For all information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, please see below. Updates will be made as necessary. 

General Information:

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now been detected internationally, including the United States. 

Why is there so much concern about COVID-19?

This is a new virus and the vaccine is still being distrubuted. It will take some time before everyone in the public will be able to receive the vaccine when desired. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

-Fever

-Cough

-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

-Fatigue

-Muscle or body aches

-Headache

-New loss of taste or smell

-Sore throat

-Congestion or runny nose

-Nausea or vomiting

-Diarrhea

 

What type of PPE should school custodial staff wear when they clean the building after a student develops a confirmed case of COVID-19?

The CDC (Center of Disease Control) has developed general environmental cleaning guidance: CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations

I have symptoms similar to COVID-19, should I get tested?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other seasonal illnesses like the flu or cold, so just having symptoms doesn't mean you have the disease. Reach out to your doctor or health care provider is you aren't feeling well for guidance. 

 

There are resources for you or your businesses to assist with government funding, food delivery services or assistance with utilities. Below are helpful resources to utilize if you feel you need any assistance during this time.

Helpful Links and Resources:

Dial 2-1-1 for direct assistance regarding COVID-19

ISU Center for Industrial Research & Service (CIRAS)-How to deal with COVID-19

CIRAS Contacts:

Marc Schneider, 563-221-1596, maschn@iastate.edu

Mike O'Donnell, 515-509-4379, modonnell@iastate.edu

 

 

Shuttered Venue Grant

For those of you interested in the details of the Shuttered Venue Grant, below is a link to the recorded session from the Small Business Administration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&v=PdfQGb6z-gg&feature=youtu.be

 

2nd Draw PPP Loan

SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP Loans the week of January 11, 2021. SBA will begin accepting applications for Second Draw PPP Loans on January 13, 2021. See more details and application at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program/second-draw-ppp-loans

 

CARES Act:

The general Corona Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. We are still learning the details of the programs, but here is a brochure about the new Emergency Loans program within the bill.  Additionally, the DCDC sent out this email on March 30, 2020 regarding the CARES Act. Please contact Angela Rheingans with questions.  

Starting Friday, April 3rd, local lenders will be able to assist businesses with the Federal CARES Act, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that Small Business Administration (SBA) previously approved. The US Chamber shared a great flyer summarize the CARES Act, check it out here.  All of SBA's Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources can be found here. Specifically, learn more about the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) here

 

 

Protecting Your Business

CIRAS Checklist: Protecting Your Business from COVID-19

CIRAS Checklist: Responding to a COVID-19 Exposure

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Home Page

CDC: What you need to know about COVID-19 Fact Sheet

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019

The SBA issued a disaster declaration for the state of Iowa as of March 21, 2020. The declaration allows pandemic-impacted small businesses to apply for low-interest support loans. The declaration comes after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds submitted a federal funding request via the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Applications are available through the SBA’s website: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

We encourage you to reach out to your local financial institution before applying for the above loan. Many of our local lenders have adopted new policies and resources to assist their current customers during this time. Please view them as your partner in navigating the next steps in your business’ financial/loans.

Supply Chain Disruptions

CIRAS Checklist: Supply Chain Disruption Planning

FDA Statement-Coronavirus (COVID-19) Supply Chain Update

Iowa Grain Quality Initiative-Industry Updates

FedEx International Trade Bulletins

DB Shenker Customer Advisory on COVID-19

Trendforce Analysis of COVID-19 Impact on High-Tech Industry

General Resources

US Department of Labor COVID-19 Resources

Community Action of Eastern Iowa-Clinton County

Community Action of Eastern Iowa-Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, and Cedar Counties. More information below on how Community Action of Eastern Iowa has geared up to ensure those that need assistance can receive it. 

John Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard

IATA Travel Ban Update Page

McKinsey & Company-COVID-19: Implications for Business

RaboResearch - Economic research article: Coronavirus: Outbreak of uncertainty

ISU Cancellations and closures

Iowa Workforce Information

Iowa Employers - Voluntary Shared Work Program

Iowa Workers - COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance Questions

Iowa Employers - COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance Questions

Iowa Department of Public Health updates

Additional Resources

Gallup: COVID-19 Strategies and Policies of the World's Largest Companies

COVID-19 Cases in the United States

Travel Notices

Testing in the United States 

Coronavirus Pandemic: Top Questions and Answers for Employers

Videos

Who should get tested? Interview with Dr. Pedati of Iowa Department of Public Health

10 Things you can do to manage COVID-19 at Home

What is Coronavirus 2019?

What older adults need to know

Plan, Don't Panic Webinar from Andy O'Brien

Healthcare Updates for Iowa

Provided is an update on COVID-19 related to healthcare, based on information from the CDC, CMS, Iowa Dept. of Human Services, Iowa Medical Enterprise and private insurers. 

For national information, please refer to the following resources:

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services -FAQ
  • Centers for Disease Control- Resources
    • The CDC has information on protections, best practices, updated COVID-19 cases, and resources for the community and health care providers. 

Iowa Information:

  • Click here for COVID-19 updates from Wellmark
  • DHS-Medicaid
    • Providers-Click here
      • IME instructed Medicaid providers to not conduct any payments from members during this time. 
      • Telehealth-IME is seeking services that Medicaid-covered benefits, including mental and behavioral health benefits, be allowed via telehealth if the services are clinically feasible and appropriate over telehealth. 
        • IME and MCOs are working to make system changes with an effective date of March 13, 2020 and asks for patience with telehealth billing during this state of emergency. 
        • If a provider is a distant site practitioner, then those providers should submit telehealth services claims using the appropriate CPT or HCPCS code. 
        • IME defines originating sites as the location of the Medicaid member at the time service is provided via telecommunications. 
      • DHS provided a list of services available for provider billing. Codes for "established patients" will now be available for any physician who is part of a patient's physician provider group. For a list of available billable services, click here.
    • Members-Click here
      • DHS waives all co-pays, premiums, and contributions during the state of emergency declaration. 
      • Medicaid and HAWK-I members do not have to pay anything for the COVID-19 test and no prior authorization is necessary. 
      • Members have the option to obtain additional medication through one of the following options: override for Early Refill or Change to Days' Supply. 
  • Click here for COVID-19 updates from United Healthcare
    • Cost-sharing is waived
    • 24/7 virtual visits through designated telehealth providers. 
    • Early prescription refill can be requested through your pharmacy is you have an OptumRx pharmacy benefit and need an early prescription refill. 
    • Pharmacy delivery is available through Optum Home Delivery and several retail pharmacies. The member would need to log onto their health plan account and select home delivery,
    • Additionally, UHC members can call UHC's emotional support line at 866-342-6892. This helpline is 24/7 and is free of charge and open to anyone. 
  • Click here for COVID-19 updates from Aetna
    • Offering a $0 copay for telemedicine visits for the next 90 days, until June 4, 2020. Coronaviruses are spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing as well as through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands. Costs will be waived for all telemedicine visits through:
      • Teladoc options through the Aetna Health app
      • Network providers who deliver virtual care, such as live video-conferencing
      • Other virtual care apps or services provided as part of your plan
      • We'll waive your copay for all COVID-19 testing. If you meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for testing and it's requested by your doctor, we'll waive the cost for testing. There may be a cost associated with your doctor visit. 
      • If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, we'll send you a care package to help you recover. It's not chicken soup, but the next best thing. The package also includes resources, personal care items and household supplies to help protect your loved ones from potential exposure in your home. 
      • You won't have to pay a fee for home delivery of prescription medications from CVS pharmacy. Limit your exposure to the virus or avoid passing it around by having your medications (excluding over-the-counter medications) delivered to your home. Plus, we're waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications from CVS pharmacy. 
  • For general information from the Iowa Insurance Division, click here.
  • Click here for COVID-19 information from National General
    • Allow early refills and up to a 90-day supply of member's prescription drugs in the event of hardship related to COVID-19

**Information above subject to change. We will make updates as often as necessary. STAY SAFE!

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