COVID-19 Information Resources

July 30, 2020 - Mask Mandate

Gov. Evers Issues Executive Order Declaring Public Health Emergency and Requiring Face Coverings Statewide

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers today declared a Public Health Emergency and issued an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors and not in a private residence, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order. The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, and will expire on September 28, 2020 or by a subsequent superseding order. Executive Order #82 declaring a public health emergency is available here and Emergency Order #1 requiring face coverings statewide is available here. “While our local health departments have been doing a heck of a job responding to this pandemic in our communities, the fact of the matter is, this virus doesn't care about any town, city, or county boundary, and we need a statewide approach to get Wisconsin back on track,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve said all along that we’re going to let science and public health experts be our guide in responding to this pandemic, and we know that masks and face coverings will save lives. While I know emotions are high when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, my job as governor is to put people first and to do what's best for the people of our state, so that's what I am going to do.” Wisconsin is seeing new and significant community spread and increase in cases of COVID-19 which requires that we declare a new public health emergency and require face coverings. Wisconsin has experienced a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the entire state, with 61 of 72 counties (84 percent) representing 96 percent of the state’s population experiencing high COVID-19 activity. All regions of Wisconsin have high COVID-19 activity levels. This is a dramatic increase from where Wisconsin was in June, when only 19 of 72 counties (26%) were experiencing high COVID-19 activity. The average number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 has drastically increased throughout July, with an average of 556 new cases each day between July 1-7, an average of 764 new cases each day between July 8-14 (a 37% increase from the previous week), an average of 890 new cases each day between July 15-21 (a 16% increase from the previous week), and an average of 938 new cases each day between July 22-26 (a 5% increase from the previous week). Under this order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when they are indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit. Face coverings are strongly recommended if you are outdoors and maintaining physical distancing is not possible. The order also enumerates exceptions to the requirement, listing activities such as when an individual is eating, drinking, or swimming. Individuals with health conditions or disabilities that would preclude the wearing of a face covering safely are also exempt from the requirement. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is available here. “The data is what drives our decisions, and that data tells us we have significant community spread in Wisconsin and need to take statewide action,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Community spread means that any interaction out in the community can mean exposure, and because people can spread COVID-19 without symptoms or even knowing they are sick, we need to take universal precautions in order for wearing face coverings to be effective.” As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the medical and scientific community continues to learn more about the virus, including how to best prevent its transmission. Recent scientific studies show that wearing face coverings is very effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. “Staying home, limiting interactions, practicing physical distancing, and washing your hands thoroughly are still the most effective ways to stop the spread,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer and the State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases. “But we learn something new about this virus every day. A growing number of scientific studies tell us that face coverings, when used correctly and consistently by a large percentage of the community, are extremely effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets.” For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

 

July 29, 2020 - EDA Cares Act

Regional Business Fund Announces New EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Fund

 

Loans will be limited to small businesses with 10 fulltime equivalent (FTE) employees or less Loans will be limited to certain industry sectors believed to be most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45) Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62) Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71) Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72) Other services (NAICS 81) Use of loan funds is for working capital Minimum loan size of $5,000 and maximum loan size of $10,000 Term of 7 years Option of 12-month payment deferral or interest-only period Interest rate will be 1% for the first two years, and then will increase to 2% in subsequent years No prepayment penalty Matching funds/other financing is not required Can be utilized in conjunction with any other loan or grant program   Business who meet the eligibility in the following counties can apply: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk and St. Croix.   More information about the program requirements and how to apply can be found via the following link: https://www.rbfinc.org/cares-act-rlf

 

July 28, 2020 - Chicago Quarantine 

Chicago Mandatory Quarantine

Any travelers coming into Wisconsin will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon reentering Chicago.

 

July 27, 2020 - COVID-19 HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program - Small Business Grant

LINK 

 

*Let’s spread the word and get some Western Wisconsin Businesses all the COVID recovery assistance we can!*

• Applications for the HartBeat of Main Street Small Business Grant Program ("Program") will be accepted from July 27, 2020 through 11:59 pm PT on August 23, 2020 or whenever 500 applications have been submitted, whichever is sooner ("Application Period").
• Membership in the Wisconsin Main Street Program is not required to be eligible for the grant. Grant recipients are not required to be customers of The Hartford. Applications will be weighed and grants awarded without consideration of applicant’s being or not being a present, past, or prospective customer of The Hartford.

 

Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded on a competitive and first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 50 percent of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration as minority, woman, veteran, disabled, and/or LGBTQ-owned.

 

• ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for a Program grant:
  • The applicant’s business must be a business entity in good standing in the state in which it was formed and the state in which it does business.
  • The applicant’s business must operate a “brick and mortar” store-front since at least January 1, 2019 in an older or historic downtown, Main Street or Neighborhood Commercial District.
  • The applicant’s business must employ less than 20 full time employees.
  • The applicant must be an owner of the business.
  • The applicant must be at least age 18 years or older.

