 County Expands Eligibility for COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program
Eligible businesses can now get an additional $1,200 to support outdoor operations
San Bernardino County has expanded eligibility for participation in its COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program, while extending the application deadline to October 31, 2020.
Among the organizations that can now apply to the program are non-profits; sole proprietors whose business features a corresponding retail space or storefront; and home-based businesses (including home daycare centers) that directly serve customers at their home. (Short-term rentals may also now participate, though at a lower level of funding.)
The County has further modified the program to support small businesses and nonprofits that have incurred expenses moving their operations outdoors. In addition to the original $2,500 provided to participants, the County is now offering $1,200 per business to restaurants and retail stores that have been forced to move outdoors in response to State regulations, such as stores located inside indoor malls, as well as churches, fitness facilities and service businesses.
“We are absolutely committed to supporting our businesses through this national health crisis. We recognize that operating safely entails additional expense and we are doing what we can to help offset some of those expenses,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “We also are strongly encouraging our residents to support those businesses that are working to maintain a safe and healthy environment.”
The County launched its COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program in May to support local small businesses while ensuring ongoing compliance with State and County health orders and direction.
The program has two primary components: funding of $2,500 for eligible small businesses with one to 100 employees, plus support and partnership for all eligible County businesses that want to become a COVID Compliant Business Partner. Total program funding available is $30 million. To receive funds, small businesses in the County must first demonstrate compliance with State and County public health orders and incorporate safety and social distancing practices in their daily operations.
Since the program’s launch, the County has approved applications from more than 4,000 businesses and awarded over $10 million to reimburse and/or offset costs directly related to compliance with COVID-19-related business protocols.
Once it has been determined that a company is a COVID-Compliant Business Partner, it is issued a “This Business Partner is COVID Compliant” window graphic (designed for public display) that recognizes the business for its commitment to public health and safety. Businesses also gain exclusive access to receive personal protective equipment (PPE) at the County’s wholesale cost.
For more information about eligibility and to apply, go to https://sbcovid19.com/covid-compliant-business-partnership-program/.
What To Do When an Employee is Exposed to COVID-19?
The novel coronavirus has proven to be a stubborn foe nationwide, so it’s not surprising that many employers are seeing infections pop up in their workforce. We thought it would be helpful to remind both employers and employees about the State and County guidelines on how to respond if an employee should test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.
The simple answer is the infected employee must stay home and self-quarantine for at least 10 days following the first appearance of symptoms. Testing and contact tracing then follows for all others who might have come in contact with the employee.
In addition, the individual must not have had a fever for 72 hours (without the help of fever-reducing medication) and must show improvement in resolving respiratory symptoms (such as a cough or shortness of breath). Once the employee returns to work, he or she should follow all public health recommendations, maintain good hygiene and continue to self-monitor for symptoms.
The County’s Department of Public Health has put together this detailed flow-chart for employers to reference. This information can and should be shared with the workforce.
When family or household members test positive
A more challenging question is how to handle cases where an employee’s family or household member tests positive for COVID-19. San Bernardino County public health officials are recommending a Symptom and Time-Based Approach to handling these cases, as opposed to needing multiple negative test results in order to return to work.
If an employee has a household member who tests positive, the first step is to determine whether the employee had prolonged exposure in the prior two days to the infected person. If not, the individual may continue to work as long as they can avoid close contact with the infected household member. Nonetheless, the employee should still carefully monitor him- or herself for symptoms and immediately contact their healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
On the other hand, if an employee has had prolonged exposure to an infected person, than he or she should remain at home under quarantine until 14 days after the infected household member is confirmed to be non-infectious. In such cases the employee should be allowed to work remotely, if possible.
If the employee develops no symptoms during this period, they may return to work 14 days after the infected individual has been released from isolation. If the employee does develop symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider, who will likely arrange a test. If the employee tests positive, they should follow the guidelines outlined previously (stay home, self-quarantine for at least 10 days, have no fever, etc.). If the employee’s test results are negative, they should continue to quarantine until 14 days after the infected household member is released from isolation.
Employees engaged in critical infrastructure and/or essential services
If an employee who is engaged in critical infrastructure and/or essential services tests positive or develops symptoms, the same rules apply as to anyone else. However, when such individuals do not show symptoms, they may be allowed to continue working under specific conditions, which can found in the Employer Guidelines flow chart.
