PLAN FOR SAFELY REOPENING BUSINESSES

The City’s Safer at Home plan and executive order outline how Philadelphia will begin to reopen for business when the current Stay-at-Home Order is lifted, which may occur as soon as Friday, June 5, 2020. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health continues to advise residents that they are “safer at home,” and should only leave to engage in essential activities.

The move to Safer at Home is dependent on the data tracked by the Department of Public Health. While we don’t know what effect current events will have on the virus’s spread, we continue to monitor the metrics and based on what we’re seeing, we will make an official decision in the next few days.

Learn more about how the City is safely supporting the reopening of businesses here.

Lower-risk activities permitted to operate within certain parameters during the Safer-at-Home Order (Yellow Phase) include:

· Restaurants (including food trucks and walk-up ordering, no dine-in service)

· Retail businesses (curbside and delivery are strongly encouraged)

· Child care centers

· Outdoor youth day camps and recreation

· Outdoor parks-related amenities

· Office-based businesses (telework still required whenever feasible)

· Consumer banking

· Automobile sales

· Real estate activities

· Manufacturing

· Warehouse operations

Continued Precautions:

Businesses will be required by the Safer-at-Home Order to follow a safety checklist of operations called “Safe Mode” to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you’re planning to open a warehouse facility, you may need to partner with Tri-Lift Industries, Inc. – Forklift Rentals because they offer cost-effective equipment options.

Industry-specific Guidance For Reopening:

Recommendations for different types of businesses and activities are detailed in a separate set of industry-specific guidelines available here.

As businesses reopen, they are encouraged to download, print, and hang these informational posters.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Businesses that have sustained damage as a result of demonstrations should document damages by:

✅ Taking photos.

✅ Obtaining a police report through the Philadelphia Police Department by calling 911.

✅ Reporting damage to your insurance company.

✅ Saving camera footage.

Business owners should call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious or criminal activity. All property owners are responsible for securing exposed storefronts with existing damage.

Contact the Commerce Department’s Office of Business Services at 215-683-2100 or business@phila.gov for more information about:

· Street closures, which continue to be enforced in and around Center City.

· Changes to SEPTA routes and other transportation issues.

· Support for businesses affected by vandalism.

· Interest in volunteering or supporting business and clean-up efforts for which we recommend to hire services like those described in this news.

· A list of contractors for help repairing damages to your business.

While non-essential businesses remain closed under Philadelphia’s Stay at Home Order, business owners can still take steps to keep their businesses safe. Please be sure to review your security protocols.

COVID-19 RECOVERY OFFICE

Sign up for updates from the new Philadelphia COVID-19 Recovery Office, which aims to ensure a more equitable and prosperous Philadelphia post-recovery.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

Learn more about the Philadelphia Department of Revenue’s tax guidance for businesses affected by COVID-19.

More information regarding local and national resources for businesses will continue to be updated here. The Philadelphia Department of Commerce is listing various free webinars, hosted by partner organizations, that inform business owners how to navigate through COVID-19.

Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) has a list of resources for business owners, including a breakdown of funding programs that remain available.

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has a useful set of resources for impacted businesses.

Temple University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering one-on-one appointments, webinars, and recordings that can be accessed here.

SCORE has mentors available to assist with questions on how to complete applications for assistance.

Resources from the U.S. Department of Labor are available for employers and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Trade Commission has tips on how business owners and consumers can avoid fraud.

Visit the StandForSmall.com hub for resources, offers, and tools from a growing group of companies that want to help your small business get back to business. Whether you’re shifting your business online or switching to takeout and delivery, Stand for Small hopes to help you navigate the current climate.

HELP US SECURE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Join Pennsylvania’s new PPE and Supplies Business-2-Business (B2B) Interchange Directory to help connect organizations and businesses directly to manufacturers producing COVID-19-related products and supplies. The information made available in the directory can also be submitted through either of the following portals:

· Manufacturing Call to Action Portal

· Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal.

The City of Philadelphia is asking potential vendors to use this form to expedite the City’s purchasing process for much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE).

Separately, any vendors or businesses looking to donate PPE need to fill out this form.

HEALTH RESOURCES TO REFERENCE IN THE COMING WEEKS

· For updated guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, visit phila.gov/COVID-19. There is a section specifically dedicated to businesses and nonprofits.

· As always, be vigilant in your washing hands and not touching your face.

· Refer to the CDC’s website for additional information.

If you would to like to find out more information about business assistance, resources, and programs, please email business@phila.gov.