Coronavirus update USA - Implications for Danish business Embassy of Denmark in the United States, July 1, 2020 - Denmark in the USA
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Coronavirus update USA Implications for Danish business Embassy of Denmark in the United States, July 1, 2020
Contents
• Macro economic indicators
• Economic aid packages
• US travel restrictions
• Re-opening of the economy
• California
• Texas
• New York
• Florida
• Illinois
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• New Jersey
• Georgia
• Washington State
• Massachusetts
• North Carolina
• Wisconsin
Macro economic indicators
A strong contraction of the US economy is expected for the second quarter of 2020. According to the Congressional
Budget Office’s interim economic projections from May 19, 2020, real GDP is expected to contract by 11% in the second
quarter of this year, which is equivalent to a decline of 38% at an annual rate. However, growth is expected to increase in
the second half of 2020.
For 2020, the unemployment rate is expected to be above 11%, a sharp increase from February 2020 when the
unemployment rate was 3.5%. However, the US is now experiencing improvements in the labor market, reflecting a limited
resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March and April. After having decreased by more than 20
million in March and April, total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 2.5 million in May, and the unemployment rate
declined to 13.3% from 14.7% in April.
KEY ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS
Q2 Q3 Q4 2020 2021
Real GDP (since previous quarter, percentage -11.2 5.0 2.5 n.a. n.a.
change)
Real GDP (annual rate, percentage change) -37.7 21.5 10.4 -5.6 4.2
Unemployment rate (percent) 15.1 15.8 11.5 11.5 9.3
Federal budget deficit/GDP (percent) -17.9 -9.8
Federal debt/GDP (percent) 101 108
Sources: The Congressional Budget Office; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Macro economic indicators (II) Consumer confidence: According to the Conference Board, the consumer confidence index held steady in May, following a sharp decline in April. The Index now stands at 86.6, up from 85.7 in April. Industrial production, personal consumption, retail and food sales: Industrial production increased by 1.4% in May, as many factories resumed partial operations following suspensions related to COVID-19. Even so, total industrial production in May was 15.4% below its pre- pandemic level in February. Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales show an increase of 17.7% in May from the previous month, but 6.1% below May 2019. Personal consumption increased by 8.2% in May. Jobless claims: Since mid-March, the number of Americans who have been laid off and therefore applied for unemployment benefits has reached more than 47 million. However, the influx of new unemployed is clearly slowing (although from a very high level) and has in the recent weeks been lower than the number of unemployed who have found new employment. Sources: The Conference Board; US Department of Labor; St. Louis Fed
Economic Aid Packages
Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA)
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the FFCRA into law. The FFCRA requires some employers to provide paid sick, family and
medical leave to employees while receiving tax credits as reimbursement. Guide and information about the tax credits.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act into law, featuring the following relief programs:
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The CARES Act established the PPP, a $349 billion loan guarantee program through which financial institutions can make forgivable loans
up to $10,000,000 to small business (fewer than 500 employees). Guide and information about the PPP.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL)
The CARES Act also expanded the previously-created EIDL providing up to $2 million in loans to small businesses. An advance of up to
$10,000 is available to applicants and does not have to be repaid. Guide and information about the EIDL.
• SBA Express Bridge Loans & SBA Debt Relief
Available to those with an existing business relationship with an SBA lender. Businesses can get quick access to up to $25,000 and get
covered all loan payments on SBA loans for six months. Guide and information about the programs.
• Main Street Lending Program
With $75 billion in Treasury funds provided in the CARES Act, the Federal Reserve pledged to leverage $600 billion in credit to small and
medium-sized enterprises through the Main Street Lending Program. Information about the lending program.
• Small Business Tax Provisions
The CARES Act provides 50 percent refundable payroll tax credit for employers on wages paid up to $10,000 and allows firms to delay
their employer-side payroll tax payments to 2021 and 2022. Information about the tax provisions.Economic Aid Packages (II)
Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
• By April 17, the PPP and the EIDL had exhausted their initial capital. On April 24, President Trump signed the Enhancement Act, which, in
addition to topping off the PPP with $310, also increased appropriations for the EIDL with an additional $60 billion.US travel restrictions
Foreign nationals who have visited one of the following countries in the past 14 days are prohibited from entering the US. No
decisions on easing the restrictions have been announced.
Effective from January 31:
• China
Effective from February 29:
• Iran
Effective from March 11:
• European Schengen area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland)
Effective from March 14:
• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Republic of Ireland
Effective from May 26:
• Brazil
On March 21 cross-border travel from Canada and Mexico to the US was limited to ‘essential travel’. Essential travel includes
individuals travelling to work in the US. The US announced on May 19 that the restrictions for Canada and Mexico are extended
until June 22.Re-opening of the economy California
California LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • On March 30, Gov. Newsom ordered a 90-day extension for small businesses for tax returns and tax payments. The order also extends the statute of limitations to file a claim for a tax refund by 60 days. • On April 2, the governor introduced a one-year reprieve that will allow small businesses to keep upward $50,000 they would otherwise owe the state in sales tax. • An April 16 executive order gives two weeks of paid sick leave to certain food sector workers, including delivery drivers and agriculture, grocery store and fast food chain workers. RE-OPENING • On April 22, hospitals and health systems were allowed to resume delayed medical care. • On May 4, the governor announced that the state can begin to move into the early phase of Stage 2 of reopening on May 8, meaning some retailers – clothing stores, florists, bookshops and sporting goods stores – will be allowed to reopen with curbside pickup. Associated manufacturing and supply chain for those retail businesses will also be able to reopen, as long as they follow strict new guidelines. • As of May 12, offices, limited services, and outdoor museums are also permitted to open. • On May 18, the governor announced that nearly half of the state’s counties are moving further into Stage 2 of the state’s reopening. This allows eateries to host in-restaurant dining and permits shopping malls to open. Professional sports will be allowed to return in the first week of June, according to the governor. • On May 25, the governor announced counties can begin re-opening houses of worship and in-store shopping for retail. The next day, he announced counties may reopen hair salons and barbershops. • Beginning June 12, approved counties can reopen businesses and establishments including fitness facilities, hotels and short term rentals, racetracks, family entertainment centers, campgrounds, outdoor recreation, museums, galleries, zoos, restaurants, bars and wineries. • On July 1, the governor ordered all indoor activities to be halted in counties on the state’s coronavirus "watch list" for increased transmission of the virus. The closures affect 19 counties representing 72% of the state’s population, and include restaurants, museums, zoos, movie theaters and family entertainment. The governor announced earlier the same week that bars, pubs, breweries and wineries that don’t also serve food must close. Restaurants may remain open for take out meals. The restrictions will remain in place for at least three weeks, the governor said. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of California.
Re-opening of the economy Texas
Texas LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • On April 13, Gov. Abbott announced that Goldman Sachs, in partnership with the LiftFund and other community development financial institutions, is providing $50 million in loans to Texas small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. • The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has announced the deadline for franchise tax filing and payment has been extended to July 15. There is also provided an extension of up to 90 days past the original due date to pay the motor vehicle tax due on purchases. Businesses struggling to pay the full amount of sales taxes they collect from customers, may be afforded a short-term payment agreement and, in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest on unpaid accounts. • On May 22, the governor announced that the Texas Workforce Commission has extended payment deadlines for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits. RE-OPENING • Beginning May 1, all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums, and libraries were permitted to reopen, but must limit their capacity to 25% of their listed occupancy. The mandatory 14-day quarantine period is also no longer required for travelers from Louisiana. • Beginning May 8, personal care services like barber shops and nail salons can open if they ensure six feet of distance between operating work stations. Swimming pools may open, subject to specific limitations. • Beginning May 18, office buildings may reopen with occupancy limits and social distancing requirements. Gyms, exercise facilities and exercise classes may reopen at 25% occupancy. Nonessential manufacturing services can open at limited capacity. • As of May 22, restaurants, which were allowed to reopen May 1 at 25% capacity, can increase to 50% capacity. Also bars, wine tasting rooms and craft breweries as well as various businesses such as bowling alleys, bingo halls, skating rinks, rodeos, zoos and aquariums may all open at 25% capacity. • The governor announced additional businesses and services can reopen in Phase Two. As of May 26, food courts in shopping malls can open. Beginning May 29, water parks can operate at 25% occupancy. Recreational sports practices for adults can resume May 31, and games and competitions can begin June 15. • On June 3, Phase Three of reopening began. Most businesses previously operating at 25% capacity can expand to 50%. Bars can increase their capacity to 50%. Restaurants may expand their maximum table size from six to 10 people. Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed positive cases can open at 50% capacity. Beginning June 12, restaurants can expand their occupancy to 75%. • On June 26, the governor responded to the post-reopening coronavirus surge in Texas by shutting bars back down and scaling back restaurant capacity to 50%. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Texas.
