Last Updated: June 30, 2020

City of Pleasanton COVID-19 Information

Announcements

Alameda County Pauses Reopening Plan

Alameda County Public Health Case Agency released a statement that given recent increases in COVID-19 and hospitalization rates in the region, they are temporarily pausing reopening plans. This means extending the timeline for the next phase of reopening and pulling back their request for a Variance Attestation. See Press Release

Also announced on June 30, interim Alameda County Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan has been appointed by Governor Newsom as the state's Epidemiologist and deputy director for the Center for Infectious Diseases at the California Department of Public Health. Dr. Nicholas Moss, who has served as Alameda County’s deputy health officer since early this year, will step in as interim health officer.

Alameda County Public Health Order - June 19, 2020 | Summary of Major Changes

The Alameda County Public Health Officer issued a new Order to reopen outdoor museums, outdoor restaurant dining, limited religious and cultural services, indoor and outdoor retail (including malls), and outdoor fitness classes on Friday, June 19. See Press Release dated June 18.

Movement to the next stage based on the Reopening Plan is contingent upon local COVID-19 indicators, at 2-4 week intervals.

Physical distancing, face coverings, and Site-Specific Protection Plans apply for all settings. All businesses allowed to operate under the Health Officer Order 20-14a must complete the updated Site-Specific Protection Plan template and implement risk assessment and individual control measures, physical distancing, disinfecting and cleaning protocols, and employee training to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Site-Specific Protection Plan Guidance (Updated Appendix A)
• Updated Small Construction Safety Protocol (Appendix B1)
• Updated Large Construction Safety Protocol (Appendix B2)
• Additional Businesses Permitted to Open (Updated Appendix C-1)
• Complete List of Allowed Essential, Outdoor & Additional Businesses

Retail and Restaurants

While takeout, curbside and delivery services are still encouraged, indoor and outdoor retail as well as outdoor dining will be allowed, as long as social distancing and safety measures are in place. Retail stores must limit capacity to 50% or the number of people that can maintain 6 feet from each other at all times, whichever is lower. Outdoor seating arrangements are limited to 6 people per table, all from the same household or Social Bubble. Tables must be 6-feet apart. Review Summary of the Order for specific directions for outdoor dining and alcohol sales.

Employer Health Screenings

Employers are advised to implement COVID-19 health screenings before staff enter a facility to start their workday and employees must complete a self-assessment to ensure they do not go to work sick or during their infectious period after being exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19.

• Restaurant Operating Procedures | Retail and Shopping Guidance | Places of Worship Guidance
• California Industry Guidance for Retail

Pleasanton Business Assistance Program

On April 15, the Pleasanton City Council approved a Business Assistance Program to support businesses affected by COVID-19. The program is built around Communications and Promotion, Transient Occupancy Tax Penalties Waiver for hotels, City Utilities Penalties Waiver and Deposit Deferral, and a Business Support Fund. The Business Support Fund program sets aside approximately $3 million dollars to provide zero-interest, unsecured, short-term loans of $2,500-$2,900 to eligible independently, locally owned micro-enterprises, restaurants and retail businesses.

Learn more about the Business Support Fund

Business Support Fund Summary | Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Shipra Channon, owner of JJ’s Threading Salon at the Rose Pavilion. Shipra is one of the many business owners that applied for and received funds through the City’s Business Support Fund loan program. Hear how the simple application process provided funds to help her small business prepare to reopen during COVID-19.

Watch VIDEO

COVID-19 Scams & Fraud Schemes

Calls, emails, or other communications offering COVID-19 related grants or payments requesting personal financial information, advance fees, charges, including the purchase of gift cards are likely scams.  Report any suspected fraud to Office of Inspector General Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online.

Resources for Businesses 

U.S. Federal | California State-Level Support 

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC)

Federal Resources

• Small Business Administration (SBA) is  working with state Governors to provide low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. 
• Federal Disaster Loan Assistance – Declaration Details
• U.S Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
• SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers | SBA Coronavirus Relief Options

Federal Programs | Loans

• SBA Coronavirus Relief Options

• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) | EIDL Loan Advance

On June 15, the Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications to qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses. SBA's EIDL program offers long-term, low interest loans that can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses.  Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief, and the EIDL Advance does not have to be repaid.

Applications are funded on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For submitted application inquiries, call SBA Disaster Office at (800) 659-2955.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQs | Questions regarding the Paycheck Protection Program fund availability can be directed to your SBA-approved 7(a) lender. 

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act New modifications for Loan Forgiveness

Small Business Administration released a new EZ Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application (Form 3508EZ) for certain borrowers to use to apply for forgiveness and revised the full forgiveness application. 

• • View the EZ Forgiveness Application
  • View the Full Forgiveness Application

• US Department of Treasury Information on PPP| Find a Lender | Loan Details & Forgiveness
• SBA Express Bridge Loans (EBL)
• Debt Relief for Businesses with SBA Guaranteed Loans

State Resources

• California Pandemic Road Map 6 Indicators for Modifying Stay-at-Home Order
• Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Employer & Employee Information | California Small Business FAQ | California State Treasurer COVID-19 Small Biz Resource List
• California Small Business Development Center COVID-19 | Small Business Update 5.4.2020 | Webinar Channel
• Employment Development Department (EDD) | OnwardCA One-Stop Resource for those impacted by job loss
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for those ineligible for regular State UI

State Programs | Loans 

• California Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program - IBANK Available only if ineligible for EIDL or PPP funds. Apply with approved lender.
• California Small Business Relief Payment Plan 12-month interest-free payment plan for up to $50k in sales and use tax liability.

County | Local Support 

• Alameda County Small Business Development Center One-on-One Advising | Email ACSBDC@ohlone.edu to request an advisor.
• East Bay Economic Development Alliance 

• Job Loss & COVID-19 Health and Unemployment Insurance Resources
• City of Pleasanton Business Support Fund
• Recommendations on how to Safely Resume Water Use After Shutdown
• How to Stay Safe and Support Pleasanton Small Businesses

Career and Job Seeking Assistance

• Tri-Valley Career Center Virtual Assistance for Small Businesses | Job Seekers
• Alameda County Workforce Development Board Rapid Response for Job Loss
• Who is Hiring Tri Valley Connect | LinkedIn

• RebootAccel helps connect women with jobs through online resources, ReBootAccel Job Board, and free coaching ranging from resume or LinkedIn tips and personal inventory to crafting your elevator pitch and refining interview skills.

Other Resources

• Community & Private Sector Funded Business Grants
• Opportunity Fund | Small Business Relief Fund aims to raise support for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis — especially those run by women, people of color and immigrants. 

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Visit our Business Community Partners for more information on how to support Pleasanton businesses