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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

"The state of Texas is strong; our people, resilient. As we saw during Hurricane Harvey, when neighbors help neighbors, our resilience is redoubled. And I have no doubt that Texans will continue to work together in that same spirit over the coming days and weeks."                                                

- Governor Greg Abbott

 

Our priority is the health and safety of Texas residents, local businesses and communities throughout the state. Economic Development & Tourism staff and community partners are closely monitoring the situation and following the advice of health officials and government agencies. For additional news and resources regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), go to gov.texas.gov/coronavirus.

Helpful FAQs Relating to COVID-19 for Texas Businesses and Community Economic Development Partners

 
Sign up for COVID-19 related updates for Texas businesses

Texas Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) granted Texas’ Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL, should visit the SBA’s website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.

CARES Act Update: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. The programs and initiatives in the Act are intended to assist business owners and nonprofits with current needs due to the COVID-19 crisis. Due to the CARES Act, small businesses and non-profits can get up to a $10,000 advance on an EIDL, even if a previous application was declined or still pending. For more information, download the CARES Act and PPP Loan Overview.

Paycheck Protection Program Update: The CARES Act also established a $349 billion SBA-backed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide immediate access to capital for small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses can now apply for a PPP loan through a local lender. For loan requirements and to find a lender near you, visit the SBA's website. 

All forms and application details for COVID-19 related SBA loans and funds are available on the SBA Disaster Loan website: www.sba.gov/disaster. Click on the Coronavirus link at the top of the page.

Texas Workforce Commission

The Texas Workforce Commission has additional resources for employers regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on their website: twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers

Texas Workers

If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) encourages you to apply for benefits by utilizing the online claim portal, or by calling the Tele-Center at 1-800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. TWC will investigate why you lost your job and mail a decision explaining whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

TWC may be experiencing increased call volumes and hold times on Tele-Center phone lines. You are encouraged to use the online claim portal, Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS), to handle your claim needs quickly. UBS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also sign up for electronic correspondence so you can receive TWC communications online as soon as possible.

For additional information and resources for job seekers, visit TWC's webpage: twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers

TWC Update: If you were previously ineligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits due to insufficient wages, TWC encourages individuals to reapply starting April 5, 2020. More information here. 

CARES Act Update: The CARES Act includes provisions for temporary coverage of individuals who have exhausted their entitlement to regular Unemployment Compensation (UC) and individuals who are not eligible for regular UC, such as individuals who are self-employed or have limited recent work history. The Department of Labor is currently working on filing guidelines for self-employed individuals and will release that information within the next week.

A newly created Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) fund empowers states to extend federally-funded unemployment benefits by an additional 13 weeks (past the usual 26 weeks). The fund also boosts weekly benefits for those laid off, terminated or furloughed due to COVID-19. For more detailed information, read the Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Program Letter.

All Texans

Governor Greg Abbott announced a series of Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation. The orders serve to help reduce exposure for people across the state. These orders are in accordance with federal guidelines issued by the President and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will aid in the state's efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Read more regarding the executive orders.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including COVID‑19:

  • Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.

  • If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Practice social distancing. This includes avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact.

 

 

Updated as of April 6, 2020