News
Coronavirus Government Response Update—CDC, EPA Advise on Cleaning and Disinfecting
April 30, 2020
Welcome to the Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep ISSA members up to date on fast-moving government affairs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public policy issues important to the cleaning industry. Today’s update touches on cleaning and disinfecting guidance developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an update on the shrinking U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve expanding its Main Street lending, and more.
Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting
The CDC and EPA jointly developed guidance intended for all Americans, whether they own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their home. This plan is part of the larger federal plan and focuses on cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, and schools It can also be applied to residential properties.
The Fed Expands its Main Street Lending
The Federal Reserve is expanding its Main Street lending program to allow businesses with up to 15,000 workers to apply. The previous limit had been 10,000 with revenue of US$2.5 billion. The new rules also raise the revenue limit to $5 billion. Changes announced also expand the types of loans that will be available.
U.S. Economy Shrinks
The record-long U.S. economic expansion is over after almost 11 years, with what’s likely to be the deepest recession in at least eight decades now under way. The world’s largest economy shrank at a 4.8% annualized pace in the first quarter, the biggest slide since 2008 and the first contraction since 2014, as the coronavirus pandemic forced businesses to close and consumers to stay home.
McConnell Draws ‘Red Line’ on Coronavirus Bill
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the next coronavirus bill has to include liability protections for employers or it will not pass the Senate. “My red line going forward on this bill is we need to provide protection, litigation protection, for those who have been on the front lines. … We can’t pass another bill unless we have liability protection,” McConnell said, calling the additional legal protections a “condition” for the bill. The remarks from McConnell come as lawmakers are jockeying over the next coronavirus relief package, which would be the fifth bill passed by Congress aimed at addressing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other links of interest
- Take Action Now–Urge Your Elected Officials to Support the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit
- Become an ISSA Advocate for Clean
- ISSA Recording: How U.S. Governments Are Responding to COVID-19 – Update (April 15, 2020; members only)
- SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
- U.S. Department of Labor: COVID-19 and the American Workplace
