Back to Business: COVID-19-Related Resources & Updates
Hoosiers ages 12 years and older are eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Register at: ourshot.in.gov or call 211.
Governor Extends Emergency Public Health Order Through September 2021
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, bolstered by the delta variant, Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday renewed the state’s public health emergency order for the 18th time. The latest renewal will run through the end of September. At the same time, Holcomb also issued a short-term order for handling the coronavirus spread, buying time to issue an order later this week that will extend through the month. Read full story in the South Bend Tribune.
St. Joseph County Face Mask Order Rescinded
St. Joseph County’s health officer on May 13 rescinded the order requiring masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Robert M. Einterz cited the CDC’s recommendation earlier in the day that fully vaccinated people no longer need masks in most cases. Einterz also asked the St. Joseph County Council to rescind a related ordinance that allowed businesses to be fined for not enforcing the mask order among employees.
Both the mask order and the fine ordinance were supposed to be in place until May 27.
The decision to lift the order does not apply to businesses, which can still require masks.
Even though Einterz has faced political pressure to lift St. Joseph County’s mask order, he said in an interview Thursday night that the decision was based entirely on the CDC’s new guidance for fully vaccinated people. But Einterz’s decision means unvaccinated people, the majority of St. Joseph County’s population, also will not have to follow an order mandating masks indoors.
Less than 37% of the county's residents are fully vaccinated, according to the latest numbers from the health department.
“I remain very concerned we have pockets within our community where the number of individuals who are vaccinated is low,” Einterz said. “They will continue to spread the virus among themselves, and we’re not out of the woods with the potential for new variants.”
Read the full story in the South Bend Tribune
Current CDC Guidelines
Go to cdc.gov
State COVID-19 Dashboard
Visit coronavirus.in.gov
COVID Symptom Checker
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
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
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.
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
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
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
St. Joseph County Department of Health
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