- The SBA is offering low interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories.
- These loans may be used to pay debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact, and that are not already covered by a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
- To keep payments affordable for small businesses, SBA offers loans with long repayment terms, up to a maximum of 30 years. Plus, the first payment is deferred for one year.
- In addition, small businesses and non-profits may request, as part of their loan application, an EIDL Advance of up to $10,000. The EIDL Advance is designed to provide emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This advance will not have to be repaid, and small businesses may receive an advance even if they are not approved for a loan.
- SBA’s EIDL and EIDL Advance are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response.
- The SBA is also assisting small businesses and non-profits with access to the federal forgivable loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2020.
Governor Ducey Shares COVID-19 Health And Safety Updates
Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Director Major General Michael T. McGuire today held a briefing to provide updates on COVID-19 in Arizona.
Statement From Arizona Hospital Leaders Regarding COVID-19 Response
Arizona hospital leaders issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 response in the state:
“Recently there have been local and national media reports regarding the increase in confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Arizona and how our state is managing the COVID-19 crisis. As representatives of the largest health systems representing 80% of care provided in this state, we would like to assure the public that we have available bed capacity and surge plans are in place to continue to serve the people of Arizona. We are well prepared to manage an increase in patient volume.
“In addition, the utilization of the surge line remains an effective tool in ensuring that patients are evenly distributed among hospitals in order to avoid capacity issues at any one facility. Our surge plans will also create additional capacity for patients if needed. Arizona’s network of medical care is strong, stable and prepared.
“We are continuing to work with Governor Ducey and state, local experts and other health care organizations to make sure our health systems continue to effectively care and meet the needs of our communities.
“This is an important opportunity for all Arizonans to remember to take the proper precautions to stay healthy and remain vigilant as we respond to this pandemic. By following the CDC guidelines we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 within our community:
If you are ill, stay home except to receive medical care
Wear a mask when you’re in public near others
Stay six feet away from others
Wash your hands frequently
Wipe down surfaces that may be infected
Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people
“We have taken every precaution to ensure the well-being of our patients and staff in our medical facilities. If you require medical attention, please do not delay seeking care for any medical conditions.”
Arizona Snowbowl Opens for Summer Operations
Arizona Snowbowl announced that the resort will open for summer scenic chairlift rides starting on Friday, June 19th, with new health and safety procedures in place.
“As we look forward to the official start of summer, we’re excited to offer Arizonans a way to get out of the house, have fun and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in a safe, open environment,“ said Rob Linde, General Manager of Arizona Snowbowl. “Our reopening plan was designed with COVID-19 in mind, and includes considerations for social distancing, capacity management, and reduced contact to provide a safe and fun experience for all guests.”
Due to the construction of the new high-speed Agassiz lift, Snowbowl’s premier summer attraction – the scenic chairlift – will operate on the high-speed Grand Canyon Express lift, taking riders to 10,800 feet above sea level in minutes. Riders will experience panoramic views from the slopes of the second highest peak in Arizona, with glimpses of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as well as the red rocks of Sedona. The 34 year-old Agassiz lift which had previously shuttled riders during the summer months will be replaced by a new combination lift featuring chairs interspersed with gondola cabins. The new Agassiz lift is the largest lift installation project in North America by vertical in 2020, and is expected to be completed by November.
In addition to the scenic chairlift, the resort will also offer to-go dining options and a selection of outdoor apparel and gear at the on-site retail store. For overnight visitors wishing to stay closer to the resort, Snowbowl offers accommodations and a full-service restaurant at the base of the mountain at Ski Lift Lodge and Cabins.
“Though our summer operations this year may look different than in years prior, we’re excited about the future of Snowbowl. The new high-speed Agassiz lift is part of a long-term commitment from us to our guests to provide the best experience possible. We can’t wait to ride the new lift this winter,“ said Linde.
As a part of the resort’s new operating procedures, all tickets must be purchased online to reduce contact between guests and staff. In addition, capacity within the resort boundaries will be managed to ensure adequate space for guests to practice social distancing. To help guests plan their day, Snowbowl is offering new time-specific tickets that allow guests to choose a morning or afternoon session.
For more information on Snowbowl’s summer scenic chairlift, season passes and planned new improvements for the 2020/2021 season, please visit snowbowl.ski.
About Arizona Snowbowl:
Situated in the majestic San Francisco Peaks at 9,500 feet and just 14 miles north of Flagstaff, Snowbowl is Arizona’s ideal summertime destination to escape the heat with fresh mountain air and stunning views of Sedona’s red rocks, the cinder cone volcanic field and Grand Canyon’s rim on the scenic chairlift. In winter, Snowbowl is home to Arizona’s longest ski season, with state-of-the-art snowmaking and 260-inches of annual snowfall. Snowbowl offers the premier winter experience from November through April. In addition to the best beginner terrain in the Southwest, winter enthusiasts will enjoy Snowbowl’s naturally divided terrain, variety of trails, three terrain parks, premier tree skiing and expert hike-to terrain. Please visit snowbowl.ski to learn more.
