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Click here for the full Coronavirus section of our website
(Resources and Updates from ABC Keystone and ABC National, Virtual Training & More)

We’re Here for You!

This is an unprecedented and confusing time for business owners. In an effort to provide you with valuable resources* that you can use, below is a listing of links that we will continue to update and add to in the weeks ahead. Please check back often for updates. For specific questions that you might have, please feel free to reach out to dave@abckeystone.org.

*The information contained in the Coronavirus Update and Resources webpages is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney. We encourage you to reach out to your attorneys, accountants, insurers and other parties for advice. For your convenience, you can access a listing of ABC Keystone member associates here.


The Latest from ABC:

Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance Issued for Federal Contractors – 11/17/21
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force recently issued updated guidance on when covered contractor employees must be vaccinated, as well as new FAQS on vaccination and safety protocols in workplaces. Read more.

Learn About COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Contractors  – 10/13/21

ABC’s Coronavirus Update webpage now has a new section for federal contractors that are subject to President Biden’s recent executive order mandating their covered employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8 unless the covered federal contractor is legally required to provide an accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Learn the details and read about ABC’s advocacy on the issue at abc.org/coronavirus.

ABC Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit With Latest Resources – 9/20/21

In light of changing guidance regarding vaccine policies, ABC has updated resources on the COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit as part of the Coronavirus Update webpage to help inform and educate members about the latest available resources and information on the COVID-19 vaccine.

The webpage, which includes information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, is organized in seven different categories so that members can easily navigate through the available resources:

  1. COVID-19 Vaccines – Important Things to Know
  2. COVID-19 Vaccination for Workplaces
  3. EEOC Guidance on EEO Law and COVID-19 Vaccination
  4. COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
  5. Common Questions Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines
  6. Additional Resources
  7. ABC National Webinars

Disclaimer: Issues related to COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace are governed by various laws and regulations. The resources available on the COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit webpage do not convey or constitute legal advice, nor are they intended to be acted upon as such. Employers should consult with counsel for guidance on legal questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace.


The Latest from the DOL (4/27/21):

DOL Launches COVID-19 Worker Protections Resource Page

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division launched its Essential Workers – Essential Protections initiative to provide resources and offer information on common issues that employers and employees face during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the DOL website, WHD’s initiative offers information on the federal laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act, that provide critical worker protections regarding wages and hours worked and job-protected leave during the pandemic, including the following resources:

Additionally, WHD is offering various training opportunities for workers and employers on these workplace protections through the Essential Workers – Essential Protections initiative.

More information on these protections and other COVID-19 resources can be found on the DOL website and at abc.org/coronavirus


COVID-19 Safety Guidance for the Construction Industry:


View the Construction Safety Task Force Report Developed by ABC Pennsylvania  

Note: In anticipation of construction reopening on May 8, and to assist members that are in need of resources, ABC Pennsylvania (ABC PA) created a COVID-19 Construction Safety Task Force to provide guidance, best practices, and standards for the construction industry to incorporate into their required plans. ABC PA has extended an open invitation to partner with Governor Wolf, the legislature, and industry partners on ways to implement these strong, reasonable, and practical safety standards. While we do not yet have information as to what Governor Wolf’s final guidelines will be, we encourage you to read the report prepared by the Task Force and to start making your preparations now for reopening.


View the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Plan for Construction developed by The Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC)

FREE PPE: Are you a Lancaster business with 100 employees or fewer? You can now sign up for a free kit that includes a mix of personal protective equipment, as well as some cleaning and disinfecting materials. GET YOUR KIT

FDA advises consumers not to use hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem


Supplemental Health and Safety Plan to Address Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 – CLICK to Download
Note: The above is provided as a supplement for your company’s Safety Plans and Procedures. Please consult with your insurance providers and attorneys for advice.

Download the HR Toolkit – An Employer’s Guide to COVID-19 from ABC Insurance Trust


ABC National Information Resources:


City, State Government and Healthcare Industry Information Resources:


Federal Government and Healthcare Information Resources:


OSHA Resources:

OSHA has several Industry-Specific Alerts. The latest release is for the construction workforce. See list below:


Unemployment Compensation  (UC), Worker’s Compensation Information, and Notices:


Financial Resources:


Coronavirus Emergency Relief Legislation:

The CARES act creates a $350 billion loan program for small businesses, and establishes a $500 billion lending fund for industries, cities and states. Other provisions include payroll tax delays and other tax fixes for businesses and, importantly, $140 billion for hospitals. Click here for a copy of the final bill and click here for a section-by-section analysis. Additional information and links on the bill are included below.
  • Click here to learn about the Senate CARES bill tax provisions.
  • Click here to learn about the Senate CARES bill unemployment provisions.
  • Click here to learn about the Senate CARES bill small business provisions.
  • Click here to learn about the Senate CARES bill distressed industries provisions.

Please consult with your legal/accounting/insurance team for advice. There are restrictions to which you are subject as a result of the acceptance of a mid-sized business loan under the CARES Act.


Department of Labor Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Resources:

Below is some additional information on the previously passed legislation that requires paid leave from employers with fewer than 500 employees.
On March 26, the U.S. Department of Labor issued additional guidance explaining paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act:

COVID-19 Toolbox Talks from ABC National:


Mental Health Resources:

If you have not already taken the pledge to STAND up for Suicide Prevention, there is no better time than now to declare your commitment to full worker safety.  Taking the pledge not only demonstrates your support but ensures you will continue to receive updates and resources as a CIASP stakeholder.


Additional Resources:


Donations:

  • How to Donate Respirators & Other Items to Lancaster-area Hospitals
  • From the PA Chamber: “A complete list of in-demand supplies that are needed can be found here.  If you are able to assist in this crucial request, please email opportunities@hapevolve.com.  Any questions may be directed to Joe Tibbs, President of HAPEvolve, who is coordinating the effort on behalf of HAP. We are urging all businesses that believe they are able to turn their existing supply chain into the PPE output that the health care industry so desperately needs to please contact PA Chamber Government Affairs Director Kevin Sunday at 717 645-2071 or ksunday@pachamber.org.”

Food Banks are in dire need of donations right now. To discover how to provide assistance during this time as many locations can not currently accept in-person drop offs, please see the links below or visit the website of the location nearest you. If you’d like your local food bank website added to this list, please email kristi@abckeystone.org.