Re-opening of the economy New York
New York LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • New York State personal income tax and corporation tax returns originally due on April 15, 2020, have been extended to July 15, 2020. In addition, all related tax payments due on April 15, 2020 (including 2020 estimated payments) may be deferred to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. • On March 20, the Department of Taxation and Finance issued Notice N-20-1 announcing that the Department was authorized to abate late filing penalties and interest on all quarterly sales and use tax returns due March 20, 2020 • On May 22, Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the $100 million New York Forward Loan Fund to provide flexible and affordable loans to help small businesses, focusing on minority and women owned small businesses that did not receive federal COVID-19 assistance. • On June 8, the governor authorized local governments to extend the deadline for filing property tax abatements to July 15. RE-OPENING • On April 26, the governor outlined a plan to reopen the state in phases based on regional analysis and determinations. Phase one will reopen construction, manufacturing, wholesale supply chain, agriculture, forestry, fishing and retail for curbside or in-store pickup. • The governor said on May 14 that there are five regions in the state – Central New York, North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mohawk Valley – that meet the metrics required to begin Phase 1 of reopening on May 15. On May 18, Western New York met all metrics and therefore began to reopen, joined by the Capital Region on May 19 and by the Mid-Hudson Region on May 26. • On May 29, the governor said that New York City is expected to begin a Phase 1 of reopening on June 8. • Five regions began Phase 2 of reopening on May 29. Two others joined on June 2 and 3, and two more joined on June 9 and 10. As of June 10, every region except New York City is in Phase 2. In Phase 2, office-based workers, real estate services, in-store retail shopping and some hair salon and barber shop service can resume, in line with industry guidance. • On June 3, it was announced that restaurants in the seven regions that have entered Phase 2 can open for outdoor dining beginning June 4. • On June 7, the governor announced outdoor, socially distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed beginning June 26. • One June 15, the governor announced gatherings of up to 25 people will be allowed in Phase Three of reopening, up from the limit of 10. He also announced, that Western New York and the Capital Region has been cleared to enter Phase Three. New York City is on track to enter Phase Two of reopening on June 22. • On June 24, the governor issued an executive order requiring all travelers entering New York from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or higher than a 10 percent test positivity rate, over a seven day rolling average, will be required to quarantine for a period of 14 days consistent with Department of Health regulations for quarantine. • On June 29, the governor announced the state has cleared Western New York to enter Phase 4 of reopening on June 30. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of New York.
Re-opening of the economy Florida
Florida LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • On March 26, the state announced an extension of the March 31 property tax payment due date to April 15. Florida, one of the states with no individual income tax, has extended various sales, tourism, and excise tax deadlines. • On April 6, Gov. DeSantis issued an Executive Order, which provides that the Florida documentary stamp tax would not apply to any of the loans related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). RE-OPENING • Most of the state entered the first phase of limited reopening on May 4. Shelter-in-place orders and businesses closures continue in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. • An executive order outlines which restrictions will be lifted and continued during phase one of the state's recovery. People must continue practicing social distancing, limit gatherings to 10 people, avoid nonessential travel and self-isolate for 14 days after entering the state. • The governor's order allows certain businesses to resume limited operations beginning May 4. Restaurants may reopen dine-in service with 25% indoor capacity and socially distant outdoor seating, and retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity, and bars. • An executive order permits barbershops, cosmetology salons and cosmetology specialty salons to reopen, beginning May 11. A May 14 executive order allows professional sports to operate statewide and permits venues to host trainings, competitions, events and games. • On May 15, the governor announced Florida’s Full Phase 1 begins on May 18. All 67 counties can begin re-opening. • Florida Keys businesses will be allowed to reopen to visitors beginning June 1 and there will no longer be passenger screenings at airports in the region. Lodging business can operate at 50% capacity. • On June 3, the governor announced bars, tattoo shops, massage parlors, tanning salons, and movie theaters are allowed to open in select areas at half capacity starting Friday as most of Florida moves into the second of the state’s three-phase re-opening. • On June 26, the governor ordered the shutdown of bars with the spike of cases across the state. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Florida.