Photo Credit: Arizona Snowbowl
Expert Advises How To Lower Your Coronavirus Risk While Dining Out
Post epidemic quarantine has people eager to return to normalcy and enjoy a meal out of the house. As restaurants and bars begin to open to the public, it’s important to know that eating out does increase your risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
Two of the most crucial public health measures that the CDC highly recommends for keeping you safe from the virus when out in public are nearly impossible in the typical dining out experience:
1. It is impossible to eat or drink anything while wearing a face mask.
2. Social distancing can be difficult in tight spaces with back-to-back seating
and servers who moving among tables.
What should you look out for? How can you reduce the risk? Here are helpful answers.
How far apart should tables and bar stools be?
6 feet seems to be the magical number as the recommended guidance from government agencies in the new coined term “social distancing.” This should be your minimum distance away from anyone for safe spacing.
The “six-foot” distancing rule is based on data that droplets distance can spread respiratory viruses. The finding is that droplets tend to settle out of the air within six feet, but of course this isn’t always the case. It is important to know that particles generated by a sneeze or someone running can travel up to 30 feet.
Simply talking has been shown to generate respiratory droplets that can be infectious.
If the restaurant has a fan or current generated in a closed space, particles can also travel farther. China proved this with people in a restaurant downwind of an infected person who became infected even though the distance was more than six feet.
The closer the distance and more time exposed to an infectious person, the greater the risk.
If the servers wear masks, is that enough?
Servers who wear masks, most definitely provide a layer of protection, however customers eating and talking can still spread the virus.
From a public health point of view, one solution to mitigate that risk would be to have tables surrounded by protective barriers, such as plexiglass or screens. Some guidelines that states are asking restaurants to follow are to limit each table to only one server who delivers everything and to seat every other table.
Another option would be for restaurants to screen guests before they enter. The screening could either include temperature checks or questions about symptoms and their close contacts with anyone recently diagnosed with the virus. This could be controversial and might cause backlash, however restaurants in California have tried it. In addition, Washington state has even tried to require restaurant visitors’ record their contact information in case an outbreak occurs. They have since changed the requirement to a recommendation.
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend restaurants have employee screening in place before they reopen and require to do so before each shift. Screening employees could possibly decrease the infection risk, it doesn’t help the fact that people can be infectious six days before they even develop symptoms. Thus why why masks, eye protection, social distancing and good hygiene are critical and recommended measures for preventing infection.
Asking For Disposable Utensils And Wiping Everything Down?
There is no need to ask for disposable utensils. Standard dishwashing of plates, glasses and utensils, as well as laundering of napkins and tablecloths, will kill the virus.
Restaurants should be cleaning and disinfecting tables between each use and it is recommended marking them as sanitized.
Menus seem to be one of the major concerns restaurants are dealing with. Plastic menus can be disinfected. However, disposable menus would be recommended. When in doubt, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Restaurants have also removed reusable items such as salt and pepper shakers, ketchup bottles etc. Patrons must ask for these type of condiments. In many cases the restaurants will either provide one time use disposable condiments or bring bottles, which they must disinfect after customer use.
Can The Virus Be Spread From Food From The Kitchen?
CDC says that the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 from food is very low.
This is a respiratory virus with primary mode of infection is gaining access to the upper or lower respiratory tract through droplets entering your mouth, nose or eyes. The virus must enter the respiratory tract to cause infection, and it cannot do this by way of the stomach or intestinal tract.
An interesting fact is that the virus also not very stable in the environment. Studies have shown:
-it loses half its viral concentration after less than an hour on copper
– three and a half hours on cardboard
-just under seven hours on plastic.
If food were to be contaminated during preparation, cooking temperature would likely kill all of the virus.
The use of masks and maintaining good hand hygiene by food preparers is key to significantly reducing the risk of food contamination.
Is Outdoor Seating or A Drive-Through Option Safer?
Those that are more vulnerable to the virus might consider passing on the dine-in option and stick with on carry out or even consider outside dining for the time being. Open fresh air is always better than the alternative and less exposure to others in a confined space is the safest.
Experts say drive-up windows or carry-out are probably the most safest. Interaction with one individual when everyone is wearing masks is a lower-risk situation.
Overall, outside dining is considered safer than indoor dining with everything else being equal on a non-windy day. Wearing proper eye protection via glasses and intermittent mask use between bites and sips would further decrease the risk of contracting the virus.
Arizona Officials Not Concerned By Negative COVID-19 Trends
In a press conference, Arizona officials relayed the message that they are not concerned about the increase in the positive cases despite what appears to be multiple negative trends in the state’s coronavirus cases.
