Chamber News

Coronavirus Information from the CDC and the PA, U.S. Chambers

COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance Program

(posted June 30, 2020)

The COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program opened today at 9:00 A.M.

The application will remain live for 10 BUSINESS days and will close on July 14, 2020.

Link for MetroAction: Click Here

Additional Information: Click Here

Webinar presentation on qualifications and additional information: Click Here

If additional assistance is needed, please call 866-899-6828. Representatives are available from 8 AM to 8 PM EST (Monday – Friday). Please note: Representatives will not be available on July 3, 2020 in observance of Independence Day.

Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund Established to Help Small Businesses

(posted June 24, 2020)

We are Pennsylvanians helping Pennsylvanians.

The COVID-19 crisis has put millions of small business jobs at risk impacting millions of families across our Commonwealth.

The nonprofit Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund was launched by Jeff Bartos, Richard Phillips and Roger Braunfeld. Working with other business leaders throughout the Commonwealth, the Fund’s goal is to help save as many Pennsylvania jobs as possible while small businesses await recently approved federal funding.

Pennsylvania businesses that qualify for assistance from the Fund are:

Small businesses that employ three to 30 people;

Based in Pennsylvania and have been operating for at least one year;

Owned and operated by a Pennsylvania resident.

The funds dispersed to small businesses by the Pennsylvania 30 Day fund do not need to be repaid. If businesses who receive the Fund’s assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward” to another Pennsylvania small business in need of assistance, they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund, which will disburse the funding to another Pennsylvania business in need.

For more information or to apply, visit the Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund website.

Luzerne County Ready Informational Webinar for Businesses Happening Friday

(posted May 28, 2020)

The Luzerne County Ready Pledge was launched early this week, to communicate a commitment made by businesses of all sizes to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their employees and customers. Now, an informational webinar is now being presented this Friday, May 29^th from 10:15 am to 11 am via Zoom.

Attendees will learn more about the Luzerne County Ready initiative and how to prepare your business and access the resources necessary to safely reopen. In addition, they will hear from industry experts on the essential information in you need to know.

“Our Luzerne County economy is ready to be restarted and Luzerne County Ready is a key part in that! This is a one-stop location for our businesses to show we are ready to responsibly and safely reopen and I ask each of our thousands of businesses to take advantage of it.” explains C. David Pedri, Esq., Luzerne County Manager.

“The four areas of focus for the webinar include: healthcare, law, insurance and sanitation. The question and answer session, at the end of the webinar is meant to assist businesses with the transition. We understand it has been stressful, and we are looking at ways to make it a smooth transition for the businesses in Luzerne County” states Mary Malone, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce President.

This webinar is FREE and open to the community. Panelists include: Dave Pedri - Luzerne County Manager; Representatives from Geisinger and Lehigh Valley Health Network; Lew Dryfoos, III – OneGroup Dryfoos Insurance; Keiran Casey - Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald and Michele Dempsey – DXDempsey.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Luzerne County Announces COVID-19 Business Reopen Strategy

(posted May 27, 2020)

The Luzerne County Ready Pledge was launched to communicate a commitment made by businesses of all sizes to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their employees and customers. Being Luzerne County Ready means that all federal, state, and local public health guidelines are being followed at any location with the Luzerne County Ready designation, which can be identified by printed and digital signage. These guidelines include following proper social distancing, sanitation, and cleaning protocols, and will enable our community to continue to be a great place to live, work, and play. Local businesses can walk through the steps needed to become Luzerne County Ready online at luzernecountyready.org.

These steps represent the actions you must take as a business to participate in the Luzerne County Ready Pledge, including: agreeing that you have read and will abide by all County, State & Federal, CDC & OSHA guidelines; locating and obtaining all necessary Personal Protective Equipment to ensure guidelines are being strictly enforced for utmost safety; and completing the checklist and submission of your pledge that you are Luzerne County ready for both your employees and customers.

Visit the website and take the pledge here.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton COVID-Safe Care Resource Guide

(posted May 22, 2020)

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton has published a COVID-Safe Care Resource Guide on its website with information focusing on reopening and staying safe. Click here to view the COVID-Safe Care Resource Guide.