Re-opening of the economy Illinois
Illinois LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • On March 19, Gov. Pritzker announced the Department of Revenue is waiving penalties and interest for late sales tax remittance by qualifying restaurants and bars to help them maintain liquidity. • On March 25, the governor announced a three-month extension of the income tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15 and several new programs to provide more than $90 million in financial relief to small businesses across the state. • The state has awarded $14 million to over 700 bars, restaurants and hotels through the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program. • On May 27, The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced a new $7.3 million investment from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. RE-OPENING • The governors of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin announced on April 16 that they will work in close coordination to safely reopen Midwestern states. • Health care facilities may resume certain elective surgeries for non-life-threatening conditions beginning May 1, in accordance with public health guidance. • On May 5, the governor announced "Restore Illinois," a five-phase plan for reopening the state on a regional basis. The state entered Phase 2 with its modified stay-at-home order on May 1. Pritzker said that phase 3 – when manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen, with restrictions – won’t begin until May 29 at the earliest. • On May 14, the governor said that every region in the state is on track to move into the next phase of re-opening in about two weeks. • May 24, the governor released guidelines for businesses and workplaces to reopen after the stay-at-home order set to expire on May 30, paving the way for an estimated 700,000 Illinoisans to return to work. The guidelines came with a set of industry-specific toolkits. • Starting May 29, all areas of the state are eligible to reopen in accordance with Restore Illinois Phase 3 – including outdoor dining, outdoor recreation, manufacturing, retail, personal care services and offices. • The governor announced that regions that meet the required metrics will be able to move into Phase 4 as early as June 26. • The state moved into Phase 4 on June 26. In Phase 4, gathering limits expands from 10 to 50 people, and additional sectors such as health, fitness, movies, theaters, museums, zoos and indoor restaurant dining can open or expand with capacity restrictions. Revised guidelines permit additional activities in youth and recreational sports, health and fitness centers and day camps. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Illinois.
The picture can't be displayed. Re-opening of the economy Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • On March 25, Gov. Wolf announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) had authorized the transfer of $40 million to the Small Business First Fund in order to help small businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus. • Businesses that collect Pennsylvania state tax will not have to make Accelerated Sales Tax prepayments in April, May and June. • The Department of Revenue extended the deadline to file state personal income tax returns to July 15, and delayed the due date for corporations with tax returns due in May to August 14. The department is offering additional temporary relief measures for taxpayers through at least July 15. • On April 20, the governor signed a bill helping local governments and businesses respond to the outbreak by authorizing local governments to waive any late fee or penalty on property tax due by December 31, 2020, provided the tax is paid in full by December 31.’ • On June 8, the governor announced a $225 million grant program to support small businesses that were impacted by the pandemic. • On June 29, the governor announced that small businesses across Pennsylvania can apply for grants, beginning June 30, to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order. RE-OPENING • On April 22, the governor outlined a plan for the state's three-phased reopening with a targeted May 8 start. The phases will be broken down into three colors, red, yellow and green. All 67 of Pennsylvania's counties remained under the red phase of the reopening plan until May 8, at which point 24 counties moved into the yellow phase. In the yellow phase, some restrictions on work and social interaction will ease while limits on gathering size and closures of certain businesses remain in place. An additional 13 counties entered the yellow phase on May 15 and 12 more counties will move to the yellow phase on May 22. Only 18 counties remained in the red phase by that point. • On May 22, the governor announced that an additional eight counties will be moved to the yellow phase of reopening and 17 to green on May 29. All remaining counties are expected to move to yellow by June 5. On May 29, eight counties moved to the yellow phase. • In the green phase, stay-at-home orders and business closures are lifted. Restaurants, bars, personal care services, indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities and all entertainment venues can open at 50% occupancy with restrictions. • Beginning June 5, counties in the yellow phase can allow restaurants to open for outdoor dining. Restaurants and bars in green counties can open for indoor and outdoor dine-in service. All state park beaches opened to swimming on June 6. Facilities such as cabins, cottages and lodges will open statewide on June 12, and most state park swimming pools will open on June 13. • On June 12, the governor announced eight more counties will move to the green phase of reopening on June 19. • On June 26, the governor announced that Lebanon County is expected to move to the green phase of reopening on July 3, putting all 67 counties in green. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Pennsylvania.
