The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on our business community.
On Sunday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced he was signing an emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down bars and restaurants and further limit the size of gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak.
The ban is in effect through March 31, and also applies to many other businesses.
There are several resources available to help business who may be struggling with a loss of revenue, or workers facing a loss of hours and wages.
For General Information
Washington State Coronavirus Response webpage. This is a centralized website for all coronavirus-related information from the state of Washington.
Washington State Department of Health. This is the latest health-related information, including the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state.
Governor Inslee's Office. Here you can find the latest announcements from the governor's office.
For Workers
Washington's Employment Security Department. ESD has compiled a worker Q&A about unemployment benefits and other scenarios workers may be facing.
They have also created this chart you can reference to see if your situation qualifies for unemployment benefits.
You can also check if you're eligible for Paid Family & Medical Leave.
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Check with L&I for information about paid sick leave and workers compensation. Workers compensation coverage has been extended to quarantined health workers and first responders.
L&I has also created this FAQ about workers compensation scenarios related to COVID-19.
City of Seattle grocery vouchers. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the city will provide $5 million in grocery vouchers to more than 6,000 Seattle families enrolled in assistance programs.
For Businesses
Small Business Administration The SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses in Washington State that are suffering significant losses because of the pandemic.
You can find more information from the SBA here.
Washington State Department of Commerce. They have has several online small business tools available.
Washington Department of Revenue. DOR is extending the deadline for some business and real estate taxes. The department is also waiving penalties for late renewals of business licenses during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
Seattle Office of Economic Development Business Stabilization Fund. For businesses in the city of Seattle, this is an emergency fund of approximately $1.5 million. Qualifying small businesses can apply for grants up to $10,000.