COVID-19 Reminders from Luzerne County and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton

(posted May 20, 2020)

Luzerne County Manager David Pedri reminds residents that Friday, May 29 will be the final day of testing at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.

Addtionally, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton released some reminders for area residents as we approach the Memorial Day holiday.

"Memorial Day is less than one week away. The pandemic will make the holiday different this year. We will be tempted to get together with family and friends at cookouts and parties. However, we must continue to be COVID SMART. We have “flattened the curve” and the number of positive COVID cases is decreasing, but it’s vitally important that we stay focused on practicing social distancing (even with family that does not live with you), hand washing, wearing a mask and staying home when sick. Your diligence is making a difference in our community. As we celebrate the unofficial start of summer, let’s do so smartly so that we can celebrate future holidays the best way… together."

Tips for Reopening a Business in Luzerne County

(posted May 18, 2020)

The Small Business Development Center at Wilkes University released a resource guide for Luzerne County businesses with tips they can follow as businesses prepare to reopen once Luzerne County reaches the yellow and green phases.

Click here to read the resource guide for more information.

Protective Masks Available for Sale at a Discount for Chamber Members

(posted May 12, 2020)

Protective masks are available for sale and Chamber members will receive a 10 percent discount. The cost is $25 for one box of 10 masks or $40 for a box of 50 masks. For more information or to place an order, call Sunny at (732) 921-7339.

Local Task Force Organizes Donor Campaign to Help Small Business

(posted May 11, 2020)

The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Hazleton Alliance are working with the Greater Hazleton Civic Partnership and other members of the Greater Hazleton COVID-19 Recovery & Resiliency (R&R) Task Force to establish the Small Business Emergency Relief Microgrant Program.

This is a crowdfunded donor campaign with a goal of raising $75,000 from local individuals, families, loyal customers, and other private corporations. This approach taps into the collective support of a large pool of donors—with opportunities for donations to be made via online platforms.

All funds raised will be dedicated towards a MicroGrant program for local, small businesses within the Greater Hazleton Area that have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anyone interested in donating to the campaign can do so online via the website: https://www.patronicity.com/hazletonsmallbusiness, or by sending a check directly to the Greater Hazleton Civic Partnership at 8 W. Broad St., Suite M-1490, Hazleton PA, 18201. A printable pledge form is available on the Alliance’s website: www.downtownhazleton.org. All donations are tax-deductable.

The MicroGrant program guidelines are under development, and applications will start being accepted on May 18^th, with at least two grant rounds being awarded. The number and size of the grants will depend upon the amount of funds raised.

Click here to read the complete press release on the microgrant program and read some results from the recent small business survey and subsequent plans.

Guidance for Businesses Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees and the Public

(posted May 5, 2020)

Although Luzerne County is still in the Red Phase and under heavier stay-at-home restrictions, Governor Wolf's office has issued guidelines counties will need to follow as they move from the Red Phase to the Yellow and Green phases.

Click here to read the COVID-19 Business Guidance document.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center Seeking Plasma Donations

(posted April 30, 2020)

Miller-Keystone Blood Center is seeking plasma donations from those who have recovered from the coronavirus. The plasma that contains the antibodies from those that have recovered, are being used to treat patients that are hospitalized with the virus.

Click here to read a letter from MKBC President and CEO Peter Castagna.

Click her to view the Miller-Keystone Blood Center PSA.

Mental Health Support and Referral Helplines

(posted April 28, 2020)

The Hazleton Area School District has provided contact information for a variety of local, national and school-based mental health service providers to help anyone who is feeling scared, overwhelmed or anxious during the COVID-19 crisis.

Click here for the Support and Referral Helpline List in English.

El Distrito Escolar del Área de Hazleton ha proporcionado información de contacto para una variedad de proveedores de servicios de salud mental locales, nacionales y escolares para ayudar a cualquiera que se sienta asustado, abrumado o ansioso durante la crisis de COVID-19.

