanced unemployment benefits, are bringing home more money than they were when they were working. If you have offered the chance to come back to work to employees who you previously had to furlough or lay off, and they declined to accept your offer, the federal and state governments say they are no longer eligible for benefits. When this happens, you may notify the Department of Economic Opportunity at 833-352-7759.If you accepted a Paycheck Protection loan, you are required to notify the Department of Economic Opportunity when employees decline to return.
• MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM BROADENS CRITERIA: The Federal Reserve Board on Monday expanded its Main Street Lending Program to allow more small and medium-sized businesses to be able to receive support. The Board lowered the minimum loan amount, raised the maximum loan limit, adjusted the principal repayment schedule to begin after two years, and extended the term to five years, providing borrowers with greater flexibility in repaying the loans. The Board expects the Main Street program to be open for lender registration soon and to be actively buying loans shortly afterwards. More info can be found here. Businesses can go to any federally insured bank, credit union, savings association to apply. For eligibility criteria and a complete list of the types of institutions you can go to for a Main Street Loan click here. 
• LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 404 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 91 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 8, 2020

• CHAMBER TOWN HALL: The Greater Gainesville Chamber will provide our membership and interested residents an overview of what each department has been working on related to COVID-19; What we can expect to see as we move forward, what you need to know about Florida’s Phase 2, and answer any questions you may have. Register here.
• DAILY PULSE: We’re now three days into Phase II of reopening the state. Give us your thoughts on the timing of our reopening here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: Friday’s Daily Pulse explored the effects of the work/life balance of local businesses. Of all respondents, half said the changes that have happened as a result of the pandemic had made it easier for them in some ways to balance life and business and allowed them to make more time for life in general. 16% said that the changes had made it easier for them in some ways to balance life and business and allowed them to make more time to spend on their business. 16% said that the changes that have happened have made it harder for them to balance life and work, and that their businesses have required more of their time. 16% said the changes have not affected their ability to balance life and business.
• MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM BROADENS CRITERIA: The Federal Reserve Board on Monday expanded its Main Street Lending Program to allow more small and medium-sized businesses to be able to receive support. The Board lowered the minimum loan amount, raised the maximum loan limit, adjusted the principal repayment schedule to begin after two years, and extended the term to five years, providing borrowers with greater flexibility in repaying the loans. The Board expects the Main Street program to be open for lender registration soon and to be actively buying loans shortly afterwards. More info can be found here. Businesses can go to any federally insured bank, credit union, savings association to apply. For eligibility criteria and a complete list of the types of institutions you can go to for a Main Street Loan click here.
• LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 399 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 90 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 29, 2020

• Today’s Daily Pulse focuses on the role of government in the recovery in your business. Tell us what you think it would be helpful for them to do here.
• In response to yesterday’s Daily Pulse, which focused on the amount of time you believe it will take your business to return to pre-COVID status, 35% of respondents said it would take their business one to three months to do it; 11% said it would take 4 to six months; another 35% said it would take 7 to 12 months; and 17% said it would take more than 12 months.
• We are so proud to see our school district and community stepping up to the plate to blanket our area with messages to tell graduating seniors we are proud of them and to commemorate this special time in their lives as fully and meaningfully as possible. The Alachua County School District is asking our local businesses to give graduating seniors a shout out by putting up signs between now and June 10 to recognize the Class of 2020. Do this in whatever way is convenient for you – we know all efforts will be appreciated.
• The onset of Hurricane Season is right around the corner. If you have special needs, please complete the Alachua County Special Needs Registry so that in the event of a major storm, your can be admitted into a Special Needs shelter. More info here.
• Several weeks back, the City of Gainesville implemented a process allowing restaurants in city limits to apply for temporary outdoor seating privileges to accommodate a greater number of customers. Under the new changes, restaurants are permitted to repurpose their unused, private parking lots to create additional outdoor seating options for customers under social distancing guidelines. If you haven’t applied for this permit, the application can be found here. Once approved, restaurants may begin offering additional outdoor seating.
• The summer is almost upon us and the need for lawn irrigation will ramp up. Be sure you are aware of irrigation restrictions in Alachua County.
• The health and economic impacts of COVID-19 have been challenging for all of us, that’s why uniting Florida’s business community for good is more important today than ever. With Florida in ‘Full Phase 1’ reopening efforts, the Florida Chamber is checking in to reassess your economic conditions. Please take two minutes to share your responses to the Business Impact Survey. In the coming days, we’ll share the outcome of the collective responses we receive. This is time sensitive so please take our surveytoday.
• Beginning today, you will be able to buy batteries, bungee cord, generators and many more items tax-free as Florida approaches the June 1 onset of hurricane season. More info here.
• Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 378 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 81 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 28, 2020

• Today’s daily pulse question focuses on the timing and/or chance of complete recovery for individual businesses. Tell us more here.
• Yesterday, we asked readers whether they planned to migrate their offices to remote working permanently. 73% said no, 18% said yes, and 9% percent were not sure.
• The Federal Reserve is offering the new Main Street Lending Program designed to help credit flow to small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial condition but now need loans to help until they have recovered from, or adapted to, the impacts of the pandemic. Learn more here.
• The health and economic impacts of COVID-19 have been challenging for all of us, that’s why uniting Florida’s business community for good is more important today than ever. With Florida in ‘Full Phase 1’ reopening efforts, the Florida Chamber is checking in to reassess your economic conditions. Please take two minutes to share your responses to the Business Impact Survey. In the coming days, we’ll share the outcome of the collective responses we receive. This is time sensitive so please take our survey today.
• Beginning tomorrow, you will be able to buy batteries, bungee cord, generators and many more items tax-free as Florida approaches the June 1 onset of hurricane season. More info here.
• Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 372 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 80 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 26, 2020

• Alachua County has extended its Emergency Order for the ninth time, effective until June 1.
• Lifesouth is continuing 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.
• Visit our Together page for ways to continue giving to those in need through this tough time. We have many great initiatives in our area, including the United Way’s United We Care Fund, The Amazing Give Emergency Relief Fund, GRACE Marketplace’s #stillhousingGNV campaign and Gainesville Tips.
• Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 370 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 78 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 5, 2020

• CHAMBER TOWN HALL: The Greater Gainesville Chamber will provide our membership and interested residents an overview of what each department has been working on related to Covid-19; What we can expect to see as we move forward, What you need to know about Florida’s Phase 2, and answer any questions you all may have. Register here.
• DAILY PULSE: The need to shift to shelter at home, telework and access education, healthcare and more at home has affected businesses in different ways. Today’s Daily Pulse explores how these changes have affected your ability to balance business and life. Tell us how more here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: In response to yesterday’s Daily Pulse, which asked how your business is coping with COVID-spurred technological advancement and the digitization of work. Here’s what you told us: 60% of respondents said that the digital and technological changes spurred by COVID had made their business stronger and more agile; 10% said the changes had cost more than the business believed they would provide in return; 40% said they believed the changes would provide a good return over time; 20% said the changes had made work flexible for their employees in ways they initially didn’t believe would work. No respondents felt their business had been totally unaffected by the advancement and digitization of work. Themes present in additional comments were concerns about the lack of high-speed internet access in outlying areas hampering telework options, the discovery new, lasting ways of serving customers that businesses had never considered, opportunities to address inefficiencies that were not apparent before, and in one instance, pleasant surprise at the ease with which the team transitioned to telework.
• COUNTY CLARIFIES PHASE II ORDER: According to a news release issued by Alachua County, all businesses opened in the Governor’s order may open in Alachua County at 50% occupancy and are subject to OHSA and CDC guidelines. The County still requires retail, grocery stores, and gyms to remain at a maximum of 50% occupancy, groups in public to be ten or less, and facial coverings in businesses and outside where social distancing is not possible.
• PPP LOAN FLEXIBILITY: Wednesday, the Senate passed the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020, which would give employers that receive forgivable loans more time and flexibility under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. Donnelly + Gross have outlined ways in which this news can affect your business.
• LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 392 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 87 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 4, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: COVID-related disruptions have underscored the crucial role of technology in every business, from supporting telework to scaling digital channels to meet customer needs in a rapidly-changing regulatory environment. Today’s Daily Pulse explores how businesses are coping with the acceleration of technology and digitization of work in the wake of COVID. Tell us how it has affected your business here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: In response to yesterday’s Daily Pulse, which asked about how you are faring with employees returning to work, here is what we got back: 40% of respondents said all employees offered opportunities to return to work accepted them; 20% said many accepted the offer; 20 percent said some had accepted the offer and 20% said none had accepted the offer to return to work. When employees rejected opportunities to return to work, two-thirds did so due to health and safety concerns, with many planning to return in the future. A third of employees rejected offers because they preferred to receive unemployment
• GUIDE TO PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS: The US Chamber of Commerce has a Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness to help answer questions you may have regarding your Paycheck Protection Program loan.
• PHASE II: Governor Ron DeSantis signed an Executive Order
• transitioning 64 of Florida’s 67 counties to Phase II of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step plan for Reopening Florida effective this Friday.
• LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 387 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 86 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 3, 2020

• PHASE II: Governor Ron DeSantis Today signed an Executive Order transitioning 64 of Florida’s 67 counties to Phase II of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step plan for Reopening Florida effective this Friday. Highlights below:
  • The new order encourages all people to avoid congregating in crowds of more than 50 people.
  • Bars are added to the list of establishments that are allowed to operate at 50% of their indoor capacity, excluding staff. Outdoor seating is allowed with six-foot social distancing in the same way it currently is allowed at restaurants.
  • Bar seating will be allowed at bars, restaurants and other establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. The new order does not apply to night clubs.
  • Any person who works in a long-term care facility should be routinely tested for COVID-19.
  • Non-essential entertainment businesses, such as movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, arcades and more may operate at 50% of their building capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitation
  • Personal services, including tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, tanning and massage may operate with appropriate safety guidelines as outlined by the Department of Health.
  • Pari-mutuel betting facilities may seek to operate by submitting a written request to the County.
• Except where expressly preempted, the County has the ability to enact stricter provisions if it elects to. We will keep you updated on future developments.
• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse is about how you are faring with employees returning to work. Let us know how that is going for you here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: In response to yesterday’s Daily Pulse, which asked about your perspectives on whether customers believe your business is safe, 50% of respondents said they were somewhat confident customers believe their business is safe; 30% were extremely sure; and 20% were not sure
• LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 383 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 85 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 2, 2020

• DAILY PULSE: Today’s Daily Pulse is about your perspectives on whether customers believe your business is safe. Tell us what you are thinking here.
• WHAT YOU TOLD US: In response to yesterday’s Daily Pulse, which asked what staffing level you are currently operating on, 55% of respondents said they are fully staffed at 100%; 23% are operating at 75%; 4% are operating at 50%; 9% are operating at 25% and 9 percent are operating at 0% because they are temporarily closed. Zero percent of respondents indicated their businesses are permanently closed.
• WEBINAR WITH SUPERINTENDENT CLARKE: On Thursday, June 11 at noon, the Chamber will be hosting a webinar with Alachua County Schools Superintendent Karen Clarke.
• UF RELEASES DRAFT REOPENING PLAN: The Florida Board of Governors, the state university system’s governing board, has approved a broad blueprint for reopening the state’s public universities this fall. The blueprint stresses as a foundational priority the health and welfare of students, faculty, staff and others while giving individual universities flexibility in their reopening rules, procedures and guidelines. Under the blueprint, universities are developing their own reopening plans. The University of Florida’s draft plan can be found here.
• PAYCHECK PROTECTION FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE: Though there is less than $100 billion in Paycheck Protection funding available, there is still money available. If your business hasn’t applied for one of these forgivable loans, please don’t wait! Click here for a list of local lenders where you can apply.
• LATEST CASE NUMBERS: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 382 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 84 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

June 1, 2020

• Today’s Daily Pulse aims to get a sense of how businesses are staffing up as the economy continues its phased reopening process. Give us a sense of how staffed you are at this link. 
• In response to Friday’s Daily Pulse, which asked what one thing the government could do that would really help your business, 57% of respondents said it could provide additional tax breaks; 14% said it could provide more loans and credit solutions; and 14% said it could protect their business from COVID-related lawsuits. One respondent also chose “other,” and said the one thing government could do to help their business is “open up the economy.”
• As of May 31st, Alachua County is just a bit under the national average for Census count – 59.8% of us have completed our Census, with the national rate at 60.5% and Florida’s overall rate at 57.9%. Let’s move that needle, Greater Gainesville! If you haven’t completed your Census, take a minute to do it today. If you have, continue to spread the word to your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
• WCJB and Catholic Charities recently collaborated on a telethon that raised over $107,000 to help pay rent, utilities and other essentials for local families affected by COVID. More here.
• In the wake of the Southeastern Conference school presidents’ decision to allow voluntary in-person athletics activities back on campuses across the league, the University Athletic Association announced Friday that Florida’s student-athletes will start to return to campus on June 8.
• Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 382 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 83 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 22, 2020

• 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.

May 21, 2020

• Every day, we’re putting out a survey question to help us keep a finger on the pulse of the needs of our members and the community. Today, we want to know more about your plans regarding teleworking. Take a moment to tell us here.
• 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.
• A lot gave some, but some gave a lot – Campus USA Credit Union was one of the latter. To see all the ways they stepped up to Support GNV, read more at our Support GNV page.
• 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.

May 20, 2020

• Every day, we’re putting out a survey question to help us keep a finger on the pulse of the needs of our members and the community. Today, we want to know more about your plans regarding teleworking. Take a moment to tell us here.
• High Springs government officials have released a three-phased plan for reopening that begins the week of May 26. More info here.
• The Florida Chamber is urging Congress to protect businesses from frivolous Coronavirus lawsuits through a built-in provision in the next stimulus package. Dozens of Coronavirus-related lawsuits are reportedly being filed daily.
• The Chamber team is now producing a video series to highlight companies in our area that are hiring. Check out our latest episode with Payne Construction.
• Yesterday, we asked businesses what they are concerned about right now. Here’s what they told us.
• GNVCares for Small Business application period closes today. Eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 may qualify for a $5,000 working capital grant to cover rent, payroll and utilities. Click here to view an eligibility checklist and here for even more information. You also may dial 2-1-1 to check eligibility, ask questions or make an appointment for application assistance.
• Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 344 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 71 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 19, 2020

• In a 4 to 1 vote, the Alachua County Commission decided to reverse its decision from earlier today that would have discontinued its ordinance requiring the use of face masks in public spaces in the county. Masks will remain mandatory in wherever social distancing is not an option.
• In a 3 to 2 vote, the Alachua County Commission today decided to discontinue its ordinance requiring the use of face masks in public spaces in the county. (This information is now out-of-date, see update below)
• Every day, our update will include a survey question to help us keep a finger on the pulse of the needs of our members and the community. Today, we want to know more about what’s keeping you up at night. Take a moment to tell us by answering today’s question.
• Of respondents to yesterday’s Survey Question of the Day, 59% reported having been able to obtain federal aid or loans such as Paycheck Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. 13% had not obtained the assistance, and 28% responded N/A.
• GNVCares for Small Business applications are open until TOMORROW. Eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 may qualify for a $5,000 working capital grant to cover rent, payroll and utilities. Click here to view an eligibility checklist and herefor even more information. You also may dial 2-1-1 to check eligibility, ask questions or make an appointment for application assistance.
• Tuesday, the Alachua County Public Schools announced it has coordinated with the Gainesville Raceway to hold open air graduation ceremonies at the facility June 8-10 for the district’s seven high schools. To maintain social distancing, students and their families will drive into the Raceway and up to a decorated stage.
• Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 339 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 70 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 18, 2020

• Each day going forward, our newsletter will include a survey question to help us keep a finger on the pulse of the needs of our members and the community. Please take a moment to answer today’s question.
• Today is the first day of Full Phase I, which includes 50% capacity on restaurants, retail, gyms and fitness centers.
• GNVCares for Small Business applications are open until Wednesday! Eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 may qualify for a $5,000 working capital grant to cover rent, payroll and utilities. Click here to view an eligibility checklist and here for even more information. You also may dial 2-1-1 to check eligibility, ask questions or make an appointment for application assistance.
• With the understanding that when and how Florida schools will open are still unknown, Alachua County Public Schools is beginning registration for school and for the district’s after school Extended Day Enrichment Program (EDEP) this week.
• Greater Gainesville Chamber has released the first video in our Now Hiring Video Series. This first video features Tacachale and the positions they are hiring to help care for Florida’s most vulnerable population. If you would like to participate in this series to get the word out about your job openings, contact Andrea Mender.
• Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 337 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county’s first confirmed case 69 days ago. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 15, 2020

• This afternoon, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida will move to “Full Phase I” reopening status. Though the order has not been issued, the Governor has said gyms will be allowed to open, and 50% occupancy will be allowed at restaurants, retailers, museums and libraries. He also said theme parks will be allowed to submit plans for reopening, but local governments will have to approve plans before parks can reopen.

May 14, 2020

• Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis extended the existing stay on evictions and foreclosures until June 2. Without the extension, it would have expired on Monday. See the order here.
• GNVCares for Small Business applications are now open! Eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 may qualify for a $5,000 working capital grant to cover rent, payroll and utilities. The application period will be open for seven (7) days, so don’t wait to apply! Click here to view an eligibility checklist and here for even more information. You also may dial 211 to check eligibility, ask questions or make an appointment for application assistance.
• The Small Business Administration announced yesterday that businesses that together with their affiliates accepted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds of less than $2 million will be assumed to have performed the required certification concerning the necessity of their loan requests in good faith. In other words, no efforts will be made to certify whether a loan for under $2 million was needed by the business that received it. More information here.
• Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis said that Florida nursing homes won’t be accepting visitors just yet. Though we have seen significant deaths in Florida nursing homes, the numbers – 2 per 100,000 people – are far lower than those in other states, which go as high as 50 per 100,000. This is believed to be because seniors hospitalized with COVID were not allowed to be discharged back to nursing homes after recovering from the infection in the hospital.
• Are you looking for work? Do you know someone who’s looking for work? Do you have job opportunities available at your business? Our new PROPEL GNV group is an interactive forum to share and find updates on job opportunities.
• Alachua County has 330 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 13, 2020

• The City of Gainesville has implemented a process allowing restaurants in city limits to apply for temporary outdoor seating privileges to accommodate a greater number of customers. Under the new changes, restaurants will be permitted to repurpose their unused, private parking lots to create additional outdoor seating options for customers under social distancing guidelines. In addition, the City will temporarily close portions of SW 1st Avenue between S. Main Street and SW 2nd Street, as well as portions of SE 1st Street between SE 1st Avenue and SE 2nd Place in Downtown Gainesville, permitting restaurants to use the city’s parking spaces for additional table service. Road closures will begin tomorrow. The application can be found here. Once approved, restaurants may begin offering additional outdoor seating. Join the Florida Chamber this Friday for its weekly COVID-19 webinar for updates on Phase II of Florida’s Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step plan for reopening.
• Alachua County has 326 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard or the Florida Department of Health.

May 11, 2020

• The U.S. Treasury has announced that Paycheck Protection loan borrowers’ forgiveness amount will not be reduced if a laid-off employee declines an offer to return to work.  Also, the IRS announced that forgivable loan amounts will not be eligible to be deducted as business expenses for tax purposes.
• Per Governor DeSantis’s Executive Order 2020-120, hair salons, nail salons and barber shops are allowed to open today under certain restrictions.
• Let your customers know you’re open for business with this downloadable flyer that shows the occupancy capacity of your business, and that you’re complying with local regulations.
• Several renowned medical centers have come together to develop an app called COVID Symptom Study. It tracks COVID-19 symptoms via self-reporting. The app aims to crowdsource information so that a community can work together to fight the spread of the virus.
• Alachua County has 320 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 8, 2020

• The City of Gainesville is providing financial assistance to businesses and neighbors who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, view our previous update or go to the GNVCares webpage.
• Governor Ron DeSantis announced that nail salons, barbershops and hair salons will be authorized to reopen Monday, May 11. Guidelines on capacity and safety measures are expected to be outlined in the official executive order, which has not yet been released.
• Also today, the Governor issued an executive order extending the state’s emergency order for another 60 days.
• To view this morning’s Florida Chamber webinar with Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, click here.
• Alachua County has 306 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 7, 2020

• CareerSource North Central Florida will begin controlled reopening of its career centers in Alachua and Bradford counties on May 11, 2020. Virtual services will continue to be provided online, by phone and email. Appointments are required for all direct services at the centers. Operations and services will gradually expand as appropriate.
• As our community deals with the impact of COVID-19, we want to highlight businesses and organizations who are using their resources and abilities to step up and help those in our community who need it most. We’ve launched our Support GNV page to share some of these remarkable stories.
• Donnelly + Gross has prepared a “Checklist for Reopening Your Workplace & COVID19” that is an up-to-the minute comprehensive, one-stop shop to easily walk through the myriad federal, state and local orders, laws and rules for reopening businesses.
• On Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. – Noon, join the Florida Chamber for a statewide webinar where we will be joined by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees who will discuss how containing and stopping a second spread of COVID-19 must be our priority. Dr. Rivkees will set the record straight about COVID-19 and answer your questions about the virus.
• Alachua County has 300 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 6, 2020

• On Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. – Noon, join the Florida Chamber for a statewide webinar where we will be joined by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees who will discuss how containing and stopping a second spread of COVID-19 must be our priority. Dr. Rivkees will set the record straight about COVID-19 and answer your questions about the virus.
• UF Health was one of 68 clinical test sites around the world, including 47 in the U.S., chosen to be involved in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, or NIAID, investigation of the antiviral drug remdesivir, which is made by Gilead Sciences. For more updates from UF, click here.
• The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has updated their projections page, including statistics on social distancing, more accurate measures on new cases and deaths per day, and testing rates. For Florida’s statistics, click here.
• The 2020 Census is ongoing, and we still need more participation to make sure Alachua County is represented appropriately. Every household filling out the Census helps our community with regards to federal funding for roads, hospitals and education. For more info, visit countingonyou.us.
• Alachua County has 295 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 5, 2020

• This Wednesday, the Chamber will be hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn on the Psychology of Persuasion with Jennifer Webb. This event will be hosted on Zoom and available on Facebook Live. Visit the Greater Gainesville Chamber Facebook pageWednesday, May 6th at 12 noon to join us. If you plan on joining, print out this handout to help with your participation.
• The Chamber is hosting a weekly discussion on event industry-related topics and challenges we are facing due to COVID-19. The first meeting will be on Wednesday May 6, at 9 a.m. The topic will be Dealing with Event Cancellations/Reschedules/Refunds. Click here to register for free or for more information.
• On Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. – Noon, join the Florida Chamber for a statewide webinar where we will be joined by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees who will discuss how containing and stopping a second spread of COVID-19 must be our priority. Dr. Rivkees will set the record straight about COVID-19 and answer your questions about the virus.
• The 2020 Census is ongoing, and we still need more participation to make sure Alachua County is represented appropriately. Every household filling out the Census helps our community with regards to federal funding for roads, hospitals and education. For more info, visit countingonyou.us.
• Frankel Media created “Love, Gainesville,” a short video tribute to the spirit of our community during this crisis. Take a quick break and watch the video here.
• Alachua County has 289 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 4, 2020

• Restaurants and non-essential retailers have the ability to reopen at limited capacity today, after County Commissioners voted on a new emergency order to relax some restrictions.
• 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.
• This Wednesday, the Chamber will be hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn. This event will be hosted on Zoom and available on Facebook Live. Visit the Greater Gainesville Chamber Facebook page Wednesday, May 6th at 12 noon to join us.
• Beginning Monday is Teacher’s Appreciation Week. The Education Foundation is launching its Teacher’s Appreciation fundraiser to support teachers. The fundraiser replaces their O2B A Kid Again event for teachers. The Education Foundation of Alachua County is looking to partner with local restaurants for a county-wide Teacher Appreciation effort. They are currently raising money to purchase restaurant gift cards/vouchers to be distributed to teachers. In total, there are 1700 teachers the foundation is looking to support.
• Alachua County has had 289 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

May 1, 2020

• The Alachua County Commission today voted to relax some of the restrictions enforced under its previous executive order. Changes effective May 4 include allowing restaurants to provide limited seated dining, allowing non-essential retailers to operate under limited capacity and requiring the use of face masks by those working or visiting in certain areas, among other items. As soon as the County releases the official order, we will post it to our Together page.
• This Monday, May 4th at 3 p.m. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott will host a roundtable discussion to hear thoughts on reopening Florida and reports from local Chambers on the plans for reopening in their community.  If you are interested in attending, email our team and we will send you a phone number and password Monday morning. Space is limited.
• University of Florida Health is rolling out plans for a rigorous “test-and-trace” program to support the staged reopening of the UF, an expansive data-driven effort that will allow students, faculty and staff to return to campus as safely as possible while minimizing the risk of infection from the novel coronavirus.
• LifeSouth is piloting a program to test individuals for COVID-19 antibodies on Tuesday, May 5 from Noon to 5 p.m. The blood test will detect if you have antibodies to the coronavirus. Unlike a test used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection, this test can help identify individuals who have developed an immune response to the virus. Tests by appointment with physician recommendation only. For more information or FAQ, click here.

