Here is today’s Ohio COVID-19 update:

119 confirmed cases as of today, up from 88 yesterday, reaching 24 counties and resulting in 33 hospitalizations.

Ohio’s application for Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans has been approved by the federal government. Small businesses in Ohio are now able to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans from the SBA.  Please click here for an informational presentation for small businesses that want to apply. We encourage you to apply directly online at disasterloan.sba.gov.  

Several companies reached out to us about not being able to get minor work permits for new hires signed by their respective school superintendents. According to the Department of Commerce, if a minor has all of the necessary paperwork completed and is not able to get the permit processed due to school closure, then the completed paperwork can stand in the place of the physically printed permit. The business should keep the paperwork on file, just like they would the permit. The formal permit should be processed as soon as the school is reopened.

The Department did, however, emphasize that the work hour restrictions in ORC 4109 are still in place for any week that was not a pre-planned school holiday (i.e., spring break) and the prohibited/hazardous occupation restrictions are still active. We are inquiring about the possibility of getting some relief in this area as well.

Ohio’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver from the federal government has been approved. Additional details to follow. 

As of today, over 111,000 people have applied for unemployment benefits. Benefits are available to people who are sick and cannot work, who are out of work by order of the state, or who are out of work because their employer voluntarily closed because of the exposure risk. People are urged to apply online at unemployment.ohio.gov. 

Please feel free to e-mail us at info@ohioretailmerchants.com with questions or call our office at 614-221-7833. Please remember to practice responsible social distancing—stay well!