Haga clic aquí para ver la Lista de Asistencia y Referencias en Espanol.

Miller Keystone Blood Center's Convalescent Plasma Program

(posted April 27, 2020)

Wolf Administration Issues Guidance as Construction Industry Prepares to Resume Work May 1

(posted April 24, 2020)

As the construction industry prepares to resume work, the Wolf Administration today issued guidance for all construction businesses and employees to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

All businesses in the construction industry in the commonwealth are permitted to resume in-person operations starting Friday, May 1 – one week earlier than previously announced.

Previously, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine ordered most construction projects to cease unless they were supporting life-sustaining businesses or activities or were granted an exemption to perform or support life-sustaining activities.

“My administration has taken measured, aggressive steps to protect public health and safety, including strictly limiting the types of businesses and projects that may continue to operate during this unprecedented time,” Wolf said. “Thankfully, these actions are working, and we are flattening the curve. As we start to take steps to reopen the state, we recognize that the construction industry is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy and may operate safely with stringent guidance in place that will protect employees and the public.”

The guidance, developed from guidance created by the General Contractors Association of Pennsylvania, provides universal protocols for all construction activity, as well as specific additional guidance for residential, commercial and public construction projects.

All business and employees in the construction industry must adhere to the Secretary of Health’s order providing for business safety measures, which requires that every person present at a work site wear masks/face coverings unless they are unable for medical or safety reasons and requires that businesses establish protocols upon discovery that the business has been exposed to a person who is a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19.

All construction projects must maintain proper social distancing and provide hand washing and sanitizing stations for workers, as well as cleaning and sanitizing protocols for high risk transmission areas. Businesses must identify a “pandemic safety officer” for each project or work site, or, for large scale construction projects, for each contractor at the site.

Residential construction projects may not permit more than four individuals on the job site at any time, not including individuals who require temporary access to the site and are not directly engaged in the construction activity.

For non-residential or commercial projects, the number of individuals permitted on enclosed portions of a project varies depending on the size of the enclosed site. Commercial construction firms should also strongly consider establishing a written safety plan for each work location containing site specific details for the implementation of this guidance to be shared with all employees and implemented and enforced by the pandemic safety officer.

Contractors performing work at the direction of the commonwealth, municipalities or school districts should defer to those public entities to determine what projects may continue.

Local governments may elect to impose more stringent requirements than those contained in the guidance and in such instances, businesses must adhere to those more stringent requirements.

Local officials have been tasked with ensuring that construction businesses are aware that this guidance exists and notifying businesses that a complaint of noncompliance was received.

Businesses that have questions about whether this guidance applies to them may email the Department of Labor and Industry at .

Click here to read the complete Construction Industry Guidance document.

Drive-thru Testing Site at Mohegan Sun Arena Now Open

(posted April 23, 2020)

More COVID-19 testing is now available to residents of Northeast Pennsylvania.

The state Department of Health announced on April 22 that a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. will be open to all symptomatic residents.

The site will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration is required one day in advance and can be done online at the department’s website -- health.pa.gov.

In addition, state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said phone registration for testing at the site is available by calling the Department of Health's phone number, 1-877-724-3258.

"Our professionals answering the phone will be able to schedule them to get that test at that site," Levine said. "So we're very pleased to add that; it's very important.”

Also, as a reminder, if you have a concern about COVID-19 related to a business or residential facility, you may confidentially submit your concern using this link: Submit a Concern.

This service is made available by the COVID-19 Regional Code Enforcement Partnership to ensure the safety and well being of our residents during this pandemic.

Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress COVID-19 Impact: Small Business Owner Survey

(posted April 21, 2020)

The Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress is leading the Greater Hazleton COVID-19 Recovery & Resiliency (R&R) Task Force, a sub-committee of the Greater Hazleton COVID-19 Task Force spearheaded by the Chamber.

We are working with local economic and workforce development partners, educational institutions, and representatives from other organizations and local businesses to help coordinate small businesses recovery efforts and identify new initiatives and programs that will help them rebound.