April 30, 2020

• Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan to Reopen Florida will begin with Phase 1 on Monday, May 4. This will include reopening of non-essential businesses at 25% capacity, restaurant dining rooms opening to 25% capacity with 6 feet of separation between tables, and elective medical procedures to resume. Bars, gyms and hair care establishments will remain closed under Phase 1. The plan will take effect in all Florida counties except for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. For more details, see yesterday’s update or view the full presentation here.
• The results from the Community Foundation‘s second assessment of our local nonprofit sector are now available. Click here to view the findings.
• The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has launched an important education impact survey for Florida educators and parents to share their thoughts and opinions on recent crisis response from the Florida Department of Education, their local school district, and their school. Access the survey here.
• Alachua County has had 267 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, with 5 total deaths. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 28, 2020

• The Florida Chamber’s safety training team is creating online training courses for you. Register now for: Respiratory Protection, Hazard Communication, Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens, Safety for Supervisors,Emergency Preparedness, Intro to Ergonomics, OSHA 10hr General Industry and OHSA 10hr Construction.
• The Florida Department of Revenue yesterday issued an emergency order extending filing deadlines for some Florida corporate income tax filings.The order applies to entities with fiscal years ending on one of the following dates: Dec. 31, Jan. 31, and Feb. 29. Those corporations now have until Aug. 3 to file their returns.
• Alachua County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Clarke will host a live Telephone Town Hall meeting later this week to respond to questions from families, employees and the public about the impact of COVID-19 on local schools and students. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 6-7 p.m. and will also air live on Cox Channel 12 and stream on the district’s website at www.sbac.edu. The Town Hall will be available in both English and Spanish.
• CareerSource North Central Florida has received funds to support non-profits and governmental agencies with disaster relief related to the COVID-19 national health emergency. This Emergency Disaster grant will place temporary workers into eligible worksites that need additional support to manage their COVID-19 response. To apply for a grant, click here.

April 29, 2020

• Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the move to Phase 1 of the “SAFE. SMART. STEP-BY-STEP” plan to Reopen Florida for all Florida counties, with the exception of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. The relaxing of restrictions will take effect Monday, May 4. Phase 1 will relax state-ordained measures enforced currently and allow for restaurant dining rooms to reopen with 25% capacity and six-foot spaces between tables, as well as non-essential retail to reopen with 25% capacity. While some businesses may begin reopening, other restrictions will remain in place. Bars, gyms, and barbers will see no change to their restrictions in Phase 1, and visits to senior living facilities remain prohibited. For the full presentation, click here.
• The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has launched an important education impact survey for Florida educators and parents to share their thoughts and opinions on recent crisis response from the Florida Department of Education, their local school district, and their school. This feedback will help us achieve our number one goal of keeping Florida’s students safe while ensuring they continue to receive the best education in the nation.This short, 2-minute survey is intended to be completed by parents, educators and students throughout Florida to include and incorporate their opinions on the next steps for education due to COVID-19.  Access the survey here.
• The City of Gainesville will host a live telephone town hall tonight at 7:15 p.m. focused on its GNVCares program. Tonight’s panel includes Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, Gainesville City Manager Lee Feldman and Assistant City Managers Deborah Bowie, Assistant City Manager Fred Murry and Assistant City Manager Dan Hoffman. Those interested in taking part in the call can sign up online or call in toll-free at 888-410-3427. Registration for a call back closes at 5:15 p.m. You may also call 1-888-410-3427 to ask questions, share comments or simply listen in once the event begins. Spanish speakers are invited to call 1-844-881-1317. This event will also be streamed on Facebook Live for viewing/listening.
• Alachua County now has 262 confirmed positive cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 27, 2020

• The Re-Open Florida Task force will be providing recommendations on a multi-phased, industry-specific plan for reopening the state for business. The Task Force is delaying submitting the report to the Governor in order to solicit input from Floridians on when and how they think the state should reopen. The Task Force has created an online portal where it will collect public feedback.
• The DEO has released a new portal to file for Reemployment Assistance (RA). If someone has not completed a paper application, nor completed the online RA application, using the portal is the best way for new RA applicants to apply.
• Alachua County now has 254 confirmed positive cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 24, 2020

• The President has signed a $480 billion package to augment the CARES Act passed in late March. It includes:
  • $320B to replenish the Payment Protection Loan Program
  • $60B for Economic Injury Disaster Loans
  • $75B for hospitals to assist with the cost of COVID-19 patients and lost revenue because of the suspension of elected procedures
  • $25B to ramp up COVID-19 testing
• The Small Business Administration will resume accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program this Monday morning. Paycheck Protection Loans help businesses keep their employees during the COVID-19 crisis and are forgivable when used for payroll, rent or other expenses.
• Now on our Together page are projections on the infection rates from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation for the state of Florida.
• Alachua County now has 244 confirmed positive cases. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 23, 2020

• This week, the City of Gainesville released a draft of GNV Cares, which is a blueprint for repurposing existing resources and allocating new federal and state funds that the City will receive under the CARES Act. Today, City Commissioners discussed and received public feedback on the draft plan.
• A growing number of Florida leaders want elective surgeries to resume, as early as May 9, while the state continues the weeklong sprint to put together the short-term phase of a plan to gradually reopen parts of the economy. The Governor’s executive order suspending most medical procedures will expire May 8.
• A team of volunteer University of Florida College of Medicine students, faculty and staff are working to help protect one of Gainesville’s most underserved and medically vulnerable communities from the coronavirus COVID-19. From March 30 through April 1, 145 individuals residing at GRACE Marketplace were screened and tested for COVID-19. GRACE Marketplace is a 25-acre campus in northeast Gainesville that provides shelter, services and permanent housing solutions for Gainesville’s homeless population. More information here.
• The Alachua County School Board is currently accepting applications for school choice/controlled open enrollment for the 2020-21 academic year. The window to apply for controlled school choice ends May 8. Parents must apply online on the district’s Office of Student Assignment/Zoning website using the new online application system.
• Alachua County now has 229 confirmed positive cases, up slightly from 227 yesterday. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 22, 2020

• The U.S. Senate passed a $484 billion package to replenish funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and assist hospitals in responding to COVID-19. The House is expected to approve the bill tomorrow and the President is expected to sign it by the end of the week. More info here.
• The City of Gainesville is hosting its telephone town hall tonight at 7:15 p.m.. On tonight’s call will be Mayor Lauren Poe, Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, Dr. Lisa Chacko and Glenn Morris, director of UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute. Those interested in taking part in the call can sign up online or call in toll-free at 888-410-3427. Registration for a call back closes at 5:15 p.m. You may also call 1-888-410-3427 to ask questions, share comments or simply listen in once the event begins. Spanish speakers are invited to call 1-844-881-1317. This event will also be streamed on Facebook Live for viewing/listening. If you wish to be removed from the telephone town hall list, email covid19@cityofgainesville.org
• GNVCares is an effort to reprogram existing resources as well as allocate federal and state dollars that the City of Gainesville will receive under the CARES Act. Under GNVCares, the city will aim to provide direct assistance (grants) to our businesses and neighbors. View the draft GNVCares Program. GNVCares will be discussed at the April 23 and April 27 special City Commission meetings.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of education overnight. Amid the crisis, Florida’s local education foundations are adapting current programs, responding to immediate student and teacher needs and thinking ahead to what’s next to innovate teaching and learning with a focus on equity and addressing the needs of our most vulnerable students. Click here for some highlights from around the state.
• The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) released a plan on Tuesday, shared with Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ task force on reopening Florida, to resume elective surgeries and procedures while protecting patients and employees from COVID-19.
• A new road map from the National Governor’s Association for reopening the economy urges a cautious approach, saying the White House must dramatically ramp up testing and help states bolster other public health measures before social distancing can be safely pulled back.
• More than 50 education and related national associations are lining up behind new legislation calling for a special $2 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund administered through the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate Program for schools and libraries to support remote learning. The funds would be used to purchase Wi-Fi hot spots, modems, routers and internet-connected devices.
• Alachua County now has 227 confirmed positive cases, up slightly from 224 yesterday. Yesterday, Alachua County reported its first death of COVID-19. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 21, 2020

• The U.S. Senate has approved an additional $484 billion relief package. The bill includes $380 billion for small businesses, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for COVID-19  testing.
• The Governor’s office has announced the members of the Reopen Florida Task Force, which began meeting yesterday. The group is focused on strategies to reopen the state and is expected to produce a report outlining a short-term strategy this Friday. It will produce a longer-term plan in subsequent weeks.
• The Florida Chamber’s Safety Council is presenting a complimentary webinar providing OSHA’s guidance during the COVID-19 crisis, including PPE and working from home safety measures. OSHA Compliance Assistant Specialist Joann Spencer will lead this complimentary program on April 22 from 10-11:30 a.m. Click here to register.
• Greater Gainesville businesses have big hearts and we want to see them in action. So please send us your photos! In the age of social distancing, this means catching yourself doing good by sharing photos of your service to the community. If you are feeding first responders, providing critical services or just doing things to make the day better in the community, we want to see you in action and make sure the entire community does, too. Click here to share your photos.
• Alachua County now has 223 confirmed cases of COVID-19. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 20, 2020

• Gov. DeSantis held the first meeting of the state task force charged with creating short, medium and long-term recommendations for reopening the state in three phases. The group — whose members have not yet been announced — is reported to be comprised of small business owners and locally elected officials. You can listen to the conference call here.
• The Florida Chamber’s Safety Council is presenting a complimentary webinar providing OSHA’s guidance during the COVID-19 crisis, including PPE and working from home safety measures. OSHA Compliance Assistant Specialist Joann Spencer will lead this complimentary program on April 22 from 10-11:30 a.m. Click here to register.
• Greater Gainesville businesses have big hearts and we want to see them in action. So please send us your photos! In the age of social distancing, this means catching yourself doing good by sharing photos of your service to the community. If you are feeding first responders, providing critical services or just doing things to make the day better in the community, we want to see you in action and make sure the entire community does, too. Click here to share your photos.
• Alachua County now has 215 confirmed cases of COVID-19. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 18, 2020

• The Governor and Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran have announced that Florida’s schools will remain closed and distance learning will continue through the rest of the 2019-20 school year.

