The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please visit www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info for the latest numbers on Washington County’s COVID-19 dashboard.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Latest Return to Learn Update includes information about distance learning schedules, athletics, and our WCPS meal sites.

Read more at: https://www.smore.com/9r2gt.

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Visit www.washcorises.net for constantly updated resources and information to help you reopen your business.

Washington County Back to Business Posters – As businesses continue to reopen in Washington County, local business owners are encouraged to print out the documents below and post on your door or storefront. This will let customers know your business is taking precautions for them to receive the best service while maintaining health and safety standards. Click the graphics below to download and print.

Help Us Continue on Our Path to Reopen Washington County – Please ensure your business and customers continue to follow the recommended CDC guidelines as we reopen businesses and other activities across Washington County. Wearing masks inside, social distancing, regular hand washing, and expanded cleaning is still a critical part of keeping infection rates low – IT IS ALSO STATE LAW. By taking on these minor inconveniences, we can prevent a spike in infections which could force officials to slow down or even reverse the reopening process. The coronavirus has not gone away and we must stay vigilant until a vaccine is created. We all have a responsibility to do our part to help our economy reopen so that our many local businesses can survive and provide jobs for our citizens.

CHAMBER SURVEY: TELL US HOW YOU ARE DOING AND WHAT YOU NEED

As businesses and nonprofits continue to reopen and adjust to operating in the current coronavirus environment, we want to know how you are doing, as well as what support and services you may need. Our goal is to help you receive the support you need and to address the problems you are currently facing. We will use the information we receive to advocate on your behalf with our local, state, and federal officials. Please take just a few minutes now to complete this short 5-question survey created by the Washington Co. Chamber of Commerce – CLICK HERE. By doing so, it will help us to help you.

Attention Employers:

Maryland Commerce Department Announces Additional Loan Program: MSBDFA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund

A new low-interest loan program is now available to small businesses throughout Maryland that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Hogan recently announced that an additional $50 million was allocated for small businesses in need. Specifically, $5 million is being designated to Maryland Commerce’s MSBDFA – or the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority – which promotes the viability and expansion of businesses owned by economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The new MSBDFA Program – COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund provides emergency financial relief to eligible businesses that have experienced economic hardship due to the ongoing pandemic with low-interest rates and low-documentation loans. Five-year term loans ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 will be available with an interest rate of zero percent for the first 12 months and two percent for the remaining term of the loan. The state program is managed by a private contractor, Meridian Management Group, who will be processing applications on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about the new program, find eligibility criteria, or apply for a loan, visit the MMG website.

The Federal Government approved extending the deadline to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to August 8, 2020.

Treasury and the SBA have issued more than 50 guidance documents and 20 regulations to answer the flood of PPP questions as well as a “Frequently Asked Questions” Document. The PPP Flexibility Act of 2020 allows for PPP borrowers to (a) defer payroll taxes; (b) extend use of PPP funds to 24-weeks; (c) benefit from a 5-year loan term; and (d) gain flexibility by lowering the percentage of loan proceeds that must be spent on payroll to 60%.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has produced a Forgiveness Guide, produced a “Forgiveness in 15 Minutes” video, and is partnering with AICPA to promote a free PPP forgiveness calculator. The rules around forgiveness continue to change. We encourage you to talk with the bank who processed your PPP loan regarding your forgiveness application.