May 28, 2020
On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to move into an accelerated Stage 2 of California’s Resilience Roadmap. Late last night, the County received approval from the State’s Department of Public Health to move further into Stage 2, allowing dine-in options in restaurants and in-store retail. Businesses must follow social distancing protocols and complete the County’s Safe Reopening Plan. Safe Reopening Plan guidance can be found on the County’s website here for restaurants and here for retail stores.
The County is transitioning its daily COVID-19 briefings to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. However, this afternoon there is a press briefing at 2:30pm in light of the Stage 2 reopening news.
Memorial Day Weekend looks a lot different than years past. Ceremonies honoring our nation’s service men and women who lost their lives during military service will be held virtually. We wish you a safe Memorial Day Weekend!
Legislative Update:
Federal:
The SBA released guidance on Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness provisions. In order to have a PPP loan converted to a grant, the lender that processed the business’s PPP loan must submit the 11-page application on behalf of borrowers (businesses). The US Chamber published this helpful guide to calculate how much of the loan will be forgiven. Loan amounts not forgiven will be converted into a two-year loan at 1% interest.
Additional changes may be coming to the PPP effort, including adjustments to how the money can be spent and the timelines for eligible expenses. This effort seems to have support from Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and may be voted on in the House as the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act as early as next week. The Senate is considering a similar bill today.
Late last week, the House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or the HEROES Act, by a vote of 208-199. The $3 trillion stimulus bill now sits with the Senate, but Republican senators have deemed the bill “dead on arrival” as written.
International:
Guidelines for the return to the workplace were issued by the Mexican federal government. The government also added the following industries to the list of essential activities: construction, mining, and automotive and transportation equipment manufacturing.
In an effort to address COVID-19 cases in Baja California, the state government announced the creation of 16 health centers designated as “fever clinics”, where individuals presenting symptoms can get tested and receive medical guidance. These centers will help alleviate overwhelming crowds at hospitals and reduce the risk of exposure. Individuals with severe symptoms including respiratory distress are strongly advised to go to their nearest hospital directly and immediately. For updates and information on Baja’s COVID-19 efforts and confirmed cases, please visit its COVID-19 website.
The temporary restrictions on non-essential travel across shared ports of entry between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico have been extended for an additional 30 days to June 22. With a reduction in cross border traffic, CBP reduced lanes and hours of operation at the ports of entry, which has led to an increase in border wait times. We are working with our partner organizations to ensure CBP is aware of this impact on our cross border workforce. Addressing this is especially important now with more businesses reopening. Please visit the official web and social media pages for updates on port operations.
State:
The Legislative Analyst’s Office has published its review and comments of the Governor’s May Revise. They’ve also made public their analysis of U.S. retail spending numbers for April 2020.
Local:
On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors also approved a “Proposed Pilot” prior to Stage 3 of the Resilience Roadmap which would allow the reopening of the following facilities:
- Research Labs
- Therapeutic & Peer Support Group (individual therapy and support groups less than 12 people)
- Modified Youth Sports/Clubs
- Personal Services include:
- Hair and nail salons (appt. only) – 25% capacity
- Fitness Facilities (appt. only) – 25% capacity
- HOA/Apartments/Condominium Pools – 25% capacity
- Outdoor Religious Services
This proposal is subject to approval from the California Department of Public Health and the Governor’s Office.
Mayor Faulconer unveiled his revised budget this week, still heavily influenced by the economic downturn triggered by the coronavirus. While CARES money will be used to backfill operational/first responder costs and to pay for childcare for essential workers and support small businesses, there are still significant cuts. These cuts range programmatically but do include significant workforce reductions.
The City of San Diego has extended its eviction moratorium until June 30.
San Diego’s City Council meetings scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday have been adjourned.
The Chamber was pleased to sign on to a coalition letter by the Downtown San Diego Partnership supporting Curbside San Diego to establish a pilot program to use right of ways in a flexible manner to encourage use of active placemaking and business activity downtown.