COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Updates

Iowa Testing & Case Data

TestIowa.com

National and Global Data

UNMC COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES

 The University of Nebraska Medical Center has released COVID-19 safety measure suggestions intended for area businesses. 

The guidance was created in response to requests from area businesses following last week’s issuance by UNMC of new COVID-19 guidance for its campus community, including renewed vigilance on mask-wearing and mandatory vaccines for faculty, staff and students. 

THREE STEPS THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

1. Educate yourself on how the Delta variant gets inside our cells and multiplies.
See how the virus attacks healthy cells.
Learn how vaccines stop the virus from entering our body.
Learn why vaccines are even more effective than natural antibodies.
PLUS know the research on COVID, children and schools. 

2. Get vaccinated. 

3. Follow the CDC’s revised guidance on face masks:
Properly wear a face mask at all times when indoors (including elevators) with the following exceptions:

• When eating (social distancing practices must be observed).
• When alone in a room with a closed door.
• In private settings when gathering in groups of five or less; individuals who are fully vaccinated may interact without masks.
• When in a motor vehicle alone or only with members of your household.
• When an alternative is necessary as indicated by a medical professional during patient care.
• When in one’s place of residence.
• When the task requires the use of a NIOSH-approved respirator.
• When pertaining to children under age 2. 

Guide to Disaster Loans

Download the Guide

Caring for Employees

Your people are your greatest asset. Below are some resources to help care for your employees during this crisis. The Wellbeing Partners have created a variety of resources (video, posters, etc.) to help you and your employees maintain emotional wellbeing during this challenging time.

Remote Working

• Cox Business: Enabling an organization to work remotely

Maintaining Your Workforce

• Nebraska Department of Labor: Short-Time Compensation helps employers prevent layoffs
• Nebraska Department of Labor Frequently Asked Questions for Employers and Employees
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
• LinkedIn Learning “Finding a Job During Challenging Economic Times”

Unemployment Insurance

Any worker in a non-paid status due to COVID-19 may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits. Unemployment claims in Nebraska are filed online at NEworks.nebraska.gov.

• SHRM Guidance on Furloughs, Layoffs or Pay Cuts Related to COVID

Health Insurance + COVID Coverage

• Nebraska Department of Insurance Statements from Major Health Insurance Carriers in Nebraska (PDF)

Travel Guidance

• Department of Homeland Security Travel Restrictions
• CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel

Helplines

• Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660
• Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• Outlook Enrichment’s COVID-19 Help Line for the Visually Impaired: 531-365-5059
• Outlook Enrichment’s adaptive technology Help Line for the Visually Impaired: 531-365-5334

General Business Resources

We’ve received a range of questions from business leaders recently. Below are our answers to the most common local questions along with some industry resources that offer guidance. If you don’t see your question below, check the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business FAQs.

Webinars & Networking

Check our events calendar.

General Assistance

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED) is offering assistance to organizations in need. Access the NDED staff directory and get in touch.

SBA Paperwork Assistance

We suggest you consult your bank for help with SBA relief. The following organizations also offer guidance:

• UNO’s College of Business Administration, Nebraska Business Development Center offers business resiliency resources.
• Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development is working to inform and assist businesses during Nebraska’s ongoing response to COVID-19.

Legal Assistance

The Greater Omaha Chamber’s business directory includes attorneys.

For Banks and Lenders

• SBA & Treasury Guidance on PPP Loans for Borrowers & Lenders
• SBA Unilateral Action Matrix for 7(a) Loan Servicing
• SBA Bridge Loan Program Guide

For Events and Gatherings

• CDC Resources for Events and Mass Gatherings
• CDC Guidance for Community and Faith Leaders

For Food Establishments

• Food Industry Association Resources for Coronavirus and Pandemic Preparedness

For Manufacturers Able to Meet Medical Needs

• Register here if you are a manufacturer able to quickly produce medical components

For Retailers

• National Retail Federation Coronavirus Resources

Workplace Safety Guidance

We know you want to keep your workplace safe for your employees and your customers. Below are some resources we think will help.

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (PDF)

Maintaining a Healthy Workplace

• Husch Blackwell: Health Screening and Privacy Implications
• CDC Guidance for Maintaining Healthy Businesses Operations
• OSHA Guidance for Control and Prevention
• Nebraska Safety Council Guidance for Cleaning and Sanitizing

Recommended Cleaning Products

• EPA List of Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19

Disinfection After a Confirmed COVID Case

• CDC Guidance for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

Scam Alerts

Cyber-threats and personal information breaches are increasing in the current, uncertain climate. The Nebraska Joint Information Center suggests all online users:

• Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts or calls related to COVID-19. (Tips for Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks)
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. (Tips for Using Caution with Email Attachments)  
• The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office warns it has seen a reappearance of a popular “scare” scam. 

Read more about COVID-19 related scams at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) resource.

NOTE:  Resources are provided as information only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. The Greater Omaha Chamber has not received compensation for inclusion of data, material, recommendations or web links related to COVID-19 or to any pandemic-planning strategies included herein.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), or are experiencing symptoms of the disease, call your doctor/medical professional.

Consult an attorney if you have legal questions related to COVID-19. The Greater Omaha Chamber does not provide legal advice.