Back in Business: COVID-19 Resources & More
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Gov. Holcomb Announces COVID-19 County Metrics & Requirements
Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed Executive Order 20-48 to implement pandemic requirements for all Hoosiers and targeted restrictions for counties that have high levels of COVID-19.
Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines. The Indiana Department of Health has established a color-coded county map that measures weekly cases per 100,000 residents and the seven-day positivity rate for all tests completed. Each county is assigned a color based on the average of scores for the two metrics. Restrictions are assigned based on the map, which is updated each Wednesday at www.coronavirus.in.gov.
Click here for an in-depth description of the requirements for all Hoosiers and targeted restrictions for counties:
St. Joseph County is in orange.
Orange: The county’s community spread is approaching high levels. These requirements are in effect when a county reaches the Orange metric and remain until a county moves to Yellow or Blue for two straight weeks.
• Social gatherings of any kind, indoor or outdoor, are limited to 50 people.
• A special, seasonal or commercial event for which more than 50 people will be in attendance, must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance and receive approval before proceeding. College and professional sports are included. This requirement is effective Nov. 22.
A special, seasonal or commercial event for which more than 25 people will be in attendance, must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance and receive approval before proceeding. College and professional sports are included. This requirement is effective Nov. 22.
Regardless of a county’s color code, face coverings are required for all Hoosiers. Businesses of all types are required to place clearly visible signs at their public and employee entrances notifying all that face coverings are required. All customers in restaurants and bars are required to be seated. Tables, counters, or other seating arrangements must be spaced six feet apart.
The executive order takes effect on Sunday, Nov. 15 and runs until at least Saturday, Dec. 12. More
State Face Covering Requirement
Executive Order 20-37 requires face coverings in the state of Indiana for anyone 8 years old or older in the following places:
• Public indoor spaces and commercial entities
• While using public transportation or other vehicle services such as a taxi or ride share
• Outdoor public spaces when it’s not possible to socially distance from people not in the same household
The order has exceptions for medical purposes, disabilities, exercising, and eating and drinking. The governor also modified the mask order for school children. Students can remove their masks during classroom instruction when they are able to maintain at least three to six feet of distance between students.
#MaskUpHoosiers Campaign | Website
St. Joseph County Public Health Ordinance Requires Face Masks
Public Health Order 3-2020, effective through December 31, 2020, requires all St. Joseph County residents to wear face coverings when in public spaces and any business open to customers must have hand sanitizers available (60% alcohol-based) at entrances | Order 3-2020
Indiana Continues in Stage 5 in Back on Track Plan
Governor Eric J. Holcomb has advanced the state to an updated version of the Stage 5 Back On Track Indiana plan and extend the state’s face covering mandate until at least Nov. 14. Executive Order
COVID-19 Response Team Coordination Updates
View current & archival information
Positive Cases | Deaths | Testing Data
As reported by the ISDH on November 11, the county’s (St. Joseph) total number of confirmed cases is 12,798 with 190 deaths (104,211 tests). Statewide, it is 224,374 (3.3M tested), with 4,512 deaths. View ISDH county by county map.
CrossCheck Self-Assessment
The county’s online self-assessment tool is now live. Here, residents can go through a series of questions and checks to assess their symptoms. Visit CrossChecksjc.com.
Update on Employee Testing For Return-to-Work
The Indiana Department of Health is no longer recommending that employers require a negative test result before allowing an employee who has: 1) isolated for 10 days since their symptoms began; 2) seen improvement of symptoms; and 3) been fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication to return to work. A negative test should only be required of employees who wish to return to work before meeting the three criteria listed. An alternate return-to-work plan is recommended for employees who are severely immunocompromised. For more information, see the ISDH Indiana Health Alert Network Notification – July 28, 2020.
State Back on Track Reopening Plan
The roadmap is a five-phase plan developed by the State of Indiana to reopen the economy.
News Release | BackOnTrack Website | 5 Stages | Specific Industry Guidelines
Executive Order 20-26: Business Requirements
We recommend that all employers review Governor Holcomb’s most recent Executive Order, 20-26, thoroughly and carefully. Please note that all Hoosier employers shall develop a plan to implement measures and institute safeguards to ensure a safe environment for their employees, customers, clients and members. The plan must be provided to all employees and staff, as well as posted publicly. At a minimum, the plan must include an employee health screening process, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, hand-washing/hygiene opportunities; and social distancing measures. And all employers must adhere to the health and safety standards established by IOSHA. These requirements and more are found at the top of page 4 of the executive order. Executive Order 20-26
Sample Return to Work Plans
Manufacturing, Logistics & Warehousing Sectors
Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Returning to Work & Recovery Guide
Email Purdue MEP if you have any questions, or if your organization needs additional assistance. To obtain the free guide, please complete the form here.
Miscellaneous Resources
CDC Cleaning & Disinfecting Guide | Download PDF | Website
ISDH Cleaning Guidance for Businesses | PDF
OSHA Guidelines on Preparing Workplaces | Download PDF | More IOSHA Resources/Info
OSHA Guidance for the Construction Workforce | Website
OSHA Prevent Worker Exposure | More
10 Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk | More
OSHA Guidance for Retail Workers | More
National Restaurant Association’s Guidance for Restaurants | Website
Brand & Marketing Recovery Guide, by Villing & Company | Download PDF
South Bend Clinic COVID Consulting | Download PDF
Call Dr. Brian Huber at 574.807.4697 | [email protected]
Barnes & Thornburg Labor & Employment Business Return to Work Checklist | Download PDF
Business Furnishings Post-COVID Workplace Solutions Guide | Download PDF
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PPE Supplies
State PPE Directory | Website
Chamber PPE List
The Chamber has compiled an extensive list of PPE suppliers: face masks/coverings/shields, hand sanitizer/disinfectants, gloves, gowns, acrylic partitions, signage and more. View list
Purdue MEP COVID-19 Critical PPE Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative | Website
Purdue MEP COVID-19 PPE Manufacturing Design, Specifications & Instructions Portal | Website
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Mishawaka Small Business COVID Relief Program
More at lakecitybank.com/mishawakabizloans
Other Funding Options
Indiana Small Business Development Center: Relief Options
SBA Update Links
Access the latest links from sba.gov about funding sources for small businesses.