Please click on the link below and take the survey to help us better understand local business' ability to withstand what may be several months of suppressed revenue, and what kinds of support initiatives and recovery programs will have the most impact. THE SURVEY WILL CLOSE APRIL 30 AT 5PM.

If you have additional questions or would like more information, feel free to contact Krista Schneider, DHAP Executive Director at or 570-578-5903, or Fermin Diaz, DHAP Main Street Program Coordinator at or 570-599-9670. Please start the 25-question survey now by clicking on the button below (it should take 10 minutes of your time). The survey is available in both English and Spanish.

Click here to take the Small Business Owner Survey.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Releases Guide to Help Tens of Millions of Independent Contractors Secure CARES Act Funding

(posted April 20, 2020)

The U.S. Chamber released a useful guide for independent contractors and self-employed individuals to help them access assistance under the Federal CARES Act. This includes loans through the Paycheck Protection Program and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, as well as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Click here to read the complete Federal CARES Act guide.

Van Hoekelen Greenhouses, Inc. Selling Hand Sanitizer

(posted April 20, 2020)

Van Hoekelen Greenhouses, Inc. is offering 4oz personal hand sanitizer bottles to those in Greater Hazleton.

The hand sanitizer is made from the best quality aloe and tea tree oil and contains 75% alcohol by volume. The ingredients are: ethyl alcohol, aqua, propylene glycol, hydroxyethylcellulose,tocopherols, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract, Melaleuca alternifolia (teatree) oil, and sodium hyaluronate.

Free delivery is available on orders of 10 or more cases. Pick up is available for orders under 10 cases.

To place an order, please email: .

For more information, please call 570-582-0006.

Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Directing Public Health Safety Measures for Businesses Permitted to Maintain In-person Operations

(posted April 16, 2020)

Recognizing that certain life-sustaining businesses in the Commonwealth must remain open despite the need for strong mitigation to slow the spread of the virus, Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health, is ordering certain actions to be taken by employers and their employees to protect their health and lives, the health and lives of their families, and the health and lives of the residents of the Commonwealth who depend upon their services. Special consideration is required to protect not only customers, but the workers needed to run and operate these establishments.

Click here to read the complete Order from the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

PA Manufacturer Offering Free Floor Stickers to Help Customers Practice Physical Distancing

(posted April 15, 2020)

As efforts continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19, many consumers are still not practicing physical distancing. One manufacturer is trying to help enforce compliance by offering free floor stickers to remind people to do their part to flatten the curve.

National news sources continue to report that customers are not following recommended guidelines to have one person do the shopping, only touch what you intend to purchase, wear personal protective equipment (such as masks and gloves), and observe physical distancing of at least six feet from others.

Brian Vnuk of Brand Graphic Solutions, a family-owned, Pennsylvania-based company that manufactures floor stickers, signage, and other products talked about the rationale behind the offer. “We keep hearing stories from our clients about customers’ lack of compliance with public health recommendations, and offering free floor stickers is something we can do to help. Our hope is that these visual reminders for physical distancing will help protect the stores’ customers and employees while minimizing exposure to the novel coronavirus,” he stated.

Representatives of interested companies are asked to contact Brand Graphic Solutions at 570-779-4343 to request free floor stickers. Brand Graphic Solutions will ship packets of 50 stickers per store, while supplies last. Stickers will be shipped via overnight carriers for immediate use.

Founded in 1994, Brand Graphic Solutions offers creative solutions in the areas of corporate branding, retail signage, trade show displays, corporate apparel and promotional products for national clients.

GIANT Company announces grant for food-based businesses

(posted April 13, 2020)

In partnership with Team Pennsylvania, The GIANT Company has provided $250,000 in funding for an emergency grant program to support farms, processors, and other small food businesses in Pennsylvania’s food supply chain impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant is open for applications beginning April 10, 2020 through April 24, 2020.

More information about how to apply can be found here: https://teampa.com/giant-ag-grants/

Mountain Council of Governments announces COVID-19 Regional Code Enforcement Partnership

(posted April 9, 2020)

The Mountain Council of Governments, in partnership with State Senator John Yudichak and the Lower South Valley Council of Governments, announced the formation of the COVID-19 Regional Code Enforcement Partnership to raise awareness of state and federal guidelines life-sustaining businesses must follow to maintain the cleanliness of their facilities during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

For more information:

Click here to read a Press Release from Senator John Yudichak.

Click here to read a Letter from the Mountain Council of Governments.

Click here to read a Letter from the Department of Health.

Visit: https://www.lowersouthvalleycog.com/covid-resources.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal

(posted April 8, 2020)

Pennsylvania needs critical medical supplies.

To fulfill this need, the departments of Community and Economic Development, Health, General Services, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency have developed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal (the “Portal”) to source the most needed medical supplies.

The Portal is for manufacturers, distributors and other suppliers to inform us of supplies available for purchase and will allow us to more quickly and efficiently procure these supplies for hospitals and medical facilities across Pennsylvania.

Click here for more information: Commonwealth of PA Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal.

Society for Human Resource Management releases Expanded FMLA information

(posted April 8, 2020)

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). The law is effective April 1, 2020 and expires on December 31, 2020. Click here for to read the Expanded FMLA FAQ sheet.

Lehigh Valley Health Network Secure Patient Portal

(posted April 7, 2020)

Lehigh Valley Health Network offers MyLVHN, a secure patient portal. MyLVHN is a free, secure, easy-to-use patient website that connects you with your medical record or the medical record of someone you care for, such as your child or a relative. For more information click here to access the MyLVHN Patient Portal PDF.

Lehigh Valley Health Network Portal Seguro para Pacientes

(posted April 7, 2020)

MyLVHN es un sitio web gratuito, seguro y fácil de usar para el paciente que lo conecta con su registro médico o el registro médico de alguien que usted cuida, como su hijo o un familiar. Para obtener más información, haga clic aquí para acceder al PDF del portal del paciente MyLVHN.

Gov. Wolf: Health Sec. Signs Order Providing Building Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19

(posted April 6, 2020)

Under her authority as Secretary of the Department of Health to take any disease control measure appropriate to protect the public from the spread of infectious disease, Dr. Rachel Levine today signed an order providing direction for maintaining and cleaning buildings for businesses authorized to maintain in-person operations under her and the governor’s life-sustaining business orders announced March 19.

Click here to read the complete Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of HealthDirecting Building Safety Measures.

Emergency Proclamation from Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat

(posted April 3, 2020)

Effective April 3, 2020, Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat has signed an emergency proclamation amending his original proclamation from March 30, 2020, furthering the City of Hazleton's efforts to address the public health emergency related to the potential spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to read the complete City of Hazleton Emergency Proclamation.

U.S. Small Business Administration EIDL UPDATE: NEW LINK

(posted April 3, 2020)

If you applied for EIDL on or before 3/30 you may not have had the ability to take full advantage of the benefits of the program.

When applying online be sure to check the box for the advancement of $10k under the “additional information tab” to be eligible for the grant as well.

https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

Hazleton LaunchBox assisting entrepreneurs

The PSU Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic will be expanding to assist small businesses during the pandemic. This clinic offers counseling, document drafting and negotition assistance in the areas manging liabilities, insurance, potential liability and help with government assistance applications.

Small businesses interested in using these resources should complete an intake form at https://launchbox.psu.edu/advisor/penn-state-law-entrepreneurial-assistance-clinic/

COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA)

Effective 6 p.m. on March 31st, 2020, this program is no longer accepting applications.

CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a guide for employers to plan, prepare and respond to the Coronavirus. Click here to read the Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) vs. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for Small Businesses

The U.S. Sentate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship has released information on its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan offerings for small businesses.

Click here to read the difference between the Economic Injury Disaster Loan vs. Paycheck Protection Program.

Click here to read the complete Paycheck Protection Program FAQs for Small Businesses.

Click here to read the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Application Checklist.

CAN DO Available to Assist Small Businesses Effected by COVID-19 Access New Loan Programs

In light of the impact COVID-19 is having across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, CAN DO would like all business and industry throughout Greater Hazleton to know its staff is on hand to assist those who need guidance accessing the various funding programs available to help continue their operations or connection to resources in the event they need to temporarily close their doors.

