COVID-19 Update – June 18

Small Business Administration Renews Disaster Loan Program

The Federal Small Business Administration recently announced the reopening of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program to eligible applicants that experienced economic impacts due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to the SBA, the “EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue. EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses. Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid.”

To learn more about these disaster loan programs, please visit the webpage of the SBA’s Connecticut branch. You may also access the disaster loan applications by clicking here.

Updated Guidance on Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings

Earlier this week, the governor issued Executive Order 7ZZ, which makes modifications to previous executive orders to allow for today’s Phase 2 reopening efforts (click here to learn more about which sectors are able to expand operations today). The state has also released new guidance on indoor and outdoor gatherings to be implemented using the following timeline:

Effective June 17:

• Indoor private gatherings – 25 people
• Outdoor gatherings – 100 people
• Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 25% of fire capacity and distancing (consistent with outdoor amusement parks

Effective July 3:

• Indoor private gatherings – 25 people
• Outdoor private gatherings – 100 people, one time exception for graduations at 150 people
• Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, cap of 500 people; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance
• Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 25% of fire capacity and distancing

Effective mid-July (date to be determined):

• Indoor private gatherings – 50 people
• Outdoor private gatherings (including graduations) – 250 people
• Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, no cap; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance
• Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 50% of fire capacity and distancing

As a reminder, the state maintains a page with the latest COVID-19 guidance. I encourage you to check the site regularly as it is frequently updated.