Coronavirus Toolkit
Valuable resources for dealing with the Corona Virus Pandemic.
It is important for all employers to monitor the Coronavirus outbreak and implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations. For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Michigan, please visit the State of Michigan’s Coronavirus website. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
While information around this outbreak is changing rapidly, the following links are intended to help educate employers and employees on how to prepare for and address the impacts of the coronavirus.
"Stay at Home" Executive Order
- Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Attorney General Guidance
- Guidance for Business: Which Employees Can Continue to Report to Work? (3/26/20)
- Essential Worker Designation Letter, Downloadable Template
Additional Information Provided by Michigan Chamber Member Firms
- Stay Home Order: What does this mean for your in-person operations? (Dykema Law FIrm, 3/23/20)
- Practical Tips to Make Your Workplace Safe for “Critical Infrastructure” and “Basic Minimum Operations” Work (Warner Norcross + Judd, 3-27-20)
HR Resources
Federal Resources:
- COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers
- EEOC Guidance: Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (3/26/20)
Michigan Chamber Resources:
Unemployment Benefits
For Employers:
- Temporary Expansions in Unemployment Eligibility and Cost Sharing (Executive Order)
- Contacting the State’s Employer Ombudsman Office
- Gaining Access to MiWAM (To Manage Employer UI Accounts)
- Waiving Work Search Requirements for Laid Off Workers
- Unemployment Insurance Agency webinar presentation (March 17, 2020)
- State Guidance to Employers Contemplating Potential Layoffs
- Unemployment Benefits FAQs
- Navigating Unemployment Benefits During COVID-19 (On-Demand Webinar, Recorded 3/27/20)
- MiWAM Toolkit for Employers Update April 14
About the Work Share Program:
For Claimants:
- Claiming Unemployment Benefits During COVID-19
- Employees Covered by Unemployment Benefits
- A Handbook for Unemployed Workers
- New Programs to Increase and Expand Unemployment Benefits for Workers Affected by COVID-19; Benefits increased for all unemployed workers, expanded to self-employed and low-wage workers Updated 3-30-20
- COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Questions and Answers Updated from April 2
- Quick calculator to determine your potential benefit amount Update April 14
Financial Relief for Business
State Relief:
- MEDC: Michigan Small Business Grants and Loans
- State Delays Sales, Use and Withholding Tax Deadline
- Executive Order: Extension of April 2020 Michigan Income Tax Filing Deadline
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act:
- Paycheck Protection application (US Treasury) Updated 4/1/20
- Top-Line Overview of Paycheck Protection (US Treasury) Updated 4/1/20
- Paycheck Protection Program Information Sheet for Borrowers (US Treasury) Updated 4/1/20
- CARES Act Presentation (US Chamber)
- Comprehensive Summary of the CARES Act (Warner Norcross + Judd, 3/29/20)
- Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
- Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credits
- Summary of the Employee Retention Credit Provision of the CARES Act (Section 2301) (Dykema, 3/27/20)
- Summary of the CARES Act and Business Tax Relief (Plante Moran, 3/27/20)
Small Business Adminstration (SBA) Loans:
- Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
Additional Information Provided by Michigan Chamber Member Firms:
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Paid Leave)
- US-DOL: Employer Paid Leave Requirements (COVID-19) (3/26/20)
- US-DOL: FAQ Regarding Family First Coronavirus Response Act (3/26/20)
- IRS: Tax Credits for Small and Midsize Businesses to Recover the Cost of Providing Coronavirus-Related Leave (3/20/20)
- Mandatory Poster: Federal Family First Coronavirus Response Act (Free Resource)
- What Employers Need to Know about the Federal ‘Families First Coronavirus Response Act’ (On-Demand Webinar, Recorded 3/26/20)
Additional Information Provided by Michigan Chamber Member Firms:
- Guidance Re: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Plunkett Clooney, 3/20/20)
- President Trump Signs the Families First Coronavirus Response Act – What Do Employers Need to Know? (Butzel Long, 3/19/20)
General Resources for Employers
- Compiled State Guidance/Resources for Employers and Workers
- COVID-19 Posters & Resources (CDC) – Free resources
- Guidance for Employers – How to plan and respond to the Coronavirus
- Workplace Tips – Tips and resources for employers to combat the virus
- More Resources – Including consolidated, business-specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Supporting Your Small Business During COVID-19 (SBDC Tips)
Help Line
The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) has launched a COVID-19 Hotline. Public health and other experts will answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The team can also direct residents and providers to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments.
The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136.
Staying Healthy
A little planning can ensure smooth business operations and protect public health at the same time. All individuals should continue to take the following basic personal-hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid handshakes;
- Avoid contact with sick people who are sick; and
- Stay home when you are sick.
Recognize the Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty Breathing