Coronavirus Resources for Employers

April 29, 2020

Updated 3/21/22 at 9:00 a.m.

We appreciate the ongoing support of all of our members, including our Visionary Members: Bloomsburg University, First Columbia Bank & Trust, First Keystone Community Bank, Geisinger, Kawneer, PPL Electric Utilities, USG, & SEKISUI KYDEX

Business Operations

– The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) new masking guidelines focus less on positive test results and more on what’s happening at local hospitals. At the high level, it is recommended that everyone continue to wear masks indoors. In medium-level counties, individuals who are at high risk should continue to wear a mask. At the low level, individuals should stay up to date with vaccines and get tested if they’re sick, but do not need to wear masks indoors. Regardless of a county’s status, employers and businesses can continue to enforce masking policies.

As of 3/21/22, Columbia and Montour County are at low risk.

County status information is available on the CDC’s website.

These changes do not impact the requirement to wear a mask while on public transportation or an airline. Those requirements fall under a separate order.

– Click here for the latest guidance on quarantine and isolation from the CDC.

Vaccination and Testing

Vaccination

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Geisinger in encouraging eligible individuals to get vaccinated. Click here for information.

Click here to find vaccination sites statewide.

Resources to help employers communicate with their employees about vaccination are available from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, provides recommendations for developing a workplace vaccination strategy.

Testing

Geisinger offers both symptomatic testing and testing for travel. Visit here for details.

If you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, contact your physician for a referral to a testing site.

Financial Assistance

Local programs

– The Chamber’s low-interest loan program is offering loans of up to $10,000 for members at 3% interest for 30 months, with interest only payments for the first 12 months. If you are interested in the Chamber’s loan program, contact Fred Gaffney at the Chamber of Commerce at 570-784-2522 as funds are limited.