Business Owner Resources

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

• U.S. Travel released Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health and Safety of All Travelers. The guidance was developed in close collaboration with health and medical professionals, as well as with organizations throughout the broader travel industry, and lists six key area where companies across segments and sectors can approach public health and safety consistently.

• The Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) recommends that existing cleaning programs be augmented to include even more rigorous sanitization and disinfection protocols in their Cleaning Guides for COVID-19.

• The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) released their which includes enhanced cleaning standards for lodging properties, suggested social distancing practices and more.

• The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) outlined for attractions as they re-open.

• The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA) developed the Alabama Restaurant Promise, a plan to safely permit on-premise dining, based on guidance from the National Restaurant Association, the CDC, the FDA and ServSafe.

• The CDC has issued new decision-making guidelines for reopening a variety of sectors including youth programs and camps and the general workplace. In addition, they have issued OSHA’s updated guidance for preparing workplaces. The CDC also has updated guidelines for public pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds and large events and mass gatherings.

LocaL Resources

• For restaurants, a Baldwin County Restaurant Support Network Facebook page has been created by the Gateway Initiative.

• On April 23, Congress added another $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program through the SBA to assist small businesses. The Alabama Small Business Development Center can assist local small business owners with finding banks to process Payroll Protection Program applications. Click here to learn how to register for a SBA low-interest business loan.

• The United Way of Baldwin County has announced their “Dial 2-1-1” service is activated for information and access to local agencies providing assistance and response to COVID-19.

• The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued an alert that scams related to COVID-19 are already starting. Learn more at the Federal Trade Commission. Report scams and follow on Facebook for updates.

• PPE Resources and Vendor
  Baldwin County PPE Vendors
  State of Alabama Resource Guide

• Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency has updated their  to include direct links to updated CDC information. Local residents and business owners are encouraged to download the app. BCEMA has also launched a text alert system for local residents to receive updates related to the virus. Text “BaldwinCOVID” to 888777 to subscribe to these updates. BCEMA has compiled a list of resources for businesses and workers. 

• The Baldwin County Chamber Coalition has compiled a list of resources, a playbook, toolkits and other items of reference to assist our communities and businesses during this uncertain time. These resources can be found on the South Baldwin Chamber website.

• Additional State and Local Resources
  City of Gulf Shores
  City of Orange Beach
  Alabama Department of Public Health
  ALTogether Alabama

National Resources

• US Travel Association recorded webinar for understanding the CARES Act for tourism-related businesses; see related FAQ document for more information.

• The National Restaurant Association has launched a new Restaurant Employee Relief Fund providing $500 one-time grants to restaurant workers.

• Understanding Congressional legislation related to paid sick leave and family medical leave

• Centers for Disease Control

  • Guidance for the Home

  • Guidance for Businesses and Employers

  • Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations

  • PDFs for workplace, school and home guidance

Return to general information page Coronavirus Information for Partners.