april 17 covid-19 update

Unrest over Status Quo
Controversy abounds on the federal, state and local levels about when business and civic life should begin to resume across the U.S.  As mentioned yesterday, the Administration released a three stage reopening guide but acquiesced to the fact that states are autonomous in their final decision-making.  Protests have erupted in several states with citizens demanding relief from social distancing.  The President’s “Opening up America Again” plan suggests phasing in the opening of retail establishments, additional adherence to sanitization, limited travel and many other recommendations to start.  For the full guidelines for individuals and businesses, click here.

PPP Drained
Also as reported yesterday, the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) have officially run out of money. The Administration and bipartisan leaders in Congress are still arguing about what is necessary in an additional economic relief package and while passage is expected, the timing and content is very much up in the air.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) posted the following on their website yesterday:

Notice: Lapse in Appropriations
The SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program based on available appropriations funding.

Notice: Lapse in Appropriations
SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

America's Current Driving Record
It has been reported that while number of miles driven by Americans is significantly diminished, fatalities in some states may be rising due to speed on empty roads. Pedestrian fatalities are also rising in some states. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that “New York City issued 24,765 automated speeding tickets citywide on March 27, nearly double the amount issued daily a month earlier”.   But the number of accidents nationwide has also dropped during the stay at home orders.  The data is still evolving and will be closely analyzed by safety and insurance groups.
  
OSHA Fielding Complaints
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that they have already received over three thousand complaints on behalf of “essential” workers.  The complaints arise from the alleged lack of safety precautions amidst potential exposure to the COVID-19 in the workplace. The Washington Post used a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain details on this emerging issue.  Specific complaints include lack of access to protective gear such as masks and not enough room to socially distance.