COVID-19 Business Resources

The Tennessee Chamber is committed to helping businesses create a positive work climate. As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world and the United States, it is imperative that Tennessee employers are prepared to handle this pandemic.  We are sending out a 'Daily Dashboard' e-mail with business updates on COVID-19; Click here to sign-up if you are not receiving those e-mails.  Below are some resources gathered to help educate employers on the coronavirus:

Resources for Manufacturers and Business

Summary Legislative Action: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

CISA Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
Private Sector PPE Donations - All communications about donations should be sent to covid.ppedonations@tn.gov and all communications about vendors, including manufacturers interested in making component parts should be send to covid.ppevendors@tn.gov.
Best Practices for Manufacturers: COVID-19

TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development: COVID-19 Unemployment for EMPLOYERS
TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development: COVID-19 Unemployment for EMPLOYEES

U.S. Small Business Administration - Guidance and Loan Assistance

Additional Resources for Employers and Chambers

• U.S. Chamber: Combating the Coronavirus - Resources | Response | Impact
  • Corporate Aid Tracker
  • Workplace Tips for Employers
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Press Statement by U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas Donohue
• Tennessee Department of Health - COVID-19
  • Remote Assestment Sites Locator
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for businesses: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020
  • Sign up for CDC.gov email updates
  • CDC: Stop the Spread of Germs (COVID-19)
  • CDC: Travel Health Notices
  • Webinar with Dr. Nancy Messonier, leader fo the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease 
• Coronavirus Resources for State Chambers - Council of State Chambers (COSC)
• Frost Brown Todd’s page: Coronavirus Guidance for Employers
• Baker Donelson: Resource for legal guidance and inforomation on COVID-19
• Bradley: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act - Taking Effect April 2, 2020 
• ACCE Crisis Management: Pandemic; Tactical and practical resources for internal chamber crisis management and resources to share with your members.

How Does the Coronavirus Spread?

Coronavirus typically spreads between people within six feet of each other through respiratory secretions, especially coughing and sneezing. Currently, it is unknown whether the virus can be transmitted by touching a surface with the virus on it.

What Can Employers Do Now?

It is imperative that employers maintain open communication with their employees. Employers should ensure that they have updated contact information for current employees and stay informed of the latest news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued “Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease.” The CDC recommends employers begin implementing the following steps now:

• Encourage employees with acute respiratory illnesses to stay home
• Separate sick employees
• Emphasize cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene
• Perform routine environmental cleaning
• Advise employees about the risks prior to travel to countries that have had a significant outbreak
• Consider informing employees in the case of possible exposure in the workplace

Can Employers Require Employees to Undergo Medical Examinations?

As stated in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act,” employers may not require medical examinations under the ADA unless the medical exam is job-related and consistent with business necessity. Whether a medical exam is job-related and consistent with business necessity depends upon the facts presented (e.g., what are the employee’s symptoms, where has the employee been, etc.) and the latest CDC guidance on coronavirus.

Situation Summary (Updated 3/21/20): 
CDC is responding to a pandemic of respiratory disease spreading from person-to-person caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.

In the case of a pandemic, employers have the right to send employees home if they show coronavirus-like symptoms at work. Also, employers may enquire if employees are experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms as long as they are mindful of confidentiality obligations. Finally, if an employee returns from traveling during a pandemic, an employer may ask the employee whether they are returning from a location where that individual may have been exposed to the virus.

Letter to Tennessee House Delegation: Vote Yes on CARES Act
Tennessee Chamber Commends Governor Lee for Business Conscious Approach, Urges Continued Caution
Governor Bill Lee names Bradley Jackson, President & CEO of the Tennessee Chamber to the Coronavirus Task Force
U.S. Chamber Letter on Legislation to Address the Coronavirus Pandemic

We know this time is challenging and many individuals are looking for jobs.  The links below are resources with hiring information and/or companies that recently announced plans to hire more employees.