COVID-19 Resources

Need Assistance?

Masking on Transportation
Apr 18 - masks are no longer required on airplanes and other mass transit after a court struck down the mandate. Airlines, airports, and transportation agencies are currently revising their guidance, with SeaTac Airport, Alaska Airlines, Everett Transit, the Seattle Center Monorail, Sound Transit, and county authorities (Benton-Franklin, Clark, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Whatcom) all have masking as optional. Rideshare companies have also announced that mask wearing will be optional for riders.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Feb 26 - National masking guidance is now based on COVID-19 community level.

Washington State
Mar 12 - end of statewide mask mandate for schools and businesses 

The end of mask mandates does not include healthcare/medical facilities, dental facilities, pharmacies, long-term care settings, public transit, taxis, rideshares, or correctional facilities. Private businesses may still choose to implement their own mask and vaccination verification requirements. People may choose to mask at any time.

Relief for Businesses & Nonprofits

Reopening & Recovery

• CDC: Workplace Guidance & Strategies. Includes returning to work, post-vaccine concerns, FAQs, and more.
• WA Workplace Safety Guidelines
• WA Reopening Guidance, incl. Healthy WA Reopening Plan, mask guidance, signage, and more.
• Lease Amendment Toolkit (Seattle OED, Perkins Coie, Communities Rise) - information and template documents to help small businesses and nonprofit navigate the negotiation of their rent
• Economic Outlook: Roaring Back (Wells Fargo, presented on GSBA Rapid Response 6/8/21) 

County, City, and Neighborhood-Specific Resources
 

• Working Washington list of resources for small businesses by county in Washington

• Vaccine Verification Requirements: Clallam, Jefferson, King

• Eastside Recovery Hub - Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Woodinville

• Edmonds Chamber of Commerce

• Seattle Office of Economic Development - Pandemic Resource Hub

• Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce - Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila 

Important Info for Employers

Business.wa.gov - one-stop shop for WA small businesses around COVID-19

• WA Small Business Development Center Business Resiliency Toolkit

• WA Department of Commerce - comprehensive business resource list

• WA Employment Security Dept: Unemployment Insurance, StandBy, and SharedWork programs to assist with retaining and supporting employees during layoffs

  • Comparison guide for common scenarios which may occur and the benefits that may apply
    

• WA Paid Family & Medical Leave

• WA Dept of Labor & Industries: FAQ on workers compensation, workplace safety, OSHA guidelines

• WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner

• City of Seattle Paid Sick & Safe Time

• Seattle Dept. of Transportation - Request a temporary loading zone near your restaurant for curbside pick-up 

• Guide for restaurants and bars with regards to the temporary moratorium on rental evictions (HCMP)

Resources for Employees

Access to public benefits, protections against discrimination, specific supports, and more

• QLaw Foundation - free LGBTQ+ legal clinics; now happening by phone

• Disaster Cash Assistance Program - through WA Dept. of Social & Health Services

• Unemployment Law Project - advice, counsel, and representation for those denied unemployment benefits or whose award of benefits is being challenged. 

• Washington Healthplanfinder - Special enrollment period opened for qualified individuals without insurance 

Learn about the creative ways GSBA Members are safely connecting with customers.