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877.820.0890 or email [email protected] (For business & industry questions only)
Prevention Steps for Close Contact (St. Joseph County Department of Health)
State Department of Health Dashboard
Feel ill? Don't have a doctor? Call 211.
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Path Forward Series
The U.S. Chamber Foundation, in their Path Forward: Navigating the Return to Work webinar series, looks at the different phases and challenges of how we reopen the economy. Each episode features conversations between the U.S. Chamber president Suzanne Clark and experts with practical recommendations for businesses of all sizes. Episodes air every Monday and Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET. You can register to attend, however, episodes are also recorded and can be found on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. Learn more
CDC Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting
ISDH Guidance for Businesses
View the Indiana State Department of Health's new (as of April 15) Guidance for Employers During COVID-19
ISDH COVID-19 Cleaning Guidance
View the Indiana State Department of Health's COVID-19 Cleaning Guidance for Businesses
Indiana Unemployment Insurance Employer FAQs
Indiana Unemployment Insurance Claimant FAQs (How to File)
Download PDF (As of March 26)
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
All employers, with under 500 employees, are required to give their employees this Families First Paid Sick Leave Notice. Download notice. If you have any question, please reach out to the Chamber's Director of Operations Mari Bishop at 574.400.4001. Download Families First Employee Rights Poster.
Labor & Employment Law
COVID-19 Employer Update: Barnes & Thornburg Webinar (March 23). Access Webinar
Benefits Playbook
View the Gibson COVID-19 Employee Benefits Playbook
Tax Information
With the impending federal $2.2 billion federal relief legislation, RSM shares their Tax Alert on the Legislation.
Preparing and Responding to COVID-19
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers from the CDC
Workplace Tips - Tips and resources for employers to combat the virus
U.S. Chamber's Business Resources: Preparedness Tips and Guidelines
Corporate Aid Tracker - How businesses are helping nationwide
Survey on Business Impact - Results from the American Chamber of Commerce in China
COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards
Key Planning Recommendations for Mass Gatherings
CISA Guidelines on Essential Businesses
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Rapid Recovery for a Stronger South Bend - Elkhart Workforce
Employers may apply for up to $100,000, capped at up to $5,000 per employee, via the Employer Training Grant (ETG) – which is an increase from the previous cap of $50,000 per employer. Individual learners may apply for up to $10,000 in scholarship resources available via the Workforce Training Grant (WTG)– which is also an increase from a previous cap of $5,500. Eligible training programs are highlighted on the Next Level Jobs resource page, with eligibility for funding being focused on the following sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Building & Construction, Health & Life Sciences, IT & Business Services, and Transportation & Logistics. Interested employers may complete the below form or contact South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership Director of Education and Workforce, Leighton Johnson via email at [email protected] for more information. Read news release
Rapid Recovery for a Stronger South Bend – Elkhart Workforce Employer Signup Form
Jobs Progress Online Portal
The City of South Bend and Goodwill Industries of Michiana, along with several other regional partners, like the Chamber, launched the Jobs Progress initiative, aimed at connecting community members facing unemployment or reduced hours with employers who are hiring in the region. View website at jobsprogress.com
Goodwill Industries of Michiana
View their Facebook page
HR Resources
View HR COVID-19 resources provided by the Society of Human Resource Management
Chamber Jobs Board
Post job openings on the Chamber Jobs Board and view job openings.
Bendable
Online lifelong learning tool launched by the St. Joseph County Library | Website
View School Reopening Plans
The following are some reopening plans from area school systems. We recommend that you view the schools’ individual websites for more information and updates.
Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
School City of Mishawaka
South Bend Community School Corporation
Career Launch Virtual Tour
While we had to cancel the March 24 and 25 Career Launch event at the Century Center. We now bring it to you virtually! Our area employers are ready to show high school students and adults what entry-level or internship opportunities that have available. Use this page as a great learning exercise for high school students learning from home. Take the tour.
Home Learning
WNIT and WORLD to Broadcast Daily At Home Learning Programs for Grades 6-12. More Info
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St. Joseph County Department of Health
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Childcare Resources
Disinfecting/Sanitizing
1-800 Water Damage of South Bend
Face MasksCoverings
Insurance Coverage for COVID-19
Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP: Why you should be looking at your insurance coverage
Mental Health and Well-Being
Counseling/Mental Health Business Category
Signage (COVID-specific)
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Guidance Regarding COVID-19 and Travel
List of Canceled/Postponed Events
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South Bend Clinic Hotline 574.307.6870
Beacon Answerline 855.523.2225
Call 211 for those people without access to a health care provider
Hygiene and Social Recommendations
- Practice social distancing, six feet apart. Note: the CDC is recommending gatherings of no more than 10 people.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water is unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, preferably with your elbow.
- Avoid handshakes.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you don't feel well, stay home
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