This will include what’s open, what’s closed, special hours, contact information, etc. as relevant
Historic Kennett Square, our local Economic Development organization, is putting together some great resources for local businesses. Please check out their site here.
The page specific for local restaurants doing curbside or delivery is here
Information on Appeals process for life saving businesses- from Sen. Tom Killion
Wolf Orders Shutdown of Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses; Appeals Process Established
On Thursday evening, Governor Wolf ordered the closure of all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania. A list of business types that would be affected by this order is available at www.pasenategop.com/covid-19-resources.
I joined Senate leaders in raising concerns about some of the unforeseen problems that could arise from his order and how this measure could impact small businesses. The response from Senate Republican leaders is available here.
As a result of these concerns, the Wolf Administration announced a waiver process for any company that believes they should be considered a life-sustaining-business. Business owners can apply for a waiver at this email address: RA-dcexemption@pa.gov. Business owners can address questions about whether they need to close by emailing ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.
Businesses and non-profits who have suffered economic losses during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak can consider applying for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Additional information is available by contacting SBA’s disaster assistance customer service center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
I will continue to work with my colleagues in the General Assembly and the Wolf Administration to find ways to help businesses and employees who have been impacted by coronavirus mitigation measures.
Help for Businesses & Employees Affected by Governor’s Mandated Closures
What An Essential vs. Non-Essential Business?
From The PA Department of Economic Development- you can see the original article here.
Businesses in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties urged to close for 14 days
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), issued guidance for non-essential businesses in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Tom Wolf has strongly urged non-essential businesses in the four counties to close during their county-specific mitigation periods to protect employees, customers, and suppliers and limit the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces. DCED and DOH are reaching out to businesses through a letter to provide guidance on the types of businesses that are urged to close. The letter also indicates to businesses that financial assistance opportunities are available to mitigate the financial impact of closures.
“We are committed to keeping all Pennsylvanians safe and healthy, and we are taking every measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin. “We continue to report new cases of coronavirus every day, and additional steps must be taken to stop the spread. Therefore, we strongly urge non-essential businesses across Pennsylvania to do their part by temporarily closing to help mitigate the spread of this contagious virus.”
Non-essential businesses include community and recreation centers; gyms, including yoga, barre and spin facilities; hair salons, nail salons and spas; casinos; concert venues; theaters; bars; sporting event venues and golf courses; retail facilities, including shopping malls and except for pharmacy or other health care facilities within retail operations. Restaurants are urged only to remain open for carry-out and delivery orders.
“We understand that small businesses are an economic driver in Pennsylvania, and a temporary closure will be a financial and community disruptor,” Davin said. “However, our top priority is maintaining public health and safety of all Pennsylvanians and taking these proactive steps now can help mitigate a potential community spread. DCED is committed to working with the business community to provide helpful resources for financial assistance.”
DCED offers working capital loans that could be of assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19. Resources and information will be posted to https://dced.pa.gov/resources as they become available. The U.S. Small Business Administration, in addition to local funding partners, may also be a source of assistance for affected businesses.
The Wolf Administration strongly encourages businesses to act now before the governor or the Secretary of Health finds it necessary to compel closures under the law for the interest of public health, including section 7301 of the Emergency Management Services Code.
Kennett COVID Information 