In an effort to support local businesses and organizations while re-opening safely and in alignment with the State’s Re-Opening Plan and Rural Re-Opening Plan. Visit the following page to see what the City of Ellsworth has developed for its initiatives.

https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/reopeningellsworth/

Here are several links to local, regional and state agencies to help keep you informed of important up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

• How to make your own cloth face covering (mask) – Video
• Coronavirus 101, What you Need to Know – Video
• United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Printable Fact Sheets
• Maine Emergency Management Agency
• Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention
• Maine Citizen Alert System
• Northern Light Health

1. Covid-19 Community Bulletin Board

1. State of Maine Executive Order – Public Contact/Movement, Schools, Vehicle Travel, and Retail Business Operations (Stay Healthy at Home Order)
2. Governor Mills Stay Healthy at Home FAQs
3. Essential Business Operations Definitions as of April 3rd, 2020
4. State of Maine Executive Order – An Order Establishing Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in Maine
5. Executive Order Mandating Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in Maine Press Release
6. Governor’s Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 FAME loan programs
7. April 29th, 2020 Executive Order – An Order to Stay Safer at Home (May 2020 Extension)

1. Northern Light Health Coronavirus Screening Hotline (COVID-19)
   If you have symptoms of Novel (New) Coronavirus (COVID-19) please call 844-489-1822 and complete a phone screening to determine next steps.
2. Northern Light Health How You Can Help
3. Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital
4. Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital No Visitor Policy

1. Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce
2. STAR 97.7 FM
3. WDEA AM 1370
4. Pay It Forward Maine – Support Local Businesses and Organizations with the Pay It Forward Maine Initiative
   1. Toolkit
5. Ellsworth To Go – Eating Options in Ellsworth from the Ellsworth American
6. How to Support Maine Maine Business (Ellsworth Section) from the DownEast Magazine
7. Heart of Ellsworth COVD-19 Resources Page
8. Are you an Ellsworth business that would like to contribute your thoughts and suggestions on how the State can re-open the economy? Please fill out the State’s Department of Economic and Community Development form to have your feedback reviewed.

1. Three Steps for Mainers to Follow Before Heading Outdoors – How to safely spend time outside
2. Ellsworth Playground Reminder
   1. With upcoming warmer weather we would like to remind you that we DO NOT recommend using the playground equipment due to the equipment is not manually or chemically sterilized. Parks and trails remain open for use with proper social distancing.

1. Ellsworth City Council Meeting Playlist on Youtube

1. 62. Resolution on Non resident visitors during Coronavirus Pandemic 2020
2. 63. Temporary Ordinance on Short Term Rentals Coronavirus 2020

Sec. Dunlap closed all BMV offices Tuesday, March 17 to aid in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among staff and the public, and the closure will remain in effect until further notice.

• License Plate Registrations
  • The Maine Legislature, in its actions last week, waived enforcement of all motorized vehicle, watercraft and trailer registration and inspection requirements. Motor vehicle and trailer registrations, including all temporary registrations and any fuel use decals that expire during the state of emergency, will be extended up to 30 days after the state of emergency is terminated. Inspections that expire during this period are also extended.
• Temporary Truck Registrations
  • Secretary Dunlap is granting permission for trucks with a temporary registration plate to carry a load. This permission is for the duration of the declared state of emergency here in the State of Maine and an additional 30 days thereafter. This permission is granted as referenced in Title 29A Section 462(3).
• CDL Licenses and Permits
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration today granted a waiver applicable to interstate and intrastate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and to other interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicle. FMCSA grants, until June 30, 2020, a waiver from renewal of medical certificates and licenses, for those whose CDL or CLP expires March 1, 2020 or later. The waiver is valid through June 30. It does not apply to those whose license or medical certificate expired before March 1, or those who are suspended or have had their license withdrawn.
• Real ID Law Deadline
  • President Donald J. Trump announced Monday that he will be advising the Department of Homeland Security to extend the enforcement deadline for Real ID compliance, due to BMV closures and reduced services nationwide. Real ID requirements were set to go into effect on Oct. 1, 2020. The new deadline has yet to be announced.