In the press conference, Gov. Doug Ducey and Health Director Dr. Cara Christ relayed that the recent rises in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positive test percentages aren’t unexpected or reason for concern.
This week, the state reported more than 1,100 new cases on Tuesday, several hundred more than the previous highest daily report. That was followed by Wednesday’s report where more than 900 new cases were added to the state’s total. Friday’s numbers brought the most ever cases in a daily state update with 1,579.
Ducey said that because of the state’s increase in testing, the jump in the number of cases was inevitable, and it was no reason to reconsider his decision to let his stay-at-home order expire and allow most businesses to reopen.
“The more we test, the more cases that we are going to have,” he said.
The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 1,579 new coronavirus cases Friday morning and 16 additional deaths. The state now has 24,332 positive COVID-19 positive cases and 1,012 deaths.
In another negative trend in Arizona, the percentage of tests coming back positive has been increasing over the past week.
The combined percentage of tests for active COVID-19 infections (PCR) and antibodies (serology) reached 5.9% Friday morning. The total positive rate had dipped to 5.5% one week ago.
When just looking at just PCR tests, the positive rate was up to 7.1% on Friday after falling to 6.6% a week ago.
Christ said there is a strong relations to the increase in positive percentage related to an increase of testing among high-risk communities.
“We are seeing it go up,” she said. “It’s not unexpected especially as we are targeting more of those vulnerable higher areas and higher numbers of long-term care, higher numbers of correctional officers and prisons, so we are going to see changing numbers and we expect that.”
“We are not in a crisis standards of care protocol right now. So we continue to monitor,” she said.
Joint Statement by Jovita Carranza and Steven T. Mnuchin Regarding the PPP Flexibility Act
Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin issued the following statement today following the enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act:
“We want to thank President Trump for his leadership and commend Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy for working on a bipartisan basis to pass this legislation for small businesses participating in the Paycheck Protection Program.
“We also want to express our gratitude to Chairman Rubio, Ranking Member Cardin, Senator Collins, Congressman Roy, Congressman Phillips, and other members of Congress who have helped to create and guide our implementation of this critical program that has provided over 4.5 million small business loans totaling more than $500 billion to ensure that approximately 50 million hardworking Americans stay connected to their jobs.
“This bill will provide businesses with more time and flexibility to keep their employees on the payroll and ensure their continued operations as we safely reopen our country.
“We look forward to getting the American people back to work as quickly as possible.”
Upcoming Procedures
SBA, in consultation with Treasury, will promptly issue rules and guidance, a modified borrower application form, and a modified loan forgiveness application implementing these legislative amendments to the PPP. These modifications will implement the following important changes:
Extend the covered period for loan forgiveness from eight weeks after the date of loan disbursement to 24 weeks after the date of loan disbursement, providing substantially greater flexibility for borrowers to qualify for loan forgiveness. Borrowers who have already received PPP loans retain the option to use an eight-week covered period.
Lower the requirements that 75 percent of a borrower’s loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs and that 75 percent of the loan forgiveness amount must have been spent on payroll costs during the 24-week loan forgiveness covered period to 60 percent for each of these requirements. If a borrower uses less than 60 percent of the loan amount for payroll costs during the forgiveness covered
period, the borrower will continue to be eligible for partial loan forgiveness, subject to at least 60 percent of the loan forgiveness amount having been used for payroll costs.
Provide a safe harbor from reductions in loan forgiveness based on reductions in full-time equivalent employees for borrowers that are unable to return to the same level of business activity the business was operating at before February 15, 2020, due to compliance with requirements or guidance issued between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, related to worker or customer safety requirements related to COVID–19.
Provide a safe harbor from reductions in loan forgiveness based on reductions in full-time equivalent employees, to provide protections for borrowers that are both unable to rehire individuals who were employees of the borrower on February 15, 2020, and unable to hire similarly qualified employees for unfilled positions by December 31, 2020.
Increase to five years the maturity of PPP loans that are approved by SBA (based on the date SBA assigns a loan number) on or after June 5, 2020.
Extend the deferral period for borrower payments of principal, interest, and fees on PPP loans to the date that SBA remits the borrower’s loan forgiveness amount to the lender (or, if the borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, 10 months after the end of the borrower’s loan forgiveness covered period).
In addition, the new rules will confirm that June 30, 2020, remains the last date on which a PPP loan application can be approved.
Free Electric Vehicle Charging Now Available at The Residence Inn by Marriott
The Residence Inn by Marriott, located at 3599 Lee Circle, just off Highway 69 has just opened three new electric vehicle charging stations with a total of five ports. The stations offer free charging for anyone to use, not just hotel guests but local residents, non-guests and day visitors. The stations are Clipper Creek, a well-known model for electric vehicle drivers. There are three stations; two are dual-port and one is a single port which is ADA compliant. The stations are available 24/7 and the key to unlock them can be picked up from the hotel front desk.