April 17, 2020

• The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it had approved 1,661,397 loans, exhausting the program’s allotted $349 billion. It can’t accept or approve new applications unless Congress signs off on additional funding. If your loan application has been approved, your money is likely on the way: Lenders are required by the Treasury Department to disperse funds within 10 days of your application’s approval. If you’re without a loan approval, look into the Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program or Enterprise Florida’s Microfinance Guarantee Program. More funds are planned for the Paycheck Protection program, but not until Congress approves them.
• Yesterday the President announced a phased plan for reopening the plan that gives the decision-making power to states. The plan contains recommendations, not mandates. More here.
• To support students without internet access, Alachua County Public Schools is launching School Bus WiFi, a program that will send school buses equipped with free ‘hot spots’ into local communities. Beginning Monday, April 20, School Bus WiFi will be available at about 50 sites throughout Alachua County for three hours every weekday. Students within about 150-200 feet of the bus, either at home or in a vehicle, will be able to access the network school bus wifi. A complete list of sites and a schedule is available here. A map of the sites is available here.
• Presentations from today’s CARES Act Webinar are available now from James Moore & Co. and GrayRobinson.
• The projected peak date of COVID-19 deaths in Florida has changed from April 27 to May 6. More info on projections and other states here.
• Greater Gainesville businesses have big hearts and we want to see them in action. So please send us your photos! In the age of social distancing, this means catching yourself doing good by sharing photos of your service to the community. If you are feeding first responders, providing critical services or just doing things to make the day better in the community, we want to see you in action and make sure the entire community does, too. Click here to share your photos.
• Alachua County now has 202 confirmed cases of COVID-19. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 16, 2020

• Thursday afternoon, President Trump announced a phased plan to reopen the county on an afternoon call with state governors. The plan leaves most of the responsibility for major decisions to the states and relies on testing benchmarks. The actual report is expected to be available later today or tomorrow. We will share it with you when it becomes available.
• The projected peak date of COVID-19 deaths in Florida has changed from April 27 to May 6. More info on projections and other states here.
• Greater Gainesville businesses have big hearts and we want to see them in action. So please send us your photos! In the age of social distancing, this means catching yourself doing good by sharing photos of your service to the community. If you are feeding first responders, providing critical services or just doing things to make the day better in the community, we want to see you in action and make sure the entire community does, too. Click here to share your photos.
• Join the Chamber and local experts on Friday, April 17 at 1 p.m. on a webinar to explore HR concerns, Leave and Tax Credits, and the Payroll Protection loan application process. More info here.
• Alachua County now has 199 confirmed cases of COVID-19. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 15, 2020

• The Alachua County Commission yesterday voted to increase the number of people allowed in essential businesses by 25 percent, from one person per 1,000 sq. ft to one person per 750 sq. ft.
• The Alachua County Commission voted Tuesday to increase the number of people allowed in essential businesses by 25 percent, from one person per 1,000 sq. ft to one person per 750 sq. ft.
• Join the Chamber and local experts on Friday, April 17 at 1 p.m. on a webinar to explore HR concerns, Leave and Tax Credits, and the Payroll Protection loan application process. More info here.
• The state-funded emergency bridge loan program has provided $50 million in loans to 1,000 businesses. For now, its funds are depleted. This does NOT affect SBA Emergency Loans or the Paycheck Protection Loan program.
• Alachua County now has 194 confirmed cases of COVID-19. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 14, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• Congress is extending its recess until May 4 to avoid transmitting coronavirus and practice social distancing, decisions that mean the House and Senate will continue operating in skeleton form for at least three more weeks.  This means that any movement on additional business relief before at least then is unlikely.
• The Community Foundation of North Central Florida has opened their new Nonprofit Needs Assessment to help them better support and advocate for the sector. They are asking that one person from each nonprofit that serves North Central Florida complete the assessment by Friday, April 17.
• The Greater Gainesville Chamber, along with our partner CareerSource NCFL will be hosting a Virtual Hiring Event! This pilot session will be promoting employers in the healthcare industry. Participants will hear from four employers and learn more about their hiring requirements and expectations for employment. Please invite those who might be interested in learning more.
• Alachua County now has 192 confirmed cases of COVID-19. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 13, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• State Representative Chuck Clemons is hosting a Tele-Town Hall on Friday, April 17 at 2:30 p.m. Special guests include Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Dr. Ralph Massullo, John Hoblick, President of Florida Farm Bureau and a representative of the National Federation of Independent Business. To register, click here. If you have questions, email https://cale@calemccall.com or call (352) 440-1510.
• The Gainesville City Commission will meet virtually on April 16. The City Hall building remains closed to the public, which may access the meeting on the City of Gainesville website, Facebook Live or Cox Cable Channel 12. Public comment will be accepted by phone at 1-800-876-7516 (toll-free) using this pin number: 276 1544#. It will be accepted via eComment at this link, by email at citycomm@cityofgainesville.org and by telephone at 352-334-5015.
• Alachua County now has 183 confirmed positive cases, with a positivity rate around 5 – 6%. For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

April 10, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• The Dept. of Economic Opportunity has launched a new, mobile-friendly reemployment assistance site to speed up the process for claimants. For more info, visit FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication.
• Starting Monday, Gainesville area restaurants will provide meals to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis. The Chamber has partnered with the City of Gainesville and local restaurants to provide grab-and-go meals seven days per week for community members in need. View the full update here.
• Chamber Economic Development Manager Atticus Steinmetz is doing weekly economic indicator briefs to keep you informed on the state of the economy. You can view today’s edition here.

April 9, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• Governor DeSantis has waived a tax of up to $2,450 on small businesses that secure a forgivable loan under the CARES Act program. More info here.
• Last week’s federal stimulus includes resources aimed at supporting rural communities. More here.
• Now on our Together page is a list of working from home resources, including remote work tools, educational websites for children to use while schools are closed, productivity tips, and other tricks.

April 8, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• The City of Gainesville will host its next telephone town hall event at 7:15 p.m. tonight. Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe will be joined by Alachua County Commissioner Robert Hutchinson, UF Health CEO Ed Jimenez and United Way of North Central Florida CEO Mona Gil de Gibaja. Register in advance through this link to receive a call back at the time of the event. The telephone town hall will be streamed live on Facebook, the City of Gainesville website and on COX Cable Channel 12 and will be archived online.
• This Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m., U.S. Congressman Ted Yoho and staff members from the Small Business Committee will host a call to speak to common questions and concerns relating to the Paycheck Protection Program and SBA Disaster Loans. Call 888-460-0109. There is no PIN number needed to join.
• The Alachua County Christian Pastors Association is hosting a Community Relief Day on Friday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Oaks Mall. The event will include a drive-thru farm share giveaway, providing two weeks’ worth of food to each family. First come, first served.
• Alachua County now has 155 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 11% of those requiring hospitalization. For more information, visit the city’s COVID-19 dashboard.

April 7, 2020 – 6 p.m.

