LGBT Chamber Members, we are here with you through these trying and unprecedented times.
Call us, email us, join us for our many informational webinars, we are here for you. We have
compiled a list of resources for your reference.
Latest Updates- January 7, 2022
Austin-Travis County returns to Stage 5 amidst omicron outbreakAPH offering COVID-19 boosters to newly eligible populationsRecord numbers show 1 in 3 tests positive for COVID-19 in Central Texas
COVID-19 Health, Safety, and Resources Austin Public Health Monitoring COVID-19 Delta Variant in Central TexasAs new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge, the latest variant, Delta (B.1.617.2), has now been detected in all 50 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the Delta variant may have higher transmission than the original virus and cause more severe illness and hospitalization for those who are unvaccinated. Austin Public Health is currently working with the state health department to expand testing. Visit the City of Austin’s COVID-19 website for more information about COVID-19 in Austin. For additional information on the Delta variant, visit the State Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention websites. COVID-19 Vaccination for Your Business or Household City of Austin: State of Texas: Federal: COVID-19 Testing City Update on Eviction Protection Order Travis County Emergency Rental Assistance Beware of Scammers |
Overwhelmed? Recent Webinars That Might Help.
Visit the Multi-Media page for informational webinars during the time of Covid-19
- City of Austin: (512) 974-2000 (@austintexasgov)
- Travis County: (512) 854-9020 (@TravisCountyTX)
- Austin Economic Development Department
- Free Business Coaching
- Emergency Planning Resources
- Family Business Loan Program
- Review the Austin Economic Injury Bridge Loan Program Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions about the loan program.
- Visit the Economic Development Department’s Small Business Resource Directory for a list of local, state, federal and community resources. Filter by “Disaster Relief” to find immediate support for your business or non-profit organization impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The City of Austin Economic Development Department Small Business Program provides business training, educational events, and coaching to empower entrepreneurs. SBP is offering virtual online classes and 1-on-1 coaching sessions to small businesses. Visit the Small Business Program website to learn more about our class offering and coaching opportunities.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program loan applications on Monday, April 27 at 9:30AM CST. This federal loan is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Eligible borrowers can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Visit the Small Business Administration website to carefully review PPP regulations and guidance.
- Review the City of Austin’s COVID-19 page for additional resources and updates on the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 if you have questions about local orders related to the City’s COVID-19 response
- Call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Texas website for information on food, health, housing assistance and more.
Clarity for All Austin Construction Projects
STAY HOME – WORK SAFE
ORDER 20200324-007
Supplemental Guidance Based on Executive Order No.GA-14
April 2, 2020
The City of Austin and Travis County have issued a Public Health Order requiring individuals to remain in place at home,with exceptions for essential work and activities. When conducting an allowed activity, people must maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing.
Essential (and some Non-Essential) Businesses
Under the Order, all business must cease operations and remain in place except essential businesses. Essential businesses must comply with social distancing requirements. Essential businesses include:
Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, food banks, convenience stores hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, veterinary offices and other healthcare services.
View this table to help better understand the impact of Orders on specific businesses. These regulations are subject to change and businesses should check back regularly for updates.
Essential businesses must comply with social distancing requirements. This includes retail establishments such as grocery stores, establishing controls that require a minimum of six feet of distance between patrons in lines queuing in front of and inside stores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Relating to COVID-19
For Texas Businesses and Community Economic Development Partners
From The State of Texas:
Our priority is the health and safety of Texas residents, local businesses and communities throughout the state. The Office of the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism staff and our community partners are closely monitoring the situation and following the advice of health officials and government agencies. This is a dynamic situation and we will update this information as we find out about new
resources and hear about new policies devised to help businesses cope during and after this crisis. For additional news and resources regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), go to gov.texas.gov/business/coronavirus.
The 883-page bill, titled the “CARES Act,” includes thousands of dollars in direct payments to most Americans, and huge loan packages designed to help keep small businesses and corporations afloat.
- Direct payments:Americans will receive a one-time direct deposit of up to $1,200, and married couples will get $2,400, plus an additional $500 per child. The payments will be available for incomes up to $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples.
- Use of retirement funds: The bill waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 for coronavirus-related purposes, retroactive to Jan. 1.
- Small businesses: $350 billion is being dedicated to prevent layoffs and business closures while workers have to stay home during the outbreak. Companies with 500 employees or fewer that maintain their payroll during coronavirus can receive up to 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance. If employers maintain payroll, the portion of the loans used for covered payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, rent, and utilities would be forgiven.
