COVID-19 Update October 20, 2020

  • News

New Orleans Mayor Cantrell led the city into Phase 3.2 over the weekend, easing restrictions for live entertainment, bars with/without LDH food permits, and outdoor stadiums/arenas. On Sunday, Caddo Parish reported 117 new cases for Saturday and Sunday, the highest number in the state. Jefferson Parish had the second-highest number, with 92 new cases. East Baton Rouge and Bossier parishes followed with 76 and 73 new cases, respectively. So far, there’s no clear evidence that COVID-19 is any worse because of the recent hurricanes, although experts say such a trend might not be immediately obvious. Hurricane victims have been instructed to return to their hometowns so that the government can assess the needs long-term.

The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, has issued a new FAQ document that addresses the new simplified PPP loan forgiveness application. For those loans amounting to less than $50k, you have 10 months from the end of your prescribed loan period (either 8 weeks or 24 weeks) to turn in your application to your bank. Missing the deadline would mean that you would have to start paying back the loan plus interest. NAPEO has put together a few slides that goes through the processes and documentation required for this new application. The presentation recording may be shared upon request.

Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clarified some of the COVID-19 reporting obligations, especially in regard to time frames and triggered exposure.

Although all marijuana use is still illegal under federal law, 33 states currently allow medical use, and 11 of those states and Washington, D.C., also allow recreational use. On Election Day, voters in five states will decide whether to approve medical or recreational use of the drug, including: Mississippi, Arizona, New Jersey, and South Dakota. This is especially important for employers, who need policies in place that protect the business. Please let us know if Delta can help with compliance and/or liability measures.

According to a 2019 survey by Willis Towers Watson, nearly 40 percent of U.S. workers live paycheck to paycheck, worried about covering unexpected bills and saving for retirement. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the sense of financial insecurity, and nearly 7 out of 10 Americans have said their household income has been negatively affected this year. SHRM recommends that employers offer financial wellness programs that comprehensively and systematically address employees’ financial fitness. If you are a Delta client, you might have heard about our FINFIT offering, which helps employees stay on track budgeting-wise, as well as some other great features. There is no better time to get your personal finances in line, and people need reassuring.

Lastly, don’t forget to tune into the next vlog episode of Dialed in with Delta, where our expert panelists will be advising on how to work from home the right way, covering everything from health to technology. Please register here and mark your calendars for 10am on October 29!

Back To Top
Search