• Today is Great American Buy Local Day! If you’re able, we encourage you to continue your relationships and business with our local businesses by shopping online or getting takeout. For ideas, visit GNV Loves Local or our EAT GNV page.
• During today’s meeting, County Commissioners decided that occupancy rates in Alachua County — which reverted on Monday to one person per 1,000 sq. ft. allowed inside an essential business—will remain in force.
• The City of Gainesville will host its next telephone town hall event at 7:15 p.m. tomorrow, April 8. Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe will be joined by Alachua County Commissioner Robert Hutchinson, UF Health CEO Ed Jimenez and United Way of North Central Florida CEO Mona Gil de Gibaja. Register in advance through this link to receive a call back at the time of the event. The telephone town hall will be streamed live on Facebook,the City of Gainesville website and on COX Cable Channel 12 and will be archived online.
• To help ease delays encountered by those filing for Reemployment Assistance, paper applications will be available for curbside pickup starting tomorrow at all CareerSource North Central Florida and CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion career centers. Forms will be supplied Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They can also be downloaded at careersourceclm.com and careersourcencfl.com.  For more information, call 352-955-2245.
• Two Washington D.C.-based nonprofits, the Center for Voter Information and the Voter Participation Center, are sending more than 30,000 potentially misleading pieces of mail to Alachua County voters and other residents. The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections is the only source for information related to voter registration and elections in Alachua County. You may unsubscribe from both lists here and here.
• Alachua County  passed an emergency ordinance allowing all documents that must be submitted to the County Clerk of Court to be submitted digitally. More here.
• Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees is seeking input on the CDC’s newest guidelines regarding masks for businesses and customers. Please review these brand-new guidelines, and help us provide Surgeon General Rivkees your input on the new mask and cloth covering guidelines by taking this Florida Chamber Healthcare Partnership Survey.

April 6, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• The Alachua County Commission will meet virtually on Tuesday at 3 p.m. on Cox Channel 12, Facebook Live and the County website to consider amendments to their emergency order.
• Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) announced Monday that it will suspend initial fees for its Microfinance Guarantee Program to support Florida’s small business community impacted by COVID-19. EFI manages the Microfinance Guarantee Program designed to stimulate access to credit for entrepreneurs and small businesses in this state by providing targeted loan guarantees to lenders made to such entrepreneurs and small businesses. This program provides guarantees up to 50% on loans of $250,000 or less.
• Florida’s Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees is asking Floridians to participate in a two-minute flash poll. Dr. Rivkees and other state leaders plan to use the answers to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Fun fact: Dr. Rivkees served as Physician-in-Chief of UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital before his current post – let’s help out a fellow Gator by taking a moment to take this quick survey!
• Meridian Behavioral Mobile Response Teams are now open to all ages within Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Union counties, who are in need of 24/7 crisis intervention services.
• Reemployment Assistance Forms are now available on paper. Anyone can complete, print and mail this digital PDF if they have been unable to complete the form on DEO’s website. State officials are increasing the number of staffers who are able to assist by phone and review paper applications by over 2,000.
• COVID-19 infection rate data is now available by zip code at this link. Once you navigate to the page, look at the bottom of the page and click the fourth tab, “Cases by Zip Code.”
• Local companies like Hello Branding, EGX Chemical,and Aquility Systems are producing critical supplies including face masks, hand sanitizer and more. To share how you’re helping, email Chamber Economic Development VP Staci Bertrand at staci@gainesvillechamber.com.

April 3, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• Keep your video calls safe amid the latest “Zoom bombing” trend of people crashing Zoom calls with inflammatory, racist or pornographic content.
• Reports have surfaced of citizens being called and asked where their stimulus checks need to be sent. This is a scam. The IRS will never call you and ask for this information.
• Alachua County now has 108 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 9,585 confirmed positive cases in the state of Florida. Find instant updates at the City of Gainesville COVID-19 Dashboard.
• Are you manufacturing COVID-19 supplies? If so, let us know by contacting Chamber Economic Development VP Staci Bertrand at staci@gainesvillechamber.com.

April 2, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• Financial institutions tomorrow will begin accepting applications for Paycheck Protection Loans – which provide up to $10 million in forgivable loans to businesses with fewer than 500 employees. More information here.
• The Governor today announced that additional measures are being taken to beef up capacity of the state’s Reemployment Assistance program to accept and process claims. Paper claims, in -person applications and additional staff from other state agencies all are ways the Governor plans to increase the program’s ability to take calls and process claims. We will share more information as it becomes available.
• Governor Ron DeSantis today announced that Florida is placing a 45-day stay on the filing of evictions and foreclosures throughout the state.

April 1, 2020

• The City of Gainesville will hold its weekly Telephone Town Hall tonight on Facebook, the City of Gainesville website and on COX Cable Channel 12.
• Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a State Under Stay at Home Order effective tomorrow night at midnight More information here.
• The Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation announced Wednesday that bars and restaurants may serve mixed drinks in containers that were sealed on the bar’s or restaurant’s own premises.
• Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim A. Barton is encouraging voters to sign up to vote by mail because of concerns surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Voters can request a vote-by-mail ballot online at VoteAlachua.com/MBRS. Return postage on vote-by-mail ballots is prepaid. Any voter can vote by mail — no reason or excuse needed. More information can be found here.
• The City of Gainesville released a new dashboard resource for the community providing an at-a-glance view of COVID rates at the local, state and national levels.
• MORE CARES ACT RESOURCES: More resources are becoming available to assist businesses with exploring, identifying and applying for loans available through the CARES Act. Below are several we have collected, including an infographic we created for a quick, visual read.
  • Chamber Infographic on Loans available through the CARES Act
  • Detailed Q&A from Senator Rick Scott
  • U.S. Chamber Loans Checklist

March 31, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• The $2 Trillion CARES Act passed on Friday includes $350 billion for a Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans of up to $10 million to any business with fewer than 500 employees. The loans are available through any bank that uses the SBA lending program, and the loans are forgivable. For more, read our previous update or view the US Chamber guide.
• Today, the Alachua County Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services Department distributed 15,902 meals at 74 sites across the county. The list of sites and a schedule of distribution times is available on the district’s COVID-19 website at https://bit.ly/2wIuktD.
• Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran has announced that schools will remain closed through May 1, which means the new target date for reopening schools is Monday, May 4.

• The Florida Chamber’s Small Business Council for a special conference call on Wednesday, April 1 at 11 a.m., which will focus on available resources for small businesses, including the emergency bridge loan program and SBA programs.
• Cox Media is partnering with Borrell Associates, a leader in delivering local business advertising insights, to host a 45-minute data-fueled webinar on April 3 at 2:30pm that unpacks the current advertising landscape and past situations of economic uncertainty, the shift in consumer spending and the increase in media consumption throughout the country.

MARCH 30, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• The Florida Chamber is hosting a chamber specific call on COVID-19. Florida Chamber Foundation Chief Economist Dr. Jerry Parrish and Florida Chamber President & CEO Mark Wilson will provide perspectives on Florida’s health scare, the infodemic and the resulting economic destruction we’re all attempting to manage through. Click HERE to register for the call. The call will be held on Tuesday, March 31 at 9:30-10:30 am EST.
• Alachua County Health officials announced that a drive-thru testing site has opened in the City of Gainesville. The location of that site has not been released for security purposes. Officials with the city, county and health department said that, in order to learn the location, patients must be pre-screened and given a prescription. Those who think they need testing should contact the Alachua County Health Department or their doctor to be walked through next steps.
• Alachua County Public Schools’ Instructional Continuity Plan went into effect today. The Plan is available here. You will find online resources for all grade levels in a variety of subjects.
• Now that the CARES Act has passed, resources are flowing in. Here are several that may be beneficial to your business:
  • For those of you who were unable to attend Friday’s Small Business Roundtable and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), we are providing a recording so you can still benefit from the information and perspectives that were shared.
  • Also, referenced on the call is a guide to the CARES Act, released by the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee.
  • This Small Business Guide to the CARES Act may be helpful to some of you.
  • The U.S. Chamber has developed a Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist.
• The Florida Chamber’s Small Business Council for a special conference call on Wednesday, April 1 at 11 a.m., which will focus on available resources for small businesses, including the emergency bridge loan program and SBA programs.
• The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that we should beware of Coronavirus scams, and encourages people to remain watchful so as not to fall victim.

March 27, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• The President has signed the $2 Trillion Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was passed by the U.S. House earlier today. Read here to learn more about what is in the package.
• Governor Ron DeSantis announced new orders for vacation rentals to be suspended from operations over the next 14 days. In addition, he proposed checkpoints along Interstate 10 for cars from Louisiana entering the state as well as a 14-day quarantine for anyone entering the state from the New Orleans metropolitan area.
• We have received questions from many of you seeking to clarify what the Governor’s executive orders 20-68 and 20-71, which include provisions relating to alcohol sales, mean for your business. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has issued clarifying guidance in the form of Frequently-Asked-Questions that will help to answer your questions.
• The Florida Department of Education has compiled education resources for use by teachers, students and parents. Alachua County Public Schools also has posted many resources as it plans to launch an instructional continuity plan next week for all K-12 students.
• Hitchcock’s Grocery Store will be distributing 3,000 free meals collectively at noon Saturday at all 10 of its locations throughout North Central Florida. Families in need are invited to visit the stores at this time tomorrow to receive a free meal. Meals will be served in the parking lot to observe appropriate social distancing procedures.
• Greater Gainesville businesses are offering help to the community in many ways as we weather the COVID-19 situation together. Share how your business is helping, and learn what others are doing.