 

• What types of grant expenses are eligible?
  • Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:
  • Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19
  • Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)
  • Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales
  • Other professional services, such as business plan modifications
  • Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses

 

July 14, 2020 - COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program 

On July 14, 2020, St. Croix County in partnership with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) launched the COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program. This new loan program was created to help businesses in the county that are experiencing unanticipated financial pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The press release, information about the program and link to the  application can be found on the St. Croix County website and below:

• Webpage: https://www.sccwi.gov/958/Small-Business-Loan
• Application: http://wcwrpc.org/Documents/COVID-19-Small-Business-Loan-Application.pdf

 

July 8, 2020 - Best Practices 

Cardinal Health Practices

1. Frequent sanitizing of high use items throughout the facility.
2. All common areas have disinfecting wipes available and associates wipe down after use.  Example such as microwave, copier, tables, etc.
3. Created additional meeting space in area within warehouse that allows 6 foot spacing with more associates.
4. Protocols are set up if an associate tests positive.
5. OSO comes in three times a day to perform cleaning of main areas which include doors, lockers, timeclock, etc.
6. All equipment must be sanitized both when done and when starting to ensure that it was done.
7. Daily we give updates to associates.  These can be work or outside life updates to CDC guidelines, best practices, or questions that are coming from associates.  These are done in our start up meetings.
8. Each division within Cardinal is set up a little different.  Some sites have used plastic dividers to have separation within cubes or jobs and the line.  We had enough space, so although we had to move some things around, we were able to do this without spacing.
9. Staggered start times and break times to assist with social distancing.
10. Revised HR policies including attendance, sick time, and Covid-19 symptom quarantine policy.  This flexibility has helped our associates take time off and not worry about pay and their jobs if they do have any symptoms which has helped keep the team safe.  We also have allowed employees to go out on leave if they don’t feel comfortable to be at work at this time and will come back when they are ready.
11. Expanded benefits during this time to assist employees with both the physical and mental well being.

https://www.gm.com/masthead-story/return-work-safety-protocols.html

 

June 29, 2020 - Personal Protection Equipment

Minuteman Press - Hudson

Great River Office Products

Uline

Micklesen Drug Inc.

 

June 25, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin Small Business Development Center

Under the initial rules, some business owners chose not to apply for a PPP loan because the requirements were not a good fit for their particular circumstances. These new rules were designed to make it significantly easier for more - if not all - of a PPP loan to be forgivable for businesses. If you have not yet applied for a PPP loan, you may want to apply now.

 

June 22, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Please join the St. Croix County Wisconsin and The St. Croix Economic Development Corporation as they share the most recent COVID-19 data, what to expect when someone tests positive and how to operate safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 25th, 2020 Via Zoom

For further questions the contact information can be found here:

https://www.sccwi.gov/

 

June 2, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

$75 million-We're All In Small Business Grants

 

May 19, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Governor Evers Announces $75 Million in Grants for Small Businesses

 

May 18, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

The Department of Children and Families has released guidance for licensed day camps for children including:

• • Guidance for Licensed Day Camps for Children Overview
  • Updated Best Practices for Child Care Providers FAQ
  • Best Practices for Child Care Providers Overview
  • Reopening Child Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic Decision Tree

 

May 15, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin Safety Council- Returning to Work

St. Croix County Health Advisory

 

May 8, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Governor Evers Announces Best Practices and Safety Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses

WEDC- Reopen Guidelines

 

May 7, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

USTA-Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health & Safety Guidance for all Travelers

St. Croix County FREE Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing May 8th

 

May 6, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

CDC- Reopening Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting

CDC-Reopening Workplaces During The COVID-19 Pandemic

CDC- Gatherings & Community Events

CDC- Businesses & Workplaces

 

May 5, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin Hospital Association Daily Statistics

Employer Toolkit (a good source for both state and federal programs)

Wisconsin Manufacturer's & Commerce-Back to Business Plan (a data-driven formula for regional opening)

 

May 1, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Interim Final Rule on Corporate Groups and Non-Bank and Non-Insured Depository Institution Lenders

Federal Reserve Expands Access to its Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (PPPLF) to Additional Lenders, and Expands the Collateral that can be Pledged

Federal Reserve Board Announces it is Expanding the Scope and Eligibility for the Main Street Lending Program

Main Street Lending Program Frequently Asked Questions

CDC- Reopening Guidance

 

April 27, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Paycheck Protection Program

Paycheck Protection Program FAQs

Governor Evers Emergency Order #34

Governor Evers Updated Order - Expanded Opportunities for Certain Nonessential Businesses

Safer at Home Extension FAQs 4/27:

For non-essential businesses, “Minimum Basic Operations” will now include the following:

• Basic functions. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business's inventory, preserve the condition of the business's physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions, including where these functions are outsourced to other entities.
• Facilitating remote work. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.
• Employee designation. Non-essential businesses and operations must determine which of their workers are necessary to conduct Minimum Basic Operations and inform such workers of that designation.
• Delivery and mailings. Minimum Basic Operations may include fulfilling nonessential deliveries, mailing parcels, or receiving parcels if all of the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space, including a car or truck. Delivery or parcel services may not require a signature by the recipient. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for nonessential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• Curb-side pick-up. Minimum Basic Operations may include curb-side pick-up of goods, if all of the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Goods must be purchased online or by phone before 18 pick-up. The goods must be pre-packaged by the manufacturer, distributor, or store. The store may not require a signature by the customer. The store must schedule pick-ups to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• Arts and craft stores. Arts and craft stores may offer curb-side pick-up as described in section 14.e. More than one staff member, but no more than the minimum number of staff necessary, may work at the store solely for filling orders for materials for making personal protective equipment (i.e. homemade facemasks). The additional staff allowed in this section may not sell, package, or assist in any way with the sale of items not necessary for making personal protective equipment. All staff working to fulfill or process orders for personal protective equipment must comply with all requirements in Section 2.b.i. and 2.b.ii. of this Order.
• Aesthetic or optional exterior work. Minimum Basic Operations may include aesthetic or optional exterior residential construction and lawn care, if all the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space, including a car or truck. No more than one employee or worker may be on the site at a time. Services may not require a signature by the recipient. Aesthetic or optional exterior work requiring more than one person on the site are prohibited.
• NEW Curb-side drop-off. Minimum Basic Operations may include customer curb-side drop-off of goods or animals for the purpose of having those goods or animals serviced, repaired, or cared for by the business. Staff within the business or facility must be limited to one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Services must be paid for on-line or by phone. Drop-offs and pick-ups must be scheduled ahead of time to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Customers are not permitted in the business or facility. The business may not require a signature by the customer. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• NEW Outdoor recreational rentals. Minimum Basic Operations may include rental of recreational equipment including but not limited to boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, golf carts, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Staff within the business or facility must be limited to one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Rentals must be paid for on-line or by phone. The business must schedule pick-up and drop-off ahead of time to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Customers must remain outside the business or facility. Rented equipment must be cleaned after each use. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• NEW Car washes. Entirely automatic car washes and self-service car washes may open for service. High-touch surfaces must be cleaned between each use if possible, or as frequently as practicable.

 

April 22, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

WI Pandemic Unemployment Assistance 

 

April 20, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Governor Evers Badger Bounce Back Program:

Badger Bounce Back Plan

Emergency Order #31- Badger Bounce Back

WEDC- Badger Bounce Back

Badger Bounce Back Plan-Fact Sheet

Press Release- Increasing COVID-19 Testing Capacity

New Employer Tax Credits

 

April 17, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

4 Session Self-Care Series-Coping with COVID with Dr. Kathy Farah

 

April 16, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Emergency Order #28-Safer At Home Order

Safer at Home Extension FAQs

 

April 15, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

EFRTC- IRS: Employee Retention Credit

Hudson Community Coronavirus Response

Facebook: Hudson Community Coronavirus Response

Facebook: Hudson WI Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau- Community Updates

 

April 9, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

NEW - Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Guide

Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide

Coronavirus Small Business Guide

Coronavirus Response Toolkit

 

March 25, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin State Governor Evers Safer At Home Executive Order

WEDC Essential Business Declaration

Summary of the COVID-19 Stimulus passed in Senate, 3/25. Click HERE for the Federal "CARES" Act Summary.

 

Financial Help & Guidance for Businesses

Steps to Take Now:

1. 1. Call your lenders to see how they can help.
   2. Contact your vendors, landlords and taxing authorities if you feel you will need to be late on payments.
   3. Monitor this page as we will be releasing information as emergency funding applications become available

Business Resources:

• Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce COVID-19 Business Center
•  https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/

COVID-19 Resources for Hospitality Companies:

• https://go.whenlabs.com/covid19

Small Business Association Resources:

• Disaster Loans Now Available
• Small Business Owners are now eligible to apply for a U.S. SBA low-interest loan due to COVID-19. The Disaster Loan Assistance Program is for Small Businesses and most Non-Profit Organizations that have suffered directly by this disaster.
• Apply HERE:  https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
• ELA0-Request for Transcript of Tax Return (IRS 4506T)
• ELA-Request for Transcript of Tax Return (instructions IRS Form 4506T)
• ELA0-Schedule Of Liabilities (SBA 2202)
• ELA0-Monthly Sales Figures (SBA 1368)
• ELA0-Fee Disclosure Form and Comp Agreement (SBA 159(
• ELA0-Personal Financial Statement (SBA 413)
• ELA0-Business Loan Application (SBA 5)
• ELA0-Loan Application (Sole Prop) SBA 5C
• SBA Form 2202 Instructions
• WI_16363 EIDL Fact Sheet 3.24
• Wisconsin 16363 Press Release
• Spanish Wisconsin 16363 Press Release