- The unemployed: The program’s $250 billion extended unemployment insurance program — “unemployment on steroids,” as Sen. Chuck Schumer calls it — expands eligibility and offers workers an additional $600 per week for four months, on top of what state programs pay. It also extends UI benefits through Dec. 31 for eligible workers. The deal applies to the self-employed, independent contractors and gig economy workers.
- Hospitals and health care:The deal provides over $140 billion in appropriations to support the U.S. health system, $100 billion of which will be injected directly into hospitals. The rest will be dedicated to providing personal and protective equipment for health care workers, testing supplies, increased workforce and training, accelerated Medicare payments, and supporting the CDC, among other health investments.
- Coronavirus testing:All testing and potential vaccines for COVID-19 will be covered at no cost to patients.
- Large corporations:$500 billion will be allotted to provide loans, loan guarantees, and other investments, overseen by a Treasury Department inspector general. These loans will not exceed five years and cannot be forgiven.
- Airlines: will receive $50 billion (of the $500 billion) for passenger air carriers, and $8 billion for cargo air carriers.
- Payroll taxes:The measure allows individuals to delay the payment of their 2020 payroll taxes until 2021 and 2022.
- States and local governments: will get $150 billion, with $8 billion set aside for tribal governments.
- Agriculture:The deal would increase the amount the Agriculture Department can spend on its bailout program from $30 billion to $50 billion
Health Insurance: If you recently lost health insurance due to job loss, spouse’s job loss, or otherwise, you do not have to opt for COBRA. Foundation Communities’ Health Coverage program can help you learn if you qualify for a special enrollment period to enroll in a federally-subsidized Marketplace health insurance plan:
• They are certified to assist any Texas resident; and
• They have phone appointments available.
To schedule a phone appointment, leave a message at (512) 381-4520, email enroll@foundcom.org, or visit foundcom.org/prosper-centers/
- City of Austin: http://www.austintexas.gov/COVID19
- Wilco: Williamson County and Cities Health District (512) 943-3600
Travis County: Texas Health and Human Services: (800) 570-9779 Texas Health and Human Services COVID-19 Local Health Entities & Texas Health and Human Services Printable Materials on COVID-19
Health Insurance: If you recently lost health insurance due to job loss, spouse’s job loss, or otherwise, you do not have to opt for COBRA. Foundation Communities’ Health Coverage program can help you learn if you qualify for a special enrollment period to enroll in a federally-subsidized Marketplace health insurance plan:
• They are certified to assist any Texas resident; and
• They have phone appointments available.
To schedule a phone appointment, leave a message at (512) 381-4520, email enroll@foundcom.org, or visit foundcom.org/prosper-centers/
COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
Please take a moment to let us know how your business is being impacted By Covid-19 to help us best prioritize our efforts for our members. We are working to continue promoting your compaines but will be going above and beyond as we move through this together.
Texas Workforce Commission – Rapid Response
Contact: rapidresponse@wfscapitalarea.com for Travis County rapidresponse@ruralcapital.net for the surrounding counties of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano and Williamson to schedule an information session.
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) – (@TXWorkforce)
- Employees or workers can contact laborinfo@twc.state.tx.us or (800) 832-2829 for questions in regards to Unemployment Benefits Services.
- Employers or businesses can contact employerinfo@twc.state.tx.us or (800) 832-9394 for questions in regards to Unemployment Tax Contact Information.
- Local unemployment offices in Central Texas
- Workforce Solutions Capital Area: (South): (512) 381-4200
- Workforce Solutions Capital Area: (512) 223-5400
- Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area: (Bastrop): (512) 303-3916
- Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area: (Caldwell): (512) 398-3491
- Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area: (Hays): (512) 392-1291
- Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area: (Williamson): (512) 244-2207
- Workforce Solutions Capital Area (North): (512) 454-9675
Small Business Administration
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – (@USDOL)
- Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for Coronavirus: (202) 693-4676
- COVID-19 or Other Public Health Emergencies and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers
- COVID-19 or Other Public Health Emergencies and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – (@SBAgov) Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19: (202) 205-7036
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – (@EPA) Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19
SBA Disaster Recovery Assistance
Join us for the latest information about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. These sessions will cover the basics of the program, how to apply and where you get get additional help with preparing and applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans through the SBA’s website
The information presented on all calls will be the same.
Please join at the date and time best for you.