MARCH 26, 2020 – 4 p.m.

• The U.S. Senate late yesterday passed the $2 Trillion Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The House is expected to vote remotely on it tomorrow. Readhere for a legislative analysis.
• The City of Gainesville will host a telephone town hall on Thursday, March 26 at 6:45 p.m. to update our community about recent efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19. Answering questions from the community will be Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Eric Godet, City of Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, Alachua County Chair Robert “Hutch” Hutchinson, and Alachua County Department of Health Administrator Paul Myers. The Town Hall will be streamed live on Facebook, the City of Gainesville website and on COX Cable TV 12, and will be archived online.
• Cox Communications has partnered with United Way of North Central Florida (UWNCFL) to distribute more than 100 Chromebook computers to local children in need. These Chromebook computers have been donated as part of Cox’s mission to bridge the digital divide for community members. Chromebooks will be distributed via Girls Place, PACE Center for Girls, Kids Count in Alachua County, Tiger Bay Initiative and the Aces in Motion after school program.
• GrowFL is launching today a Virtual Roundtable program that will allow second-stage business owners to meet April through June to help navigate through the COVID-19 crisis through peer to peer collaboration. Register here.
• Starting March 30, Alachua County Schools will provide free lunch Mondays through Fridays. On Fridays, students will receive breakfast and lunch for the weekend as well. At the schools and community sites, meals will be distributed from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Visitwww.yourchoicefresh.com or www.sbac.edu for distribution locations.

March 25, 2020, 5 p.m.

• Florida Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mark Wilson invites you to participate in a call with Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday at 2 p.m. Space is limited. Register now.
• A Limited Access SBA Disaster Assistance Webinar is taking place Friday – this will be a live web event with SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza on COVID-19’s economic impacts and the SBA’s targeted relief efforts for the nation’s small businesses. Only 3,000 attendees allowed nationwide, so register now!
• The U.S. Senate is having what congressional leaders say are final conversations today on a $2 Trillion Families First Coronavirus Response Act. A Senate vote is expected today. The package includes a $500 billion fund for assistance to distressed companies and $350 billion for lending programs for small businesses who keep their payrolls steady through the crisis. Small businesses that pledge to keep their workers would also receive cash-flow assistance structured as federally guaranteed loans. If the employer continued to pay its workers for the duration of the crisis, those loans would be forgiven. The measure is expected to be approved by the House via unanimous consent on Thursday, relieving lawmakers of the need to travel to Washington from locations across the country. More here.
• The City of Gainesville will host a telephone town hall on Thursday, March 26 at 6:45 p.m. to update our community about recent efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19. Answering questions from the community will be Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Eric Godet, City of Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, Alachua County Chair Robert “Hutch” Hutchinson, and Alachua County Department of Health Administrator Paul Myers. The Town Hall will be streamed live on Facebook, the City of Gainesville website and on COX Cable TV 12, and will be archived online.
• The University of Florida will be offering coronavirus testing this week, including tests for asymptomatic individuals as part of research into the quickly spreading virus. While the UF testing will be located at The Villages, it’s open to people who book appointments online at the website, ufhealthcovid.com.
• County Commissioners met virtually last night for two hours to discuss details within the stay-at-home order passed Monday. Commissioners agreed to add certain types of companies to the list of “essential businesses,” including insurance companies, lawn care companies and pawn shops.
• Is your company seeking to hire more people due to COVID-19? Let the Chamber help you connect with job seekers who are looking for their next opportunity. Email andrea@gainesvillechamber.com to get connected with our workforce resources

MARCH 24, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• Ology Bioservices announced today that the Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded them with a contract valued at $11.9 million to work with Inovio on DNA technology transfer to rapidly manufacture DNA vaccines. Under this program, Ology Bioservices will work with Inovio Pharmaceuticals to manufacture Inovio’s DNA vaccine (INO-4800) for prevention of infection with the COVID-19 virus.
• Alachua County and the City of Gainesville have issued a stay-in-place order effective midnight on Monday. Essential businesses are excluded. To learn more on what is and what is not affected, read our Q&A brief to find more clarity.
• Thermo Fisher has developed an assay kit that can be used to do quick research on COVID-19.
• The Community Foundation of North Central Florida and the United Way of North Central Florida are gathering information to better understand needs of nonprofits during the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Only one person per organization needs to fill out the form.
• United Way 2-1-1 is a FREE service provided by United Way that connects area residents to critical health and social service resources when they need help. From help with a household bill, food assistance, or counseling for suicide prevention, calling United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.
• Today is the Great American Takeout! If you’re able, we encourage you to order takeout from some of our local restaurants to support them and their employees in this difficult time. For ideas, be sure to check out our EAT GNV page for the latest from many local establishments.

March 23, 2020, 5 p.m.

• Alachua County and the City of Gainesville have issued a stay-in-place order effective midnight on Monday. Essential businesses include grocery stores, healthcare providers, news outlets, banks and gas stations. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food will be allowed to continue to operate in compliance with the Governor’s executive orders 20-68, 20-70 and 20-71.
• A burn ban is in effect as of Monday, excluding grills for private or commercial purposes.
• Video of the Chamber’s webinar on Pivoting in a Rapidly Changing Environment is available to watch.
• The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is currently available to small business owners located in all Florida counties statewide that experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources.
• Learn how to apply for a Small Business Disaster Loan in three easy steps.

March 22, 2020, 3 p.m.

• More than 1,400 grab-and-go lunches for kids over the spring break will be available at numerous locations in Alachua County starting at 11am on Monday, thanks to local businesses donating over $40,000.
• Alachua County now has 29 confirmed coronavirus cases, 13 of which are people in their 20s.
• Governor DeSantis announced new mobile testing sites will soon be in Florida.
• President Trump has urged the American public to stay indoors to limit the spread of Coronavirus
• President Trump and the Education Department announced that student loan borrowers will be able to pause their payments for two months without interest
• The FDA approved a new coronavirus test with a 45-minute detection time.
• The Chamber will be hosting a webinar on small business emergency loans on Monday at 2:30pm.

March 21, 2020, 2 p.m.

• The Alachua County Association of Pastors is hosting Community Relief Day, a drive-thru farm share event on Wednesday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Pull up, project your lights and pop your trunk for two weeks worth of food.
• Leading Business Expert and Consultant John Spence gives quick advice on how to clear your mind of what you can’t control and make progress in the areas you can.
• Trying to decide how to keep your business viable throughout the COVID-19 crisis? The Chamber is hosting an emergency webinar on Monday at 2:30 p.m. on Pivoting in a Rapidly Changing Environment
• Which states are on lockdown? Keep track using this handy list.
• The Chamber has a new landing page for information and community support, in addition to the COVID-19 Updates page. The newgainesvillechamber.com/together has links to resources, latest news, information on restaurants, and how to help others.

March 20, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• RESTAURANT RESTRICTIONS: Governor DeSantis issued an executive order this afternoon for all restaurant dining rooms to close, limiting them to takeout and delivery options.
• GYMS AND DENTISTS CLOSE: Also effective this afternoon via the executive order is the closure of all gyms and fitness centers while dental offices have been asked to close until further notice by the Alachua County Commission.
• CONFIRMED CASES: Alachua County now has 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
• CHAMBER WEBINAR: The Chamber is hosting another emergency webinar on Monday at 2:30 p.m. on Pivoting in a Rapidly Changing Environment

March 20, 2020 – Noon

• SMALL BUSINESS CALL WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP TODAY: This morning, the White House announced that the President will talk with small businesses via conference call today at 3:45 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about business relief in the wake of COVID-19. If you want to attend, we urge you to register as soon as possible!
• TAX FILING DEADLINE EXTENDED: The due date for taxes being filed has been postponed three months to July 15, as announced by Treasury Secretary Mnuchin earlier today.
• FEDERAL BUSINESS RELIEF PACKAGE UNVEILED: Yesterday, Sen. Marco Rubioreleased the Keeping Workers Paid and Employed Act, a $300 billion small business emergency economic relief plan that will help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic make payroll and cover expenses.
• SCHOOL RESOURCES: The school district has developed and posted the plans for providing instruction for students on its website at www.sbac.edu. The plan outlines how we will provide instruction after Spring Break, but also includes resources you can use right now. The direct link to the Instructional Continuity Plan is https://bit.ly/2wjxp2M
• COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED: County offices are closed to the public until March 30.
• BUSINESS AND FAMILY REMOTE RESOURCES: As we are beginning to receive resources for remote working and living that may be helpful in all areas of life. A local company, Spect provides online learning and skills tracking and is making this app available to as many students as possible so they can continue to nurture soft skills at home.
• SBA LOAN WEBINAR: The Chamber hosted a Small Business Loan Webinar, with video recorded for those who wish to watch on their own time.
• TOGETHER: the Chamber has a new landing page for information and community support, in addition to the COVID-19 Updates page. The new gainesvillechamber.com/together has links to resources, latest news, information on restaurants, and how to help others.

