During his press conference on March 19, Governor Mike DeWine announced the following news related to the COVID-19 emergency:
Telehealth
Gov. DeWine issued an executive order that will expand access to medical and behavioral health services using telehealth. Patients don’t need to have an existing relationship with a healthcare professional to utilize these services.
Small Business & Non-Profit Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved the state’s request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to help pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
Loan applications can be completed online or applicants can obtain a paper application by calling 800.659.2955.
To expedite the application process, applicants should have ready complete copies of their most recent federal income tax return and a completed and signed IRS Form 4506T, which authorizes the release of tax information. Additional information to have available would be a schedule of liabilities, personal financial statement, monthly sales figures, a current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, and a year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for that tax year if the most recent federal income tax return has not been filed.
View the checklist for business and employers for additional information.
Employee Health Screenings
Gov. DeWine strongly recommended that all employers screen employees and check temperatures daily to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. For details, view the guidance for screening employees.