Dear Business Community Leaders,
At the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the health and well-being of our members and the community is a top priority. Like many of you, we have been closely monitoring the most recent developments of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Currently, the immediate risk to residents of Los Angeles is low. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing, but we encourage you to be prepared and not to panic. The best way to be prepared is to be informed and heed the recommendations of the CDC and related government agencies.
Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom and State public health experts announced the following via a press release:“Gatherings with 250 people or more should be rescheduled or canceled. Smaller gatherings can proceed if organizers implement 6 feet of social distancing.”
CLICK HERE to read full announcement.
Since this is a situation that is evolving daily and very fluid, as a precaution the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has elected to reschedule our events in March & April which includes: the Installation Gala & Walk of Fame Celebration on March 26, the Business After Hours Mixer on March 24 and April 22, and the Heroes of Hollywood on April 23. We will update you with new dates once they are confirmed.
The following is a compilation of COVID-19 information that Assemblymember Richard Bloom’s Office shared – with a focus on the business community. I am hoping you find this helpful in highlighting a few of the resources and guidance statements available for you and your employees.
Please look out for our e-blasts, check our website for more updates, and contact COVID-19@hollywoodchamber.net with any questions.
Employers
Workplace Health and Safety
For information on protecting workers from COVID-19, refer to the Cal/OSHA Guidance on Coronavirus.
Businesses and employers can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for help with planning and responding to COVID-19.
Reduced Work Hours
Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs — retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent.
Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.
Potential Closure or Layoffs
Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM.
Tax Assistance
Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.
For questions, employers may call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center.
- Toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-745-3886
- Hearing impaired (TTY): 1-800-547-9565
- Outside the U.S. or Canada: 1-916-464-3502
Resources
For more information related to disability, paid family leave, and unemployment benefits, visit our Coronavirus 2019 FAQs.
To learn about employee leave options, compensation, and salary, visit the Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQs on Coronavirus Disease.
For information about job protection and employment discrimination, visit the Department of Fair Employment and Housing website.
Consult these additional resources for up-to-date information.
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