March 19, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• RTS CHANGES: The City of Gainesville’s Regional Transportation System will implement additional changes to bus routes beginning Monday, March 23.
• AMAZING GIVE: The Amazing Give will repurpose to raise funds for emergency relief.
• SBA LOAN WEBINAR:The Chamber hosted a Small Business Loan Webinar, with video recorded for those who wish to watch on their own time.
• TOGETHER: the Chamber has a new landing page for information and community support, in addition to the COVID-19 Updates page. The new gainesvillechamber.com/together has links to resources, latest news, information on restaurants, and how to help others.

March 19, 2020 – 2 p.m.

• FEDERAL ACTION: The President yesterday signed the second phase of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and the text for the third phase is expected to become available today. Among other things, the bill provides for paid time off for some employees who are affected by COVID-19, and allots funds to reimburse employers for those wages.
• REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE: Floridians whose employment is negatively impacted because of COVID-19 may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance. Employees may Click here for more information Reemployment Assistance, or here for more information on Short Term Compensation, a prorated form of assistance for workers whose hours have been cut.
• BLOOD SHORTAGE PREDICTED: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers expects a blood shortage to happen in the wake of COVID-19, though the process will remain safe with regard to the virus.
• WHAT’S FOR DINNER TAKE OUT? FIND OUT HERE: Restaurants are being encouraged to continue to operate, and expand delivery and take-out services. For an interactive listing of restaurant news, visit the Chamber’s EAT GNV group.
• COVID-19 TESTING QUESTIONS: The Alachua County Health Department is hosting a call center for the community to address questions about testing and any concerns with COVID-19. The community call center’s phone number is 352-334-8810. Practitioners with questions about screening or referral should call 352-225-4181.

• DOOR SIGN: Some of you have reached out asking for a door sign to help explain the modified hours and capacity restrictions under which you are operating. Feel free to download this sign and post in your windows and doors if the restrictions apply to you.
• CHAMBER IS GOING VIRTUAL: The Chamber closed its offices to the public at noon today. We will continue to be virtually available to our members via email and telephone. Members are free to call our office or email our team as they would on any other day.
• TELEPHONE TOWN HALL TONIGHT: The City of Gainesville will host a Telephone Town Hall about COVID-19 this Wednesday, March 18, at 6:45 p.m. Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, members of the City of Gainesville Emergency Management Team and Community Health and Family Medicine physician Dr. Lisa Chacko will provide an update about the virus and field questions from callers. The event is open to everyone by phone regardless of district. Neighbors with landlines are encouraged to register in advance. You will receive a call back to be connected automatically at the time of the event. Cell phone users can dial in directly by calling 1-888-410-3427.
• RESTAURANT UPDATE: Restaurants are being encouraged to continue to operate, and expand delivery and take-out services. Your Chamber team is currently working on a a means of helping you share your delivery and take-out options.
• LARGE-SCALE RETAILERS EXCLUDED FROM CITY ORDERS: City Manager Lee Feldman has issued an emergency directive that adds large-scale retail establishments to the list of essential establishments that are excluded from the order issued on Monday. These include pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, private offices, banks, hotels, hospitals, medical service providers, medical supply stores, hardware stores, gasoline service stations, automotive supply/repair centers, airports and bus stations. Other elements of the directive clarify provisions of the previous directive issued on Monday, and include new state requirements.
• SCHOOLS UPDATE: Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered Florida schools to remain closed through April 15 and scrapped testing requirements. Graduation and promotion requirements will be evaluated as though those assessments did not exist. To ensure all student have access to online learning, school districts will be allowed to dip into unused state funds to help low-income students pay for computers and home-based internet services.
• FEDERAL UPDATE: Federal lawmakers are considering a potential stimuluspackage to buoy the economy.
• COVID-19 TESTING QUESTIONS: The Alachua County Health Department has launched a new call center for the community to address questions about testing and any concerns with COVID-19. The community call center’s phone number is 352-334-8810. Practitioners with questions about screening or referral should call 352-225-4181.
• RUMOR CONTROL: The 311 Critical Information Line is now staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• SHORT TERM COMPENSATION: The Short Time Compensation program helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. The program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short Time Compensation plan to avoid total layoff of some employees. Click here for more information.
• ARE YOU HELPING IN SOME WAY? We are tracking the contributions of local businesses to the greater relief effort. If your business is contributing in any way, let us know so we are able to share them with our community.

March 17, 2020 – 5 p.m.

• UPDATE ON RESTAURANTS AND HAND SANITIZER: Since the City yesterday issued restrictions on occupancy and hours of operation for restaurants and eateries, many of you have reached out to us wondering how to comply with the requirement for hand sanitizer at each table. In light of the fact that there is no availability for this product, the City Manager has agreed to allow restaurants to operate at the reduced capacity of 50 persons or 50 % occupancy, whichever is lower, with access to hand sanitizer. In other words, sanitizer does not have to be available at every table for restaurants to operate under the restrictions issued yesterday.
• BUSINESS CLOSURES: Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered all bars and nightclubs to close as of 5 p.m. today and remain closed for 30 days.
• COVID-19 TESTING QUESTIONS: The Alachua County Health Department has launched a new call center for the community to address questions about testing and any concerns with COVID-19. The community call center’s phone number is 352-334-8810. Practitioners with questions about screening or referral should call 352-225-4181.
• RUMOR CONTROL: The 311 Critical Information Line is now staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• UF SPRING SEMESTER FULLY ONLINE: President Fuchs announced that all of UF’s 5,000 classes are fully online, and that the university is looking into how it will proceed with major events, such as graduation. View the message here.
• ELECTIONS There is still time to vote before polls close at 7 p.m. If you haven’t voted, please find time to make your way to the polls. Polling booths are being cleaned regularly. There have been changes to some polling locations due to their proximity to at-risk populations. The Supervisor is maintaining a page reflecting these changes.
• SHORT TERM COMPENSATION: The Short Time Compensation program helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. The program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short Time Compensation plan to avoid total layoff of some employees. Click here for more information.
• TELEPHONE TOWN HALL: The City of Gainesville will host a Telephone Town Hall about COVID-19 this Wednesday, March 18, at 6:45 p.m. Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, members of the City of Gainesville Emergency Management Team and Community Health and Family Medicine physician Dr. Lisa Chacko will provide an update about the virus and field questions from callers. The event is open to everyone by phone regardless of district. Neighbors with landlines are encouraged to register in advance. You will receive a call back to be connected automatically at the time of the event. Cell phone users can dial in directly by calling 1-888-410-3427.
• ARE YOU HELPING IN SOME WAY? We are tracking the contributions of local businesses to the greater relief effort. If your business is contributing in any way, let us know so we are able to share them with our community.

SMALL BUSINESS LOANS:

• Governor Ron DeSantis yesterday activated the state’s Small Business Bridge Loan program for businesses affected by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opens tomorrow, March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020.For more information on the program, visitwww.floridadisasterloan.org. For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan Program, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 866-737-7232 or email Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org. The phone line will be answered during regular business hours; all voice mails and emails will be responded to within 24 hours.
• The Small Business Administration recently announced the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The process for accessing this funding is available here.

ELECTIONS

• Elections are still happening today. If you haven’t voted, please find time to make your way to the polls. Polling booths are being cleaned regularly and hand sanitizer is at the ready. There have been changes to some polling locations due to their proximity to at-risk populations. The Supervisor is maintaining a page reflecting these changes.

TELEPHONE TOWN HALL:

• The City of Gainesville will host a Telephone Town Hall about COVID-19 this Wednesday, March 18, at 6:45 p.m. Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, members of the City of Gainesville Emergency Management Team and Community Health and Family Medicine physician Dr. Lisa Chacko will provide an update about the virus and field questions from callers. The event is open to everyone by phone regardless of district. Neighbors with landlines are encouraged to register in advance. You will receive a call back to be connected automatically at the time of the event. Cell phone users can dial in directly by calling 1-888-410-3427.

ARE YOU HELPING IN SOME WAY?

• We are tracking the contributions of local businesses to the greater relief effort. If your business is contributing in any way, let us know so we are able to share them with our community.