The picture can't be displayed. Re-opening of the economy Ohio
Ohio LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • The deadline for filing and payment of state income taxes, as well as for local income taxes paid through the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA), has been extended by three months to July 15. • The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation approved on April 10 the sending of $1.6 billion in dividends to private employers and local government taxing districts. RE-OPENING • DeWine said starting May 1, the state will begin a gradual "phased-in reopening” of its economy. • An April 22 order directs health care providers in hospitals and outpatient surgery centers to reassess elective procedures and surgeries that had previously been postponed. • On April 27, DeWine announced that health care procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay, as well as all dental and veterinary procedures, can resume activities beginning May 1. • On April 27, DeWine announced the first steps of economic reopening. Manufacturing, construction and distribution can reopen starting May 4. General office environments can also reopen that day, but teleworking is encouraged. Consumer, retail and other services may resume starting May 1. • Restaurants and bars were allowed to reopen outdoor dining on May 15 and dine-in service on May 21. • On May 26, gyms and fitness centers can reopen and low- or non-contact sports leagues can resume and child care providers will be allowed to open May 31. Beginning June 1, catering and banquet centers can reopen. • On June 2, the governor announced that health care providers, including dentists, may resume all surgeries and procedures that had previously been delayed if they meet safety criteria. • On June 5, the governor announced that a multitude of sectors, including casinos and amusement parks, could reopening. • On June 29, the governor explained that the increase in positive COVID-19 cases is not fully due to Ohio’s increase in testing, rather it is a sign of broader community spread. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Ohio.
Re-opening of the economy New Jersey
New Jersey LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • Gov. Murphy expanded protections of the Family Leave Act, allowing workers forced to take time off to care for family during the outbreak to use up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave in a 24-month period without jeopardizing their jobs. • Gov. Murphy has issued an order authorizing the governing body of any municipality may adopt a resolution to extend property tax payments due May 1 to a date not later than June 1, 2020. • The filing date for corporate, partnership, and individual taxpayers has been extended to July 15, 2020. RE-OPENING • On April 27, Murphy announced a “Road Back” plan, which did not name dates for when other restrictions would be lifted, but instead laid out six principles or metrics that would guide when the easing will happen. They included 14-days of declining new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations, and expanding the state’s capacity to test for the disease. Reopening will likely begin in workplaces and venues where the state has a "high degree of confidence" that social distancing and other related norms can be effectively executed, Murphy said then. • All state parks and forests reopened on May 2. Golf courses and county parks are also allowed to reopen. • A May 13 executive order permits car gatherings for drive-through and drive-in events. It also allows the resumption of nonessential construction, and curbside pickup at nonessential retail businesses from May 18. Charter fishing services and other chartered-boat services, as well as watercraft rental businesses, can open as of May 17. Medical and dental elective surgeries and invasive procedures can resume on May 26. • On May 18, the governor signed and order, allowing certain outdoor activities at recreational businesses, including archery ranges, batting cages, golf driving ranges, horseback riding, shooting ranges, and tennis clubs as well as community gardens. • The stay-at-home order is set to expire on June 5. • On June 1, the governor announced that New Jersey will enter Stage Two on June 15 which include outdoor dining for restaurants and indoor, non-essential retail. • On June 9, the governor signed two executive orders 1) raising limits on outdoor and indoor gatherings and 2) opening pools effective from June 22 and additional outdoor recreational businesses effective immediately. • As of July 1, in-person clinical, lab and hands-on programming at institutions of higher learning can reopen subject to their restart plan. • On June 24, the governor, along with those from Connecticut and New York announced joint incoming travel advisory that all individuals traveling from states with significant community spread to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. • On June 29, the governor signed an executive order, temporarily pausing the resumption of indoor dining and prohibits the consumption of food or beverages in the indoor premises of any retail, recreational, or entertainment business¨. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of New Jersey.