However, when that option is not feasible, the employee may continue providing services so long as they avoid working with high-risk populations and adhere to a Workplace Monitoring Program. The program, which is based on the CDC’s Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Exposed to COVID-19, is designed to protect all employees and members of the community.
Remember: If an employee actually develops symptoms they must return home immediately.
Workplace practices and testing
Regardless of whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak at a business, all employers should recognize that a single infection could have serious repercussions on business operations. To that end, insisting that both employees and patrons strictly adhere to safety practices is in the best interests of both the business and the public.
Chief among the safety protocol to be closely followed are the use of masks, social distancing and a regular schedule of cleaning and disinfecting work areas. Other considerations, such as safe common areas and staggered work schedules are also strongly recommended.
And of course, the County of San Bernardino is now encouraging all residents and workers to get tested. Testing is now available for free for all County residents, and everyone is encouraged to test, including those without symptoms. Click here to learn more and to schedule a test.
 Suffering Pandemic Stress? How to Get the Help You Need
Department of Behavioral Health offers residents many services and resources
The coronavirus pandemic has been (and continues to be) stressful for almost everyone. Businesses have suffered, parents are worried about “distance learning” and many must continue with forced isolation from their friends. All of us have seen our lives and routines disrupted.
It’s not surprising, then, that fear and anxiety have become common emotions. Such anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, ranging from changes in sleep or eating patterns, to difficulty concentrating, to increased use of tobacco, alcohol and/or other substances.
To assist San Bernardino County residents in this struggle, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) has updated and launched a special COVID-19 wellness web page devoted to helping people suffering from COVID-19-related worry and anxiety. DBH is also providing a free, confidential crisis hotline.
“Feeling stressed or anxious is completely normal under these circumstances, and drinking alcohol or taking drugs will only exacerbate the problem,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, DBH director. “However, there are steps you can take to respond to such stress in a healthy, appropriate manner. Doing so will benefit you, the people you care about, and the community as a whole.”
The web page offers a variety of suggestions for helping people cope effectively.
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Being prepared. Having a plan and being prepared can provide a sense of control and security.
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Maintaining healthy habits. These include eating healthy, whole foods, moving and stretching every day, getting as close to eight hours of sleep a day as possible, and practicing mindfulness.
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Keeping calm. Anxiety increases heart rate and respirations, clouds judgement and takes us out of the present moment. Ground yourself. Take deep breaths and frequently remind yourself by saying something like, “I am doing everything I can to support my health.”
Dr. Kelley noted that while the pandemic is distressing to most residents, it can be particularly difficult for those already suffering from underlying mental health conditions. “Imposed isolation is difficult for everyone. It can be disastrous for those with existing problems,” she said.
Residents can call or text the crisis hotline any day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The hotline is staffed by specially trained behavioral health professionals.
DBH also maintains a Disaster Distress Line (call 800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746). According to Dr. Kelly, the line has received a sharp increase in calls from residents worried about everything from paying their bills to having enough food to feed themselves and their families.
Dr. Kelley stressed that DBH has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to provide a variety of services to residents — including Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Services.
“Our services have been more critical over the past few months than ever before,” she said. “We are absolutely committed to helping those struggling through this unprecedented pandemic and economic shutdown, and we urge people to contact us when they need some help and reassurance.”
Inland Empire Economic Partnership Presents Free Webinar
The Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) in partnership with local business chambers, the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino, Small Business Majority, and others, will host a complimentary virtual event for small business owners. The webinar will feature small business owners who have retooled or shifted their business model to survive, business owners who successfully accessed resources, and still others who made the difficult decision to walk away in order to preserve future business opportunities.
Webinar: IE Together Webinar, Responding to COVID-19 as a Small Business Owner and Operator.
September 3, 2020 at 9 a.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/2E2ojLF
More Inmates and Sheriff’s Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
As of today, a total of 320 County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Many of the inmates are only experiencing minor symptoms of the virus. The infected inmates are in isolation, being monitored around the clock, and are being provided with medical treatment. A total of 298 inmates have recovered from the illness.
All inmates continue to be provided with face coverings, cleaning supplies, soap, and are urged to wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day. They are routinely reminded of the need to practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Two additional department employees tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home. A total of 173 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19. One hundred and sixty-one employees have recovered from the virus; other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks.
Latest Stats
46,407 Confirmed Cases (up 0.8% from the previous day)
715 Deaths (up 0.8% from the previous day)
350,271 Tests (up 0.6% from the previous day)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobile tab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
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