In October of 2019, Margo Christensen, Vice President of Marketing for the Ponderosa Hotel group, discovered a new grant program called Take Charge Arizona, administered by Arizona Public Service (APS). The program allowed businesses to submit an application to have charging stations installed at their place of business, fully funded by APS. “I began to look into it and thought it sounded too good to be true”, says Margo Christensen. “But I applied anyway anticipating some kind of road block to occur”.
After several meetings, site inspections and surveys, the Residence Inn was approved in early 2020. Construction began in late April and the stations were opened in late May after final permits were issued.
Typical charging time is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. While charging, guests are welcome to enjoy the pool and patio areas, the Sport Court ™, the Market ™, and the lobby area with free Wi-Fi. Trader Joe’s and the Prescott Gateway Mall are a very short Uber or taxi ride, as well as several restaurants including Wildflower Bread Company, Texas Roadhouse and the Finn at Touchmark at the Ranch.
The Residence Inn by Marriott in Prescott is one of five hotels owned and managed by the Ponderosa Hotel Management Services portfolio of hotels. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Prescott and the Best Western Plus in Sierra Vista also have electric vehicle charging stations located at their properties.
Arizona Officials Not Concerned By Negative COVID-19 Trends
In a press conference on Thursday, Arizona officials relayed the message that they are not concerned about the increase in the positive cases despite what appears to be multiple negative trends in the state’s coronavirus cases.
In the press conference, Gov. Doug Ducey and Health Director Dr. Cara Christ relayed that the recent rises in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positive test percentages aren’t unexpected or reason for concern.
This week, the state reported more than 1,100 new cases on Tuesday, several hundred more than the previous highest daily report. That was followed by Wednesday’s report where more than 900 new cases were added to the state’s total. Friday’s numbers brought the most ever cases in a daily state update with 1,579.
Ducey said that because of the state’s increase in testing, the jump in the number of cases was inevitable, and it was no reason to reconsider his decision to let his stay-at-home order expire and allow most businesses to reopen.
“The more we test, the more cases that we are going to have,” he said.
The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 1,579 new coronavirus cases Friday morning and 16 additional deaths. The state now has 24,332 positive COVID-19 positive cases and 1,012 deaths.
In another negative trend in Arizona, the percentage of tests coming back positive has been increasing over the past week.
The combined percentage of tests for active COVID-19 infections (PCR) and antibodies (serology) reached 5.9% Friday morning. The total positive rate had dipped to 5.5% one week ago.
When just looking at just PCR tests, the positive rate was up to 7.1% on Friday after falling to 6.6% a week ago.
Christ said there is a strong relations to the increase in positive percentage related to an increase of testing among high-risk communities.
“We are seeing it go up,” she said. “It’s not unexpected especially as we are targeting more of those vulnerable higher areas and higher numbers of long-term care, higher numbers of correctional officers and prisons, so we are going to see changing numbers and we expect that.”
“We are not in a crisis standards of care protocol right now. So we continue to monitor,” she said.
The Verde Drive-In: Bringing Community to the Movies
Verde Drive-In, a new premiere drive-in movie theater, celebrates its’ first month of operation. The Verde Drive-In shows single-feature movies Friday and Saturday nights at its location in Camp Verde. Get your tickets online today!
June’s movies include: Mama, Mia Pitch Perfect 3, Madagascar, Jaws, Little Rascals, Field of Dreams, Flintstones, and Jurassic Park.
Carload parking packages are $25 which include parking and usage fees, two discounted Adult tickets, two cans of Soda, and two bags of popcorn. ADD-ON tickets are available for additional passengers in vehicles; Adults (16+) are $8.50, Seniors (55+) are $7.50, Children (5-15) are $5.00.
ALL tickets are eligible for discount; simply use the coupon code COVID during checkout at www.verdedrivein.com/buy-tickets.
The team at Verde Drive-In partnered with two local school districts to celebrate three 8th grade classes as they graduate to high school. Photo to the right was from Oak Creek School’s 8th grade celebration on June 18th
Verde Drive-In sells fresh buttery popcorn, candy, and soda. They invite food trucks onsite, as well.
Dave and Kristy Meyers moved to Cottonwood in 2013 and began working to build a vibrant community. Kristy works as a school counselor at Mingus Union High School District and Dave works for Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona while serving in the Navy Reserve. They have enjoyed our local hiking trails, supported our unique and thriving small business community, been involved with
their church, local nonprofits, and boards. However, most importantly, they see what our Verde Valley can become while holding onto what we love about it.
Movie tickets, concessions, and merch can be bought online at www.verdedrivein.com. Find the Verde Drive-In on Facebook and Instagram at @verdedrivein