SBA EIDL Information Webinars
March 26 | 10 am | Skype Call in Link | Conference ID 72234974
March 27 | 2 pm | Skype Call in Link | Conference ID 723165179
March 30 | 10 am | Skype Call in Link | Conference ID 79129946
March 31 | 10 am | Skype Call in Link | Conference ID 26501703 (Spanish)
April 1 | 2 pm | Skype Call in Link | Conference ID 366690258
April 2 | 2 pm | Skype Call in Link | Conference ID 484237430 (Spanish)
April 3 | 10 am | Skype Call in Link | Conference ID 783528154
Join by phone: +1 210-469-4148
FAMILIES FIRST CARONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT DECISION TREE
This guide is likely to be updated frequently and all users are encouraged to reference this page for updates.
Keeping Up With the Coronavirus
News from the desk of Council Member Jimmy Flannigan
CITY OF AUSTIN COVID-19 SITE
City of Austin is updating COVID-19 and Austin Public Health webpages around the clock with the latest news, guidance, and declarations related to topics like sanitation requirements and restrictions on bars & restaurants to bans on social gatherings.
COA COVID-19
Austin Public Health
The sites lay out basic information in clear, easy to understand detail. Stay on top of what’s happening in our city to assuage fears and stay informed.
If you have further questions, please call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. If you feel unwell, please contact your health provider before going to a clinic, urgent care, or ER.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY COVID-19
The Wilco Coronavirus page includes a scroll of links to their news pages and updates. The Williamson Co. & Cities Health District COVID page offers helpful resources for healthcare and food service impact.
TRAVIS COUNTY COVID-19
Click through the Travis County COVID-19 page for the latest updates and resources.
AUNT BERTHA SOCIAL CARE NETWORK
The Aunt Bertha Social Care Network is a national network that connects people with social services and programs — making it easy to find social services in various communities, for nonprofits to coordinate their efforts, and for customers to integrate social care into the work they already do.
• Aunt Bertha has just launched a COVID-19 -specific page, Find Help to link folks to resources to find food assistance, pay bills, and other free or reduced cost programs that help people affected by the pandemic.
HD 136 HELPING SENIORS
The HD 136 Neighbor to Neighbor Seniors Food & Wellness Program has launched and volunteers and donations needed. The program began as a partnership between the offices of TX State Rep John Bucy, our District 6 office, CM Jimmy Flannigan, and Hill Country Community Ministries.
Until full online infrastructure is set, please contact:
• HCCM via their website
• TX Rep Bucy’s office via info on this Facebook post
HEB & FAVOR HELPING SENIORS
H-E-B & Favor #TexansHelpingTexans Effort launched their Senior Support Line See how you can get assistance or support their program:
Seniors can place orders from curated list of essentials via a phone line, the @Favor app, or favordelivery.com/seniors. The line will be staffed with volunteers to accept/process home delivery orders, 9am-1pm. To access, call 1-833-397-0080.
All fees waived for first 30 days, w/ $10 tip for the Favor Runner. Please continue to be patient with these heroic teams as they serve our communities. #TexansHelpingTexans
CAPTIAL METRO COVID-19
• Capital Metro & COVID-19 Updates as schedules modify and change
• MetroRail Red Line Updates and changes
TRAVEL UPDATES ABIA/AUS
Austin Bergstrom International COVID page shares updates on protocol and restrictions
FOOD & SUSTENANCE
Here are a few sites we’ve been tracking for current food information in Central Texas:
• Austin Takeout Tracker
• Austin Department of Transportation Press Release concerning allowing businesses to request street parking to be converted into to-go pickup spaces.
• Central Texas Food Bank Find Food Now page Immediate food relief and assistance
• H-E-B & Favor #TexansHelpingTexans Efforts and Senior Support Line
ECONOMIC IMPACT: RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES
On the WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS site:
• WFS Job Seekers assistance site for workers whose employment has been disrupted by economic changes
On the TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION site:
• Unemployment Benefits To apply, please visit here
More JOB SEARCH sites
• WorkInTexas.com The state’s job search website.
• Capital Area Career Centers They have three centers open with limited staffing to assist the public.
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
North 9001 N IH 35, Ste 110, Austin, TX 78753
East 3401 Webberville Rd, Bldg 1000, Austin, TX 78702
South 6505 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78744
Hiring events at the centers are cancelled until further notice.
ECONOMIC IMPACT: RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
On the COA COVID page:
• COA Information for Businesses, Events & Venues is one of the blue boxes at the top of the page. Click to find workplace recommendations, info on gatherings, an FAQ and more.
• Scroll to the bottom of the COA Community Resources page for posters you can print and post in your place of business on every door
On the WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS site:
• WS Layoff Aversion Support Businesses facing layoff or closure, WS offers proactive, business-focused intervention and layoff aversion support.