Motorists do not need to take any action regarding these measures. Many BMV services are available via the BMV website, but not all transactions can be completed online, depending on individuals’ situations. During the emergency closure of BMV, residents will not be able to obtain Real ID credentials, first-time credentials, or new registrations.

Office Press Release:  https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2020/regcdlemergencydelays.html

• New Private Sale Registrations
  • If you have purchased a vehicle through a private sale (not a dealer), the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has provided a form for you to print off and keep in the vehicle. Although the vehicle is not registered, proof of insurance is still is a requirement.

1. Curbside Trash Pickup
   1. Curbside trash pickup with remain as normally scheduled.
2. Trash Stickers
   1. Trash stickers can be purchased at regular retailers unless they close.
3. Sewer Reminder
   1. Flushable Wipes Clog Pipes!  Only flush water, #1, #2 and toilet paper.  Due to a reduced staffing level during the COVID-19 pandemic, response time to repair clogged sewers could be substantially delayed.
   2. What Not to Flush
4. Maine Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management
   1. Plastic Bags – In light of concerns about the use of multi-use bags during the current COVID-19 public health crisis, the Legislature’s response to those concerns in L.D. 2167, and effects on Department resources, the Department will not be enforcing the statewide restrictions on the use of single-use bags in 38 M.R.S. § 1611 until January 15, 2021. As of March 17, 2020, State law preempts municipal regulation of single use bags; no local ordinance requiring a fee for, or otherwise restricting the use of, single use bags is in effect.
   2. Returnable Beverage Containers – Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19),the DEP will temporarily refrain from enforcement activity involving Maine retailers, and redemption centers for failing to accept beverage containers for redemption. This action will be reevaluated March 31, 2020 and is intended as a step in the protection of employees and companies involved in the Bottle Redemption Program. For more information, please contact Scott Wilson at (207) 446-1187. As of March 18, 2020, Maine Recycling and Returnable Services (TOMRA) are operating and picking up from redemption centers. CLYNK continues to operate. Please see CLYNK.com regarding additional voluntary handling information related to the coronavirus.

1. State of Maine Executive Order – Current Use Deadlines (Commitment) Extended
2. State of Maine Executive Order – Exemptions Deadline Extended Until Commitment

Ellsworth School Department Website

1. April 28: Governor Mills Presents Safe, Gradual Plan to Restart Maine’s Economy
2. April 29: A new page has been added, Restarting Maine’s Economy, describing a plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy.
3. April 29: New Guidance on Governor’s Executive Order 19 Regarding Curbside Pick-Up
4. April 29: COVID-19 Prevention Checklists for Businesses
5. April 29: COVID-19 Checklist Compliance Form – In order to open, businesses must commit to complying with the requirements of these checklists by filling out this short online form.
6. May 8: Rural Reopening Plan Press Release

1. Paycheck Protection Program Extended to August 8th, 2020 (07/09/2020)
2. The Wicked Reboot Loan (06/01/2020) – The City has learned of a new loan program that we want to share with our local businesses! The Wicked Reboot Loan may include six months of payment and interest coverage by the Small Business Administration and has no pre-payment penalty. Loan amounts can be up to $50,000, are available until September 27th (or while funds last), and can be used for working capital, equipment, or normal operating expenses. Businesses that have already received PPP or EIDL funding are still eligible for this funding.
3. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan – If you would like to be considered for the up to $10k advance (grant), you will need to submit a NEW application at this link: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ . Also, if you are denied the loan, you are STILL ELIGIBLE for the up to $10k grant.
   1. What you need to know about SBA Disaster Loan
4. Small Business Paycheck Protection Program Overview
5. What You Need to Know about the Paycheck Protection Program
6. Economic Injury Disaster Loan vs. Paycheck Protection Program
7. Debt Relief Program vs. FAME’s Loan program
8. Paycheck Protection Program Application
9. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet

Any questions – Contact Shannon Byers, Maine Small Business Development Center Director @ the Ellsworth office

1. 1. Email:  Shannon.byers@ceimaine.org
   2. Telephone:  207-664-2990

1. Restaurant Workers COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund – The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation launched a fund that is currently raising donations to deploy to small business restaurants and their workers.
2. Facebook Small Business Grants Program – Facebook has developed a fund offering $100M in cash grants as well as ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate.
3. Thryv Foundation
4. Maine Tourism Relief Fund
5. Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund
6. Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program NEW as of 8/21/2020