The picture can't be displayed. Re-opening of the economy Georgia
Georgia LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • An emergency rule allows workers to make up to $300 a week without reducing their weekly benefit amount, enabling employees working reduced hours to qualify for state and federal benefits. • The Georgia Department of Revenue is extending the filing and payment deadlines for 2019 income tax returns to July 15, 2020. RE-OPENING • On April 23, Kemp signed an executive order for "reviving a healthy Georgia," which outlines specific provisions for the limited reopening of certain economic sectors effective May 1 through May 13. Georgians must continue following specific social distancing and sanitation practices. • Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, hair and nail salons, estheticians and massage therapists were able to reopen on April 24, with certain rules. Theaters and restaurants were allowed to reopen on April 27, also with limitations (social distancing and screening employees for illness). • A May 12 executive order changed certain rules for some businesses and extended closures for others through May 31. Businesses are divided into three categories, and must follow industry-specific guidelines. • On May 29, the governor said that bars and nightclubs, overnight summer camps, summer schools, and professional and amateur sports will be able to resume operations and practices on June 1. • Effective July 1, conventions — including exhibitions, trade shows, conferences and business retreats — can be held if they meet specific requirements. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Georgia.
Re-opening of the economy Washington State
Washington State LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • The state has created a grant fund for small businesses, using a portion of the state's Strategic Reserve Fund. The grants will provide up to $10,000 for small businesses under 10 employees. Businesses can use this money to pay for rent, utility bills, supplies, inventory and other operating expenses. • Businesses that are unable to file their monthly, quarterly, or annual returns may be eligible for relief. The Q1 2020 return is extended to June 30, 2020 and the annual 2019 return is now due on June 15, 2020. RE-OPENING • The governors of California, Oregon and Washington announced the Western States Pact on April 13. The framework offers principles and goals for a shared approach to reopening states' economies. Colorado and Nevada joined the pact on April 27. • On April 21, Inslee announced "Washington's Recovery Plan," a framework for the loosening of restrictions and gradual return to public life. • Inslee said on April 24 that "low-risk" construction projects already underway can resume if they comply with physical distancing and other requirements. • The governor signed an executive order on May 4 implementing the state's "Safe Start" recovery plan. The plan allows smaller counties to apply for a exception from the order, enabling them to loosen some restrictions. Washington entered the first phase of gradual reopening on May 5. Under the first phase of reopening, essential businesses, existing construction projects, landscaping, car washes and automobile sales can operate. Retail stores can offer curbside pickup only. • The governor issued guidance for partially reopening the dine-in restaurant and tavern industry in counties granted variance to enter Phase 2, effective May 11. On May 18 the state said it would allow non-essential medical procedures and services. • On May 19, the governor announced new criteria for additional counties to move to Phase 2. As of May 26, 21 out of the state’s 39 counties have received a a permission to move into Ph2 allows for in-store retail purchases with restrictions, reopening of barbershops and salons, and the reopening of restaurants at 50% capacity. • On June 1, the governor lifted the state’s stay-at-home order. • As of June 9, there are five counties in Phase 1, one county in Phase 1.5, 25 counties in Phase 2, and eight counties in Phase 3. • On June 27, the governor paused the moving of counties to Phase 4. • ase 2. Phase STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Washington.
