The Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce understands that you have questions and concerns regarding the rapidly-changing information and critical official updates that may affect your business or personal lives caused by COVID-19. We are committed to helping you prepare, plan, and manage your daily activities through the uncertainty sparked by the Corona Virus, which impacts everyone.
Below are website links to help provide you with important information as we all navigate through these difficult times:
Important Links:
- COVID-19 Resources & Information from the NC State Extension about Agriculture and Farming
- CDC Information and Resources for Businesses and Employers
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html
- COVID-19: Businesses and Employers
- NC Updates on COVID-19
- Turn to these sources for reliable information:
- NC Department of Health and Human Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- NC Emergency Management
- Your local health department
- If you have specific questions or concerns related to coronavirus, dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 for more information. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
- Unemployment Information for North Carolina
https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information
- COVID-19 Response From Franklin County North Carolina
https://www.franklincountync.us/alerts/corona-virus-covid-19-joint-information-center
- The Franklin County Health Department Opened the:
Franklin County Corona Virus & COVID-19 Joint Information Center (JIC) Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm (919) 496 – 8113 Franklin-County-Specific Virus Information. Franklin County residents may also choose to email their questions/concerns to CoronaVirus@franklincountync.us
If this is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Testing is available at hospitals, urgent cares, and at primary care offices. Please CALL AHEAD if you have symptoms and follow their instructions. You can also get Coronavirus information by calling poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
- North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans for Small Businesses
NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending Program [r20.rs6.net]
Personal Protection Measures:
In order to slow the virus’s spread, everyone should practice personal protection and enhanced cleaning measures to ensure you and your loved-ones remain safe:
- avoid touching your face (including eyes, mouth, nose and ears);
- Wash your hands frequently & thoroughly (front & back) with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds AND if available, use hand sanitizers frequently;
- cough/sneeze into your elbow/arm, and avoid any physical contact greetings (i.e. no handshakes etc.);
- avoid others if you’re sick;
- If you’re sick, stay home from work/school and don’t visit anyone (especially older adults, children and those with chronic health conditions).
- If over the age of 65 and/or suffering from a chronic health condition, avoid large public gatherings (issued by CDC on 3-7-19);
- Avoid being closer than 6 feet (or 3 feet at a minimum) for longer than 10 minutes with anyone, especially those who may be ill.
- At Home and at work, make sure you practice enhanced cleaning and personal protection protocols, as is normal practice for this time of year (given its peak flu season)
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist that simplifies the information included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Download the PDF to learn if you are eligible, what lenders will be looking for, how much you can borrow, and more. We also invite you to join us for a free webinar on Tuesday, March 31, at 2:00 pm. Patrick Rodriguez, SBA senior area manager, will provide information on what resources the SBA can provide to North Carolina small businesses, and give a high-level overview of the SBA disaster loan program. During the Q&A, he will answer any questions you have.