Click here for more information on CAN DO's Small Business Financing Assistance.

Hazleton Police Department Art Contest

To help area school children through this time of social distancing, the Hazleton Police Department is hosting an art contest. From now until April 3, students may submit an art piece. Winners will be announced on April 10. Click here for more information on the art contest.

Concurso de Arte del Departmento de Policia de Hazleton

Para ayudar a los escolares de la zona durante este tiempo de distanciamiento social, el Departamento de Policía de Hazleton está organizando un concurso de arte. Desde ahora hasta el 3 de abril, los estudiantes pueden presentar una obra de arte. Los ganadores serán anunciados el 10 de abril. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre el concurso de arte.

Complete Sanitizing Services

CRS Power Washing - CRS has established complete sanitizing methods which include cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing outdoor surfaces.

They stand in solidarity with you and the entire Greater Hazleton Area during this time of crisis of the Corona virus (COVID19).

Their cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing techniques adhere to the strictest CDC requirements. Surfaces must be cleaned prior to disinfecting, and sanitizing. Their hot water system, heats the water temperature to greater than 132° F and is used with specialized detergents, specified by the CDC, to kill germs and bacteria including COVID-19.

Services include: Cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing common exterior surfaces such as metal doors, door hardware, garbage containers, butt containers, exterior containment areas, dumpster and dumpster pads, outdoor seating areas, exterior intercoms, guard shacks, bay doors, and more.

A comprehensive evaluation and recommendations will be offered as a resource upon request to all chamber businesses.
They are dedicated to the safety of our community and would love to partner with you during this critical time of social responsibility and beyond.

For services please contact CRS Power Washing
570.889.3276

https://www.crspowerwashing.com/

PA Department of Labor & Industry Rapid Response Services

Rapid Response is an early intervention service that assists workers and employers affected by layoffs, plant closures, or natural disasters. It provides access to the Commonwealth's PA CareerLink system of user-friendly resources and information to help transition workers into reemployment. The sooner employers, their workers, and the community come together to manage the change, the better the outcome for everyone.

The Rapid Response program was developed to help dislocated workers who are part of a large layoff
Its primary objective is to provide workers with the resources and services they need to allow them to find new jobs or get the training and education needed for new careers so that they can get back to work quickly
There is no charge to the employer or employee for these services and they are provided regardless of the reason for the layoff

For additional information, please contact Richard Parry, Eastern Region Field Representative, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Workforce Partnership & Operations at: 570-826-2379 or email

Pennsylvania's Shared-Work Program

An Innovative Alternative to Employee Layoffs

Click here for more information

Shared-Work is a voluntary program that provides employers facing a decline in business with an alternative to layoffs.

• Shared-Work preserves employees’ jobs and the employer’s trained workforce during disruptions to the firm’s regular business activity by allowing the employer to reduce the work hours of a group of employees as an alternative to a layoff.

• Employees covered by an approved Shared-Work plan receive a percentage of their normal UC benefit while they work the reduced work schedule, assuming they are otherwise eligible for UC.

• Shared-Work cushions the adverse effect of the reduction in business activity on employees and ensures that these employees will be available to resume prior employment levels when business demand increases.

Information from Lehigh Valley Health-Hazleton

Click the links below to read COV-19 information from Lehigh Valley Health-Hazleton in English.

Stop and Read this Important Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Symptom Checker

Patient Screening

Inpatient Visitation Policy

Outpatient Facility Access Policy

Haga clic en los enlaces a continuación para leer la información COV-19 de Lehigh Valley Health-Hazleton en espanol.

