US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association
In our effort to keep you informed about federal response and recovery efforts regarding COVID-19 response, please find attached here the latest stakeholder advisory for March 22, 2019. FEMA has established a COVID-19 Response page on fema.gov also created a Rumor Control page to help the American public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to COVID-19. The public can help control the spread of rumors by sharing our page. Additional information and resources are included below regarding our National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC), the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan program, American Red Cross and other helpful resources.
National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC)
The FEMA National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) is activated as part of the Interagency Crisis Action Task Force, supporting the Department of Health and Human Services, as our nation responds to COVID-19. NBEOC Operations Dashboard: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/nbeoc
The NBEOC / ESF 14 Cross-Sector Business and Infrastructure Conference Call are being held on Tuesdays and Thursday at 3 p.m. EDT
- Conference Bridget 1-800-593-7177
- Access Code #7963614
- Adobe Connect
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been working directly with states to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. To apply for SBA online, receive additional disaster assistance information or download applications visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit: SBA.gov/coronavirus.
SBA: COVID-19 Resources
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. The American Red Cross has asked for support to amplify their blood donation messaging on social media and during media interviews, as appropriate. For more information visit: https://www.redcrossblood.org/
Rumor Control
FEMA has established a Rumor Control page to amplify the importance of not spreading rumors during a disaster. CDC has also set up a Myth/Fact pages here. Additionally, for the most up-to-date information, CDC has started a What is New page– this includes the latest fact sheets and external communications materials on COVID-19.
Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration Expanded Emergency Declaration
The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration provided an Expanded emergency declaration
CDC Resources:
- Workplace, School, and Home Guidance
- People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
- How COVID-19 Spreads
- Symptoms
- Steps to Prevent Illness
- Testing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19
- Communication Resources
CDC Information for Businesses: