COVID-19 Business/Employee Guidance

This tab contains resources to help businesses safely and responsibly reopen, distribute messaging, apply for economic relief, assist employers and workers with workforce development opportunities, unemployment resources, and travel guidance.

Lucas County Open for Business

• • MOST RECENT GUIDANCE UPDATE 5-7-20:
    • Lucas County Open for Business Guidance (5-7-20) / Zip File (5-12-20)
      • NOTE: The employer process to notify the Health Department of a positive employee has changed. To report a positive employee and initiate contacting tracing with the Health Department, employers should use the HIPAA secure form to provide details on their positive employee:
        • REPORTING LINK: http://www.tinyurl.com/LCReportCovid
      • This guidance contains information and resources to help businesses of all sizes and from all sectors reopen responsibly to protect their customers and employees.
      • The Zip File includes additional guidance and handout resources for use in local businesses and offices.
      • (List of  Guidance Updates 5-7-20)  /  (List of Zip File Resources 5-12-20)
  • Supplemental Guidance:
    • Ability Center's ADA Guidelines
    • Preventing Illness by Legionella: Building Reopening Water Systems Handout (5-7-20)
      •  As Lucas County prepares to open for business, water systems that have not been in use could be at increased risk for Legionella and other bacteria that cause illness.
    • Media Advisory: May 12 Lucas County Restaurant Re-Opening Support and Guidance 

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• Ohio Department of Health Responsible Restart
  • Responsible Restart Ohio Website
  • Sector Specific Operating Requirements
  • ODH Responsible Protocols
  • Ohio COVID-19 Continued Closures

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• Chamber of Commerce Resources
  • Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce  (419-243-8191)
    • Business Resources
    • Small Business Development Center
      • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Information
      • SBA Loan Criteria & Process   /   Online Application
    • Business Reboot Roundtable: Restaurants & Bars 5-13-20
    • Business Reboot Roundtable: Salons 5-13-20
  • Great Lakes Marketing Research: Rebounding from COVID-19
    • This survey gives insight into consumer confidence prior to Ohio businesses reopening. Another survey is planned towards the end of May to see how consumer confidence has changed. 

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• Ohio Restaurant Association (Website)
  • The Ohio Restaurant Promise
  • Employer Resources: PPE Supplies
  • ServSafe® Training Modules
    • Free ServSafe Food Handler Training
    • Free Career Development Training
    • Free Hospitality Career Training
    • Reopening Guidance and Takeout & Delivery COVID-19 Precautions Modules
      • Offered in both English & Spanish, ServSafe has developed 3 FREE on-demand training videos to assist operators in training their staff in appropriate COVID-19 precautions hygiene and sanitation practices.

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Other Business Community Resources

• Employer Interim Guidance Letter
  • English  /  Spanish
• Visitor's Sign
  • English  /  Spanish
• Handwashing Steps Poster
  • English  /  Spanish
• Stop the Spread of Germs Poster
  • English  /  Spanish  /  Chinese
• Migrant  Worker Guidance
  • English  /   Spanish

State Resources for Economic Support

• Visit the Resources for Economic Support website for individual and family, and small businesses & nonprofits.

• Lucas County Jobs & Family Services
  • JFS Public Assistance Benefits & SNAP Benefits Press Release 3/24/20
    • SNAP re-certifications have been suspended for the months of March, April, and May and benefits set to be redetermined during that period will be extended for 6 months.
    • The re-determination phone line has been closed because re-determination is not necessary at this time.
    • SNAP recipients are asked to use benefits.ohio.gov to check the status of their case or call 1-844-640-6446 if they have specific questions related to a non-SNAP case.
  • SNAP/TANF Frequently Asked Questions

• Workforce Development Needs
  • OhioMeansJobs is still open to offer workers assistance by phone, email, or online.
  • Aid is still available to companies who need aid recruiting workers, managing potential reductions in workforce, and planned for the weeks ahead.
  • Employers: call 419-213-3300 or email tforeman@co.lucas.oh.us with a brief explanation of the needed assistance.
  • Individuals: may call OhioMeansJobs at 419-213-JOBS (5627) or go online by visiting www.OhioMeansJobs.com where they can search and apply for jobs, create a resume and explore the various services available.

• Unemployment Benefits
  • Governor DeWine announced changes to Ohio Unemployment Benefits to clarify that individuals who are quarantined are considered unemployed (Executive Order 2020-03D)
  • Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
    • Visit the link above for information on the application process a Q & A.
    • Form employers can distribute to staff to expedite claim process: (FORM)

• County Employees 
  • The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefit can help you access a counselor for no-cost, confidential, solution-focused support. (MARCH NEWSLETTER)
    • Appointments are scheduled with convenient options: in-person, telephonic, and online video.
    • 24/7 crisis support. 419-475-5338 or 800-422-5338

TRAVEL GUIDANCE AND SAFETY

• Employees who have traveled recently should consult CDC: Travel Guidance.
  • Stay home for 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice Countries) and practice social distancing.
• Considerations for Travel in the U.S.
  • Travelers to U.S. states or non-level 3 countries should still exercise caution but may return to work if illness and symptom free.
  • Call the COVID-19 Call Lines with any medical questions and refer to the Community Guidance tab to determine if symptoms might require self-quarantine. 
• CDC: Travel FAQ