Para y Lea esta Importante Actualizacion del Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Verificador de Sintomas

Cribado del Paciente

Politica de Visitas de Pacientes Hospitalzados

Politica de Acceso a Instalaciones para Pacientes Ambulatorios

Need Help? Dial 211

PA CareerLink Offers Free Services for Employers

ATTENTION LUZERNE & SCHUYLKILL COUNTY EMPLOYERS!The offices of the PA CareerLink® in Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties are closed but staff is working remotely to continue providing assistance to job seekers and employers. All services are available at no cost. Our Business Services Team is available to assist you in many ways including:

Recruitment: Posting your jobs on our website, www.pacareerlink.pa.gov, recruitment of qualified candidates, and promotion of your positions on our social media sites.
Rapid Response: An early intervention service that assists workers and employers affected by layoffs, plant closures, or natural disasters. It provides access to the Commonwealth's PA CareerLink® system of user-friendly resources and information to help transition workers into reemployment. For additional information, please contact Richard Parry, Eastern Region Field Representative, PA Department of Labor and Industry, at 570-826-2379 or .
Shared-Work: A voluntary program that provides employers facing a decline in business with an alternative to layoffs. Shared-Work preserves employees’ jobs and the employer’s trained workforce during disruptions to the firm’s regular business activity by allowing the employer to reduce the work hours of a group of employees as an alternative to a layoff. Employees covered by an approved Shared-Work plan receive a percentage of their normal UC benefit while they work the reduced work schedule, assuming they are otherwise eligible for UC. Shared-Work cushions the adverse effect of the reduction in business activity on employees and ensures that these employees will be available to resume prior employment levels when business demand increases.

For more information please call 833-728-2367 or email . For more information about any of these services, please contact Tracy Kleban at in Luzerne County and Sharon Seiwell at in Schuylkill County.

What to Do If You Think You Have the Coronavirus

Lehigh Valley Health Network has announced proper steps to take if you think you or someone you love might have the coronavirus. If you think you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone who does, stay home. Do not go to the emergency room or LVHN ExpressCARE location. We will screen you virtually on the phone or online so that you only need to leave your home if testing is needed. Here are your options:

E-Visit: A thorough questionnaire-based assessment that that is completed on MyLVHN. Submitted information will be reviewed by an LVPG health care provider. To access an E-Visit, go to MyLVHN.org or the MyLVHN app. Learn more at LVHN.org/Evisit.
Video Visit: A secure video visit with an LVHN health care provider. Access a Video Visit through the MyLVHN app. Learn more at LVHN.org/videovisit.
Phone hotline: 888-402-LVHN (5846) provides callers with an over-the phone COVID-19 screening with a nurse.

You must be in the state of Pennsylvania to receive screening due to medical licensing regulations.

Refer to LVHN.org/covid19 for additional information, including FAQs for people with COVID-19, links to LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test locations and more.

Commercial Disinfection Help

Chamber member Disaster Blaster has long offered Infectious Disease Disinfection and are helping commercial clients by disinfecting their offices for Coronavirus before they reopen.

They are already getting clients on the schedule and we want to be able to help as many people as possible.

Here is their website dedicated to answering questions about this specific service: https://disasterblaster.com/coronavirus.html

State Government Contact Information

In light of Governor Tom Wolf's announcement Thursday that all non-essential businesses must close, any business that would like to seek a waiver to this policy can email:

If businesses have questions about whether they need to close, you can contact the Administration by email at:

Click here to view a list of Life-Sustaining Businesses.

President Trump Signs Families First Coronavirus Response Act to provide Paid FMLA Leave and Paid Sick Leave in Response to COVID-19

From McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC: Yesterday, President Trump signed into law historic legislation that will have a significant impact on many employers nation-wide. The legislation, called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, has many provisions. We will focus this discussion on the workplace issues that most employers can expect to face.

Paid Sick Leave
The law includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act. This requires that employers with 500 or fewer employees provide paid sick leave to all employees for any of the following reasons:

The employee is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19;
To obtain a medical diagnosis or care if experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19;
The employee is caring for an individual who is subject to an order as described in bullet point 1 or 2 above;
To care for a son or daughter under 18 years of age if the child’s school has been closed or the child care provider is not available due to COVID-19; or
The employee is experiencing any other substantially similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Full time employees will be eligible for up to 80 hours of paid sick time, and part time employees will be eligible for a number of hours equal to the number of hours that part time employee typically works over a two-week period. Employees will be permitted to use the emergency paid sick leave before accessing other paid leave the employer has previously provided. The amount of pay due under Emergency Sick Leave is dependent upon the reason for the sick leave. If leave is for one of the first three bullet points above, the payment is based on the employee’s regular rate of pay and is capped at $511 per day and $5,110 total. If the need for leave is for any other qualifying reason, payment is two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay, with a cap of $200 per day and a total of $2,000.

