Coronavirus Information Center

A PROJECT OF CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS
With the outbreak of COVID-19, it’s important that Arizonans stay up to date on the reality and scope of the virus. This project aims to provide Arizonans with reliable information so that they can make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

“As we work to combat the spread of COVID-19, access to resources that can help support families and businesses in this time of need is critical. We’re calling on Arizonans to be informed, get engaged, and support organizations doing important work to keep our communities safe and healthy. Arizona will get through this together.” – **Doug Ducey, Governor of Arizona**

**List Of “Essential Services”**
*Order Provides Clarity And Certainty For Business Owners, Workers*

Does your manufacturing facility have the ability to produce personal protective equipment? Tell us about it.

As we’ve seen, the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) — including masks, N95 respirators, and gowns — is crippling health workers’ ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. If your company has the ability to produce PPE, please let us know by filling out this short form. A member of our team will be in contact with respondents for further vetting and next steps. Respondent information will not be shared beyond AMC/Chamber staff without express written consent from the respondent.

Company/Organization Name
Phone Number
Email
Short description of production capabilities and how you may be able to help fill COVID-19 shortages

Federal Resources:

The Arizona Commerce Authority’s hub for business resources.

State Resources:

Final Guidance from the Department of Homeland Security on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce:

Defense-Industrial-Base-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workforce Download

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Information Regarding Coronavirus Emergency Loans (y en Español):

Coronavirus-Small-Business-Emergency-Loans Download

Coronavirus-Aid-Spanish Download

Open food banks seeking donations:

Recent Poll of Chamber Members:

The poll above was originally sent out to Chamber members on 3/16/2020, though it will be updated as more results come in.

Recent CBN Stories:

Save Arizona restaurants: order takeoutMarch 30, 2020
Restaurants across the state are fearing financial ruin as the … Read more
UArizona researchers study autonomous technology for smoother traffic flowMarch 26, 2020
University of Arizona researchers are collaborating on a project that … Read more
SBA is here to assist Arizona small businessesMarch 26, 2020
Robert J. Blaney Arizona’s small businesses are the backbone of … Read more

📢Attention #SmallBiz! Do you have less than 500 employees
OR work in the Gig Economy
OR a 1099 worker
OR a 1 person business
OR self-employed
OR independent contractor
OR a small 501(c)3

🚨YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A PAYROLL PROTECTION LOAN!

Find out more @chamberbiznews pic.twitter.com/pFCmiiafLp
— Arizona Chamber (@AZChamber) March 28, 2020

Ham(m)er Time — COVID-19:

Public Affairs Interview with the Director of ADHS, Dr. Cara Christ

In the Arena — How Arizona is Responding:

National Small Business Town Hall presented by Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber of Commerce & Inc.
-With many American small businesses hurting from the effects of the coronavirus crisis, the U.S. government has responded by passing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
– Here are seven important takeaways from these business leaders regarding the CARES Act and how businesses should adapt to these trying times

Governor Ducey Announces Public-Private Partnership To Secure Additional Medical Equipment
Office of the Governor of Arizona
– Governor Doug Ducey announced a new partnership between the state of Arizona, the BSTRONG Initiative partnering with the Global Empowerment Mission, and the Verstandig Foundation to secure up to 1 million N-95 masks and other equipment for Arizona health care professionals
– As part of the partnership, the first 250,000 N-95 masks will be donated by the Verstandig Foundation, with anticipated arrival within 10 days

Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman Announce Childcare for COVID-19 Frontline Network
Office of the Governor of Arizona
– announced a partnership to launch Arizona Enrichment Centers starting next week to offer childcare for the children of first responders, critical healthcare workers, and essential public sector workers, including child safety workers
– “This initiative will offer critical support for the women and men working on the front lines to respond to COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey

COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations
National Association of Manufacturers
– Congress should establish a federal Manufacturing Resiliency Fund of at least $1.4 trillion to provide interest-free
loans to manufacturers impacted
– The SEC should provide additional reporting flexibility for companies impacted by COVID-19

Guidance to Schools: COVID-19
Arizona Department of Education
– the Department is working with federal and state leaders to determine graduation requirements
– public schools across the state are closed until at least March 27th

Public Health Today: Letter from Rebecca Sunenshine, MD
Arizona Public Health Association
– as a result of community spread, every Arizonan in Maricopa County should assume they have had contact with someone with COVID-19
– case counts are soon to skyrocket, but that is no cause for undue panic

Phoenix orders restaurants to close dining rooms, focus on takeout only
Phoenix Business Journal
– Mayor Gallego declared a State of Emergency across Phoenix
– Tucson has also instituted the same measures

Governor Doug Ducey And Superintendent Kathy Hoffman Announce Closure Of Arizona Schools To Address Staffing Shortages And Prioritize Arizona Children
Office of the Governor of Arizona
– school closures across Arizona announced
– K-12 schools closed until March 27th at the earliest

Letter to U.S. Government Leaders from the U.S. Chamber on Coronavirus
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
– calls for suspension of payroll tax temporarily
– calls for expanding loan programs for affected businesses

VERIZON WILL HELP CUSTOMERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES DISRUPTED BY IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS
Verizon Wireless
– company to waive late fees
– accelerates investments into future

FCC RELEASES “KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED PLEDGE”
Federal Communications Commission
– ISP providers have already signed on
– protects Americans’ coverage during pandemic

WATCH: GOVERNOR DUCEY’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING COVID-19 AND HOW ARIZONA IS HANDLING IT
Office of the Governor of Arizona
– Arizona is taking steps now and will keep Arizonans updated
– the Legislature has secured $55 million in emergency funding

COVID-19 WEBINAR FOR SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE
Arizona Department of Health
– stay home when you are sick and practice good hygiene
– pay attention to updates regarding school closures and virus containment

DUCEY SIGNS BILL TO GIVE ARIZONA $55 MILLION TO COMBAT CORONAVIRUS
KTAR
– bill sponsored by Senator Kate Brophy-McGee
– will give public health department large boost to fight the virus and protect Arizonans

J.P. MORGAN GLOBAL MANUFACTURING PMI (CORONAVIRUS UPDATE)
J.P. Morgan
– global manufacturing faces steep decline
– in affected nations, manufacturing employment also impacted

PUBLIC HEALTH TODAY: WHAT’S THE REAL AVERAGE CASE FATALITY RATE FOR PERSONS INFECTED?
Arizona Public Health Association
– finding a universal fatality rate is tough, but it can be approximated
– new studies reveal it sits around 3-4%

QUICK TAKE: CORONAVIRUS’ ECONOMIC IMPACT
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
– the risk to the public is low, but those with underlying conditions are at risk
– its impacts on supply chains and the economy depend on consumer and producer reaction

Questions? Contact Allison Gilbreath at agilbreath@azchamber.com.