Coronavirus Resources

Updated May 23, 2020
Official Website & Announcements from the CDC
UPDATE: CDC recommends use of cloth face coverings when in public.
It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
- Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- Cloth Face Coverings: Questions and Answers
Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida's Recovery

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 20-112 regarding the Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Visit the South Tampa Chamber's Business Recovery Resources Page for more information on what this means for your business.

For more information about economic recovery and guidelines to re-open your business visit our Business Recovery Resources Page.
South Tampa Chamber Resources & Operations

The South Tampa Chamber continues to be in contact with local, state and federal governments, as well as healthcare officials to gather information and determine the best course of action to protect our community and assist local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read a message from our President & CEO.

While we may not be able to currently meet face to face, we are still working to provide valuable connection, collaboration and educational opportunities for our members – in a new virtual setting!
Please reach out to the chamber staff with any questions or concerns you may have, or if we may assist your business as we navigate this new experience together. Contact us at (813) 637-0156 or click here to see a staff contact list.
Business & Community Resources

Quick Links
- City of Tampa Emergency Management
- Hillsborough County Emergency Management
- Florida Department of Health
- Hillsborough County Public Schools
- Grab & Go Food Locations for Students
- Hillsborough County Tax Collector Updates
- A full list of all relief initiatives in Florida
- We are also sharing information as it happens on the Chamber's Facebook page.
Business Resources
Florida SBDC

Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County business consultants are available to assist small businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges at no-cost. Visit HCFLGov.net/FSBDC to request a phone or Skype appointment.
U.S. Chamber Resources
& Guidelines for Business

The U.S. Chamber continues to create, update, and evolve its various guides and resources to continue bringing the information you need during this difficult time. For additional information and resources, visit www.uschamber.com/coronavirus.
CareerSource of Tampa Bay

CareerSource Tampa Bay offers a full range of career planning services for professional and entry level candidates, including career orientation; turnkey resource centers that assist in the candidate’s job search; career fairs; interviewing techniques; labor market information specific to occupations and industries in demand as well as resume building tips, salary and wage information and more; and professional networking. Learn more at www.careersourcetampabay.com.
- COVID-19 Toolkit
- COVID-19 Disaster Recovery Programs
Unemployment Information

UPDATE April 29th: The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA. Read more here.
- Click here for PUA Application Process.
- Click here for PUA Frequently Asked Questions.
- Click here for COVID-19 Employment Scenarios.
File your Reemployment Assistance Claim through CONNECT, Florida’s online Reemployment Assistance System. Also, visit the Frequently Asked Questions for information about resetting your PIN or documents you may need to file your claim. For more information, visit www.floridajobs.org.

As many Floridians do not have access to a computer at this time, Governor DeSantis has instructed DEO to make paper Reemployment Assistance applications available for Floridians.
- Applications can be downloaded at www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19.
- Printed applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Jan Platt Lirbary located at 3910 S Manhattan Ave. Tampa, FL 33611
- CareerSource locations across the state will be providing paper applications and assisting Floridians with submitting their Reemployment Assistance applications. Visit www.CareerSourceFlorida.com for information and center locations.
- FedEx is offering free printing and mailing of Reemployment Assistance paper applications at over 100 storefronts across the state.
Additional Unemployment & Job Seeker Resources

Mental Health Resources

Florida Blue is offering a 24/7 bilingual emotional support help line to help Floridians going through a stressful time during the COVID-19 outbreak. Feeling stressed? Call the line at (833) 848-1762

Click here to see stress and coping tips from the CDC.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay - 211 Help Line
Legislative Items
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
US Small Business Administration

In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

Paycheck Protection Program: This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. Learn more here.

EIDL Loan Advance: This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Learn more here.

SBA Express Bridge Loans: Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. Learn more here

SBA Debt Relief: The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more here.
Paycheck Protection Program

UPDATE May 13th: Click here to see an updated FAQ provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

Payroll Protection Program FAQs - U.S. Department of Treasury
- For a top-line OVERVIEW of the PPP, click here.
- If you’re a LENDER, click here.
- If you’re a BORROWER, click here.
- For the APPLICATION FOR BORROWERS, click here.
PPP Loan Forgiveness: A Step-By-Step Explainer with Q&A
IRS Information