Expansion of Family and Medical Leave Act
The law also includes the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, which amends the existing Family and Medial Leave Act. Unlike traditional FMLA that applies to employers with 50 or more employees, the new expansion provisions apply to employers with fewer than 500 employees. Likewise, despite the traditional FMLA’s requirement that employees must be employed for a year and work 1,250 hours in the previous twelve months to be eligible, the expansion provision extends eligibility to all employees who have been employed for 30 days or more. The following are the highlights of the expanded FMLA entitlements.

Eligible employees will be permitted to take paid FMLA leave if the employee is unable to work (or telework) due to a need to care for a son or daughter under 18 years of age if the child’s school has been closed or the child care provider is not available due to a public health emergency.
The Act provides definitions for most of these key terms.
The first 10 days of the FMLA leave used for these purposes can be unpaid, but (as discussed in greater detail above) an employee may elect to use the Emergency Paid Sick Leave provided under the Act or other available paid leave during the initial 10 day period.
Eligible employees will receive two thirds of their regular rate of pay for the remaining 10 weeks, up to a maximum of $200/day and $10,000 total.
Healthcare benefits must continue during the leave of absence.

Employees will have job protection during this leave, but there are some exceptions to this requirement for small businesses.

In reading the Emergency FMLA Expansion Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act together, it appears that full time employees will be permitted to use two weeks of paid leave before being transitioned to the wage benefit provided for under the Emergency FMLA Expansion Act.

The Families First Act provides for a tax credit program that appears to be intended to reimburse employers for 100 percent of the costs of the paid Sick Leave and Paid FMLA leave in the vast majority of cases. Essentially, employers will receive a rebate or a refund of their federal wage taxes to cover these costs, but there are some limits. For public sector employers, it is unclear how (or if) they will receive a refund of the costs.

In addition, the Families First Act contains provisions for the expansion of unemployment compensation benefits. These provisions are designed to incentivize states to expand eligibility for UC benefits and eliminate any waiting period associated with the receipt of such benefits. There are also specific provisions for extending benefits to employees and employers impacted by COVID-19.

The Act states that it will be effective no later than 15 days after the date of enactment, and there are some concerns that it will be made effective sooner. There are also sunsetting provisions in the legislation as well, which make clear that these provisions are only through the end of the year.

The above represents only a summary of the historic legislation, and given the time and space limitations we have, we did not cover all of the details. We will provide additional information moving forward. McNees will also hold a webinar on Monday, March 23, 2020 targeted for employers with less than 500 employees. We will provide registration details on our web site and our blog.

In the meantime, we recommend that you consult with counsel to determine how the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will impact your workplace. You may contact any member of the McNees Labor and Employment Group for guidance.

Centers for Disease Control

Effective March 15, 2020, until further notice: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. For more information, visit the CDC Coronavirus page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/index.html.

Scholastic makes free student lessons available for students at home

Even when schools are closed, school students can keep the learning going with special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin.

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home--free-resources-for-school-closures.html?fbclid=IwAR0oierMjSMZQbPTfSrO27-vkne_U64U499WegeJZZds481eHqlMsr4BGLE#

PA Chamber of Business and Industry

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is dedicated to helping business across the Commonwealth. Now that the coronavirus has made its way to the U.S., Pennsylvania businesses are inquiring about information to be prepared to help their company, their employees and their families. For more information, visit the PA Chamber's Coronavirus information page at: https://www.pachamber.org/coronavirus/.

U.S. Chamber

Additionally, the U.S. Chamber has also launched a Coronavirus Response Toolkit that can be found at https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus-response-toolkit.