Re-opening of the economy Massachusetts
Massachusetts LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • The Massachusetts Department of Revenue announced sales tax filing and remittance deadline extensions for businesses that paid less than $150,000 in sales and use taxes for the 12-month period ending February 29. The state is also waiving penalties for late filing and payment of meals taxes and room occupancy taxes due between March 20 and May 31. The deadline for filing and payment of such taxes is now June 20 for qualifying businesses. • On March 27, Gov. Baker announced extension of the income tax filing and payment deadline to July 15. The governor has also signed into law a measure that allows local tax authorities to extend their property tax payment, exemption, and deferral deadlines. While corporate excise tax payments and filings were due April 15, the Department of Revenue has said it will waive penalties for those who file and pay by July 15. RE-OPENING • All travelers arriving to Massachusetts are still instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days. • The state changed some of its rules about essential business operations on May 4, allowing certain nonessential retail businesses like flower shops, bookstores and car dealerships to fulfill online and phone orders for delivery. Expanded guidelines now allow between three and seven employees inside of a store, depending on the building's square footage, to fill remote orders. They must wear masks and follow other social distancing and sanitation protocols. • Massachusetts began Phase 1 of reopening on May 18. In Phase 1, which is set to last for at least three weeks, manufacturing facilities and construction sites can open. Other sectors of the economy will begin a staggered reopening on May 25, including the reopening of offices. Many facilities can reopen that same day, including beaches, parks, drive-in movie theaters, zoos, fishing, hunting and boating. • Additional businesses and activities can open in Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan, which the governor announced on May 29. Outdoor dining will begin at the start of Phase 2. Lodging businesses including hotels, motels and short-term rentals can expand operations but keep event spaces closed. Step One of Phase 2 began on June 8. Health care providers may resume most previously suspended in-person services beginning June 8. • Step Two of Phase 2 began on June 22, allowing additional businesses to reopen in line with sector-specific guidance. Indoor table service at restaurants and close contact personal services can reopen. Offices can open at 50% capacity. • Bars, nightclubs, dance clubs, large capacity venues, festivals, parades, road races, amusement parks and outdoor and indoor water parks will remain closed until Phase 4. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Massachusetts.
Re-opening of the economy North Carolina
North Carolina LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • On March 23, 2020, the Department of Revenue announced it would automatically extend the time to file North Carolina income and franchise tax returns originally due on April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. The extension applies to income and franchise tax returns originally due on April 15, 2020 • On March 31, 2020, the Department of Revenue expanded its previous penalty waiver that applied to various types of returns and tax payments due between March 15 and March 31, 2020 to apply to all affected taxes and returns due between March 15 and July 15, 2020 if the return is filed or the tax is paid by July 15, 2020. • On May 4, Gov. Cooper signed two COVID-19 relief bills into law. The package includes nearly $1.6 billion in relief measures for families, schools, hospitals, state governments and small businesses. RE-OPENING • The transitioning into Phase 1 effective from May 8 removes the distinction between essential and nonessential businesses. Retail businesses may operate at 50% capacity and must implement health and safety measures for workers and customers. Cloth face coverings are recommended for workers, and teleworking is encouraged whenever possible. • In Phase 1, restaurants remain limited to drive-through, takeout and delivery service. Bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues and gyms will stay closed. Child care facilities will be open during Phase 1, subject to strict cleaning protocols, to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with state guidelines. • The governor said on May 20 that the state would shift from a stay-at-home order to a “safer at home” order as part of Phase 2 of reopening on May 22. Phase 2 won’t be as expansive as first planned. Restaurants will be allowed to open but bars, nightclubs, gyms, and indoor fitness facilities will stay closed. • On June 24, the governor announced the state will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of North Carolina.
Re-opening of the economy Wisconsin
Wisconsin LOCAL ECONOMIC AID PACKAGES/TAX RELIEF • The Department of Revenue will follow the federal extensions of time to file and pay 2019 income taxes to July 15, 2020 for various types of returns. • The Department of Revenue on March 27 issued a release indicating that small businesses can immediately request an extension to file the sales tax return due March 31 until April 30 and to extend the April 30 return until June 1, 2020. • On May 18, the governor announced a $75 million grant program to provide assistance to small businesses as part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All In Initiative. • On May 20, the governor announced the Wisconsin Farm Support Program, a $50 million investment to provide direct payments to Wisconsin farmers in support of the agricultural sector, and a $15 million Food Security Initiative. RE-OPENING • Gov. Evers announced the "Badger Bounce Back" plan on April 20. The plan outlines phases and criteria for the incremental reopening of Wisconsin's economy. • An April 27 executive order further eases restrictions on certain businesses. Nonessential businesses can do curbside drop-offs of goods and animals. Rentals of outdoor recreational vehicles like boats and golf carts can resume, and automatic and self-service car washes can operate. All of the businesses must operate "free of contact with customers" by taking payments online or by phone; they must also follow disinfecting practices. • A May 11 order allows all standalone and strip mall-based retail stores to offer in-person shopping for up to five customers at a time. • On May 13, Wisconsin's Supreme Court overturned the existing stay-at-home order. STATE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESS • Click here for the list of businesses defined as essential by the State of Wisconsin.
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