• WS Precautions for Employers includes CDC’s recommendations for best practices in worksites that must stay open but also encouraging flexible sick leave situations to support workers while dealing with the crisis
On the TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION for Employers site:
• Sign up for TWC Updates
• TWC Precautions for Employers
MISCELLANEOUS ASSISTANCE
• The COA COVID-19: Community Resources & Available Services page includes resources for individuals experiencing various challenges with info on No Evictions, Childcare, Housing, Utilities, etc.
• Aunt Bertha Social Care Network
• Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
• Austin Spirit Newsletter (for bar and beverages folks)
DOMESTIC PARTNER VIOLENCE SURVIVAL
Local nonprofit Survive2Thrive (founded and managed by District 6 neighbor Courtney Santana) has been working through the crisis to find suitable accommodations for people who cannot count on their home environment for safe shelter.
Control Orders and Emergency Rules
A number of control orders and emergency rules have been introduced mandating specified actions aimed at slowing the spread
and reducing the impact of COVID-19.
Order of Control for Mass Gatherings and Critical Infrastructure (Austin) − March 21, 2020
Order of Control for Mass Gatherings and Critical Infrastructure (Travis County) − March 21, 2020
Executive Order relating to COVID-19 Preparedness and Mitigation (Texas) − March 19, 2020
Order of Control Measures for Healthcare Facilities (Austin) − March 13, 2020
Resolution to Ratify Declaration of Local State of Disaster (Austin) − March 12, 2020
Order of Control Measures for nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities (Austin) − March 11, 2020
Recent News
Updated 5/7/2020
Review the Austin Economic Injury Bridge Loan Program Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions about the loan program.
Visit the Economic Development Department’s Small Business Resource Directory for a list of local, state, federal and community resources. Filter by “Disaster Relief” to find immediate support for your business or non-profit organization impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City of Austin Economic Development Department Small Business Program provides business training, educational events, and coaching to empower entrepreneurs. SBP is offering virtual online classes and 1-on-1 coaching sessions to small businesses. Visit the Small Business Program website to learn more about our class offering and coaching opportunities.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program loan applications on Monday, April 27 at 9:30AM CST. This federal loan is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Eligible borrowers can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Visit the Small Business Administration website to carefully review PPP regulations and guidance.
Review the City of Austin’s COVID-19 page for additional resources and updates on the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 if you have questions about local orders related to the City’s COVID-19 response
Call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Texas website for information on food, health, housing assistance and more.
Released 4/1/2020
City of Austin Shelter in Place Official Order March 24, 2020
New Order Strongly Recommends Critical Infrastructure Facility Requirements – March 21, 2020
COVID-19: Small Businesses Can Apply for up to $2M in Federal Disaster Assistance Loans – March 21, 2020
New Orders to Align COVID-19 Restrictions Statewide – March 20, 2020
Individuals Urged to Monitor Health and Take Temperature to Protect Community from COVID-19 – March 20, 2020
Austin Transportation facilitates food pick-ups amid COVID-19 dine-in closures − March 19, 2020
Austin-Travis County Ramps Up COVID-19 Testing Capacity − March 18, 2020
Austin-Travis County Offers Help for Residents and Businesses During COVID-19 Outbreak − March 17, 2020
Fight to Contain COVID-19 Stepped Up with Temporary Restrictions on Restaurants and Bars − March 17, 2020
Modifications to City operations due to COVID-19 − March 15, 2020
Gatherings of 250+ People Banned to Help Tackle COVID-19 − March 14, 2020
New Advice for Individuals Aware of Contact with COVID-19 Cases − March 14, 2020
Organizers Urged to Cancel Events and Restaurants Mandated to Boost Sanitation to Help Prevent Spread of COVID-19 − March 13, 2020
Austin two positive cases of COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County News Conference − March 13, 2020
Two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County − March 13, 2020
City of Austin Utilities suspends disconnects amid COVID-19 − March 13, 2020
Control Order Issued to Combat Spread of COVID-19 among Vulnerable Populations − March 11, 2020
COVID-19 Update: Special events in Austin-Travis County − March 9, 2020
Previous Orders
Order of Control for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings (Austin) – March 20, 2020
Order of Control for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings (Travis County) – March 20, 2020
Executive Order relating to COVID-19 Preparedness and Mitigation (Texas) – March 19, 2020
Order of Control for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings (Austin) − March 17, 2020
Order of Control for Mass and Community Gatherings (Austin) − March 15, 2020
Order of Control for Mass and Community Gatherings (Travis County) − March 15, 2020
Food Establishment Rules (Austin)− March 13, 2020
City of Austin local state of disaster / Travis County local state of disaster − March 6, 2020