1. Special Loans and Loan Insurance available for eligible Maine small businesses affected by COVID-19
2. Summary of COVID-19 response programs
3. Consumer Loan Program
4. Governor’s Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 FAME loan programs
5. COVID-19 Relief Consumer Loan Program FACT SHEET

1.  Disaster Unemployment Assistance
2. Per the Governor’s emergency legislation:
   1. If an employee is laid off as a result of the state of emergency, unemployment benefits paid to him/her will not be charged against the employer’s experience rating.
   2. Employees will be eligible for unemployment benefits if they are
      1. subject to a quarantine or isolation requirement;
      2. have been temporarily laid off due to COVID-19 related closures;
      3. or are on temporarily leave due to quarantine, isolation, or need to care for dependent family members as a result of COVID-19.
3. Workshare Program Information – WorkShare is an unemployment option that helps businesses retain their workforce during a temporary shutdown in work. The program allows employers to voluntarily reduce the hours of staff in lieu of layoffs. Employees of the businesses are allowed to collect a partial unemployment benefit to help them offset the loss of income. Applications for Workshare must be filed by the employer. Employers should call 207-623-6783 for more information.
   1. http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/26/title26sec1198.html
4. Health Insurance Coverage Options During Unemployment
5. 4-1-2020 UPDATE on Maine Unemployment Programs Including Those in Effect During the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration
6. 4-3-2020 UPDATE Maine Department of Labor Announces Alphabetical Call-in Schedule for Unemployment Benefits
7. Unemployment Insurance FAQs Regarding COVID-19
8. Update April 28 2020 – The Maine Dept of Labor has announced it will begin accepting applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (for self-employed, farmers/fishermen, independent contractors, etc.) on Friday, May 1st, at 8am.  Are you covered under this program?

1. Department of Community and Economic Development – Protecting your business and ensuring your employees are safe
2. Department of Labor – Staying healthy at work as an employee
3. Retail Association of Maine – COVID-19 Resource Page for Retailers
4. Maine Association of Nonprofits – COVID-19 Care Checklist for Nonprofits
5. Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources – COVID-19 Information for Agriculture and Food Businesses
6. Financial Relief for Nonprofit Businesses and Employers

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
   1. CDC Guidance Page for Businesses
   2. Business Pandemic Planning Checklist
   3. Preventing Stigma Related to Covid-19
   4. Key Facts About Covid-19
2. US Chamber of Commerce:
   1. Coronavirus Response Toolkit
   2. Coronavirus: 8 Things Your Small Business Needs to Do
   3. 7 Things to Do When Creating an Emergency Work-From-Home Policy for Covid-19
   4. Staying Connected With Customers Through the Coronavirus Outbreak
   5. 5 Ways to Manage Coronavirus Concerns When Employees Can’t Work From Home
3. Internal Revenue Service
   1. Covid-19 Tax Relief
   2. Economic Impact Payments:  What you need to know.
   3. FAQs: Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act
   4. Economic Impact Information Center

1.  Bernstein Shur Legal Response FAQ for Employers on COVID-19
2. Maine Small Business Development Center
   1. Small Business Resiliency Guide
   2. Business Resiliency Plan Template
      1. Contact Shannon Byer, Maine Small Business Development Center Director @ the Ellsworth office for assistance: (shannon.byers@ceimaine.org, 207-664-2990)
3. Essential / Non-essential businesses – Governor’s Executive Order information
4. Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Paid Leave for Employees
   1. This federal Act requires some employers in Maine to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded medical leave for reasons related to COVID-19.
   2. Applies to most businesses with fewer than 500 employees and almost all public employers.
   3. The Act allows for these businesses to be reimbursed for expenses they incur to provide required paid leave through a payroll tax credit.
   4. Certain businesses with fewer than 50 employees can seek an exemption. Businesses must seek this exemption at the federal level.
   5. Q&A and More Information 

1. Consumer Data Industry Association – Helping Consumers Avoid Credit Problems if they have been Impacted by COVID-19

1. Farm Product Pickup & Delivery Directory
2. COVID-19 Information for Agriculture & Food Businesses
3. Covid-19 Maine Farmer Information and Support