The Business and Workers update is a weekly newsletter providing news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is compiled by the state Economic Resiliency Team (ERT), part of the Joint Information Center.
What should Washington workers and employers know?
Dec. 31, 2020
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Safe Start updates
Gov. Inslee announces one-week extension of statewide restrictions
Gov. Jay Inslee announced a one-week extension of the "Stay Safe–Stay Healthy" proclamation, along with the statewide restrictions imposed. The extension of the statewide restrictions will now expire on Jan. 11, 2021. No changes were made in the proclamation aside from the expiration date.
An updated reopening plan is currently being developed to provide a pathway for businesses and workers impacted by this order to reopen safely. The updated plan will be released next week.
Read the full proclamation here.
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Business grants
Update on Working Washington Round 3 grants
The state Department of Commerce has been processing more than 29,000 applications since the application portal closed on Dec. 16. If you applied, please be sure to check your inbox and spam folders for updates. Businesses should have received their notifications this week.
Just over 7,800 businesses will receive a grant in this current round. More than half the recipients are full-service restaurants. More details are available here.
Information about future grant or aid opportunities will continue to be posted at www.commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants.
If you have questions about this current round of business grants, please email Commerce at bizgrants@commerce.wa.gov. Due to high volumes of correspondence, Commerce is unable to return all voice messages so e-mail will be the fastest and easiest way for Commerce's team to respond.
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Unemployment
Updates on the new federal stimulus
On Dec. 27, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a one-time payment of $550 to many recipients of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Later on the same day, President Trump signed the bill that changes and extends federal CARES Act unemployment benefits. The Employment Security Department is working to deliver Washington’s Pandemic Relief Payment (PRP) program this week and the newly extended federal benefits, which begin the week of Jan. 3. Track developments on ESD’s website and social media. When we have specific information about next steps for our customers, we’ll communicate with them directly via mail, email and eServices.
For now, claimants should:
- Continue filing weekly claims.
- Watch for updates on esd.wa.gov/covid and messages in eServices.
- Do not call the unemployment claims center with questions - call volume remains high.
- If you absolutely must call the claims center about another issue, you’re encourage to try throughout the day, and not just at 8 a.m. when it first opens. That’s when the most calls are taking place.
The new federal legislation that expands and changes CARES Act provisions includes an extra $300 per week for eligible claimants who are receiving benefits from any unemployment program. The extra payment is called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). Claimants who are eligible for benefits from the week ending Jan. 2, 2021, to the week ending March. 13, 2021, will receive the extra amount. Read a statement from Commissioner Suzi LeVine about the FPUC payment and other updates about the CARES Act extensions.
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Resources for small businesses
Spanish small business webinar in 2021
This new streamlined 90-minute webinar features brief presentations from state partners and more “open-mic” dedicated time for more questions. Join us for the first 2021 Spanish SBRR webinar on Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. Click to preview the agenda and register online or call 360-515-6101. For regular updates regarding the Spanish Small Business Requirements and Resources (SBRR) (Taller de Requerimientos y Recursos) webinar, please email: smallbusiness@esd.wa.gov
Click here to preview the agenda and register for the English SBRR webinar on Jan. 28 at 9 a.m.
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Deductibles and co-pays for COVID-19 vaccines
Most health insurers in Washington state have signaled their intent to immediately waive all cost-sharing for COVID-19 vaccinations. Policyholders will be covered regardless of where they receive the vaccination.
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act directs health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for COVID-19 vaccinations 15 days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorizes their use. Given that timeline, insurers would be required waive these fees after Jan. 1, 2021. But many health insurers in Washington state are covering the vaccinations as soon as their policyholders can receive them and regardless of whether the provider offering the vaccine is in the plan’s network.
More from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
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Tracking economic recovery
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Resources for employers
Updated workplace rights poster
The Washington State workplace rights poster “Your Rights as a Worker” has been updated and is now available in a new format. You can download or order your free copy on LNI’s website. The poster is one of three that L&I requires Washington employers to post.
Free 2021 safety and health calendars available
The 2021 Safety and Health Calendar is now available to order for free or download from L&I. With its “spot the hazards” theme, it will help you keep your workplace safe and healthy all year long.
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